FPS Newsletter

Principal's Report

Gearing Up for Art4All

With every passing week, we are getting closer and closer to our Art4All event. It fills me with gratitude to see the number of hours that so many of our parents are donating to make it all happen. I am regularly seeing parents carrying boxes, measuring spaces, meeting with Marjie, as well as the parents answering questions and providing event details at the information table before and after school.

 

Our Federal MP, Ged Kearney, visited FPS last week, to find out about more about Art4All. Whether it be the banners along the fences, the Art4All website, or the t-shirts inspired by works of NGVs Bark Ladies exhibition and our magnificent Moreton Bay Fig tree in the courtyard, Art4All is certainly coming alive.

 

For children, the family performance, ‘Sticks, Stones and Broken Bones’, by the Bunk Puppets is a sell-out.

 

However, you can still buy wristbands for the Art Zone. 

 

For adults, Saturday night is Gala Night and tickets are still available.

 

Evacuation Drill

Congratulations to everyone involved in our evacuation drill this morning. Whilst we hope that there is never the need to implement a real evacuation, it is important that the students know how to respond in such a situation. All of the students listened well to their teachers and met at the assembly point calmly. 

 

In total, the drill (from the sound of the alarm to giving the ‘all clear’) lasted nine minutes and twenty six seconds.

Leaving the buildings
At the assembly area
Leaving the buildings
At the assembly area

 

Planning Classes for 2023

This term, staff will begin to draft student class groupings for 2023. As part of this process, students will be asked to write down the names of five peers who they work well with. We aim to accommodate at least one of these requests. Staff will use their knowledge of individual students to help create classes, ensuring a balance of abilities, gender, friendship groups, and room for social expansion. 

 

Whilst recognising that staff are generally best placed to make decisions about their students’ future placements, there may be specific considerations of which they are unaware. If there is an important situation that parents need to communicate to the school for 2023 class placements, please email Paul Wallace no later than Friday 4 November. 

 

Please note that we do not accept requests for teachers – and also note that we have not yet finalised which teachers will be teaching which year levels. 

 

Any families who are planning to leave the school this year are required to inform the school office to support the planning process. 

 

Parking Restrictions on Wingrove Street

Recently it was brought to the school’s attention that there were parking restrictions in place on Wingrove Street, left over from the old school crossing. Following consultation with Darebin City Council, School Council agreed to the removal of some of the parking restrictions on the southern side of Wingrove Street, creating approximately seven more parking spaces. The parking restrictions on the northern side of Wingrove St (close to the double gates) will remain, enabling coaches to park for excursions.

 

Curriculum Day

A reminder that next Monday 31 October is a pupil-free day. OSHClub will be running on this day.

 

Mid-Term Assembly & Morning Tea

Everyone is invited to two gatherings on Friday 4 November:

  • Morning Tea with the Principal, from 9 – 10am in the staffroom.
  • Mid-term assembly, from 3 – 3:30pm at the Fig Tree Courtyard.

 

Enjoy the rest of your week.

 

~ Paul Wallace, Principal