Acting Principal Report -
Miss Emily Burgess
A Suitcase Full of Songs
What an incredible event! Thank you to those who came to watch and support our students. Congratulations to all our amazing performers, staff and parents behind the scenes and most importantly, our incredibly dedicated specialist team: Jason Calnin, Maddi Stapleton, Elise Van Ooi and the brains behind the storyline, Amy Payne and Jacqui McLean. Our performance would not have been possible without you all. There was a recording made of the event and we look forward to sharing more information regarding this in the near future.
Book Week Celebrations at FPPS – Symphony of Stories
We're looking forward to celebrating CBCA Children's Book Week across Weeks 6 and 7 with this year's theme, Symphony of Stories. Throughout our celebrations, we'll be recognising the power of books in bringing people together, sparking imagination and nurturing a lifelong love of reading.
As our swimming program coincides with the nationally recognised Book Week dates, FPPS will begin celebrations a little earlier, kicking off on Friday 21 August (Week 6).
Friday 21 August – Book Week Dress-Up, Parade & Cosy Corner
Students are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character or inspired by a much-loved story. Families are welcome to join us for our Book Week Parade at 9:15 am.
This year, our much-loved Cosy Corner comes with a twist. From 2:45 pm, students will welcome a special person (parent, grandparent, or other significant adult) to their classroom to enjoy a hot chocolate while sharing a favourite book together.
Lunchtime Book Week Activities – Week 7 (24–28 August)
The celebrations continue throughout Week 7 with a range of lunchtime activities in the Hub.
Monday – Bookmark Studio: Design and create a bookmark inspired by your favourite stories.
Tuesday – Character Colouring Club: Bring beloved book characters to life through colour.
Wednesday – Finish the Story: Let your imagination take centre stage by writing the next chapter or creating a brand-new ending.
Thursday – Puzzle Club: Challenge yourself with a variety of book-themed puzzles, games and brain teasers.
We can't wait to celebrate another fabulous Book Week!
Planning for 2027
Within the next month the process of organising students into classes for next year will begin. Our schools’ enrolments for 2027 are stable with approximately 395 students and it is anticipated that we will be operational with 18 classes.
If there are any issues we need to be aware of when allocating your child to a class, please make sure you put this in writing to Darlene Cameron by no later than Friday 18th September, end of Term Three. The teachers and I will be meeting early in Term 4 to begin the process of placing children into classes. Late requests cannot be accommodated.
As per last year, for 2027 classes, we will not be seeking preferences directly from students because teachers are best placed to develop combinations of students who support each other’s learning and wellbeing in the classroom.
Requests for specific teachers will not be accepted. We have a high-quality teaching team, and parents can be confident the needs of their child will be met by any member of our staff.
Developing well-balanced classes is best for everyone and that can be made difficult if there are large numbers of requests – as such, it is important that placement requests be founded on significant reasons. Whilst we will take requests into consideration, please understand this is not always possible.
It is also important when we come to organise classes that we know of students who will not be at our school next year. If your family is moving on for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting Jane or Alison at the front office.
2026 School Swimming Program
Our annual swimming program commences in Week 7, with students in Years 3-6 attending from Monday 24th - Friday 28th August. Students in Years F-2 will be attending in Week 8, Monday 31st August - Friday 4th September.
Students will all participate in 5 x 40 minutes lessons over the course of the week.
As you would understand, child safety is our number one priority with regards to the swimming program including the safety of students in the water and on the pool deck. In addition, ensuring adequate supervision and safety of students in changerooms. Our school has a close partnership with the pool staff ensuring we undertake the appropriate risk management procedures to ensure the safety of all involved.
Swimming is an incredibly important life skill and even for those who already swim confidently, our swimming program offers an extra opportunity for students to refine their skills in the pool with expert support.
Congratulations Henry - National Champion!
Last week, our very own Henry L represented Victoria in the Under 12s Boys AFL National Championships in Canberra.
After a 6-week training period across locations in Melbourne, Henry, along with his team mates, set off to Canberra to compete against the rest of the nation. We were lucky enough, back at school to be able to watch Henry in action and keep up to date with his success. The team worked hard and were a force to be reckoned with, taking out the gold medal, remaining undefeated for the tournament.
What a great experience for Henry - from the first day of trials, to the last day of the carnival and being able to celebrate this team achievement with a new group of friends who will remember these moments forever.
We look forward to watching your next steps, in what are sure to be exciting times ahead!
A chance to have your say - Parent Opinion Survey
Next week, we will be sharing information regarding our 2026 Parent Opinion Survey. Your opinions are important to us and will contribute to identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.
The survey will be conducted online and only takes 20 minutes to complete. It can be completed on any internet enabled device (desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone) and is compatible with most browsers.
Further information regarding The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey will be shared via Compass when this opens next week.
Digital Device Use at School
You may have heard in recent times about changes to device usage across schools in Victoria. The updated Digital Learning policy outlines requirements and recommendations for the provision and use of digital devices and tools in a safe, intentional, and responsible way that supports learning.
From 2027, schools with primary students are expected to:
- limit student use of digital devices and tools across Levels F–6, other than where the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 requires use
- design teaching and learning programs consistent with the following digital device student usage times:
- Years F–2: Minimal use other than learning about and with digital technologies as set out in the Victorian Curriculum 2.0
- Years 3–6: Maximum of 90 minutes per day.
The Digital Technologies curriculum covered Fyans Park Primary School is in alignment with this new guidance and following the curriculum requirements at each stage of learning through primary school:
Levels F–2: Building early digital foundations
Levels 3–4: Developing independence and responsibility
Levels 5–6: Becoming confident and critical users
If you are interested in learning more:
- Digital Learning - Department Policy
- Department guidance on mobile phones - student use
- Fyans Park Mobile Phones and other Personal Devices - Student Use
Wishing you all a happy week ahead.
Emily Burgess