Voting Station Tomorrow at FNPS

Don’t forget to pop into FNPS tomorrow to vote at the referendum - and while you’re here grab a sausage and zooper dooper!

Thank you to the team of volunteers who are coming along to help out tomorrow, coordinated by Nicole Mills.

I am genuinely amazed by the enthusiasm of our community to help out at a range of events and school activities. We had the working bee only last weekend, and there have been a number of family members helping out at both swimming and camp this week, as well as the referendum tomorrow! Thank you to everyone who is giving up their time to provide their support.

I also want to acknowledge our amazing office staff Nicole and Emily for their behind the scenes support to organise this (and many others) events.

World Premier of Commotion in the Ocean

Congratulations to our Prep students for putting on a wonderful show last Thursday! It was the world premier of the musical performance Commotion in the Ocean performed in front of a packed audience of family members on the basketball court. There were crabs, octopuses and whales singing and dancing on stage, accompanied by some of our talented Grade 6 musicians.

Following our postponement due to bad weather last term, the light rain on the night provided the perfect natural special effects! Then a few minutes after the concert was over the skies opened up!

Thanks to the family members who helped out in the lead up to the event. I also want to acknowledge Katy, our TheirCare coordinator, who provided choreography support and of course, a shout out to our fantastic Prep teaching team for their hard work organising and preparing for the event.

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Information Session

You may have seen the Compass notification that went out yesterday about the Primary Years Program information session in a couple of weeks time. The Leadership Team is currently exploring the potential benefits of the International Baccalaureate - Primary Years Program (PYP) for FNPS. We have been investigating the philosophical and educational approaches of the PYP and how they align with FNPS.

If you would like to know more about these links, we are holding an information session on 15th October at 6pm. You can register your interest in attending the session (either in person or online) at this link: https://forms.gle/mzLEybAGciNEDZtw5

Grade 3 Camp

Despite some wet weather, from all reports our Grade 3 students had an absolute blast at Ferngully Lodge Camp in Healesville. They had a go at various adventure activities, including a ropes course and rock climbing wall, and finished today with a (slightly wet) trip to Healesville Sanctuary. I imagine there will be some tired bodies tonight! I’m looking forward to hearing all about their adventures back at school next week.

Thank you to Dianna, Jake, Ben and Kristy-Lee for going along to support the students, as well as the parent/carer volunteers who helped out.

Working Bee

What an incredible turnout at the working bee on Sunday - there must have been more than 50 people over the afternoon - thank you to all the families who attended. The Block was almost unrecognisable after work in the gardens and disposal of rubbish. I even got my own children walking around the school picking up rubbish!

Public Speaking Competition at Northcote High School

Three of our Grade 6 students went to Northcote High School yesterday to represent FNPS at a public speaking competition, where they shared speeches on the topic ‘Taken for Granted’. All of the Grade 6 students had a chance to share their own speeches with the cohort last week - and the teachers shared with me the incredible effort made by all students, recognising the challenge of speaking in front of your peers.

Congratulations to Frances, Leo and Meabh who were selected to speak at the competition. They spoke at today’s assembly about the experience:

Meabh: “It was terrifying but we all tried our best. All of the speakers from the other school were terrific and it was great to see so many young people talking passionately in front of others.”

Leo: “Unfortunately we didn’t win but it was still an awesome experience. I took a lot out of it and hope to do something like this again in the future.”

Frances: “I'm so happy with how we did and I am the teeniest bit more comfortable with public speaking!”

Regional Athletics

Congratulations to the ten students who represented our school at the Regional Athletics day on Wednesday. From all reports they all competed hard and made the school proud. A special mention to Tom in 6TR who came second in his event and qualified for state.

Enrolments for 2024

Do you have a move planned for 2024? Of course, we hope that we’ll see everyone back at FNPS next year (even the Grade 6s - whenever they want to visit!). However, we understand for a range of factors, some children may be leaving FNPS in 2024. If you know that this is the case for your child, can you please email the office staff at fitzroy.north.ps@education.vic.gov.au, as this helps us with future planning.

Additionally, if you know of any family or friends with kindergarten age children who are starting Prep next year, but are yet to enrol at FNPS, please let them know that we are still able to offer places for 2024. If anyone would like more information about future Prep enrolments, including having a tour of the school with Tania or myself, please encourage them to contact the office.

Have a fantastic weekend.

Toby

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