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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.

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.

Dear Waddington Families,

As Term 2 continues to build momentum, Waddington Primary School has been buzzing with learning, enrichment and exciting opportunities for our students.

We began the term with wonderful community spirit, including our meaningful ANZAC Day service, where our student leaders represented the school with pride and maturity. Students have already enjoyed special learning experiences such as the Healthy Smiles incursion from UWA dental students, helping children build positive oral health habits, and the Opera Incursion performance of Little Red Riding Hood, which brought creativity and the arts to life for our learners.

Our Year 3–6 students also recently attended the Barking Gecko theatre excursion to Subiaco Arts Centre, giving them the chance to experience live professional theatre and engage in rich storytelling beyond the classroom. Meanwhile, our Year 5/6 students are continuing to build confidence for the future through their Balga Senior High School transition program, strengthening connections and preparing for the next stage of their education.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming in-term swimming lessons beginning in Week 5. Thanks to the generous support of 12 Buckets and Sporting Schools funding, this valuable program has been made more affordable for families, ensuring students can continue developing important water safety and swimming skills.

Alongside these enriching experiences, our school is also preparing for an important milestone — our Public School Review on Wednesday 13th May. Over the last few months, staff have worked collaboratively to reflect on and showcase the incredible work taking place across Waddington, including our focus on high-quality teaching, student wellbeing, cultural responsiveness, strong community partnerships and continuous improvement. The review team will meet with staff, students, families and community representatives to learn more about our school’s journey, celebrate our achievements and help guide our future growth.

This process is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the dedication of our entire school community. Waddington continues to thrive because of the strong partnerships between staff, students and families, and we are proud to share the story of our school with the review team.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide meaningful opportunities for every child to grow, belong and 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

4 May 2026 – Newsletter 4 published

18 May 2026 – Swimming Lesson – PP to Year 6 commence (daily lessons week 5)

25 May 2026 – Newsletter 5 published

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

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

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 – 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

Interm Swimming – PP to Year 6 students

Students in years pre-primary to year 6 have in-term swimming lessons in weeks 5 and 6 this term.

Consent/Enrolment forms were sent home last week, and we thank those families who have returned their paperwork and made payments. This year the cost of swimming lessons has been significantly reduced due to the generosity of 12 Buckets and a Sporting Schools Grant.

Lessons this year are only $22.85 per student. If you need to organise a payment plan, please discuss with Ms Janney in the front office.

Please ensure you return your forms and make payment by Friday 8 May 2026.

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.

Vaccination Clinic at Waddington Primary School

We are pleased to let families know that a free vaccination clinic will be held at Waddington Primary School on Tuesday 10 June, from 1–3pm, in the school library.

Each year, many children become unwell with colds or the flu and miss a lot of school while they recover. To help reduce this, children aged 2–11 years can receive a needle‑free flu vaccine, which is given as a simple spray in the nose.

For more information on the flu vaccinations for children, please click on the links below in English, Arabic and Vietnamese.

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 5 – Our school leaders and their learning journey so far this year!

We have come flying into Term 2 and it has already been full of energy, excitement, and new learning experiences for our Year 5 and 6 students!

In the classroom, we have been exploring Noongar language, focusing on minga (insects). Ask your child about what they are called when you see them around the home or you might even hear some stories about our class kar (spider) visitors who have made appearances in the classroom, supervising our lessons!

There might be a future astronaut in Room 5, with the number of space-inspired experiences we’ve had recently. We were lucky to take part in an online interview with Jaxon Liebeck, an aerospace engineer from Western Australia, who shared insights into his work. This was followed by a visit to the Perth Observatory, organised by Mrs Cahill, and a most recently a live performance of Stellarphant, a story about resilience and chasing big dreams. These experiences have certainly sparked curiosity and imagination!

We also had a fantastic time at the Dianella Secondary College soccer tournament at the end of last term. It was a highly competitive day, and our students showed incredible resilience and teamwork throughout.

Harmony Day was another standout moment, with many families joining us to celebrate culture and diversity. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and recognise the differences that make our community so special. In contrast, ANZAC Day provided an important time for reflection, where our students showed great respect while learning from visiting Reservist Sergeant Downes about his experiences.

In Physical Education, we have been preparing for the upcoming Interschool Lightning Carnival, practising netball last term and AFL this term. We are looking forward to putting our skills into action later this term.

Our 12 Buckets program continues to support students in building important life skills as they prepare for high school—be sure to ask them what they will be creating each week!

Finally, our student leaders have been outstanding, running a variety of lunchtime clubs including Art, Comic, Bush Walk, and Sports Clubs. Their enthusiasm and leadership are beginning to inspire younger students to get involved and try new activities.

It has been a fantastic start to the term, and we are excited for all that is still to come!

Mr Greer

Community Notices

Balga Senior High School – Technology Club Term 2 2026

Please see below a flyer for a program which commenced 29 April 2026 for students in years 5 and 6. Places are still available if your child would like to register!

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.