School Newsletter - Vol.6_1 May 2024

From the Principal

ANZAC Day 

We are very proud of how our students demonstrated excellent audience behaviour during the ANZAC assembly in week 10 of last term.  We thank parents for supporting our assembly; it was lovely to see so many adults at the special event.  It was particularly great to hear from Graham Barnett President of the Launceston RSL when he said it was wonderful to visit our school and asked that we invite him back again.   

On Thursday 25th April our school was represented in the ANZAC Day Civic Service and March to the Launceston Cenotaph.  I was very proud of our students as they carried the banner representing our school.  Ryder and Melodie laid a wreath on behalf of our school.  

Well done; Melodie, Connor, Ryder, Hunter, Cruz, Cobe, Max, Grace, Daniel, Kayden for representing our school with pride. Thank you families, Mrs Price and Mrs Salter for supporting our students to attend. Thank you Launceston RSL for your invitation to attend.  

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them." 

 School Improvements 

I am delighted to share with you the achievements and developments that have taken place at our school during Term 1, 2024. It has been a period of significant progress and collaboration, and we have much to celebrate. 

First and foremost, I am pleased to highlight the strong sense of connection among our students and staff. Through dedicated efforts, we have developed professional working relationships that have positively impacted the learning environment within our school. 

I would like to extend my gratitude to all parents and carers who have actively participated in their child's learning journey by attending various events throughout the term. Events such as the interim reporting, meet the teacher sessions and our highly successful athletics carnival have exemplified the partnership between home and school, further enhancing the educational experience for our students. 

In addition to our focus on fostering relationships, several notable improvements have been made to our school infrastructure. The installation of new shelving in our library has not only enhanced safety but has also made accessing our extensive collection of books more convenient for both students and staff. Furthermore, the completion of the mural, with special thanks to artist Joshua Foley, has added vibrancy and character to our school environment. 

We are also excited to announce the installation of turf in Kindergarten and the long-awaited regulation track outside the hall toward the administration block. These additions not only provide new opportunities for physical activity but also contribute to the overall well-being of our students. 

I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Rotary for their generous contribution towards the installation of the track, which will benefit our school community for years to come. 

Facility services and Work Health and Safety supported our school to create a more sheltered and safe learning environment outside our 2-3 classroom.  We are thrilled to see the glass walls installed to close in the deck.  

It has been with some anticipation that we have waited for the installation of turf outside the Early Years room.  We now have a gorgeous play space that feels rather tropical under the palms with views across the playground.  We especially love the stage space that some of our students designed.   

We are delighted to announce the completion of the landscaping project in Prep-1, featuring lush lawn turf and newly installed shade sail poles. This enhancement will provide a comfortable and inviting outdoor environment for our youngest students to enjoy. We extend our sincere gratitude to all involved in making this project a reality. 

 Kitchen Build 

Looking ahead, we have initiated discussions with facility services regarding the commencement of the kitchen build, a project that will further enhance our school's facilities and support our ongoing commitment to providing nutritious meals for our students.  

I am pleased to share that TasTAFE are developing cafe and barista courses for adults within our community. The courses will be offered from our new kitchen and community space.  This initiative reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement. 

Community Partnerships 

I am proud to announce that Waverley has joined the Ravenswood Voices community team, allowing us to deliver a wider range of programs and services to our community. This partnership will undoubtedly enrich the lives of all those involved. 

Additionally, our Early Years team has been actively collaborating with Ravenswood Primary, Early Childhood Inclusion Service (ECIS) and the Ravenswood Child and Family Learning Centre (CFLC) to develop a strong partnership aimed at supporting the transition of our youngest community members into school. 

Thank you everyone for your continued support and commitment to the success of our school community. 

Kind regards,  

Mrs Wightman 

Principal 

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Staffing Updates

At the end of last term we farewelled Miss Amy Needham, who joined us in Term 1 as a teacher for 5-6. Thank you for your time with us.  

We are pleased to announce that we have recruited Mr Jackson Milne to teach our 5-6 class. Mr Milne will also undertake Advanced Skills (AST) leadership responsibilities within our school. With experience teaching upper Primary and a background in various educational settings, Mr Milne brings valuable skills in curriculum and leadership to our team.  

Recently two new Teacher Assistants commenced employment at Waverley.  Rachael Doherty is working in 2-3 and Arabella Phillips is working in 1-2 and Kindergarten.   

Rachael is currently studying Teaching at the University of Tasmania while Arabella has recently completed her Undergraduate Certificate in Education Support.  We were delighted with the strong expressions of interest for these vacancies and are thrilled to have two highly skilled TA’s join our strong Learning Support Team. 

Assembly

Our next assembly is week 2, Wednesday 8th of May. At this assembly we will be awarding certificates to students that have demonstrated excellent learning behaviours during term 1 reporting.  Please save the school text message service in your phone: 0427 135 110  as this service sends out invitations to events like assembly as well as reminders about explaining absence.       

Mrs Megan Pel 

Advanced Skills Teacher 

Importance of School Uniform

As we transition into the cooler months of the school year, we remind families of the importance of our school uniform policy for the safety and well-being of our school community. 

We would like to remind all students and parents/carers that it is an expectation for students to wear their full school uniform at school. This ensures a sense of unity and pride within our school community.  

We would like to clarify that wearing long sleeve tops under the school t-shirt is not permitted. Instead, we recommend layering the school t-shirt with a school jumper, rugby top, or spray jacket to keep warm during the cooler weather. 

As the temperature drops, it's essential for students to be prepared with appropriate clothing to stay warm and comfortable throughout the day.  

A reminder that black socks are part of our school uniform. 

Spare Uniform

We encourage parents, particularly families of children in Kinder - Year 2, to pack spare uniform items in their child's school bag. This ensures that if an accident happens at school, such as spilling food or getting wet during playtime, the student can discreetly change and maintain their dignity. 

In addition to spare uniform items, we advise parents to include a spare pair of socks in their child's school bag or to leave in the students bag box. Wet feet can occur unexpectedly, and having dry socks on hand can prevent discomfort and ensure the child's wellbeing is maintained over the school day. 

By packing spare items, parents can help reduce the need for school staff to contact them to come to the school to support their child in changing into dry or warm clothes. This proactive approach not only minimises disruptions to the child's learning but also promotes their independence and self-care skills. 

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to our school uniform policy and for supporting your child's comfort and wellbeing during the cooler months. Together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable learning environment for all students. 

Uniform Support

At Waverley Primary School, we understand that ensuring students have access to proper school uniforms can sometimes pose challenges for families. We would like to reassure you that support is available to assist with accessing uniform items for your learner.  

If you find yourself in need of assistance, whether it's due to financial constraints or other circumstances, please reach out to us. You can email us at waverley.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au or visit the General Office for support. 

We are pleased to offer a range of second-hand uniform items that may be suitable for students. Additionally, for families facing financial difficulties, there is access to financial assistance to help purchase new uniforms. 

Our aim is to ensure that every student feels comfortable and confident in their school uniform, enabling them to fully participate in school activities and focus on their learning. 

Please contact us if you require any assistance with uniform items. We are here to support you and your student every step of the way. 

Mrs Anita Price 

Assistant Principal 

De-creasing unexplained absences: A call for Parent/Carer support

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our school community, one of the targets outlined in our School Improvement Plan is to decrease the number of unexplained absences. We believe that with your help, we can achieve a perfect 10/10 score on this target, and it should be relatively easy to accomplish. 

To achieve this goal, we need your cooperation in keeping us informed when your child is absent from school. It's crucial that you notify the office, your child's class teacher, or use any of the available communication channels such as calling, texting, emailing, or using the Schoolzine app's absentee button to inform us of your child's absence. 

We often find ourselves sending letters to families for absences of 5, 10, or even 15 days when the absence remains unexplained. However, simply letting us know if your child is sick or attending a medical appointment is all it takes to provide an explanation for the absence. 

We sincerely hope that we can partner with you to change unexplained absences to explained ones. By working together, we can ensure that every absence is accounted for, which not only helps us track attendance accurately but also ensures that your child receives the support they need to stay on track with their learning. 

Thank you for your cooperation and support in this matter. Together, we can make a positive difference in our school community. 

Mrs Megan Pel  

Advanced Skills Teacher 

and  

Mrs Amanda Chugg 

School Office Clerk 

Moderation Day

In week 6 our teachers will be moderating student work with staff from Ravenswood Primary. Friday 7th June is a student free day due to this professional learning event.  Ongoing moderation within and across schools is highly valued and occurs throughout the year as part of quality teaching and learning cycles. Ongoing moderation supports all teachers to build common understandings of Achievement Standards and to make consistent judgements of student learning.  

 Our school will communicate learning progress to parents in June. As part of this process students will receive a report that outlines their progress against the Australian Curriculum using a nine-point scale. Some students will be assessed against goals in their Learning Plan.   

 At Waverley we support all students to participate in learning. Parents / Carers can continue to support their child(ren) by talking about how you value learning and encouraging students to not waste a lesson, to identify their zone of regulation and to access their toolbox for regulation. It is wonderful to see and hear families encouraging  child(ren) to demonstrate growth in their learning. Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community.  

 Mr Sam Millwood 

Quality Teaching Coach 

National Road Safety Week

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟓𝐭𝐡 – 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲.  

Walking to school isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's an opportunity to incorporate physical activity into our daily routines. Encouraging our kids to walk every day helps establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime.  

Both initiatives emphasise the importance of safely navigating our roads. Remember, "𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭'𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝!" 

𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐏𝐒.  

Mrs Megan Pel 

Advanced Skills Teacher 

Student Representative Council

We are very happy to share our Student Representative Council (SRC) were given their leadership badges at our most recent Assembly.  The students have received a copy of their leadership agreement and have committed to regular meetings with Mrs Salter to discuss priorities and improvements for our school.  We look forward to hearing about their project plans.  Congratulations to the following students. 

Mrs Ky Salter 

Teacher 

1/2 Meallin

To commemorate ANZAC DAY, 1/2 Meallin read the text, ‘Anzac Ted’ which follows the tale of a teddy bear who goes to war. Told through the eyes of a young boy, this story showcases his unconditional love for his bear who was passed down to him from his grandfather. At the outbreak of World War I, Anzac Ted finds himself heading into battle for ‘luck’. But he soon becomes a symbol of comfort, hope and the memory of home for the Anzacs, and returns from war an unsung hero.  

The students were asked to draw their own version of Anzac Ted and write how they thought Anzac Ted assisted the war heroes during WW1. We hope you like them!  

Miss Meallin

Teacher

Brixhibition

Congratulations to Melodie (Grade 4/5) and Connor (Prep/1) who recently became the age winners for our school Lego competition in the lead up to the Launceston Brixhibition.

Melodie was the overall winner and had the opportunity to represent our school by displaying her piece for judging at Brixhibition during the holidays.

Well done to you both!

Mrs Salter

LIFT Co-ordinator

Merit Certificates & Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of merit certificates and awards recevied at the assembly held on Wednesday 10th April.

Merit Certificates:

• Laniyah W-D
• Lorenzo C
• Daniel C
• Sylvia A
• Leah R
  
• Lillian W
• Maetell
• Zane W
• Kallee W
• Grace A
• Mariah R
• Hunter S
• Agnes W M
• Amarli K
• Isaiah K-O
• Zavier B
• Mason R
• Lucas S-B

Principal Awards:

• Lillian W
• Kayden T
• Ms Belinda Manning
• Miss Liv Meallin

Early Years Programs

At Waverley Primary School we run a number of Early Years programs for children aged 0-5 years. See the below program to find a program that suits you. We look forward to seeing you.

Uniform

Hats must be worn by students when outside in terms 1 and 4.  Please check with your child that they have their school hat. School hats can be purchased from our uniform shop.

School shorts or trousers are plain black.  We have some examples of shorts and track pants in our uniform shop that can be purchased from Kmart.  We also have a range of second-hand items to give away or that you can purchase.  Our staff in the School Office are very happy to help you and your child(ren) with all uniform needs.

Please note: branded leggings and very short hot pant style shorts are not part of our school uniform.

Communication

Newsletter access

Please note the following information: 

Schoolzine SZapp and our Text message service are our main source of communication. 

The newsletter is published every second Wednesday through Schoolzine and can be viewed through the SZapp.   

The Waverly Primary School Facebook page is a great way to stay informed about what is happening in and around our school. 

Attendance

At Waverley Primary students attendance and safety are high priorities.  If your child is absent or late please phone our school office ph: 6339 1455 or send a note via the SZapp.  All lateness and absence must be explained.  This is a legal requirement by the Department for Education Children and Young People.  

An SMS text message will be automatically sent to the mobile phones of parents/carers explaining that our records show that your child is absent from school.   

The message will arrive on the phone displaying the number: 0407 580 106. Please save this number as ‘WPS Absentee’ so that when the message arrives you are aware is has come from our school.   

You can reply to the text to explain the absence please add: your child’s name, reason they are absent or late.   

Messages from you to school

To ensure your messages are received and actioned in a timely manner and without error, please use the following:

• Absentee notifications - Enter details using the SZapp by 9:00am to notify the office of student absence.
• End of day messages - Send a message using the SZapp or call 63391455 before 2:30pm.
• Queries and other messages - Send a message using the SZapp or email waverley.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au
• Uniform & icecream/icypole orders - Order and pay on the Qkr! app

We endeavour to respond to enquiries within 2 business days during school terms.

Messages from us to you

In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we will push information out to you via the SZapp.  It is very important that all of our parents have signed up to the Schoolzine app to receive notices and information. 

If you require assistance in setting up or using the SZapp or the Qkr! app, please contact the office. 

Parent Workshop - Anxiety Coach

Allergy Aware

We are an allergy aware school.  We discourage the use and consumption of nuts and nut products as well as eggs and egg products. 

Ice Cream Sales

A reminder that we have ice cream sales on a Monday at lunch time.  All proceeds support our Year 6 celebration activities.  You can order your ice cream or icy pole on the Qkr! app or you can bring cash on the day.

5/6 Friday Sport

Important Dates

Staff Information

Staff – Student Support and Wellbeing Team

Staff - Teacher Assistant

Administration Team

Education Facility Attendant

Working With Vulnerable People Registration

Parents and carers if you remain with your child in their classroom beyond school drop off, or volunteer for parent help, or would like to attend a school excursion we must see a copy of your registration card.  When you sign in at the office please enter your RWVP number.  

It is against the law for a person to work or volunteer at any DECYP School without a current working with vulnerable people registration. 

If you would like to volunteer at Waverley Primary School we would love to hear from you.  To apply for registration please follow the link below:

School Association

Our first Fundraising Committee meeting is being held on Thursday 2nd May at 3:15pm in the art room.

Everybody is welcome.  You do not need to be a member, or become a member, of the School Association to join in. 

Move Well Eat Well

A reminder to everyone that we do not bring energy drinks to school.  

Community Notices