Principal's Report
Greetings to the families and friends of MPWPS,
Welcome back to our new school year for 2021. We had a fairly difficult time last year but this year has commenced with positivity and focus. I hope that you have been able to see and feel the calm and planned focus of the staff to support the learning needs of your child. Again, I say how lucky am I to lead this wonderful school; staff, students and families.
On the Curriculum Days last week we had the wonderful opportunity to work with Maria Ruberto (salutegenics.com.au) who helped us understand our brains, emotions and how to move from a negative bias. It was a great day of learning and reflection to present our ‘best’ selves. During the COVID-19 lockdown Maria offered short (10min) support videos called TT10 Talk to Ten. There are 10 separate guiding videos across a range of topics. I recommend these to you and they can be accessed via the website above and then hit the Workshop tab.
These are the Curriculum Days remaining for this year. They are:
June 5: Literacy focus
November 2: Student Wellbeing Catch-up
December 17: Half day in Lieu - Childcare provided
New Staff
We have a few changes in our staff for 2021. Welcome to Mr Bill Abrahams and Mr Reece Wilke who have joined the Senior Team. Welcome back to Ms Lisa McLachlan who re-joins us, and is in the middle school team. Ms Mandy Jones has taken a position at other school in the Northern Suburbs for a year and Ms Vicki Mc Cormack is on a year’s leave. Change is very good for a school, as it provides differing perspectives and ideas. I welcome all staff back to Moonee Ponds West for a successful year of learning together.
Assistant Principal
I welcome Jarrod Sutton to this position whilst Barb is taking up a Principal position. Jarrod will be taking up all the roles that Barb held, plus a focus on our virtual learning and communication. You can discuss any class items or other questions you may have about your child and their learning. A call to the General Office will provide access to Jarrod. I thank Jarrod for his willingness to take on the role.
New Soccer Goals
Towards the end of last year we were able to secure a set of soccer goals. The children are excited and no doubt jumpers will no longer be needed to signal the goal area. They might make it home now!
The Basket Tea
Our Basket Tea is coming up and I hope that you and your family will be able to attend. It will be terrific to have this opportunity after not being able to hold many school based social opportunities. The idea is to provide an opportunity to meet your teacher, other families in your class and year level. It’s BYO everything and we set up on the basketball court and oval. We hope to have our Parent Reps in place by then, so you can meet these wonderful people as well. So, get out the picnic set and rug and see you there.
Parent Reps
We are again calling for Parent Reps for each class. This can be a shared role per class. I am including the EOI form and the Parent Rep Guidelines so you can gain information about this important school role. A great way to become more involved in your school.
Our Japanese Language Assistant
In Term 4 we applied for this opportunity. The funding comes from the Department of Education. It is a shared role between us and Buckley Park Secondary College. I welcome Kari to our school and program. Kari will work alongside Diana and Cindy in our wonderful Japanese experience.
Lunch Orders
Yes, we are starting these again. The Darling St Café will be our provider. The Lunch Orders will commence in Week 3. Not only will this service assist families, it will also assist our Café, part of our local community.
Adults onsite
When coming onsite for whatever reason please be mindful that a mask is to be with you and preferably worn. Our new Foundation parents will be the only parents to enter the classroom. This practice will be for the three days this week. Access will ensure parents know the teacher, the class setup/routine and have their child settled. This was not achieved during transition. I am sure you understand. The visit for Foundation parents will be first thing in the morning.
We are investigating a QR code to track adult’s onsite. When we have this setup, the code will be displayed on windows and doors and be used for specific visits greater than 15 minutes.
In the meantime, if you are onsite sanitise in and out, masks please and to the classroom door. Once your child has the routine I suggest independence training and bring your child to the gate for the farewell.
That's about it from me, till we meet in person.
Kerri Simpson
Principal
School Grounds
From Friday 5th February our school grounds will re open to our school community, the wider community and to our outside providers to access after hours .
We thank you for your understanding whilst our grounds have been closed.