Principal's Report

FPS Community –Simply the Best!

What a busy couple of weeks it has been for our community. Within the space of six days we hosted our Election Day Sausage Sizzle, as well as our Special Person’s Breakfast. 

Research shows the positive effect that people spending time with each other has on our health and happiness. When I run school tours, I explain how our school has an opportunity to provide opportunities for parents and community members to come together, and it is only thanks to the countless hours from our volunteers that we can run such terrific events.

I am very grateful for every hour of volunteering that this wonderful community contributes, making our school community the best it can be.

Election Day Sausage Sizzle

We were informed of the date of the general election shortly before the end of term one, which meant that the pressure was on to plan and run a sausage sizzle at our school. As always, our community made themselves available and willing to support this event, ensuring that our visiting voters were able to enjoy a tasty snag and a slice of cake.

It was great to hear from the coordinators and visitors about how well the event went. The ‘Democracy Sausage’ is a tradition that I have come to appreciate since moving to Australia (in fact, a sausage sizzle in general is a phenomenon in this part of the world!).

Thank you to the coordinators Steve Russell, Michelle Schwensen, Regan Richards, and Emily Creese for putting their hands up to run the event. Thank you to every volunteer who assisted with setting up, packing down, cooking, selling, baking, taking payments, sourcing goods. Thank you to our office admin team – Sarah, Nia, Elena, Kitty and Graham for supporting the event. A special mention to parent Huw Lacey who organised for Aldi to supply the sausages and bread for the day. 

Special Person’s Breakfast

The timing of the election meant that there was a short turnaround until our breakfast event, which had been planned and approved earlier in the year. Taking into account the efforts of the community at the sausage sizzle, a decision was made to scale back the breakfast with the aim of reducing demand on volunteers. Instead of the bacon and egg rolls, this year we provided a range of pastries to go with the coffee. It was another hit!

At the breakfast, I often take a moment to step back and watch people talking and laughing with each other – by organising these events, it gives people the opportunity to talk to those outside of their everyday social circles.

Another set of acknowledgements for this event includes the coordinator Brett McNeill; Phuong Phan (parent) for her significant contributions; the volunteers who served and washed up; and once again the office staff for their assistance.

Fundraising – Amount & Allocation

We raised $6,400 from the Election Sausage Sizzle, and $830 from the Special Person’s Breakfast. These funds are being targeted to improve one of the seating areas next to the amphitheatre (pictured below) – details to follow.

School Nurses

As you walk into the main school entrance on Langridge St, you will walk past three offices; mine, Nicole’s (assistant principal) and the administration office. The second room that you walk past (on your right hand side) is our first aid room. Most students at some time will visit this room, where they will often be cared for by one of our nurses, who are on duty from 11:15am – 2:30pm. We are very grateful to have dedicated and caring nurses available to support students with anything from a small graze to more serious injuries.

Last week, we said farewell to one of our nurses, Nadine Bisinella, who is unable to continue at FPS due to other work commitments. Thank you to Nadine for the care and kindness that you have shown throughout your time at the school. 

We have two nurses to cover the five-day school week:

• Diana Prior (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)
• Carolyn Ridley (Wednesday, Thursday)

Schools do not receive money in their budgets to employ school nurses, therefore we rely upon the parent contributions to ensure that we can provide this high standard of care.

Student Attitude to School Survey

Later this month, Years 4 – 6 students will complete the 2025 Student Attitudes to School Survey. The survey is offered by the Department of Education every year to help schools and the Department understand students' experiences of school. The survey asks your child about their thoughts and feelings of their school, their learning, relationships with other students, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general. 

Students will be invited to complete the survey online during class time using a purpose-built, secure online survey tool. The dates this year for the survey are:

• Year 4: Thursday 22 May
• Year 5: Wednesday 21 May
• Year 6: Wednesday 28 May

School Tours – Prospective 2026 Students

This week we will run the first of our school tours – Wednesday 14 May. We have places available for tours on 25th June and 2nd July. If you have friends or neighbours interested in enrolling their Foundation child next year, please encourage them to book a tour. They can also find out more about the FPS enrolment process on our website. 

FPS Trivia Night – Tickets on Sale Next Week

Preparations are in place for our FPS Trivia Night on Saturday 14 June. 

Tickets will be available to purchase from Wednesday 21 May at 8pm. Set your alarm – tickets sell out quickly! Keep an eye out for details in Compass, which will include a link to purchase tickets.

Later in this newsletter, there are details on the Silent Auction, which is run in conjunction with trivia night. Check it out!

Term 2 Lunchtime Clubs

Here are our term two lunchtime clubs. While these clubs can offer a break from the playground, they also provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of activities and pursue their interests and passions.

• Monday: Library with Paula
• Tuesday: Mindfulness with Katie
• Wednesday: Drawing with Cathy & Indigenous Games for Year 1 students with Georgia (our Year 6 PE captain) 
• Thursday: Eco & Gardening Club with Anneliese and Laurence and Catch up Art with Marjie
• Friday: Library with Paula

Congratulations Kelly

Congratulations to Kelly McKeown on the recent arrival of baby Stevie. Most of you will know Kelly as a Year 2 or Foundation teacher, who went on maternity leave earlier this year. Sending our best wishes to Kelly and her family with this exciting news.

Have a great week!

~ Paul Wallace, Principal