In this week’s newsletter:

Appreciations and News
- Assembly tomorrow
- Diversity Day
- Prep & 1 LL Swimming
- Grade 2 Wildlife Xposure Incursion
- NAIDOC Medal of Excellence
- Fraser Primary School Young Leaders Award
Coming Up
- Working Bee

Appreciations and News

With Diversity Day, the report writing curriculum day and Cup Day all across the past week, it feels like time has flown since the last newsletter! Term 4 is always very busy with a range of curricular and extracurricular activities happening, and we are well and truly in the thick of things now.

Assembly tomorrow - Friday 8th November

Tomorrow, Towela will host the last assembly before Brendan returns from his long service leave next week, as Carolyn and I will be at a meeting with our assistant principal colleagues from across our local network. PAC have been enthusiastically rehearsing their item, so we hope to see lots of their families join us!

At this stage, the weather could go either way. If it is looking like rain come lunchtime tomorrow, we’ll call an indoor assembly early to be held in the Gallery.

Diversity Day

Last Friday we celebrated our third annual Diversity Day, and the second with Kaboom Kids joining us for a range of multi-age tabloid sports. It’s always a pleasure when an external organisation comments on how great they found our students to be! They made particular mention of our students’ ability to stop and listen and also the leadership of our senior students within each of the groups. Back in the classrooms, students celebrated diversity of culture, ability, neurodiversity and gender through shared activities. It was wonderful to see and hear our students talking about our school value of BELONGING through the lens of diversity and inclusion.

Prep and 1LL Swimming

On Wednesday, 1LL and the Preps kicked off their warm water swimming program at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre. Despite the slight bus hiccup on the first morning (running a little late!), the rest of the program has been smooth sailing. Credit goes to our staff and parent/carer volunteers who are keeping our little people moving like clockwork each day.

Year Two Wildlife Xposure Incursion

Today the Year Two students had a visit from Wildlife Xposure, who brought in a selection of marine animals to help the students understand our local aquatic biodiversity. The students got to handle and see a wide range of animals, exploring their features, lifestyle, habitats and diets. This visit tied in beautifully with the students’ current unit of work, Under The Sea, and supported them to develop further ideas for their information report writing projects.

NAIDOC Medal of Excellence

We had lovely news on Wednesday that one of our students, Nyrvana Naden of 2BL, was one of only 25 winners across the state for the NAIDOC Medal of Excellence. Nyrvana’s colouring competition entry from NAIDOC Week was recognised for creativity, and it will be included in the Prime Minister’s NAIDOC Week Final Report. Although not a prerequisite for winning, Nyrvana is one of our proud indigenous students, and we know she will be thrilled to wear her very hefty medal around her neck! Tess Maddison, who is our Marrung Champion, will be presenting Nyrvana with her medal at assembly tomorrow.

Fraser Primary School Young Leaders Awards

This week we are also celebrating two Year 6 students at assembly, who are the recipients of the Fraser Primary School Young Leaders Award. The award, from the office of Federal Member for Fraser, Dr. Daniel Mulino MP, recognises Jack Morrison and Lawrence Ligertwood for their exceptional leadership, academic achievement and strong commitment to our school community.

In reflecting on these very deserving awardees, their teachers stated:

Jack is deeply committed to environmental sustainability and community engagement. He actively volunteers at the lunchtime Gardening Club, inspiring peers with his passion for nature and helping to maintain the school’s orchard. Outside of school, Jack participates in tree planting events and other initiatives, demonstrating his dedication to preserving the planet. His respectful nature and steadfast commitment make him a deserving candidate for this award.

Lawrence is an aspirational student, community-minded, and driven to create positive change. He engages with complex topics thoughtfully, balancing empathy with critical thinking. Lawrence is passionate about supporting others and creating equitable solutions to community challenges. Academically, he is intrinsically motivated, with an inquisitive mind and a strong aptitude for communication. He sets and works towards academic goals independently, consistently pushing himself to explore advanced concepts. Lawrence is also a strong advocate for social change, staying informed about social issues and encouraging peers to engage in meaningful discussions for positive outcomes.

Well done to both these students on this wonderful achievement!

Coming Up

Working Bee - Sunday 17th November

In case you missed it in the ‘Coming Up’ section of last week’s newsletter, the Facilities Committee of our School Council is planning for a general working bee to be held from 9:00am to midday on Sunday, 17 November. Planned works include gardening, painting, general maintenance and preparation for our gymnasium building project.

Due to Child Safety requirements, the working bee component of the day will be an adult only event. Attendees will be sent OH&S induction requirements prior to attendance.

Following the working bee, families of participants are invited to join us onsite for a pizza lunch using our outdoor pizza oven. The school will provide pizza bases, basic ingredients and soft drinks. You are welcome to bring along some additional ingredients, if that suits. This will be a family friendly, alcohol-free event.

If you can attend for some or all of the working bee and lunch, please register your details on the link below.

Link: https://forms.gle/ZHLFmoFstz2cWE4D7

Cheers (and signing off on my last newsletter before Brendan returns),

Liz.

REPEATED MESSAGES FROM PAST NEWSLETTERS

Leaving FWPS in 2025?

If your family is planning to leave for another school next year, we would really appreciate you emailing us at: footscray.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au using the subject line (above) and letting us know your child’s new school so we can process the transfer.

Wellbeing & Inclusion News

One Step at a Time Program - Parent Support for Childhood Anxiety - Swinburne Psychology Clinic