Principal's Report
Greetings families and friends of Moonee Ponds West PS
Well we continue to manage in this challenging situation. I have been touching base with families to see how things are going and it is as you imagine: families are doing what they can. Schools are the social hub of a community and as such please reach out to us for assistance and support. We will access the supports we can to assist you at any time.
Friday Assemblies
These are becoming the highlight of my week. To see the children’s faces and to witness the learning and engagement of children when they share their learning makes me feel very proud. So far, we have had the Foundation/One students share their Inquiry focus on materials to make a range of devices for their toy’s enjoyment. There were hammocks, slides, cubbies and a range of other inventive opportunities for the toys to enjoy. Then we had Liam from Rm 11 MC’ing the sharing of quick writes penned by Clementine and Eric. Quality writing that is developing in complexity supported by direct instruction and timely feedback within the small group learning structure we have in place. Last week we had Malik share his rhyming poem. He had three to share and chose his favourite for the occasion. I am sure there will be more to come on other Assemblies. Shaw from Rm 17 spoke with confidence explaining the procedure for making a Finger board. Who knew these were so complex and exciting to use. Finally, Mac from Rm 8 showed us step by step how to make a movie. It was very impressive. Mac demonstrated the value of the Green Screen, as he engaged in his chosen Passion Project. Move over all current directors of note; Mac is coming through!
These ‘articles’ of learning demonstrated to me, the power of enabling self-directed and motivated learning. Such qualities are at the heart of every teacher’s planning and instruction. It is very rewarding when children engage to such a level. Anything is possible. Well done to children and teachers.
NAPLAN 2021
We have received our 2021 NAPLAN results and after a difficult year they demonstrate that the structures of our school are the right ones and our monitoring and instruction is improving to meet the learning needs of the students.
Parents of Year 3 and 5 students will be receiving both a digital and hard copy for their convenience. We copy these results and place in the student files.
Again, the NAPLAN is a point in time to reflect student and school performance. If you wish to discuss an aspect of your child’s result please contact the class teacher.
Last day of Term 3
Next Friday is the last day of the term. We have allocated this as a Planning Day for the class teaching staff. Children will have a planned focus on this day that will support their Inquiry topic for this term. Some teams will be drawing together the segments of their study over time in a Taking Action focus and some year level teams will be deepening the finding out aspect.
Friday September 17th at 9.10am will start with a Whole School Assembly facilitated by Jarrod and I, as there will be no class check-in on this day. Watch for the link so that your family can be part of this event. As usual school will conclude at 2.30pm.
Well that’s about it from me. Stay well, safe and positive and I hope to welcome you back to school very soon.
Your Principal
Kerri Simpson
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY
WEDNESDAY SEPT 8TH
International Literacy Day is celebrated annually around the world to remind us all of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. It also is to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
The theme for 2021 is “Literacy for a human-centred recovery: narrowing the digital divide.”
Here are some suggested books for this theme: Windows by Patrick Guest
https://theparentswebsite.com.au/best-of-the-web-watch-this-beautiful-childrens-story-from-melbourne-on-how-humanity-is-shining-through-our-windows/ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yQv4_rhhU4&t=164s
and
The Great Realisation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZBoRNmORiw
(Editor’s Note: Thank-you to our Learning Specialist Kim Simmons for the links)