Dear Parents, Students, Carers an Community members,

Thank-you to all families that were able to make the Basket Tea last Friday. The weather was great (not too hot or cold) and Brian had prepared the grounds so that they were welcoming. It was wonderful to see teachers, parents and students mingling amidst sausages, fish and chips, pizza and homemade sausage rolls! Events like these build the culture of a school: the heart of what we are and do. Our next community event is the Working Bee on Sunday March 15th from 9.00-3.00ish. Might see you there if you can!

Parent Teacher Interviews NEXT week

Today you will receive the information form that is usually given out at the beginning of the year for parents to share information with their teacher. Please complete and bring to the Parent/Teacher Interview next week, as one of the points for discussion.

The new opportunity of a Parent/Teacher Interview at this time, replaces the Information Evenings that were held at about Week 3, Term 1. Your feedback has indicated that the sharing of your information and that of the teacher about your child’s goals and next steps will be more useful. Of course your child can attend to speak to their goals but the end of Semester 1 time will be the Three-Way Conference as in the past.

We will be seeking your feedback via COMPASS after the interviews and our Assessment and Reporting Team will use this to shape what is offered in the future. I urge you to get onto COMPASS and book your time.

School Council Election 2020

I am pleased to declare the results of the School Council Elections 2020. Congratulations to our new School Councillors. Please find attached the declaration of the poll.

Thank-you to our Fundraising Team

It is with much pleasure that I acknowledge and thank our Fundraising Team of Danielle Mc Namara, Rachel Toussaint, Sophie Atchison and Michelle Louey. These people have worked tirelessly over many years to raise important funds so that the students can enjoy the rich learning opportunities presented at Moonee Ponds West PS. These parents are stepping down from the role this year. Over the last three years they have raised $76,831.16! An excellent result for much hardwork. Well done to all!

I plan to acknowledge the work of the team at our Assembly on March 16th at 9.00 am.

Any parents that would choose to volunteer to join the fundraising team would be gladly accepted. It’s hard but rewarding work! If you are interested in becoming involved please send an email to: naomiandandrew@hotmail.com or monaghan.sandra.s@edumail.vic.gov.au

Staffing News

Today I welcome Corinne Clark to our staff as our new Physical Education teacher. Corinne has been working in the Catholic Education sector teaching PE for the past two years. Corinne will be in this position until the end of the 2020 school year. She is replacing Bree White who has commenced Maternity Leave.

I also welcome Tim Harwood to the 5/6 team. Tim will be sharing the 5/6 class with Helen Lockart. Tim has been working in the inner city schools. He commences with us officially on March 12th 2020. I thank Ben Kilby for his role in the class this term.

At present we are about to select two new teachers to replace our teachers who are about to venture onto the new pathway of maternity leave. Stay tuned!

Working Bee

Sunday March 15th is the day, from 9.00am at school in Jack’s Paddock. Please indicate your attendance via Eventbrite. The link is below: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/community-working-bee-tickets-97255195909

Parent Representatives

It’s wonderful we have all classes with a Parent Rep Yeahhhh! I am calling a meeting with the Reps on MONDAY MARCH 16th at 9.30 after assembly. I will also send an Outlook invitation to this first meeting to gauge availability. From this meeting we can choose a suitable meeting time that suits most of us. Hope you can make it!

Online Reporting

Last week we published for you, the first entry to the online reporting timeline. Accompanying this entry was a hard and soft copy booklet explaining the ‘how to’ of this process. The soft copy is on COMPASS in two places initially with the message, and in School Documentation under the star! Logging onto COMPASS is now a must if you want to be part of your child’s learning journey. The first entry is evidence of your child’s knowledge of the writing conventions. The sample will be annotated as to what stage (first draft, edited, conferenced) in the writing process the piece is showing. Accompanying the piece of writing there is an assessment rubric or scale that indicates the child’s proficiency. Such a scale will give the child guidance as to what is next for them to work on. There are three more samples for this term; a Mathematics Problem Based Learning, Reading and Inquiry sample. Please contact the General Office if you are having any troubles logging onto COMPASS, we can always help.

Well that’s about it from me. How are we going with the fortnightly newsletter? Still getting the information you require? We will be formally seeking your feedback but happy to have any feedback when you can.

Until we meet in person

Sincerely

Kerri Simpson Principal (Acting at Moonee Ponds West PS)

Curriculum Day

THIS FRIDAY

NO Students on this day.

Camp Australia is offering

Child-Care.

Bookings essential.

Parent Representative Meeting

MONDAY March 16th at 9.30 am after Assembly in the Staffroom. Coffee and a catch up.

Headphones

Does your child have headphones at home that they could use at school? If so, please label and send along. Students can access programs that they might be required to read along so headphones just might be the thing!

Community News