FPS Newsletter

Principal's Report

Unpacking Remote Learning

Yesterday we received the news that nobody wanted to hear regarding the extension of lockdown. I have had conversations and email exchanges with many families who have expressed their disappointment, described their challenges at home, and stating their concern about their child’s wellbeing and learning.

 

The school continuously considers its approach to remote learning, with every lockdown announcement presenting its own needs, challenges and concerns. We recognise that the more time students spend away from school, the more important is becomes to remain connected to the school and their learning.

 

Video Meetings

During recent conversations, parents have been explaining to me the value of video meetings; how much their children benefit from working with their classmates and teachers. Over the last 18 months, teachers have had to balance the need to schedule multiple video meetings (whole-class, group and individual), attend onsite supervision, plan and upload work, and respond to student work. Whilst we recognise that these competing time priorities exist, video sessions provide learning and social interaction to students, which supports learning at home. 

 

Given the extension of the lockdown, we have identified the need to increase opportunities for students to meet virtually with teachers and peers. Therefore, you will notice an increase in online meetings in your child’s Google Classroom.

  • We currently have daily class meetings at 9.15am and 3.00pm. From next week, teachers will run two small weekly group meetings for each child – one in Literacy and one in Numeracy.
  • Teachers run additional small group and individual catch-up sessions throughout the week. This is primarily for student wellbeing purposes and school connection. These are organised on an as-needs basis by the teachers.
  • There are 2pm drop-in sessions run by specialist staff. These will have a social/wellbeing/fun focus and are available for students of all year levels.
    • Monday – meet with Marjie
    • Tuesday – meet with Geoff
    • Wednesday: Foundation (at 2pm with Olivia) | Years 1&2 (2:30pm with Olivia) | Years 3 – 6 at 2pm with Keri
    • Thursday – this week there is a Book Week virtual disco
    • Friday –  meet with Emily
  • Tom Edwards runs video meetings for the Tutoring Program, Wednesday – Friday.
  • Rebecca Creswick runs video meetings for Literacy Support, Monday – Thursday.
  • You may have read in Compass that there are two virtual discos planned on Thursday.
  • Brass members have the opportunity to practice brass with Sean from Thornbury High School.

By its very nature, remote learning is implemented at the most challenging of times. We continue to keep the wellbeing of everyone a priority, whilst focusing on the critical importance of learning. 

 

Whilst each family has their own unique situation, and there is no ‘one size fits all’, we will continue to strive to provide a supportive and productive online experience. The school will continue to monitor, review and take on feedback in relation to remote learning, and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of the situation.

 

Farewell Bronwyn Wolfgang, School Council President

At last week’s School Council meeting, we said farewell to our School Council President, Bronwyn Wolfgang. Bronwyn and her family are relocating back to the US.

 

Bronwyn has been a member of School Council for nearly four years, and has been involved in many recent improvement initiatives. Even before Bronwyn started on School Council, she was a very active contributor, raising the profile and potential of our school library, resulting in the Friends of Fairfield Library Group. 

 

In her role as School Council President, Bronwyn has been involved in (amongst other things) the Wingrove St Crossing project, the transition to a new school uniform supplier, supporting the school through COVID, and minor and major building works.

 

I would like to thank Bronwyn for her assured leadership, her understanding of our school community and her advocacy of the school.

 

Best wishes for the future Bronwyn!

 

For the remainder of this term’s School Council, Allison O’Connell will step into the role of President. Allison is a current parent representative on School Council and will fulfil this role until March 2022. We thank Allison for taking on this role.

 

School Grounds Closed

With the increased restrictions around outdoor spaces, please be advised that our school grounds are closed to community use.

 

2022 Term & Curriculum Dates

Term One: Friday 28 January: Curriculum Day (teachers start school) – Friday 8 April

  • Monday 31 January: Students* start school
  • * Foundation students will have a shortened day. Timing TBC.

 

Term Two: Tuesday 26 April – Friday 24 June

  • Friday 27th May: Curriculum Day (student-free day)

 

Term 3: Monday 11 July: Curriculum Day (teachers at school) – Friday 16 September

  • Tuesday 12 July: Students start school

 

Term 4: Monday 3 October – Tuesday 20 December

  • Monday 31st October Curriculum Day (student-free day)

 

Thank you for the continued support of your children and their learning. Take care.

 

~ Paul Wallace, Principal