Principal's Report
Laughter & Learning
It is difficult to believe that only two weeks have passed since our students returned to school. It feels as though they have never been away. There is so much enthusiasm, fun and energy throughout the school—you can’t help but feel excited about what’s ahead for the rest of the term.
In the classroom, students have transitioned beautifully back to school; smiling, laughing and learning with their friends. Teachers have assessed where students are at in their learning, particularly in Literacy and Numeracy, and are providing any necessary support.
Book Week Celebrations
Laughter was particularly evident during Thursday’s Book Day. Whilst we had to make a number of changes to meet COVID safe guidelines, everyone had a great day celebrating the wonderful world of books. We always appreciate the costumes and efforts that families go to, particularly this year with the additional challenge of shops being closed.
Our librarian, Paula Stafford, has done a terrific job of setting up our newly refurbished library, ready for students to use. The theme of Book Week this year is ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’ – did your child/children spot the creatures in the library?
On the Playground
It is a pleasure to walk through the playground at recess and lunchtime. Students are enjoying our wonderful grounds, expending a lot of energy or taking the time to chill out.
I have noticed the reduction in litter around the grounds, as students have been regularly eating in the designated eating areas and appropriately disposing any of their litter. It has also been great to see everyone bringing a hat to school, which is so important at this time of year.
Thank You Parents
We appreciate the support of the COVID safe arrangements that we have implemented. The dropping off of students at the school gate/classroom door from 8:45am has worked well, and we acknowledge families leaving the grounds after pick-up, resulting in an empty playground by 3:40pm.
Damage to School Grounds
It was very disappointing to arrive at school yesterday and see the damage that had occurred to the netball court over the weekend. A number of tyre marks have been left across the court, and there is no way for these to be removed. There were also bits of broken glass on the playground, from a smashed bottle.
Our school grounds provide a wonderful place for our community to enjoy all day, every day. Whilst we welcome visitors outside of the school day, we request that everyone respects all of the spaces so that they can be enjoyed by all. Simple things, like taking home litter and not riding bike across the grounds make the space enjoyable for all.
2021 Placements
Staff will shortly begin to draft student class groupings for 2021. 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 2021 class placements, please email Paul Wallace no later than Friday 6 November.
Any families who are planning to leave the school this year are required to inform the school office to support the planning process.
As announced last term, next year all year levels will be straight grade groups.
Dogs Around the School
This term we have noticed an increase in dogs coming along at drop-off and pick-up time. To ensure that the footpaths don’t become overcrowded, we ask that dogs are tied up with a short leash.
Farewell Amy Rogers
Amy Rogers is a familiar face to many of us. She has been a nurse at the school for almost four years, and a parent since 2010. Amy has been a great support to many families in her role as school nurse, providing comfort, care and expertise when children may be ill or in distress. She has also made significant contributions to community events, including fairs and concerts.
Thank you Amy and best wishes for the future.
Parking – Message from Darebin Council
As students have now returned to school, the Darebin Council is again enforcing parking restrictions. Please be sure to please obey the signs, use the Kiss and Go areas, to help keep everyone safe.
Parent Opinion Survey
Each year the Department of Education surveys parents and uses the results to direct future school planning and improvement. This year, all parents are invited to participate. Currently, we have a 12% completion rate. We encourage you to take the survey—your opinions are important and will contribute to the future management and organisation of FPS.
- Go to: https://www.orima.com.au/parent
- Select Fairfield Primary School
- Input the School PIN: 466875
- When complete, please click on the tick button at the end of the survey to submit your answers.
Halloween Disco
Remember our after-school Virtual Halloween Disco next Friday!
Keep an eye out in Compass for details and the Zoom link to join.
~ Paul Wallace, Principal