Dear Waddington Families,
As we head into the final weeks of Term 4, I want to thank our wonderful Waddington community for another year of learning, laughter, and connection. It’s been a year of growth for our students and staff, with so much to celebrate as we look toward 2026.
Join us for our Christmas Carols evening on Friday 5th December. This is always a highlight of the school year – a time to come together, sing along, and celebrate the spirit of our community. Bring a picnic rug, your deckchairs, and your singing voice as we wrap up the year in festive style.
We look forward to celebrating our Year 6 graduates and acknowledging student achievements at our Graduation and Book Awards Ceremony on Monday 15 December. It’s a proud moment for families, staff, and students as we farewell our leaders and wish them every success for high school.
Booklists for 2026 have now been sent home. Please remember that the cut-off date for pre-packaged delivery orders is 15 December. Orders placed after this date can still be completed online but may attract a late fee. If you have any questions or need help with ordering, please come and see us in the office.
We are planning to continue with the same five-class structure in 2026 that has worked so effectively over the past two years. This consistency allows us to maintain strong connections across year levels and ensure targeted support for every student.
From our staff team to all Waddington families – thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and care. Together, we’ve built a school community where every child feels safe, seen, and valued. Week 9 will be the final newsletter for 2025. Please keep an eye on the end of year events on the school calendar in preparation for all the busy activities/events planned for weeks 6 to 10.
Warm wishes,
Ms Katherine Chivers
Principal
From the Administration Team
Term Planner
Please see below important information for Term 4 2025. These are subject to change so please keep up-to-date by checking the school website calendar regularly.
Important Dates
17 November 2025 – Newsletter 11 published
26 November 2025 – Family Afternoon Tea 1.45pm – 2.30pm
27 November 2025 – School Board Meeting 9am
27 November 2025 – Footy Clinic 10.15am
3 December 2025 – Thank you morning tea
5 December 2025 – Community Christmas Carols
8 December 2025 – Newsletter 12 published
10 December 2025 – Kindy Semester 2 2025 reports sent home
11 December 2025 – Year 6 Outback Splash 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
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?
- 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.
- Fewer Disruptions: Late arrivals can interrupt the class. When everyone is on time, the day starts smoothly and everyone benefits.
- Builds Responsibility: Being punctual helps students learn to be responsible and manage their time well. These skills are important for their future.
- 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.
- 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.
Family Afternoon Tea – 26th November 2025
Please see below an invitation for our Family Afternoon Tea next week on Wednesday 26 November. Please RSVP by Monday 24 November if you would like to attend.
Healthy Lunchbox ideas
Below are some healthy lunch box ideas for parents.
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 5 – Our wonderful school leaders
As we approach the end of the year, Room 5 has been hard at work and enjoying a strong finish to the year. In English, students have been developing their persuasive writing and debating skills, learning how to present their ideas confidently and support them with evidence. This has led to some great discussions and impressive pieces of writing.
As part of our Health lessons we are learning about Growth and Development, exploring how bodies change during puberty and we are having mature, thoughtful conversations.
Our Noongar lessons with Miss Smith have also been a highlight, especially learning about local birds. This linked beautifully with our sessions with the Aboriginal Elders, where students created clay animals and explored the many uses of native plants.
Students have also been working hard on their HASS projects, researching countries around the world and building their skills in summarising, note-taking, and digital research.
We were proud to host the Interschool Athletics Carnival this year, and our students represented Waddington with excellent sportsmanship and behaviour. Room 5 are currently enjoying cricket in their Physical Education lessons and basketball has become a popular lunch and recess activity for many students.
Our leadership program has also continued to flourish. Some of our leaders supported younger classes during our NAIDOC celebrations by teaching two Aboriginal games—Keentan and Pirrha—as well as guiding a collaborative art activity and reading stories. It was wonderful to see them step confidently into leadership roles, and one student’s reflection, “It must be really hard being a teacher,” gave us all a well-earned smile.
With the end of the year approaching, our Year 6 students are looking forward to their reward excursion, Graduation Ceremony, Graduation Dinner, and high school orientation days. It has been a wonderful year in Room 5, and we look forward to celebrating all the growth and achievements of 2025!
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.
Roseworth Child and Parent Centre – Being a Parent Program – Term 4 2025
Please see attached a flyer for the above program running weekly in term 4. It’s free to attend and there free creche is available. Registrations are essential.
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/
