Appreciations and News

Grade 5 and 6 Maths Virtual Games Day

A group of 8 grade 5 and 6 students served us proudly with their excellent attitude and strong results in the annual Maths Virtual Games Day held on Monday, arranged and supported by Assistant Principal, Carolyn. A report is included in today’s newsletter.

Today is World Kindness Day

What a great day to do something extra for another person. JSC plans to mark the day with kindness notes have been postponed due to a staffing absence.

Organisation for 2026

Prep Transition

Our prep 2026 transition program continued this week with grade 5 representatives enthusiastically assisting in classrooms as next year’s prep teachers provided ‘learning through play’ activities and a story book experience for children. The preps were placed in likely 2026 class groups for these visits, so it was interesting to notice how well the children on the whole interacted with each other, the grade 5 helpers, teachers and grown ups, such as Karri, Lisa and myself.

In another lovely FWPS tradition, our grade 5 students take great care in preparing individual ‘showbags’ for every prep child during visual art lessons.

These are packed with a wonderful panoply of games and activities for the child and important information for the parents. As Susie was running a grade 5 art class as one of the prep sessions was concluding, the grade 5s met the children whose showbag they decorated. What a memorable moment! The final classroom visit will take place on Tuesday, 25th November.

Planning

Last week I made mention of final staffing arrangements, likely grade sizes and the development of class lists for next year, information worth checking on if you missed it.

Through School Transition and Induction Day

Each year we hold this important event on the same day as our year 6 students who are moving onto government secondary schools participate in Year 6 to 7 statewide transition day. On this day all students in current years Prep to 5 will visit their new classroom and interact with their new grade peers and classroom teacher. It is a very important day not to miss.

Parents' Association

Our Parents’ Association plays such an important role in building the strong sense of community that makes our school special. As we look ahead to 2026, the PA Committee is welcoming new members and supporters.

We encourage all parents and carers to take a moment to click through to the PA page in this week’s newsletter to learn more about the new 2026 Committee and how you can get involved. Your participation and support make all the difference!

Coming Up - Tomorrow

Interschool Sport

This week we host the second of successive home games with all sports being played onsite. This week the opponents will be Corpus Christi School from Kingsville. Games start at the beginning of the school day to comply with Sunsmart regulations. Parents and carers are encouraged to attend to support the students. Reports will be provided at assembly.

Assembly

Won’t we be relieved when we have access every week to our marvellous new Eagle Building and we won’t have to worry about the weather so much? This week’s assembly will feature a group of grade 1 volunteers representing the year 1 cohort reporting on their recent Melbourne Museum experience. Thanks to team leader Joanna for assisting the children in preparation and presentation practice.

Coming Up - Next Week

Kaboom Kids on Diversity Day

Our back up day for this recently postponed event is Monday. The main event will feature the Kaboom Kids crew who will run a fun tabloid style activity for the students who will be in mixed activity groups in either a morning or afternoon session. This day is our annual community celebration of our wonderfully diverse community at FWPS which we all welcome and appreciate. Don’t forget it is a free dress day (no gold coin required) when kids are welcome to wear lots of colour, but don’t forget your hat!

Coming Up - Later

Thank You Morning Tea for 2025 Volunteers

This week I will remind you of the upcoming Volunteer’s morning tea to be held, appropriately on World Volunteer Day, Friday 5th December. Staff will be showing their appreciation by catering for the many helpers who have assisted in a broad number of ways. If you have assisted in classrooms, attended excursions, helped with the swimming program, participated in camps, been a member of School Council, supported Parents’ Association, amongst others we would love to see you there!

Annual Christmas Appeal

In a heart warming Christmas tradition, years ago we first collaborated with The Salvos to source a range of hamper items at this time of the year. We ask our families to donate new games and toys and the staff to donate food items. If you can help, please drop them in the office, or send them to school with your child. It is lovely when we see students duck out of class for a couple of minutes to drop off an item for a child less fortunate. What a real and abiding learning experience this can be.

Cheers,

Brendan

Repeated from Last Term

Leaving FWPS for 2026?

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).

Reminders and Repeated Messages

Community News

Sustainable Christmas Crafting - Maribyrnong City Council

Are the kids alright? Raising the post-pandemic child special public event - Victoria University

Micro Fiction Competition - Brimbank City Council

Spring into Summer Series - Maribyrnong City Council

The Safe Migration Project - TAC Road Safety Education Victoria

Secure Your Vehicle

Reading Club - Maidstone Community Centre

What's on for Families - Maribyrnong City Council

Active Paths Program - Maribyrnong City Council