Principal's Report

‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’

Last Tuesday and Wednesday night was the time for our Year 5 and 6 students to shine, and shine they did! The families that I spoke with talked about it being the best concert they had seen. It was very rewarding to see our senior students take to the stage with such presence and confidence – it was as though it was the most natural thing in the world for them to do. 

There are many people to thank for supporting our Year 5 and 6s with this experience. To the parent volunteers who donated their skills and time with props and stage sets. To the staff who gave up their own time to support these late nights. And of our course, to Keri, for being the brains behind the production, and bringing it all together.

Our Year 5 and 6 production took place over two nights. This allowed more families to watch the show, it gave the Year 6 students a second opportunity to put all their preparation into action, and it also took a bit of pressure off our performing arts team in having to construct and deconstruct the setting over two days instead of just one.

This production will stay long in my memory, and I’m sure for anyone else who was lucky enough to be there.

Parent Opinion Survey Results

We recently received the results of our 2026 Parent Opinion Survey results and the improvement from 2025 to 2026 is certainly worth celebrating. The work that we have done this year to ensure lessons are structured, expectations are high, and learning is focused and purposeful is reflected not only in our academic outcomes, and also in the feedback provided by families.

It is pleasing to see that parents have recognised the positive impact of this work. Below are some of the survey areas that showed the strongest improvement this year:

• Overall, I am satisfied with the education my child receives from this school.

• This school always aims to improve the quality of education it provides.

• I feel confident that this school provides a good standard of education for my child.

• Teachers at this school expect my child to do their best.

• My child gets extra help with learning from teachers when needed.

• The academic standards at this school provide adequate challenge for my child.

• This school has a consistent approach to promoting positive student behaviour.

• This school can arrange wellbeing supports for my child when needed.

• My child has been supported this year to adjust to their new year level.

Yard Redevelopment Update

Every day sees the yard redevelopment getting closer to completion. Below is an update from our landscape architects, Jeavons, who are coordinating the work.

We are pleased to share that the landscape works are progressing exceptionally well, with several key milestones recently achieved.

 

The stormwater rectification works have now been completed, with the drainage infrastructure installed to compliant depths. These improvements will ensure the long-term performance and durability of the drainage system, helping to future-proof the landscape for many years to come.

 

Significant progress has also been made across the site, with the steel edging for the permeable paving now installed and ready for the permeable paving to be laid.

The concrete kerbs have also been completed, along with the installation of the bridges within the rain garden.

 

Looking ahead, both the asphalt and permeable paving works are scheduled to be completed during the week commencing 26 October 2026. These works will mark another important milestone as the project moves closer to completion.

We are pleased to confirm that the project remains on track for completion as scheduled during term 4, 2026.

 

We look forward to seeing the landscape take shape and delivering an exciting, functional and welcoming outdoor environment for the school community to enjoy for many years to come.

Once the work is completed, we will hold our next school assembly in this new space. Stay tuned for the details.

Aussie Bird Count with 4A

Class 4A enjoyed their 11 seconds of fame last week with an appearance on the Channel 9 News! While all classes took part in the Aussie Bird Count, 4A were lucky enough to meet Sean Dooley, BirdLife Australia’s Chief Bird Expert, and be filmed participating in the count. Students had the opportunity to learn fascinating bird facts from Sean and proudly shared their rendition of Eastern Rosella with him.

This was a fantastic experience and a wonderful way to celebrate our students' enthusiasm for learning about Australia's native birdlife as well as showcasing our school's commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.

Welcome 2027 Foundation Students

This afternoon we held our parent information session for the incoming 2027 Foundation students. Tomorrow we look forward to welcoming them to FPS for their first orientation day. This is always an exciting time for families and we wish all new FPS community members a very warm welcome.

Preparing for 2027 Classes

This term, staff will begin to draft student class groupings for 2027. As part of this process, students will be asked to write down the names of five peers who they work well with. We aim to accommodate at least one of these requests. Staff will use their knowledge of individual students to help create classes, ensuring a balance of abilities, gender, friendship groups and room for social expansion. 

Whilst recognising that staff are generally best placed to make decisions about their students’ future placements, there may be specific considerations of which they are unaware. If there is an important situation that parents need to communicate to the school for 2027 class placements, please email Paul Wallace no later than Monday 9 November. 

Please note that these requests are to be made for ‘exceptional’ situations rather than preferences. It can be difficult to accommodate a high volume of requests, particularly when requests can involve multiple students.

Departing Families

To support our planning for 2027, we kindly ask families who will not be returning to FPS next year to email the school office at your earliest convenience.

Celebrating Sporting Success

Over the past few weeks we have had students representing FPS in both basketball and athletics. A big congratulations to Beau in Year 4, who came 1st in discus and will be going to the State competition on Thursday. Good luck Beau! Also congratulations to our girls future star junior basketball team who competed last week at the Hoop Time regionals.

Short-term Challenge, Long-term Benefits

Thank you for your ongoing support. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the positive way our community has responded to the temporary reduction in yard space. While it has presented some short-term inconvenience, we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding, knowing that the completed works will provide long-term benefits for our students and school community.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Paul Wallace

Principal