Principal's Report

Olympic Fever

The thrill of the Olympics has truly captivated our classrooms! Students are immersing themselves in the rich world of various events, countries, and athletes, all while celebrating French culture. Throughout their primary school years, our students will have the opportunity to engage with two Olympic Games – it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the numerous learning connections and opportunities that this global event brings.

During my classroom visits, I've observed students actively discussing and reviewing events from the previous night, analysing the medal table, and creating Olympic-themed writings across various genres. Teachers have integrated reading, writing, and maths – and beyond – through the lens of the Olympics. This approach has enhanced student engagement and focus on their work. Below are photos of Year 3 and Year 6 students working on an Olympics-themed project together.

As well as the sporting brilliance that is on display, the Olympics celebrates inclusion, promotes the benefits of sport, and takes strong action towards climate change – all values that we celebrate at FPS.

Whether you are an avid fan of the swimming, captivated by the BMX events, cheering for the canoeists, or awed by the gymnasts, the Olympics offers a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and connect.

And let’s not forget that parents can join in the Olympic excitement at Saturday’s Trivia Night. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s creative outfits!

Tutor Program Resumes

We are pleased to announce that the tutor program will resume for two days a week, commencing the week of Monday 19 August. Ginger Moyle will be returning to FPS to lead the program. Having previously taught the tutor program at FPS, Ginger’s return will ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

The tutor program will continue to focus on Maths, with selected students (as identified by their teacher) joining the tutor program. This term, Year 5 & 6 students are the focus. In term one, nominated Year 1 & 2 students participated and in term two, Year 3 & 4 selected students participated.

Update on Yard Redevelopment

I am pleased to announce that the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) has approved our proposal for the yard redevelopment, allowing us to move forward with the project. The next steps involve finalising the detailed design with Jeavons Landscape Architects and then putting the project out to tender.

Whilst we are unlikely to see any action on the ground this year, it is reassuring to know that the project will be going ahead.

School Council Vacancy

A vacancy has become available on School Council. The period of this vacancy is from August 2024 until March 2025. Please email me at paul.wallace@education.vic.gov.au if you are interested in taking on this role.

Book Week & Science Week

A couple of events to put in your diaries for this term are Book Week and Science Week.

Book Week: 

• Monday 19th – Friday 23rd August
• Theme: Reading is Magic
• Book Character Parade Day: Thursday 22 August

Science Week:

• Monday 12th – Friday 16th August         
• Theme: Species Survival

Before & After School Activities

It was suggested at a recent principal morning tea that it would be helpful to create a table that shows what happens before and after school. Information on these offerings is available at the school office.

Learn to Swim Program

Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in the Learn to Swim program. As I am sure you can appreciate, organising for approximately 260 students to go swimming is quite the operation. There is lots to consider, particularly organising of groups, staffing, transport and timetables. I am grateful for the efforts of everyone – students, staff and parent volunteers, for their effort in making this such a positive experience.

The students have had their first two lessons and their excitement has not diminished. They are loving it!

Parent Teacher Interviews

A reminder that we have Parent Teacher Interviews this week. Thursday’s interviews are conducted from 1:45 – 4.45pm, meaning that there is a 1pm dismissal for all students on this day.  

• If your child is walking home alone/without adult supervision at 1pm, please give your consent via the Compass event “Permission to Walk Home – 8 August”.
• TeamKids is open from 1pm for families requiring after school hours care.
• Thursday’s interviews are online via WebEx. The link to join will be communicated in the Compass newsfeed on Wednesday afternoon.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

~ Paul Wallace, Principal