Newsletter 6

Dear Waddington Families,

As we move through the middle of Term 2, there is a great deal of learning, growth and connection taking place across Waddington Primary School.

A key focus this term has been strengthening student wellbeing and relationships through our ongoing implementation of the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM). Staff have been exploring strategies such as Active Constructive Responding, which encourages adults to show genuine interest in students’ successes and achievements. By celebrating effort, persistence, kindness and courage, we continue to build strong relationships and a positive school culture where every child feels valued and connected.

In classrooms, teachers are continuing to refine their practice through our Explicit Direct Instruction and Teaching for Impact initiatives. Using assessment data to guide planning, teachers are providing differentiated learning opportunities that support all students to achieve success. This includes targeted intervention, flexible grouping, scaffolded learning experiences and opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways.

Our students have also been engaging in rich cultural learning experiences. We are excited to continue our partnership with local Elders through the Aboriginal Cultural Learning Program. This term, our Year 5/6 students are participating in Aboriginal Science and Technology of the Land workshops, while other year levels will engage in programs focused on Aboriginal People, Noongar Language and Stories of the Skies later in the year. These experiences help deepen students’ understanding of Aboriginal culture, history and knowledge systems.

Assessment continues to play an important role in supporting student progress. Students have recently participated in DIBELS literacy assessments, and staff are using this information to celebrate growth and identify next steps for learning. Our Sounds-Write data collection will also provide valuable information to inform future teaching.

We were delighted to welcome families to our recent Family Afternoon Tea, providing another opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. These connections are vital in supporting positive outcomes for our students. We also had lots of families attend for their flu vaccine, protecting themselves against the winter viruses that come around every year. 

Looking ahead, we are excited for the Year 3–6 Lightning Carnival and  NOM cooking incursion that will run by Aimee, our Student Wellbeing Officer. We also welcome Balga Senior High School staff to our Year 5/6 assembly on Friday 26th June. Parents of these students are invited to attend a morning tea straight after the assembly, where they can meet High School staff and find out all about transition to high school. These events provide valuable opportunities for students to learn, connect and represent our school with pride.

A quick reminder that the school will be closed to students on Thursday 2nd July. We will be holding reporting to parent meetings throughout the day. Bookings will be open soon for you to select a time to meet with your child’s class teacher to discuss their Semester 2 school report.

Thank you to our staff, students and families for your ongoing support. Together, we continue to create a culturally responsive, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student is encouraged to strive to succeed.

Warm wishes,

Ms Katherine Chivers 

Principal

From the Administration Team

Term Planner

Please see below important information for Term 2 2026. These are subject to change so please keep up-to-date by checking the school website calendar regularly.

Important Dates

15 June 2026 – Newsletter 6 published

19 June 2026 – Lightning Carnival – Warriapendi PS

22 June 2026 – Aboriginal Ear Health Clinic

24 June 2026 – Assembly – Room 5

24 June 2026 – NOM Cooking Incursion Year 3 – 6

24 June 2026 – Reports home for all students

1 July 2026 – NOM Cooking Incursion Year 3 – 6

2 July 2026 – Parent Teacher interviews – Student do not attend

3 July 2026 – Term 2 2026 ends

20 July 2026 – Term 3 2026 commences for staff and students

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Please refer to the attached letter from Ms Chivers regarding the NCCD process.

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

Saver Plus Information for families

Please see the flyers below for information on the above program for families who meet the criteria.

Vaccination Clinic and assistance with translating overseas vaccination records

The Community Health nurses attended Waddington on Wednesday, June 10 to support the state Flu Vaccine program. The nurses enjoyed visiting our school and we hope to make this an annual event for our school community.

Help with Immunisation Records

Has your child been immunised overseas? Do you need this information added to their Australian immunisation records?

The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Immunisation Service can review children’s overseas immunisation history, upload records to Medicare, and provide any required catch-up vaccinations.

Information cards at the Waddington Primary School front office. Families are welcome to call or register online to make an appointment. Please note that all services are completely free, regardless of Medicare status.

2027 Kindergarten Enrolments now open!

If you have a child or know someone who has a child in the area that will be turning 4 years old by 30 June 2027, they can enrol in kindergarten now. Applications for enrolment are to be submitted before Friday 24 July 2026.

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.

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Room 1 – Growing through learning!

What an action-packed term it has been in Room One! The students have worked hard and enjoyed many experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

Swimming lessons were definitely a highlight! It was wonderful to see students develop their swimming skills and water confidence. Another highlight was the Opera Incursion’s performance of Little Red Riding Hood, which kept everyone entertained from beginning to end. Those high notes were certainly a crowd-pleaser! Students also learned valuable safety skills during the St John of God Ambulance and First Aid Incursion and discovered the importance of good dental hygiene through the Smile Program.

In English, students enjoyed exploring fables and the story I Want My Hat Back, developing their comprehension and discussion skills. They have also engaged with interactive Maths and English activities on the iPads during rotation groups, while Bug Club remained a favourite as students enjoyed “putting the bugs to sleep” through their reading. Our Daily Review sessions continued to strengthen and consolidate important English skills.

In Maths, students have been developing their mental maths skills and exploring place value using concrete materials. They have also investigated the features of 2D shapes and practised addition and subtraction through a range of hands-on activities.

In History, students have explored how life has changed over time using photographs, artefacts, videos, and digital resources. In Digital Technologies, they learned about algorithms and sequencing by programming Bee-Bots through mazes and exploring coding concepts with Code-a-pillars.

Room One students should be proud of the growth they have made in their learning. You are all shining stars!

Mrs Webster

Community Notices

Resources and Programs for families – Term 2 2026

Please see the flyer below links for various programs available this term for families. Bookings are essential.

Stirling Leisure Centres – July School Holiday Programs

Looking for fun and engaging activities for your kids this school holiday?

Drop your kids off for some school holiday fun (6+ years and older).

Great way to keep your kids active and entertained throughout the holidays.

ALL SESSIONS ARE INDOORS at our Stirling Leisure Centres – Hamersley, Mirrabooka and Scarborough offering exciting activities over 2 weeks.

What’s on offer?

Sports Galore (3.5hrs)  From basketball to soccer, let your kids burn off some energy and learn new skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Mini Chef Adventures (2hrs) Does your child love to cook? Our Mini Chef program will have them whipping up delicious dishes and learning kitchen safety.

To find out more about our school holiday program simply email slcsportandprograms@stiriling.wa.gov.au or visit the website via the link below

City of Stirling – Kids sports, programs and competitions

ADDITIONAL TODDLER GYM SESSIONS

Due to popular demand, we are running our Toddler Gym sessions throughout the June school holidays – SL Hamersley on Wednesday, 8th July & Wednesday, 15th July and at SL – Mirrabooka on Thursday 16th July

Newsletter 5

Waddington-PS

Dear Waddington Families,

As we move through another busy and rewarding term, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the many wonderful learning opportunities our students have enjoyed over the past few weeks and to thank our staff, families and community partners for their ongoing support.

One of the highlights of the term so far has been our swimming program. Beyond developing important water safety skills, students are demonstrating persistence, courage and resilience as they challenge themselves in and out of the pool. It has been wonderful to see students encouraging one another and celebrating personal achievements.

Our students have also been engaging in rich cultural learning experiences through our Aboriginal Cultural Learning Program. The Year 5/6 students recently participated in an Elders Workshop focused on Aboriginal Science and Technology of the Land, providing valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal knowledge, culture and connection to Country. These experiences form an important part of our commitment to creating a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Student wellbeing and engagement continue to be a strong focus across the school. Through our ongoing work with the Berry Street Education Model, students are developing skills in self-regulation, persistence, positive relationships and resilience. Staff have been exploring strategies such as positive narration, process praise and “fix-it” feedback, helping students build confidence, accountability and a growth mindset while maintaining strong relationships and a sense of belonging.

We are also grateful for the many partnerships that enrich learning at Waddington Primary School. Our work with 12 Buckets continues to provide valuable mentoring opportunities for students, while the Ngala Parenting Program offers support and connection for families within our community. These partnerships strengthen our shared goal of supporting every child to thrive both at school and beyond.

Finally, I am delighted to share that our recent Public School Review was an extremely positive experience. The review team recognised the significant work being undertaken across the school to improve outcomes for students, support wellbeing and build strong partnerships with our community. While we await the final report, the initial feedback affirmed the commitment, care and professionalism demonstrated by our staff every day and the strength of our school community working together towards a common goal.

Thank you for your continued support of Waddington Primary School. Together, we are creating a school where students feel safe, connected, challenged and proud to learn. As always, there is plenty happening across our classrooms, and I encourage you to stay connected through Compass, our Facebook page and upcoming school events.

Just a reminder that next Monday 1 June is a public holiday and Tuesday 2 June is a Staff Development Day and as a result, students do not attend on these days. We look forward to seeing you all back on Wednesday 3 June after an extra-long weekend!

Warm wishes,

Ms Katherine Chivers 

Principal

From the Administration Team

Term Planner

Please see below important information for Term 2 2026. These are subject to change so please keep up-to-date by checking the school website calendar regularly.

Important Dates

25 May 2026 – Newsletter 5 published

25 May 2026 – Swimming Lesson – PP to Year 6 (daily lessons week 6)

27 May 2026 – National Simultaneous Story Time

27 May 2026 – Girrawheen Library Excursion – Room 9 students

1 June 2026 – WA Day Public Holiday

2 June 2026 – Staff Development Day – Students do not attend

4 June 2026 – St Johns First Aid Incursion

9 June 2026 – School Board Meeting 9am

10 June 2026 – Family Afternoon Tea 1.45pm – 2.30pm

10 June 2026 – Free Flu Vaccination Clinic – Library 1pm – 3pm

15 June 2026 – Newsletter 6 published

19 June 2026 – Lightning Carnival – Warriapendi PS

22 June 2026 – Aboriginal Ear Health Clinic

24 June 2026 – Assembly – Room 5

24 June 2026 – NOM Cooking Incursion Year 3 – 6

1 July 2026 – NOM Cooking Incursion Year 3 – 6

2 July 2026 – Parent Teacher interviews – Student do not attend

3 July 2026 – Term 2 2026 ends

20 July 2026 – Term 3 2026 commences for staff and students

2027 Kindergarten Enrolments now open!

If you have a child or know someone who has a child in the area that will be turning 4 years old by 30 June 2027, they can enrol in kindergarten now. Applications for enrolment are to be submitted before Friday 24 July 2026.

Family Afternoon Tea and Vaccination Clinic at Waddington Primary School

Join us for our Term 2 Family Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 10 June from 1.45–2.30pm. This is a great chance to meet other families and connect with community groups including Ngala, Ishar and Communicare.

At the same time, we will also have a free Community Vaccination Clinic in the school library from 1.00pm–3.00pm.

Many children miss school each year due to illness. Protect your child and family by getting a free flu vaccination—no booking needed. Children aged 2–11 years can have a needle‑free vaccine using a simple nose spray.

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.

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Room 9 – Learning through exploration, discovery and play

There is never a dull moment in Room 9!

Our students have been busy learning, creating and exploring through a range of hands-on experiences that build curiosity, confidence and important early learning skills.

This term, we have been strengthening our fine motor skills through activities that help develop hand strength, coordination and control. Whether it is cutting, drawing, threading, building or manipulating small objects, these experiences are helping to prepare little hands for writing and everyday tasks.

Our new interactive smart screens have added an exciting dimension to our Mathematics lessons. Students have been using the screens to investigate shapes, count, sort and solve problems together. One recent focus has been creating repeating patterns using 2D shapes. Through games, discussions and collaborative activities, students have been learning to identify, extend and create their own patterns while developing early mathematical thinking.

In our STEM learning, students have been exploring movement and motion through the construction of ramps and ball runs. Using a variety of materials, children have investigated what makes objects move faster, slower, further or stop altogether. The excitement of testing ideas, making changes to designs and trying again has encouraged problem-solving, persistence and critical thinking. There have been many wonderful moments of discovery as students observed how small changes can have a big impact on the way their models work.

Wednesday bushwalks continue to be a favourite part of the week. Alongside students from across the school, our Early Childhood learners have been exploring the natural environment and connecting with Country. One highlight has been creating Mia Mia cubbies using sticks, branches and natural materials collected during our walks. These imaginative constructions have inspired teamwork, creativity and storytelling while helping students develop an appreciation for the outdoors.

At Waddington Primary School, we know that young children learn best through active engagement, exploration and play. Room 9 is a place where questions are encouraged, discoveries are celebrated and every day brings a new opportunity to learn. We are proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and curiosity our students bring to their learning, and we look forward to many more adventures together throughout the year.

Miss Woodworth and Mrs Ruthven

Community Notices

Ballajura Community College – Year 6 Specialist Program Testing

Please see information below about the upcoming Round 2 testing for Ballajura Community College’s 2027 Specialist Programs.

This session is scheduled for Wednesday 3 June (Week 7) and is for Year 6 students who are considering joining us in our intake for 2027.

Testing Details:

  • Date: Wednesday 3 June
  • Arrival: Students are to meet at BCC Main Administration at 3:10pm
  • Programs:
    • Academic Curriculum Enrichment (ACE): 3:10pm – 4:00pm
    • Music Specialist Program: 3:10pm – 3:45pm
    • Basketball Specialist Program: 3:10pm – 3:45pm
    • Volleyball Specialist Program (New in 2027): 3:10pm – 3:45pm

Resources and Programs for families – Term 2 2026

Please see the flyer below links for various programs available this term for families. Bookings are essential.

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