Principal's report

Greeting to all the families and students associated with Moonee Ponds West PS

It is the final week of our year together, and what a great Semester of learning we have experienced.

Last week you will have received your child’s portfolio and their written report for the Semester. I am hopeful that you can see your child’s growth in learning.  Learning growth is the most important indicator of success.  I am always looking for at least 5 terms growth in 4 terms.  This ensures that we keep up with the overall expectation. However, for some children we need more growth than that, if they are to catch up to what is expected.  When teachers monitor closely, they are able to be aware of progression and regression and intervene in both situations.

In 2019, the school structure will be supporting teachers working in cohort Professional Learning Teams to monitor and extend students across the domains. This is exciting new work for Moonee Ponds West, with all staff collectively willing to work in this way.  I am noticing an unrelenting willingness to learn and strengthen learning understandings so that student-learning outcomes are improved.

Parent Rep System at MPWPS

How pleased was I when I realised that MPW has a Parent Rep System already established.  Although this group hasn’t met much this year I would like to invite parents that might be interested to join for the 2019 school year.  I have attached a little bit about the program; that is, what it is and how frequently we get to meet so that you know what is expected.  There is a statement for the F-2,3/4 and 5/6 opportunities attached below.  There is also an Expression of Interest which is not due until February so time to think. It is a great role for a parent or carer to have and shows you how a school can work to support student learning.

Class Placement

You will have received your child’s Class Placement for 2019.  Please remember we have a philosophy around multi-aged classes NOT composite groupings and so the making of classes is different. Teachers are planning for learning across a range of abilities not targeting the class groups.  As a result, there could be students in a Foundation and One class that are working on outcomes planned for pre-Foundation (for those that may need this) to Level 2 outcomes. Each learning level maps outcomes over two years.  Please remember that we will be monitoring the class groupings until the end of Term 1 as sometimes classes work on paper but not in reality.

Year 6 Graduation

Thank-you to our wonderful Year 6 students who have worked hard all year to be the best learners they can be.  Graduation evening is about the Year 6 students and their families individually and collectively.   I am really looking forward to welcoming all to the evening on Wednesday December 19 in the school’s gym.

Families Leaving

For some families this year will bring to an end their association with MPWPS after many years.  It is important that we recognise parents/carers who have been part of the MPWPS community. As you leave please reflect of the important positive dimensions of your contribution.  Being a partner in your child’s learning is a very important contributing factor to your child’s success.

Parent Helpers

My sincere thank you to all our parents and carers who have assisted in classrooms and at school events.  Due to time racing away from us we have not had the opportunity to host our Annual Parent and Carer Helpers Morning Tea, this will be arranged for Term 1 2019. Again thank you for your contribution, we wouldn't be able to support the learning of our students without your help. Special mention to the MPW Fundraisers and the Lost Property Co-Ordinators.

Thank-you from Kerri

Well what a ride!  I would like to acknowledge and thank students, staff, parents and carers for their warmth, encouragement, and support over the Semester.   MPWPS is a wonderful school community with enlightened parents,carers and hardworking staff.  I am able to share with you that I will be returning in January to continue replacing Jeff who is on leave.  It is my privilege to be able to continue my role as Principal for the coming time.

Parent Calendar

We are working on developing our Term 1 Calendar of events and it will be sent via COMPASS in January.  The important dates are also entered onto the COMPASS Calendar which you have access to.  Please ensure you are up to date as staying informed is very important.

To all families, I wish you a very happy and safe holiday time.  If you celebrate Christmas may it be a joyous experience rich with your family and friends.

I look forward to welcoming you back for the start of the 2019 school year.

Sincerely

Kerri