Principal's report
Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Community members of Moonee Ponds West PS
Dear Parents, Carers, Students, Staff and Community members,
Week six (6) and it is all GO! I often think that when we get to Melbourne Cup Day it is a quick run down to Christmas, so I am putting the brakes on a bit! We are all focused on the reporting process and on ensuring that your child is set up for success in all learning ventures.
Moonee Vale Instrumental Music Program
This week is the combined concert! It is a terrific experience for students to perform together on the big stage. It was this time last year that I witnessed the strong link between the Music Camp, the MVIMP instruction and performance. The improvement in playing skill from the camp to the concert was incredible for some children. Music is often a challenge for children as the practice component needs to sit right in the middle of the other components. The old adage of practice makes perfect or makes the job enjoyable needs to be restated here. I can see the enjoyment and sense of confidence that music gives to students once they get over the practice cliff! I look forward to Thursday evening’s entertainment. Chookas everyone!
Tickets are available on line at Eventbrite @
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mvimp-combined-concert-2019-tickets-77775967011
Chess Achievement for Term 3
Congratulations to the following students who received awards for Term 3.
Beginner
1st Place: Ari K (Trophy)
2nd Place: Oliver H (Silver Grasshopper Badge)
3rd Place: Jamie K (Bronze Grasshopper Badge)
Advanced
1st Place: Orlando P (Trophy)
2nd Place: Vivan S (Silver Grasshopper Badge)
3rd Place: Jerome Z(Bronze Grasshopper Badge)
Chess teaches many things including patience, strategy and sportspersonship! Chess is offered after school on a Wednesday 3.30-4.30. The opportunity will again be offered in 2020 if you are thinking about joining your child.
Lost Property
This is becoming the ‘bane’ of my existence! The portable hanging rack is groaning under the weight of the many jumpers, tops and other sundry items. Please ensure your child’s clothing is named then we have a chance to get it back to you. In a week or so the rack will be cleared, items cleaned and sent to the secondhand vendor. Also the number of drink bottles and lunch box arrangements are also building. Come on children find your things and get them home!
Mobile Phone Policy
In 2020 mobile phones for students will be banned in all Government Schools. A copy of this new policy is available for you on the link below, on the Website, and at the General Office. It is suggested that if you require your child to have their phone at school then the process schools have been advised to adopt will be as follows: the student leaves the phone at the General Office at the beginning of the day and collects at the end. The phone goes in a zip lock bag with their name on it and stored securely during this time. At MPWPS we are yet to discuss a process for our students and will inform you when this operational decision is clear. I believe this process used to happen at the school in the past so MPWPS is leading the way yet again! The Department of Education is focused on students not being distracted from their learning and are also clear about protecting students in this digital age and supporting cyber safety recommendations.
School Performance Data 2019
I share with you the School’s Performance data for 2019. In 12 months we have moved from renew to influence. The ideal is influence in all areas. It is clear we are on the right pathway and that all staff are continuing to support the learning growth of all children. The work the staff are engaged in is building of their existing knowledge and is further enhanced by the staff coming together to plan in a collaborative framework. Effective teams get results like these; highly effective teams push the limits further whilst supporting and encouraging students to give their best.
I hope you are as proud of this result as we are. The challenge is to stay in the blue!
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Yesterday two of our senior students (Harriet and Xavier) lead the Remembrance Day ceremony for our school. They read the poem On Flanders Fields, recited the Ode and all students stood for one minute in respectful silence. The Last Post signalled the end of the silence. These traditions provide a link to the past and a chance to display respectful behaviours within our community. I congratulate Harriet and Xavier for their leadership and confidence yesterday.
Well that’s about it from me for this week. Until we meet in person try this helpful hint I heard during the week; at the dinner table each night take time to stop, listen and support all family members by asking; What’s news from your day and what do you need help with?
Sincerely
Kerri Simpson
Principal (Acting at Moonee Ponds West PS)