Latest News

Dear Waddington Families,

As we settle into Term 3, there is a wonderful sense of excitement across Waddington Primary School. Our students have returned eager to learn, our classrooms are buzzing with purposeful learning, and we have so much to celebrate as a school community.

Ready! Set! Kindy!

We are delighted to launch our new Ready! Set! Kindy! program, beginning on Monday 24 August.

This free weekly program is designed for parents and their children who are enrolled to begin Kindergarten at Waddington Primary School in 2027. Meeting each Monday from 9.00–11.00am, the sessions will provide our youngest learners with opportunities to develop confidence, social skills, early literacy and numeracy understandings, and familiarity with the school environment before they begin Kindergarten next year. 

Starting school is a significant milestone for children and families, and we are excited to support this transition through play-based learning, exploration and relationship building. We look forward to welcoming our newest Waddington families into our school community.

Celebrating Our New Early Childhood Nature Play Space

We are also thrilled to be officially open our brand-new Early Childhood Nature Play Space.

This exciting project has been made possible through the small-scale election commitment funding secured by our local Member for Girrawheen, Meredith Hammat MLA. The new space provides children with engaging opportunities for imaginative play, exploration, problem-solving and connection with the natural environment—experiences that are so important in the early years.

Families are warmly invited to join us for the Official Opening Ceremony on Friday 28 August at 2.30 pm, where Meredith Hammat will be our special guest. We look forward to celebrating this wonderful addition to our school together with our community.

Outstanding NAPLAN Results

I am incredibly proud to share our 2026 NAPLAN results now published for you to view on the My School Website. 

Despite being a small school with diverse learning needs, our students have achieved some excellent outcomes. Importantly, Waddington recorded no areas performing significantly below expectations, with achievement sitting within one standard deviation of expected performance across all assessed areas. Even more encouraging were our Year 5 results, with Reading performing more than two standard deviations above expectation and Numeracy approximately one and a half standard deviations above expectation. This puts us way above like schools in these areas.

These results reflect the collective commitment of our staff, students and families. Our consistent focus on evidence-based teaching, explicit instruction, high expectations and targeted support is making a real difference. While NAPLAN is only one measure of student achievement, it provides encouraging evidence that our school improvement journey continues to move in a positive direction.

Attendance is an area that I am prioritising this Semester. We have many students whose attendance is falling into the Department’s ‘At Risk’ category. I understand that there may be cultural or religious reasons which are authorised absences. Outside of these, it is imperative that your child attends every school day, as long as they are well, and is on time for the start of the school day. Our Breakfast Club opens at 8am, you are welcome to bring your child any time from 8am. We are on site and ready to supervise. Classroom doors open at 8.30am, and lessons formally start at 8.45am. Any child arriving after this time is deemed late and will need to come via the office to be signed in. I will be sending out emails through Compass advising all families where attendance is falling below the Department of Education expectation of 85% to invite you to a meeting with the purpose of supporting you to increase your child’s attendance and/or punctuality.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Waddington Primary School. Together we are creating a connected community where every child is known, valued and supported to reach their highest potential. We look forward to sharing these exciting events with you over the coming weeks.

Warm wishes,

Ms Katherine Chivers 

Principal

From the Administration Team

Term Planner

Please see below important information for Term 3 2026. These are subject to change so please keep up-to-date by checking the school website calendar regularly.

Important Dates

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

3 August 2026 – Newsletter 7 published

4 August 2026 – PEAC Testing Year 4 students – 11am – 12.40pm

17 August 2026 – School Photos

17 August 2026 – Peter Cheong Author visit – 11am – 12pm (Library)

19 August 2026 – Assembly – Room 4

19 August 2026 – School Board Meeting – 9am

20 August 2026 – Australian Dental Foundation – dental check-ups (register online)

21 August 2026 – Australian Dental Foundation – dental check-ups (register online)

24 August 2026 – Newsletter 8 published

24 August 2026 – Ready! Set! Kindy! (pending registration numbers)

25 August 2026 – Ngala Toileting and Sleep Parent Session (1pm – 2.30pm)

1 September 2026 – P&C Father’s Day Stall (all students)

2 September 2026 – Family Afternoon Tea

4 September 2026 – Staff Development Day (students do not attend)

11 September 2026 – Athletics Faction Carnival

14 September 2026 – Newsletter 9 published

16 September 2026 – Assembly – Room 1 and 9

21 -23 September 2026 – Book Fair 3pm – 3.30pm

22 September 2026 – Interschool Athletics Carnival (Balga PS – selected students)

23 September 2026 – Walk of the Whales – Subiaco Arts Centre (Year 3 – 6 students)

25 September 2026 – Perth Zoo Excursion (PP to Year 6 students)

25 September 2026 – Term 3 2026 ends for staff and students

12 October 2026 – Term 4 2026 commences for staff and students

Ready! Set! Kindy!

Our Pre-Kindy program is returning for term 3 2026! Please see the letter below for further information. A registration form is available at the front office for parents who would like to be involved in this program.

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 4 – Ready to learn!

Room 4 have started Term 3 rested and ready to learn!

In English we are reading the book “The Little Prince”, it is very interesting because it was originally written in French and has been translated to English.

We have continued to focus on number in Maths, looking at 1 more, 1 less, 10 more, 10 less as well as missing numbers in number patterns.

In Technologies we have been looking at how we use plants and animals to make produce, such as animal meats, eggs, wool, leather, wheat, and silk.

In Health we have been learning about why it is so important to always wear a helmet when we ride our scooter and bikes, as well as safe and unsafe places to ride.

This semester we are studying Geography in HASS, we have been looking at where Australia is on the world map, the different continents and oceans.

A highlight so far this term was tree planting in the bushwalk area. We enjoyed planting new plants, and looking at how much the plants we planted last year have grown. We even have some special wild orchids growing there!

Mrs Mance

Community Notices

Roseworth Child and Parent Centre

Please see below some important information from Roseworth CPC and the timetable for term 3 2026 parent sessions.

Ngala Toileting and Sleep Parent Session

Cheryl Marriot, Consult Practitioner from Parent Connect at Ngala, will be running a parent information session at Waddington Primary School on Tuesday, August 25^th from 1 – 2.30pm. This free session is available for all Waddington Parents who would like advice on how to support their young children with toilet training and/or sleep routines. Please RSVP for catering to our office staff or call (08) 9462 9500. Interpreters available on request. 

VacSwim lessons – October 2026 and 2026/2027 Summer School Holidays

Please see the flyer below if you are interested in enrolling your child in the above programs.

Enrolments for the October program closes on 19 August and for the summer school holidays, 14 October.

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 2^nd 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.

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, 8^th July & Wednesday, 15^th July and at SL – Mirrabooka on Thursday 16^th July