Principal's Report

In this week’s newsletter:

• Appreciations and News
  • Assembly presenters last week
  • Values Icon competition workshop
  • Science incursion appreciation
  • Environment Team Science Week focus
  • Trivia Night acknowledgement
  • Good luck Roosters
  • Parent and Carers Opinion Survey 
  • Replacement Spotlights
• Coming Up
  • Marrung team Indigenous workshop tomorrow
  • Assembly tomorrow
  • Basketball clinic on Monday
  • District Athletics Carnival next Thursday
  • Book Week Parade Friday of next week
• Repeated (and Updated) Messages

Appreciations and News

At Assembly last Friday…

• Our Grade 4 to 6 Athletics Carnival Report was presented by Milly and Eva (6MA) (pictured).

• Grade 4 Environment Teamreps Etta (4CM), Lily (4AF) and Allegra (4MK) (pictured) shared some exciting news about Science Week.

• Zain and Oliver from 6MP (pictured) presented the JSC report on featuring the Mini Olympics lunchtime event held during the week.

The winners of the Values Icon competition had a full day workshop with Susie on Monday to create versions that can be digitally reproduced.  They had a great day superbly capped by the practical appreciation of a Dumbo juice or hot chocolate.  Thanks to the award winners who were available to attend; Lola (5HT), Mai (4AF), Vi (2TF) and Clem (6MA) and an appreciation to the incomparable Susie B!  I understand that Pepper (5TC) was unwell, I’m sure there will be an opportunity soon for her to incorporate her designs into a digital representation. 

Science Incursion Appreciation - Thanks to Niraj, the father of Ash Cunningham (2TF) for presenting an outstanding science incursion on Monday for the grade 2 team.  Thanks Niraj for generously sharing your love and incredible engagement in science with our students. A video will be prepared to share via our newsletter and on our Facebook page within the next couple of weeks.

Environment Team Science Week focus - Today in the Orchard, the Environment Team organised craft activities and made bee and bug hotels. Here are some videos that were shared to the classes in preparation.  You may wish to watch them with your child.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQr1NPwBTFQ (Prep - Grade 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQr1NPwBTFQ (Grade 3 - Grade 6)

Trivia Night acknowledgement - I heard some very positive comments from parents about the Trivia Night held last Saturday night organised by the Parents Association.  We appreciate the PA team for organising this event with the support of the West Footscray Roosters FC at their club rooms. It was terrific that the Trivia Night was again featured after a long lay-off.  

Good luck Roosters - Talking of the Roosters, wishing the U14 boys AFL team all the best for the Preliminary Final on Sunday at Williamstown. 

Parent / Carers Opinion Survey - This survey was sent out earlier in term and will remain open until the end of August.  An appreciation to the 10% of parents/carers who have responded to this point.  If you have not completed the survey we encourage you to do so.  The survey link was emailed to Parent A in each family on Monday, 29th July. You are welcome to contact the office if you cannot locate the email and we will resend it. 

Replacement Spotlights – We were delighted with a State Government scheme that has provided the opportunity to swap out halogen spotlights with brighter LED spotlights that run on a quarter of the electricity.  5 LEDs were replaced at school today. Thanks Taleb for organising this opportunity for a cost free upgrade!

Coming Up… 

Marrung Indigenous Sculpture workshop - Tomorrow the Marrung representatives across the grades are very much looking forward to a very special excursion to an indigenous sculpture workshop accompanied by our Marrung leader, Tess Madison along with Kerrie Ahrens.  All student Marrung leaders will attend,  joining First Nations artist Siena Jacques at Footscray Community Arts for an interactive workshop on Wurundjeri culture.  The focus will be on celebrating native wildlife through sculpture making. Local artist Siena Jacques will practically teach the children about our native wildlife, the roles these animals play in our ecosystems, and their cultural significance to the Wurundjeri people. The workshop will feature hands-on learning and the making of clay sculptures of favourite animals to take home, serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and its inhabitants.  

Assembly tomorrow - Assembly will be held indoors tomorrow if the forecast of rain occurs.  We look forward to 1LL presenting their assembly item, the Pupil of the Week Awards and reports from our student representatives.  Parents and carers who have a particular interest are invited to attend in the gallery space.  The front gates will be open at the end of recess.  Assuming an indoor assembly, we ask everyone to be seated by 2:40pm.

Westgate Basketball Clinic - On Monday afternoon students in 5RC and 5HT will participate in a basketball clinic presented by Westgate Basketball Association. Thanks Towela for sourcing the funding for this opportunity.

Athletics Divisional Carnival next Thursday, 22nd August - We have a large team of 68 students selected to return to Aberfeldie Athletics Track in Moonee Ponds next Thursday.  This is an exciting opportunity for our students to represent our school at an event featuring local primary schools.  The entire event is coordinated for the Footscray District Primary Schools Sports Association by our PE teacher Stratos Tzandoudakis. Stratos, along with Marco, Helena and Heather will attend to support the team.  It is an all day event, so students really do need to be dressed, prepared for the weather and bring along lunch and snacks.  We have been assured that the canteen will operate and will provide snacks and non fizzy drinks.  The canteen is not a substitute for bringing a substantial lunch.  Parents and carers are welcome to attend.  We really do appreciate the support you show to your children and students at our school.

Book Week culminating in the Book Parade on Friday of next week - Next week is the annual and much loved Book Week.  On the Friday of Book Week we will hold our now annual Dress Up Parade and book themed activity day.  It would be marvellous if we could see every child participate. I know we also have high expectations for our staff!  This year the Book Week theme is, Reading is Magic.  That might help inspire parents, carers and children. There will also be a daily quiz question providing the chance to win a book of choice for the class.  Join us in the magic!

Cheers,

Brendan

Repeated (and Updated) Messages…