FPS Newsletter

Principal's Report

Sport & All

Sporting events such as interschool sport and swimming are something that we normally look forward to without a second thought. However, the events of last year make it so much more exciting to see our students participating on sports fields and in swimming pools. The return of regular events, including sport, Drama Toolbox incursions, planned excursions and camps is something that we are all appreciating that little bit more.

 

Other events that have started, or are starting soon, are Student Voice Group, Lunchtime Clubs, Choir and Orchestra, and Brass lessons with teachers from Thornbury High School.

 

We look forward to parent volunteers returning to classrooms, as part of last week’s easing of restrictions. Keep an eye out on classroom windows for details, or speak to your child’s teacher. 

 

Welcome Tom Edwards

Kelly Haywood has resigned from her teaching position at Fairfield PS for personal reasons, allowing her to spend more time wither family. We thank Kelly for her contributions to FPS.

 

We welcome Tom Edwards who will now be teaching 3C on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tom has taught many classes as a replacement teacher at FPS over the last 12 months and is very familiar around the place. Ginger Moyle will continue to teach 3C on Wednesday – Friday. 

 

Rescheduled School Events

Last week’s announcement from the Premier means that we can reschedule the following events:

 

Wingrove St Campus Open Afternoon

  • Thursday 4th March, 3:45 – 4:30pm.
  • Come and have a walk through our wonderful new building.

Welcome Picnic

  • Friday 12 March, 5:30 – 8pm
  • On the FPS grounds – around the oval
  • It’s never too late to welcome everyone to the start of the school year.

Foundation Social Evening

  • Friday 26 March, 7 – 10pm
  • In the gym foyer. Bring a plate to share; drinks available.
  • This is a great way to meet other parents if you are new to the FPS community!

*Please note that QR Scanning will be used at these events for attendees to sign in.

 

Art-In-Residence

Many first time visitors to FPS comment on the artwork that they see on display around the school grounds. Whether it be the clay tiles on the red brick building, the mosaics around the amphitheatre or the clay eels in Kaan’s Winya (our indigenous garden), each has its own story to tell.

 

We are delighted to now have 2020’s Year 6 art on display, ‘Class of COVID, telling the stories of the students’ experiences through that remarkable year. This mural can be found opposite the bike shed, along Fairfield Rd. It would be great to see some returning students admiring their place in the school’s history.

 

COVID Restrictions – Face Masks

Below is the latest advice from the Department of Education and Training regarding the use of face masks:

Face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor spaces for school staff and visitors. They are recommended when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.

 

Pedestrian Crossing on Wingrove St

Thank you to the many community members who signed the recent petition, requesting a crossing supervisor on the Fairfield Rd/Wingrove St crossing. An acknowledgement to parent, Toby Hemming, for his significant contribution to this work. 

 

Cr Emily Dimitriadis put forward this motion at last week’s Council meeting of City of Darebin, which was unanimously approved. At this City of Darebin Council Meeting, Cr Dimitriadis put forward the following resolution to address the safety concerns:

 

 (1)  To urgently receive a Council Report in March 2021 exploring the option of consolidating the two current crossings into one supervised and safe crossing about 45 metres west from the current supervised crossing on Wingrove Street, ensuring that students can directly cross to the new campus in a safe manner. The report should include:

 

a)   A possible timeline to facilitate the consolidated transition to one supervised and safe crossing;
b)   Detailed plans to urgently improve the safety and signage at the corner of Wingrove Street and Fairfield Road including, but not limited to: warning signs (on streets including side streets and roundabout), approach rumble strips and flashing warning lights.

 

City Council have requested that a safety proposal be brought forward to their next meeting on 22nd March, which once endorsed, will be constructed and/or implemented soon after. 

 

Click to view the agendas and minutes from city of Darebin Council meetings.

 

Principal’s Morning Tea 

Our first Morning Tea of the year will take place on Thursday at 9am in the staff room (just around the corner from the main office). I use these events as an informal opportunity to provide an update with what is happening around the school, and to answer any questions that you may have.

 

Wishing everyone a great week and a fabulous long weekend.

 

~ Paul Wallace, Principal