Principal's Report

A Great Start to the Year

What a terrific first week we have had back at school! The summer holidays are a long break, and whilst it can take a little bit of time to readjust to school routines, the students’ return to FPS has been first class.

When I visit the classrooms and ask the students what they most like about being back at school, the resounding response is ‘seeing my friends again’. These replies are that reminder of the vibrancy of school, and the positive impact that seeing friends – and connecting with different people – has on everyone.

A special mention to our Foundation students – we are so proud of how you have started your school life. There are lots of smiles and happy faces around the Foundation area and your school readiness is clear to everyone.

Welcome to the families who are new to the FPS community. We look forward to seeing you around the grounds and are delighted to have you as part of our school community.

What’s New this Year?

There have been a few staffing changes this year. Our new teachers have had an excellent start to the year and we are pleased to have them on board.

Assistant Principal

As announced last year, Nicole Rettke is our new Assistant Principal. Last year, Nicole performed this role three days a week in an acting capacity, and I look forward to working alongside her as she assumes the position full time. In this week’s newsletter, you can read an introductory message from Nicole.

Wellbeing & Inclusion Leading Teachers

Another significant change that was announced last year was the appointment of three Wellbeing and Inclusion Leading Teachers, each performing this role three days a week –  Grace Clark, Prue Middleton, Cathy Turner. The introduction of the Disability and Inclusion Reform by the Department of Education, has provided all schools with additional funding to enable students of all abilities to thrive at school, and in life. 

This funding will provide additional support to our school, which is particularly welcome with our steady increase in enrolments. The model that the school has chosen is for each of the Leading Teachers taking responsibility for an area of the school:

• Foundation – Year 2: Grace
• Year 3 – Year 4: Cathy
• Year 5 – Year 6: Prue

Their work will include supporting students, supporting teachers in class, working alongside families whose children require additional adjustments, leading staff professional learning, and involvement in the new Disability Inclusion Profile. 

We will use the newsletter to communicate the work of our new Leading Teachers on a regular basis.

Literacy & Numeracy Learning Specialists

Binh Hoang (Literacy) and Sophie Ratcliffe (Numeracy) will continue in the roles of Learning Specialists. Last year, Binh and Sophie’s work had a positive impact on the teaching and learning of Literacy and Numeracy, with their priorities for 2024 set out in our Annual Implementation Plan (see below).

Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI)

Funding by the Department for the Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI) has changed this year, meaning that the program will run two days a week with a focus on Numeracy. This program will be coordinated and taught by Prue Middleton, with a focus on Year 1 and 2 students this term.

Note, Rebecca Creswick will continue to run Literacy support sessions, four days a week.

Science

Next week sees the introduction of Science as a specialist subject. During our last School Review, Science was discussed at our Parent Forum, with some parents identifying it as an area for the school to put greater focus on.

We are very excited to be introducing this fifth specialist subject. Read more in this week’s newsletter from our Science Specialist, Mariah Moshis.

Kaan’s Winya

In our Welcome Back communication last week, we mentioned some of the school improvements that took place during the holidays. A special mention regarding Kaan’s Winya, (this translates to the tiger snake’s resting place)  which underwent some restoration work. Teachers have been taking students out to our indigenous garden and sharing some important messages so that it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Somers Camp

This morning, 20 of our Year 5 and 6 students headed off on a nine-day camp. This is a fantastic opportunity for the students attending, and we look forward to hearing about it when they return next week.

Year 6 T-Shirts

Have you noticed the Year 6 students in their 2024 commemorative t-shirts? There's a sea of green across the cohort and they look fantastic.

Asthma Action Plans

A reminder for families of children with asthma to send any updated Asthma Action Plans to the school office. It is recommended that plans are updated annually by your child's doctor.

Key Dates

Some key dates to be aware of this term:

• Friday 9 February: Foundation Social Night
• Tuesday 20 February: District Swimming Carnival (selected Year 4 – 6 students)
• Friday 23 February: School Welcome Picnic 
• Wednesday 28 February: Division Swimming Carnival (selected Year 4 – 6 students)
• Thursday 7 March: Reconciliation Action Plan Meeting (see details in this newsletter).
• Wednesday 13 March: School Photo Day
• Thursday 21 March: Harmony Day
• Thursday 28 March: Lots of Socks Day

Parent Teacher Interviews

Following the positive feedback from how we organised Parent Teacher Interviews last year, we will maintain the same process this year. Interviews for students in all year levels  will be a combination of in-person (at FPS) and online interviews. Interview bookings will open the week of 26 February. Bookings are scheduled through Compass.

• Tuesday 12 March (3:45 – 4:45pm): Onsite / face to face interviews in the classroom.
• Wednesday 13 March (3:45 – 4:45pm): Onsite / face to face interviews in the classroom.
• Thursday 14 March (1:45 – 4:45pm): Online interviews via WebEx. Please note, on this day there will be a 1pm dismissal. (TeamKids will open from 1pm).

NAPLAN

Our Year 3 and 5 students will participate in NAPLAN between 13 March – 22 March. The schedule and details will be communicated to Year 3 and 5 families in the next couple of weeks.

Enjoy your week.

~ Paul Wallace, Principal