Latest News

Dear Waddington Families,

What a fantastic start we’ve had to the 2026 school year! It has been so lovely to see students settling into their new classrooms, building friendships and quickly getting back into routines. There has been a calm, positive feel across the school, and we are proud of how well our students have embraced our Term 1 focus on Respect and Courage.

Across the school, our early term focus has been “All About Me” — helping students feel connected to their class, their teacher and one another. Establishing that strong sense of belonging early sets the tone for the year ahead.

Our free SciTech Incursion is now underway every Wednesday afternoon in the library. This term’s theme is Hydraulics, and students are exploring how forces move objects by building their own hydraulic mechanisms. The engagement has been wonderful to see!

In Week 3, we are also welcoming back the Lion Dancers. Please come along at 1:50pm for a 2pm start near the nature play area. You are all very welcome to come and enjoy the performance in celebration of the Chinese New Year. 

Our Elders Workshops will begin in Week 5 for Room 1, as part of our ongoing Aboriginal Cultural Learning Program. This important work connects learning to Country and culture throughout the year.

You may hear your children talking about some new arrangements for soccer and basketball at recess and lunch. These adjustments are designed to minimise conflict, promote fairness and ensure everyone has the chance to play safely and positively.

Wheels Wednesday and Loose Parts play continue to be favourites, giving students creative and active ways to engage with one another.

Over the past few weeks, teachers have been completing literacy and numeracy assessments. These help us understand where each child is in their learning so we can plan targeted teaching to support growth.

Looking ahead, NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5 will take place in Weeks 6 and 7.

I am pleased to share that attendance has improved compared to this time last year — thank you for supporting your children to be at school every day they can. Everyday counts, and consistent attendance makes a big difference to learning and connection.

A Few Reminders

• Gates are locked shortly after the morning bell — please ask your child to come through the front office to be signed in if arriving after 8.45am.
• Parent Information Sessions are being held this week — thank you to those who are planning to attend. This is a valuable session where you can take time to meet your child’s teacher and be informed about the year ahead.

Thank you for partnering with us as we begin another exciting year at Waddington. As always, we are proud to work alongside such a supportive community.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm wishes,

Ms Katherine Chivers 

Principal

From the Administration Team

Term Planner

Please see below important information for Term 1 2026. These are subject to change so please keep up-to-date by checking the school website calendar regularly.

Important Dates

16 February 2026 – Newsletter 1 published

18 February 2026 – Chung Wah Lion Dance at 2pm

18 February 2026 – STEM Club Program 2.40pm – 3.40pm

25 February 2026 – STEM Club Program 2.40pm – 3.40pm

27 February 2026 – Clean Up School Day!

2 March 2026 – Public Holiday – Labour Day

4 March 2026 – STEM Club Program 2.40pm – 3.40pm

5 March 2026 – International Women’s Day

9 March 2026 – Newsletter 2 published

11 March 2026 – NAPLAN commences

11 March 2026 – STEM Club Program 2.40pm – 3.40pm

18 March 2026 – STEM Club Program 2.40pm – 3.40pm

23 March 2026 – NAPLAN ends

25 March 2026 – STEM Club Program 2.40pm – 3.40pm

27 March 2026 – Room 5 Excursion – Perth Observatory

30 March 2026 – Newsletter 3 published

1 April 2026 – STEM Club Program 2.40pm – 3.40pm

2 April 2026 – Term 1 ends

3 April 2026 – Public Holiday – Good Friday

20 April 2026 – TERM 2 COMMENCES – STAFF AND STUDENRS

Attendance – Everyday counts!

Why It’s Important to Be On Time for School

Being on time is a key skill that helps students succeed both in school and in life.

Why is being on time so important?

1. More Learning Time: When students arrive on time, they don’t miss out on important lessons and activities. Every minute counts and being there from the start helps them fully participate in the day’s learning.
2. Fewer Disruptions: Late arrivals can interrupt the class. When everyone is on time, the day starts smoothly and everyone benefits.
3. Builds Responsibility: Being punctual helps students learn to be responsible and manage their time well. These skills are important for their future.
4. Better Academic Performance: Regular attendance and being on time are linked to better grades. Students who are punctual are more likely to be active in class and do well in their studies.
5. Shows Respect: Being on time shows respect for teachers, classmates, and the school community. It shows a commitment to learning and the importance of education.

We know mornings can be tough, but with a bit of planning, we can make sure our students start their day right. Let’s make being on time a priority and help our students succeed!

PLEASE NOTE: Students who arrive after 9.55am miss more than half of the morning lessons. This will be marked as an unauthorised absence and will need an explanation.

Room 1 (Year 1 / 2) – A wonderful start to the year!

We have had a fantastic start to the 2026 school year in our Year 1/2 classroom. The students have settled beautifully into their new class and are demonstrating a positive attitude toward our classroom routines and expectations. It has been wonderful to see friendships forming, smiles each morning, and students helping each other.

Our All About Us theme has been a lovely way to begin the year. Students have enjoyed sharing about themselves and their families, their holiday adventures, and the things they like to do in their spare time. Each morning, we begin the day with a Yarning Circle, which allows us to settle in, get ready to learn, and share any special announcements. This helps build a warm, friendly, and caring classroom.

We have jumped straight into our learning. In Maths, we are focusing on counting, number sequences, and place value. In Literacy, students have written about themselves and their families, which has been a pleasure to read. This week, we are really excited to get our literacy rotation groups up and running!

The class has enjoyed attending Science on Tuesdays with Mrs. Cahill, where curiosity and questioning are a big part of the learning. Students also love Music sessions with Mr. Friis, who has joined us for the year. It has been fabulous seeing our little musicians at work!

This week, we will start our new class theme, Farms. Students will be exploring farm life, seasons, farm animals, and plants through Literacy. Can’t wait to get started!

It has been such a positive start, and I am really looking forward to a wonderful year ahead with watching the students of Room One learn and grow!

Community Notices

Kidsport

KidSport enables eligible Western Australian children aged 5 to 18 years to participate in community sport by offering them financial assistance of up to $300 per financial year towards club fees.

To be eligible to receive KidSport, children must be listed on a valid Western Australian Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with a corresponding customer reference number (CRN).

Go to the KidSport portal to find out more and claim your voucher –

KidSport KidSport Portal

Schools Clean up Day

Our annual School Clean‑Up Day is just around the corner, and we’re excited to once again bring our school community together for this meaningful event. Taking part helps students build a strong sense of responsibility and pride in their school as they work together to care for their learning environment. The day promotes teamwork, boosts environmental awareness, and supports the creation of cleaner, safer play spaces for everyone. Most importantly, it inspires lifelong habits of looking after our world—starting right here at school.

We will be participating again on Friday, 27^th February. While we have some gloves available for student use, your child may wish to bring their own gloves from home. Teachers will send reminders out closer to the day.

Parent workshops – March 2026

Please see below for a selection of parent workshops available for Term 1 2026.

Dear Waddington Families,

As we move into the final weeks of Term 4, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our families for your ongoing support, partnership and encouragement throughout the year. Term 4 is always a whirlwind, and this year has been no exception. From classroom events and transitions to concerts, excursions and celebrations, our students have continued to show persistence, kindness and courage in everything they do.

Our staff also continue to work incredibly hard behind the scenes—updating assessments, preparing reports, supporting wellbeing, and ensuring each child finishes the year feeling confident and ready for their next step. We deeply appreciate the trust you place in us and the way our community consistently comes together to support one another. Waddington truly is a connected community. Thank you for joining us at the Christmas Carols on Friday evening. It was wonderful to see the students participate in their class songs and take such pleasure from performing to their families. Thank you also to the P&C for their Sausage Sizzle, and to those who donated prizes for the Christmas Raffle. 

Social Media Restrictions – Important Information for All Families

As part of the Department of Education’s focus on student wellbeing and safety, the first Social Media Restriction Day for schools begins on Wednesday 10 December. This aligns with new government guidelines to reduce the impact of social media on children, and to support safer, healthier habits both at school and at home.

To help families prepare, here are some key points and suggestions:

What this means for students:

• Students should not be accessing social media unless on approved platforms.
• Devices brought to school must remain off and handed in at the office for the day.
• We will continue to teach respectful, safe online behaviours as part of our curriculum.

How families can support at home:

• Talk openly with your child about why limits on social media are important—focus on wellbeing, sleep, friendships and safety.
• Set clear routines for device use (for example: no phones in bedrooms, device-free dinners, or scheduled check-in times).
• Model healthy digital habits—young people notice how adults use their devices too.
• Encourage alternative activities such as reading, outdoor play, hobbies or helping out at home.

What to do if you’re unsure:
If you have questions about how your child is affected or would like wellbeing advice, please reach out to us. We are here to support families as we navigate these changes together.

Looking Ahead

I will publish the 2026 class lists at the end of this week. Students will be visiting their new class and teacher on Friday afternoon. Kindy reports will be sent home on Wednesday; students in Pre-primary to Year 6 will bring home their reports on Friday. Class parties will be held at lunchtime on the last day of term (Thursday 18th). With our Graduation and Awards celebrations ahead, it is shaping up to be a joyful finish to the school year. Thank you for walking alongside us through the busy final stretch.

We wish all families a calm, safe and happy end to the year, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.

Warm wishes,

Ms Katherine Chivers 

Principal

From the Administration Team

Term Planner

Please see below important information for the last 2 weeks of Term 4 2025. These are subject to change so please keep up-to-date by checking the school website calendar regularly.

Wishing all our families a wonderful Christmas and a safe and relaxing school holiday break. The front office will reopen Tuesday 27 January 2026 for families who would like to purchase new uniforms or have any questions regarding the new school year.

School returns for students Monday 2 February 2026.

Important Dates

8 December 2025 – Newsletter 12 published

10 December 2025 – Kindy Semester 2 2025 reports sent home

10 December 2025 – Year 6 Bounce excursion

12 December 2025 – PP to Year 6 Semester 2 2025 reports sent home

12 December 2025 – 2026 Classes Transition afternoon 1.40pm – 2.40pm

15 December 2025 – Book Awards and Graduation Assembly

17 December 2025 – Graduation Dinner

18 December 2025 – Term 4 ends for students

19 December 2025 – Staff Development Day – Students do not attend

TERM 1 2026 Commences Monday 2 February 2026 – for students

Attendance – Everyday counts!

Why It’s Important to Be On Time for School

Being on time is a key skill that helps students succeed both in school and in life.

Why is being on time so important?

1. More Learning Time: When students arrive on time, they don’t miss out on important lessons and activities. Every minute counts and being there from the start helps them fully participate in the day’s learning.
2. Fewer Disruptions: Late arrivals can interrupt the class. When everyone is on time, the day starts smoothly and everyone benefits.
3. Builds Responsibility: Being punctual helps students learn to be responsible and manage their time well. These skills are important for their future.
4. Better Academic Performance: Regular attendance and being on time are linked to better grades. Students who are punctual are more likely to be active in class and do well in their studies.
5. Shows Respect: Being on time shows respect for teachers, classmates, and the school community. It shows a commitment to learning and the importance of education.

We know mornings can be tough, but with a bit of planning, we can make sure our students start their day right. Let’s make being on time a priority and help our students succeed!

PLEASE NOTE: Students who arrive after 9.55am miss more than half of the morning lessons. This will be marked as an unauthorised absence and will need an explanation.

Breakfast Club – Thank you Woolworths Mirrabooka!

We would like to acknowledge with thanks Woolworths Mirrabooka for supporting our schools breakfast club, our students appreciate you!

Room 9 – So much learning and discovery over the course of the year!

What a privilege it is to reflect on the year, and final term we have had in Room 9! This semester we have been busy learning, discovering and exploring, each day while we are at school. What amazing things we can say we have accomplished alongside our continual learning journey. 

One week a visitor appeared in our classroom – it was a Wombat. We started our journey to learn facts about Wombats. We made a burrow for it to live in and became authors of our own information text. Everyone we shared this with was impressed by our writing and illustrating skills. 

In Science we have carried out another experiment – this time to test the needs of a plant. We discovered that plants need water to survive and noticed that if we coloured this water our white flowers changed to match it. This was something we had to monitor and record, which made us feel like proper scientists. We have also been learning about the features of animals. We identified the needs of our pets and created artworks of Australian animals. We have been practicing describing their external features.

In HASS we are exploring the built features of our community. As a class we have created a map of Koondoola with all the landmarks that are important to us. We have been learning about how we care for special places in our community and the world.

We have entered our construction and engineering era, creating increasingly more complex built structures. We have been working to communicate with our friends what we need and work together to create a design. In the process we are using full sentences to explain their purpose and how they work. These new teamwork and communication skills have also helped us when playing board games, to share the rules and take turns.

Santa’s workshop has officially opened now it is December. We have become busy elves, making and packing gifts. We have been using our patterning skills to decorate Christmas tree outlines, and place baubles on our big class tree.

As our school year draws to a close, we are able to enjoy Birak weather and take our learning outdoors. We are out on Boodja any chance we get. From greeting our new friends (the shinglebacks that frequent out doorway) to the birds and spotting all kinds of interesting insects. Country has so much to teach us. As part of Maths, we collected and sorted natural materials and sorted them into groups according to attributes. In another Unit of work, we have been learned about shapes on country. It has focused on identifying shapes in our class, our houses and on Country. We have created a floor book of our work to map our learning journey. We have made geometric shapes from natural materials and created a portrait of our shinglebacks out of leaves. From the smallest snail shell to the bark on our big trees, we have noticed that shapes are all around us.

It has been an action packed year but we could not be more proud of all we have achieved.

Community Notices

Saver Plus information for families

Saver Plus have received valuable feedback from the community suggesting that a referral form would help connect parents and carers with the Saver Plus program more easily.

In response, they are pleased to introduce a new Referral Form, designed to simplify the process of getting in touch with us. You’ll find this form in a link below.

This is a great opportunity to remind families about Saver Plus and the $500 they can receive to support their child’s education costs. The program not only provides matched savings but also equips eligible families with budgeting skills that help ensure children are prepared for school with the resources they need—contributing to long-term financial wellbeing.

Families can still enquire directly by calling our free number 1300 610 355, or by clicking the ‘Enquire Now’ button on The Smith Family website under the Saver Plus financial literacy program. A Savings Coach will then be in touch for a friendly chat.

http://www.Saverplus.org.au

Summer Reading Quest – City of Wanneroo

Head to City of Wanneroo Libraries these school holidays and let your imagination run wild with our Summer Reading Quest!

Cam the Chameleon is back – and this time he’s brought along his friend Tam the Turtle!  This book loving duo are diving into an epic underwater adventure, and kids aged 2 to 15 are invited to join the quest.  There will be fun games to play, challenges to conquer, and plenty of fantastic books to discover – plus loads of prizes to be won.

Visit your local library to collect your activity booklet and start your reading journey today.

To find out more visit: https://wanneroo.wa.gov.au/srq

Free Healthy Lifestyle Programs for families!

Want to build healthy family habits and further support your child’s academic performance? Jump into a FREE healthy
lifestyle program today!

The Active8 & Better Health Programs offer fun & interactive support from a health professional that is specific to your family’s needs! NO
fuss, NO cost, & NO waitlists!

• Up to 8-10 x 30-minute coaching calls and FUN e-learning resources in online or group-based settings!

• Learn about quality nutrition, balancing screen time & staying active.

• For kids 2-5 (Active8) & 6-12 (Better Health Program) & their families.

• Online program available year-round! Group programs available during school terms in select metro locations.
  

The Better Health Program group dates and locations: https://betterhealthprogram.org/program-location-list/
The Active8 Program group dates and locations: https://theactive8.org/program-location-list/
For more information on the programs, visit the following links:
https://betterhealthprogram.org/ or call 1300 822 953
https://theactive8.org/ or call 1300 822 953

Still unsure? Hear how a BHP family “set in really good habits” to enhance their “healthy lifestyle.

Creative Kids Art Club – December School Holiday Program

Please see below information about some art school holiday programs for your child. Visit their website for further information and to make a booking. https://www.creativekidsartclub.com.au/school-holidays/