Principal's Report
Greetings to families, staff and students of MPWPS,
After a terrific start to our unusual term, we had some technical difficulty with our first onsite Assembly today. As a result, I have requested from DET an increase to our bandwidth so that we can use our devices efficiently. We will see what happens as I will assume an upgrade is not that far away.
This morning at our assembly some children took up the invitation to speak about returning to school. The highlights I heard were around seeing their friends and their teachers as well and getting involved again in learning alongside others. I am putting together a ‘montage’ of photos of some class activities from last week. I will circulate when I have finished and polished it up a little. The montage will appear on the General Office TV.
Book Week
Technically Book week is from October 17th - 30th with our celebration being on Friday October 30th. We just sneak in! This year we are focusing on the class teacher sharing some of the short-listed books and involving the children in quality literacy discussions and activities. Unfortunately, the multi-aged approach we usually have will not be part of Book Week this year but I encourage the children to get dressed up in their favourite character and bring along the book they represent to share. I think my book this year will be Good-night Good-night Construction Site. It’s a favourite in our house. What will you choose? Remember your costume doesn’t have to be elaborate. It’s amazing what you can make with a piece of cloth or a garbage bag! It’s the fun of thinking about what to wear so as to represent the book of your choice.
Backyard Bird Count from 19-25th October
The idea here is to choose a week in October and record the different species of birds you see in your backyard/front yard each day. Keep a tally and create a graph to show your results. You might even want to add some observations to your graph. There is a website for further exploration and it is www.birdsinbackyards.net.
I live across the road from a small park and we have spotted a Tawny Frogmouth. In fact, it has been roosting in our back and front trees from time to time. At night when it is very quiet we can hear this bird calling. It is so exciting. Did you know we have a nest in our very own school yard? I wonder if you can find it!
I have also been watching the sea eagles and the falcons as they come to life, grow and become ready to leave the nest. It is on a live stream. Nature is very fascinating.
Did you know that magpies keep their partners for life? They also swoop and you have to be careful.
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day, was last Saturday October 10th. In our training of a strategy known as Protective Behaviours, there is a wonderful activity for children and adults (for that matter) which asks the child/ren to draw around their hand and write on each finger an adult at school (but could be at home) that they trust and can turn to if needed.
Often children can name one or two trusted adults immediately (class teachers) but five really requires children to think about the who (people) and their relationship to that person. I think some of our classes have completed this task already as a way of touching base and re-establishing the Rights and Responsibilities of school life. If your child hasn’t had a chance to do this work with the class it’s a great before dinner activity at the bench whilst you do other tasks.
DET Parent Opinion Survey
We have received notification and are preparing for this years Parent Opinion Survey. Each year families are chosen randomly for this opportunity. The administration computer has the facility to choose the random sample. Last year we only received a 40% return rate, which as you would appreciate is a low return in data terms. The comments are opportunities for improvement but a stronger response provides more direction. This year we will be recognising the children of the families who complete the survey. Please assist your school to continue to improve by taking up this opportunity. My thanks in anticipation!
Development of the Sensory Garden
The Development of the Sensory Garden continues: You will have noticed the veggie boxes in Jack’s Paddock! As a result of a grant from the Moonee Valley Council we are making wicking beds with the children in our Middle school. The wicking beds are great for growing plants and will be constructed with the class groups. As per our regulations re COVID-19, single classes will have their own wicker bed. One of our past parents will be assisting the class teacher with this project that supports the current sustainability inquiry focus. We think this work will be a great re-connecting, wellbeing and engagement task. As it will be out doors with all required protection, negotiation of a start date is the next step. Thank you to those families that have supported a recent call out for old carpet and other materials. I will keep you posted!
Well that’s about it from me. Remember Friday October 23rd (this Friday) is a public holiday so NO students on this day!
Stay well and safe and remember your commitment to self-care.
Sincerely
Kerri.
Kerri Simpson
Principal