Footscray West PS Newsletter

Principal's Report

Principal: Brendan Millar

In this week’s newsletter:

 

Appreciations and News

  • Principal’s Day Celebrations
  • Parent/Carer Opinion Survey
  • Chickenpox Advisory
  • Inform and Empower Cyber Safety Webcasts

  • School Council Update

     

Coming Up 

  • Assembly – Friday
  • Grade 2 Excursion – Botanical Gardens
  • Prep – Milo’s Birthday Surprise

  • Trivia Night – Friday Evening

     

Coming up - Next Week

  • Footscray District Athletics Carnival

Appreciations and News

Principal’s Day Celebrations

Last week we were treated to a lovely surprise during assembly in celebration of Principal’s Day. Liz, Carolyn and I were presented with a wonderful message and a touching video, organised by our student leaders and members of our teaching team. A paper chain filled with notes from students added to the moment. Thoughtfully, the team postponed the presentation by a week due to my absence with illness — what a kind gesture. What other job can provide a perk like this one?

 

Parent/Carer Opinion Survey

The Parent/Carer Opinion Survey opens next Monday. This is an annual opportunity for families to share feedback. Further details can be found in the accompanying letter from the Department of Education (below).

 

Chickenpox Advisory

We’ve had several recent cases of chickenpox reported within our school community. A message was sent out via Compass, and I’m following up here as well.

 

If your child displays symptoms, please keep them at home, consult your GP, and notify the school. Typical symptoms (2–3 weeks post-exposure) include:

 

  • Low-grade fever
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • General unwellness

  • Skin rash - the rash usually starts as small lumps that turn into blisters, which scab over after about five days. It often appears on the body, limbs, head, mouth, eyelids, or genital area. The rash is usually itchy and may leave scars.

     

Inform and Empower Cyber Safety Webcasts

On Monday, I visited 6MA as they participated in this term’s Inform and Empower live cyber safety webcast — a fantastic program offered to students in Years 1–6 across Australia.

 

Earlier this year, families were invited to a parent information session for the program. Thanks to generous support from Seddon Community Bendigo Bank, participation has been free for all families as part of a trial initiative. On Tuesday, Andy and Aruna from the Bank’s community outreach team visited 5DW to observe the program in action.

 

Parents should now have received cyber safety tip sheets tailored to each year level. We encourage you to use these as conversation starters with your children — perhaps around the dinner table.

 

School Council Update

This week, School Council held the first of our two termly meetings. Key updates include:

 

  • Homework Policy: Our ComPol subcommittee met prior to discuss revisions to our homework policy. Once finalised and endorsed by Council, the updated version will be shared with the community.
  • Annual Report: As advertised, while the Annual Report to the School Community was available for public meeting online, no attendees joined. The content has already been extensively discussed at Council.
  • Capital Projects: Council approved significant capital investments for the school, including:
    • Two large, impact-resistant video screens for the new gym
    • Two outdoor TVs (outside Wallaby and on the eastern exterior of Platypus)
    • An upgrade to the school PA system
  • These enhancements will help improve communication with students, parents, and carers.
  • Facilities Update:
    • Propping of the downstairs lintel in the Wallaby corridor
    • Progress update on our Big Build project
    • Removal of two gum trees in front of reception, following arborist advice. The area does feel bare, but native shrubs will be planted by our gardener Craig once stumps are removed.
    • Ongoing discussions with Maribyrnong Council’s Recreation team about opening the school oval to the public after hours. More news on this soon!
  • General Business:
    • Assistant Principal Carolyn presented a detailed summary of our outstanding NAPLAN results
    • Assistant Principal Liz shared preliminary plans for the 2026 Grade 6 graduation
    • Parents’ Association representative Alicia outlined a packed Term 3 calendar, kicking off with tomorrow’s Trivia Night!

Coming Up 

Assembly – Friday

Due to the weather forecast, assembly will likely be held indoors. Highlights include:

 

  • Milo’s Birthday Surprise by PAK
  • Pupil of the Week awards (Note: Grade 2s will be absent due to their excursion)
  • A very special Principal’s Award for an unprecedented six students in PHM!
  • Grade 2 Excursion – Botanical Gardens - fingers crossed for dry weather! This Connecting to Country excursion offers a hands-on understanding of native flora and fauna and their significance to Traditional Owners. Students will explore the site’s history as a gathering, hunting, and meeting place.
  • Prep – Milo’s Birthday Surprise - our Prep students will celebrate learning all the alphabet sounds with Milo’s Birthday - a key milestone in our Little Learners Love Literacy program. Expect dress-ups, fun activities, and maybe even party food! Information has already been sent home. We look forward to seeing our Preps in costume during the day - and the adults later that evening at…
  • Trivia Night – Friday Evening - get ready for a night of laughter and fun! The Parents’ Association Trivia Night, brilliantly organised by Nico Lynch and the team, takes place tomorrow at Happy Receptions in Tottenham, with an ‘80s Wedding’ theme. Tickets sold out quickly and drink vouchers have been snapped up - it's shaping up to be a memorable evening of community and fundraising. Thank you to everyone involved!

Coming Up - Next Week

Footscray District Athletics Carnival

Qualifying students from Grades 4, 5 and 6 will represent our school at the Footscray District Athletics Carnival next Thursday at Aberfeldie Sports Track, Moonee Ponds. They’ll be accompanied by Stratos as they compete alongside students from neighbouring primary schools.

 

Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and cheer on enthusiastically!

 

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, Liz and Carolyn

Principal Team

 

Reminders and Repeated Messages

Reminders & Repeated Messages - Term 3.pdf