Dear Waddington Families,
As we reach the end of Term 1, I would like to thank our families for your ongoing support and partnership. It has been a busy and productive term, and it has been wonderful to see our students settling into routines, building relationships and engaging in their learning with confidence and enthusiasm.
A highlight this term was our Harmony Day Picnic, which brought together students, families and members of our wider community in a celebration of culture, connection and belonging. Events like this reflect what makes Waddington such a special place—our strong sense of community and the way we value and respect one another.
In classrooms, students have been working hard across all learning areas. Our teachers continue to use evidence-based approaches to support student learning, including clear learning goals, regular review of prior learning and targeted support within the classroom. You may hear your child talking about how they get “ready to learn”—this is part of our Berry Street Education Model work, helping students to regulate, focus and feel confident in their learning.
We have also completed important assessments this term, including NAPLAN, reading and listening comprehension, and mathematics testing, which will help us plan for each student’s next steps. Our focus remains on ensuring every child is supported to make progress, with additional help provided in classrooms through small group and one-to-one support where needed.
Attendance continues to be an important priority for our school. We know that regular attendance has a direct impact on student learning, and we appreciate your support in ensuring your child arrives on time, and attends school as often as possible.
We look forward to welcoming you all to our annual Easter Hat Parade and Raffle draw in the Under Cover Area on Thursday. Please arrive at 2:20pm for a 2:30pm start. The P&C organise these events to fundraise for our school, so thank you in advance for your support with this event.
Please note, the first day back for students next term is Monday 20th April. Our ANZAC Service is on Friday 24th April at 2.15pm and the following Monday 27th is a Public Holiday.
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.
Wishing all our families a wonderful school holiday break and look forward to seeing you back at school Monday 20 April 2026!
Important Dates
20 April 2026 – TERM 2 COMMENCES – STAFF AND STUDENTS
23 April 2026 – Theatre Trip Year 3 – 6
24 April 2026 – ANZAC Day Service
27 April 2026 – ANZAC Day Public Holiday
29 April 2026 – Healthy Smiles Incursion
1 May 2026 – Opera Incursion UCA Little Red Riding Hood
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
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
3 July 2026 – Term 2 2026 ends
20 July 2026 – Term 3 2026 commences for staff and 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?
- 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.
Room 8 (Year 3 / 4) – Mookaroo
The Mookaroo class has had a great start to 2026. We are working hard on improving our sentences by including where or when, as well as vocabulary, punctuation and adding detail to make them more interesting. We are continuing with reading the novel Matilda, and the students are getting really good at understanding everything that is happening in the novel and relating it to their own lives.
In Maths, we have begun working on multiplication, and students have been surprised by how many multiplication facts they already know. The class has also been working hard on their assembly item, which is all about how we work together to help everyone, and they have some pretty cool dance moves. We look forward to seeing you all at the assembly on Wednesday morning.
In Science, the Mookaroo class have been looking at the properties of materials, and students were amazed that some materials, such as hand sanitizer, do not freeze, and some metals, such as gallium can melt at 29 degrees Celsius.
In HASS, the class have been learning about the First Fleet and in Digital Technologies, they have been investigating how everyday activities can be thought of in terms of algorithms, such as brushing your teeth or making a sandwich.
We are all looking forward to an action packed start to Term 2.
Mrs Cahill and Miss Porch
Community Notices
Kids and Anxiety – free parenting program
Please see the flyer below for details of a free program for parents run by Communicare and hosted by Waddington Primary School. Bookings essential and creche services will be provided.
Parent assistance – Early Intervention for families
Creative Kids Art Club – April 2026 School Holidays
Please see the flyer below for some art club school holidays activities for your child. For more information, please visit their website for more information http://www.creativekidsartclub.com.au.
Flight Spark Sports Space Launch – May 2026
BluSky Sports Australia is opening a brand‑new FLIGHT SPARK Sports Space in the local area — a low‑pressure, inclusive place for children to play, move, and belong.
Program Details
• First Program Day: Tuesday 5 May 2026
• Time: 4.00–5.30 PM
• Venue: Playpoint Indoor Sports Centre (Ballajura), 7/40 Oxleigh Drive, Malaga
• Ages: 5–13
• Cost: $5 per session
• Sign‑up link: https://forms.gle/zCznhwy3z4PW5DU19 (forms.gle in Bing)
Parent assistance – Early Intervention for families
Please see the flyers below that may be of interest to families.
