School Newsletter - 14th May 2025

From the Principal

Our focus value of the term is Responsibility. Responsibility is about being dependable, making thoughtful choices and understanding the impact of your actions. 

Being responsible means: 

• Stepping up and doing what is right 

• Owning your decisions – if you make a mistake, acknowledge it and find a way to fix it. 

• Following through – if you commit to something, whether it’s a task or a promise, stick to it. 

• Taking initiative – don’t wait for someone else to tell you what needs to be done; step up and handle things yourself. 

• Respecting others – your actions affect those around you, so be considerate and fair. 

Attendance - let’s make every school day count 

It is most pleasing to report that our average daily attendance is sitting at 82%, with strong attendance in our Early Years (Kinder to Year 2). 

Being at school is the best place for our children. It’s where they learn new things, make friends, and grow in confidence. 

Attending school every day helps students succeed in their learning and build important life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. 

Every day matters. Bright futures begin at school. 

For more information, visit the DECYP website: Attendance in Tasmanian Government Schools. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s learning or wellbeing, please get in touch. You can: 

• Send us an email 

• Call the office to speak with a staff member or make an appointment 

• Drop in to see us in person 

We’re here to support you and your child. 

For tips on creating positive attendance habits, visit the Anything can happen website. 

For your child to achieve their potential they need to be at school every day unless they are unwell, on time, and stay the whole day. Please speak with us if you are having difficulty getting your child to school. We are here to help, and support is available.  

We’ve also noticed that some students are leaving class without permission to wander the yard or visit other classrooms. This means they’re missing out on important learning time. Our teachers work hard to plan exciting, engaging lessons that match students’ learning needs and interests. Please work with us to ensure your child is present and learning in their classroom every session so they don’t miss valuable opportunities. 

School Association 

Democracy Bake Sale & Mother’s Day Stall 

We extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated team of School Association and community volunteers who supported our recent bake sale. Your generous contribution of donations, time and effort ensured the event was a great success. 

Thank you to Annalyse, Caitlyn, Selina, and Kylie for working closely with Toni to bake, ice, wrap, and sell a range of delicious treats.  

A huge thank you also to Maggie, who not only contributed to the baking but supported the stall throughout the entire day on Saturday—her commitment was outstanding. We are also grateful to Ms Adams and Mrs Chugg for preparing all communications, the float and labels, and to Ms Coghill and Mr Millwood for assisting with the stall setup. Your teamwork ensured the smooth running of the day. 

We acknowledge that volunteering for school events takes time away from personal commitments and families, and we would like to express our appreciation for the planning, preparation, and support everyone contributed. 

Following this, we would also like to thank everyone involved in the successful running of the Mother’s Day Stall last week. From managing the budget, stock purchase, to assisting students in selecting gifts, the care and thoughtfulness shown by our team helped make the experience both joyful and inclusive for all. 

Thanks to the generous donation from Rotary, we ensured that all students had the opportunity to be involved, and we know how meaningful that was to many within our school community. 

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to both events. Your support and community spirit continue to make a real difference at our school. 

Our School Learning Behaviours

  We are:   

Safe: We work and play in a way that is safe for all members of the school community   

Helpful: We work together to support each other   

INclusive: We value the right of everyone to learn and take responsibility to ensure that access to a high-level educational program is accessible to all   

Excellent: We aspire to be our very best at all times   

Our Safe and Ready to Learn Model

Our Values  

• Connection- Building positive relationship and a sense of belonging.  

• Courage- accepting challenges and embracing opportunities.   

• Growth- aspiring to learn, and improving, even when it is tough.  

• Respect- Caring for ourselves, each other, and our environment.  

• Responsibility Stepping up and doing what is right.   

At Waverley, we value respect and our SHINE expectations. Swearing is not acceptable at school. We expect all students to use kind and respectful language. 

Please support this message at home. If your child hears inappropriate language, encourage them to tell a staff member so we can address it. 

Together, we can keep Waverley a welcoming and respectful community. 

Thank you for your support. 

 Kind regards, 

Mrs Katie Wightman 

Principal 

Principal Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of Principal Awards received at the assembly held on Wednesday 7th May.

• Lincoln G
• Leah R
• Miss Emily Iles

Merit Certificates

Congratulations to the recipients of Merit Certificates received at the assembly held on Wednesday 7th May.

• Mason Mc
• Adrian W
• Elliott Mc
• Logan C
• Willow R
• Madalyn M
• Indigo R
• Mason R
• Harper A
• Huxley G
• Bethany W
• Lincoln B
• Ronan F
• Jeramiah H

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Aussie of the Month

Aussie of the Month – April– Domanic F

Domanic is a responsible student who is always looking for ways he can help others. He is a kind and caring friend who watches out for others and is inclusive of all. Domanic arrives at school each day with a positive attitude and greets everyone with a friendly smile and cheerful good morning. Domanic upholds our values and shine expectations and makes our school a better place with the qualities he brings.

Kindergarten Bunnings Excursion

On Tuesday, 6th May, our Kinder class had an exciting excursion to Bunnings Kings Meadows. The children were thrilled to tour the store and participate in a special activity to create Mother's Day gifts. They planted beautiful flowerpots, which they decorated with great care and creativity. 

During the visit, the children also had the opportunity to learn how to mix paint. They experimented with different colours to create unique shades of pink, blue and green. 

We are incredibly proud of how well the children conducted themselves throughout the excursion. Their enthusiasm and good behaviour made the day even more enjoyable for everyone involved.  

It was a memorable day, and we look forward to more such wonderful experiences in the future! 

Mrs Ky Salter

Teacher

Prep/1B - Earth and Space Sciences

Introduction to the learning: In P/1B we have been learning about Earth and Space Sciences.   

Key learning intentions/overarching theme: We are learning how to predict, identify and describe different weather conditions.  

Key concepts/ideas that the students have studied: We have learnt about the different types of weather and brainstormed words that are used to describe them. We made binoculars and went outside to observe the weather. We recorded our observations by drawing and describing in our writing what we had seen through our binoculars.  After learning more about rainy weather, we wrote a sentence about the rain and completed a rain cloud craft activity. Over the next week we will observe and graph the weather conditions, discuss how we dress during different seasons, conduct experiments, and explore animal migration and hibernation.  

Student quotations from weather observations: 

“The weather was sunny, with a blue sky and bright sun” – Connor

“The trees weren’t moving much because it wasn’t a windy day” – Layla 

“When we looked out the window this morning it was foggy but now it is clear outside.”  – Hamish  

Mrs Courtney Singline

Teacher

Walk Safely to School Day

WE’RE TAKING IT IN OUR STRIDE ON FRIDAY 16 MAY 2025  

 Well, it’s that time of year again when our school seriously starts talking about walking! 

Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. 

Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. Although walking all the way to school isn’t realistic for many of us, it’s quite easy to figure out how you can build a walk into your family’s daily routine.  

You can teach your child the healthy habit of walking more by:  

• Walking with them the whole way to school 
• If you have to drive, park the car a few blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way. 

Regular exercise like walking with your child not only helps them (and you!) beat chronic problems like obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes. 

 It also gives you a great opportunity to teach your child safe ways to behave around roads and traffic.  

Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for Friday 16 MAY 2025! For more information, visit www.walk.com.au 

Ms Amelia Harmey

Advanced Skills Teacher (AST)

Cross Country

The Waverley Primary School Cross Country will be held next Wednesday 21st of May. Students in grades 3-6 will make their way to the oval at 11:00am and will run their required distance. Students who place within the required time will have the opportunity to represent Waverley at the LSSSA Cross Country on Thursday 5th June. Kinder, Prep, Grade 1 and 2 students will run a modified cross country course straight after. Students are encouraged to wear their house colours on the day. More information including timings of events will be sent out later this week.

Swimming and Water Safety Program

Water safety and swimming play an important part in our lives in Tasmania and the Department for Education Children and Young People has a requirement that all students learn to be safe and competent in water environments as a component of the school curriculum.

Every effort is made to ensure that each child is made to feel safe and supported during this program. The school will ensure that all relevant safety and health precautions will be implemented.

Please note that parents, carers and other visitors are able to attend Swimming and Water Safety Program sessions to watch. Parents and carers who do attend a Swimming and Water Safety Program are asked to ensure that they do not take photos/videos at the pool.

The Department for Education Children and Young People Swimming and Water Safety Program consists of 9 lessons over two weeks for each year group in Years 3, 4 and 5, although some programs are adjusted to meet the needs of remote schools and because of public holidays.

The dates for our school program are: Monday 26 May - Thursday 5 June (9 Days).

A letter will be sent home with further information.

Mrs Siobhan Matuska

HPE Teacher

Reporting and Sharing Evidence of Learning

Term 2 

P-6 Reports will include: 

• A 9-point assessment scale for English, Mathematics and Science.

• A 5-point assessment scale for Health and Physical Education, Music, Visual Arts, Positive Behaviour Learning and Digital Technology 
• Work habits tick-box based on SHINE

• For students assessed against their Learning Plan, they will be assessed against their personal goals

Kinder Reports will include:

• Kinder Development Check 1 reporting achievement against key markers for Kinder aged students.

3-Way Conversations

Parents and carers are invited to attend parent-teacher conversation with their child. These are known as 3-Way Conferences. These provide an opportunity for parents and students to meet with their child’s teacher and will form a part of reporting and communicating learning progress with families. 

Our 3-Way Conferences for class teachers will be held in Week 10 of Term 2 on Tuesday 1^st July and Thursday 3^rd July. A link to book your appointment will be shared closer to the date.

We encourage students in Kinder-Year 6 to attend these conversations to ensure they have an opportunity to hear and have input about their learning and their future focus areas and celebrate their progress across the year.

The focus of this discussion is to share information and progress in relation to learning and your child’s progress and areas for improvement. 

Mr Sam Millwood

Instructional Specialist (IS)

School Opens at 8:30AM

Please sign in at the office if you are at school prior to 2:50pm

Safeguarding Article

Every School Day Matters

As Term 2 kicks off, we wanted to share a timely reminder about the importance of school attendance.

We love seeing your child at school every day – it’s the best place for them to learn and grow. It’s a chance to be around their friends, learn new things (including life skills), spark their curiosity and have fun.

Term 2 is packed with exciting things your child won’t want to miss:

• Cross Country
• Swimming and Water Safety Program
• Robot Man incursion
• School Disco
• PJ Day

For tips on creating positive attendance habits, visit the Anything can happen website.

Please talk to us if you’re having trouble getting your child to school. We’re here to help and support is available.

Volunteer Requirements 2025

As we are well into the new school year, we want to remind our school community about the important requirements for volunteering at our school.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, it is mandatory for all volunteers to have their RWVP (Registration for Working with Vulnerable People) and to have completed the Your Obligations-Safeguarding training 15-minute video before engaging with children and young people in a volunteer capacity at our school. Certificates for the training video are valid for 12 months from the date of completion. These steps are essential in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for our children.

To apply for a Working with Vulnerable people, please visit the Service Tasmania website.

To complete the Your Obligations-Safeguarding Training 15-minute video please visit the DECYP website.

Volunteers are a vital part of our school community, and we are excited to collaborate with you the year ahead!

Early Years Programs 2025

Hot Lunch Program 2025

Readers's Club

Run Club

Communication

We believe that communication between families and staff is crucial in building relationships. You are welcome to speak with teachers face to face before or after school.  The school office can book an appointment or pass on a message.  You can visit the school office in person or phone: 6339 1455.  

2025 Staff Contact Information

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. 

Professional Support Staff 2025

School Association

The School Association is made up of the parents, staff and community members of a school. The School Association is an important part of the school, working with the Principal to achieve shared outcomes for learners and for the whole school community.  

The School Association Committee is an elected group of members that work together for the benefit of the school. The Committee manages and conducts the affairs of the School Association and performs administrative and decision-making tasks on behalf of the School Association. 

Parent participation on our Committee is highly valued.  We meet on the third Tuesday each month, excluding school holidays, from 1:40-2:50pm.

Ms Caitlyn Olding

Chairperson

The DAISY Awards

Sun Smart

Uniform

A reminder to please ensure your child(ren) are dressed in school uniform for their day at school. Our school has very high expectations for our school uniform and many visitors to our school give extremely positive feedback about how smart our students look. We ask that any long sleeves under polo tops are gold keep to with our school colours. We ask that students please wear black trackpants/trousers or shorts. 

A reminder that our Waverley Primary School jackets are great for an extra layer over a school jumper. Uniform items can be purchased at the main office or through our Qkr! app, with items being delivered to students within a day. 

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

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.

Important Dates

4/5/6 Sport Roster

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. 

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:

Move Well Eat Well

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

School Photos

School photos have gone home with students this week. If you have not placed an order yet it is not too late. See the poster below for information on how to place an order.

School Student Broadband Initiative

Gumboot Gala

Invermay Swampies present Gumboot Gala! A fun, free community event, celebrating the gumboot.

Expect Gumboot throwing competitions, games, live music, stalls, exhibitions, workshops, cheap local food, and tram rides on the Launceston Tramway.
Prizes for best decorated gumboots.

This biennial event will be fun and quirky. A FREE winter gathering for ALL. Remember to wear your gumboots!

WHEN- Saturday 31st May 11am to 3pm

WHERE- Inveresk Precinct Next to QVMAG & Community Garden

Gumboot throwing Championships
Qualifying times from 11.00 am
Finals from 1.30 pm.

Age Categories.
*Sub Jnr 10 and under
*Jnr 11-16
*Women's
*Men's.
Medals to be awarded to the champions of each category.

Supported by City of Launceston, Interweave Arts, UTAS,Launceston Tramways

Community Notices