Principal's Report

In this week’s newsletter:

Appreciations and News

• Book Fair Appreciation
• TheirCare Appreciation 
• Father’s and Special Person’s Day Stall Appreciation
• 2026 Learning Buddy suggestions for students in Grades Prep to 5
• Leaving FWPS for 2026? 
• 2026 Additional Considerations for Class Placement 
• Divisional Athletics Carnival
• Congrats Lucy!
• Inform and Empower Survey
• TheirCare Holiday Program News

Coming Up - Tomorrow

• Assembly
• Junior School Bake Sale

Coming Up - Next Week

• Kids’ Share Open Afternoon
• Sporting Colours Day
• End of Term

Next Term

• Sunsmart 'No Hat, No Play' Policy

Appreciations and News

Book Fair Appreciation

A huge thank you to Shannon and the staff who assisted in running a marvellous Book Fair. Families supported the event with enthusiasm and patience during the busiest times. Shannon was thrilled to see her first Fair embraced so wholeheartedly and is now planning how best to use the funds raised.

TheirCare Appreciation

Thanks to Area Manager Michael, Co-ordinator Louise, and Bianca for cooking up a storm before school last Friday. Their breakfast created a great buzz and set the scene for the Father's and Special Person's Day Stall.

Father’s and Special Person’s Day Stall

Sincere thanks to the Berman / Jago family and the many volunteers who supported this popular stall. Every student who wished to purchase was given the opportunity, ensuring a smooth and inclusive event.

2026 Learning Buddy suggestions for students in Grades Prep to 5

It’s that time of the year again, when our staff begin the extensive class placement process for 2026. As with previous years, students from Grades Prep to Five will be provided with an opportunity to suggest the names of five peers (learning buddies) who they would like to be with in the same class for the following school year. 

Please click the link below to go to the newsletter page with all the important information for this process.  

Leaving FWPS for 2026? 

If your family is planning to leave for another school next year we would really appreciate you emailing us at: footscray.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au using the subject line (above).

2026 Additional Considerations for Class Placement 

Each year we provide the opportunity for parents and carers to communicate additional considerations for class placement for the following school year.  We ask all families to carefully consider whether they need to make a submission, as class placement is a complex process that involves all our teaching and leadership staff to develop over much of Term 4.  There are clear and abiding parameters that we have in place.  Please read with careful consideration and if you choose to make a submission, do so by Friday, 17th October (Week 2).  There will be no opportunity for late submissions.

Please click the link below to go to the newsletter page with all the important information for this process (scroll to the bottom on the page).

Divisional Athletics Carnival

The annual Athletics Carnival for students who qualified at stage 2, our District event was held on Wednesday. A verbal report will also be shared at tomorrow’s assembly and a newsletter report by Grade 6 representatives, Sophie T, Evie, and Madi included to be included in next week’s newsletter. Thanks to Troy and Stratos for their attendance and congratulations to our participants for their terrific efforts and for representing our school exhibiting our values of Belonging, Respect, Resilience and Responsibility. An assortment of pictures gives us an impression of the day.

Congratulations, Lucy Schwartz

Lucy joined us late last year in grade 5 and has quickly adapted to life at FWPS. We’re delighted to share her golfing achievements in this newsletter—her championship scores would impress even seasoned golfers!

Inform and Empower Survey

Thanks to the generosity of the Bendigo Community Bank in Seddon, student costs for this initiative were fully covered. With the support of our student leaders and instructional leaders, feedback is being gathered from teachers and students across each grade level. The captains will then work with Marshal and me to prepare a report for the Bendigo Community Bank Board. We are hopeful the Board will consider extending funding for FWPS and offering the same opportunity to other local schools.

TheirCare Holiday Program News

Due to major electrical works on Argyle Street, power will be shut down on Wednesday, 24th September from 7:30am–5:30pm. As a result, the program at FWPS will be cancelled that day. Families have been offered places at the Footscray Primary School program, with our staff - including Louise - transferred across to ensure familiar faces for FWPS children. TheirCare informed families as soon as this decision was confirmed.

Coming Up Tomorrow

Assembly

This week’s assembly will feature the students from 1MM, Pupils of the Week and a variety of reports. We hope to gather outdoors; if not we will livestream from the Dingo Gallery into classrooms. Assembly begins at 2:40pm.

Junior School Bake Sale 

Tomorrow at the end of the school day, the Parents' Association will host the Junior School Bake Sale in the school yard. We appreciate all the families who have pledged to donate food items and we hope many families will join the queue to support this event.

Coming Up Next Week (final week of Term 3)

Kids’ Share Open Afternoon – Tuesday

Families are invited to visit classrooms after school for student-led tours on Tuesday.  Doors will open at 3:30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to showcase their learning. Teachers will also be available for informal chats.

Sporting Colours Day – Friday

On the last day of term, we’ll once again support State Schools’ Relief. Students are invited to wear sporting gear or hobby-related clothing, with a gold coin donation requested. Coins will be collected in classrooms and tallied at the end-of-term assembly. AFL Victoria staff will join our teachers to run football activities during Grade 5 and 6 sports.

End of Term – Friday, 19th September

Assembly will begin at 1:40pm, with dismissal at 2:20pm.

Next Term

Sunsmart "No Hat, No Play" Policy - Term 4

Our Sunsmart “No Hat, No Play” policy will be enforced from the first day of Term 4. Students without a broad-brimmed or legionnaire hat will be required to play in the covered breezeway between the Wallaby and Bilby buildings. Hats are also required for outdoor activities, including physical education and sport.

Warm regards,

Brendan

2025 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey

We are inviting all families to participate in the 2025 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey, offered annually by the Department of Education. Your feedback is valued and helps our school better understand family perceptions around school climate, student behaviour, and engagement.

While participation is optional, we encourage you to take part. The insights gained will support our school improvement efforts and inform staff professional development and future planning.

Key Details:

• Survey opens: Monday 18 August
• Survey closes: Friday 19 September
• Access: A direct link will be sent via Compass next week
• Duration: Takes approximately 20 minutes
• Devices: Accessible via desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone
• Languages: Available in English and 10 other languages – Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Additional translated resources are also available upon request.

If you would like assistance or a translated guide, please contact the school office.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to speak with a member of the Principal Team.

Warm regards,

Brendan

Principal

Reminders and Repeated Messages