Principal's Report

In this week’s newsletter:

Appreciations and News

• Please action: Learning Buddies
• Water leak outside Wallaby
• Prep 2027: Play and Story Experience followed by a Parent/Carer Information Session 
• Western Metro Region Athletics Carnival
• Year 5 Kangaroobie Camp
• School Council 
• Inform and Empower Cyber Safety Online Incursions

Coming Up Tomorrow

• Round 2 Summer Interschool Sport
• Assembly

Coming Up Next Week

• Prep 2027 Classroom Transition Visits
• Diversity Day

Appreciations and News

This week Brendan is down the beautiful coast of the Great Ocean Road enjoying Kangaroobie Camp with the Year 5 students and teachers, so this newsletter comes from Liz’s desk.

Important reminder - ACTION REQUIRED:

Tomorrow is the deadline for parents and carers of current Prep to Year 5 students to provide a list of 5 suitable learning buddies as part of the grade selection process for next year. Please see the Compass post on your newsfeed to complete this action.

The work of constructing 2027 grades commences next week in our weekly one hour after school meetings and due to the complexities of getting it right, once the cut off date has passed, no further correspondence will be considered.

Water leak outside Wallaby

Following a digital reading indicating substantial and growing water loss, our plumbers have thankfully found the source of the leak and corrected the issue. The area that was excavated is still cordoned off with bollards and mesh, until Taleb is back from his leave the grass can be correctly relaid. 

Prep 2027: Play and Story Experience followed by a Parent/Carer Information Session  

We were delighted to host our group play and story experience yesterday, again superbly organised by Karri and supported by our marvellous school and class captains.

Karri, Linda and I then presented the annual Parent/Carer Information Session in the evening, along with Prep Nursing Program nurse, Eleanor Caldwell.

Western Metro Region Athletics Carnival

Appreciations to families for arranging to transport our team of 14 student representatives who participated in the Western Metro Region Aths Carnival on Tuesday.  It was a great performance by our students featuring a record being broken and an entry into State level competition! Read Stratos’ report for more details. 

Year 5 Kangaroobie Camp 

Our Year 5 campers, accompanied by the teaching team, parent volunteers and Mr Millar, departed on Wednesday morning to attend our annual Kangaroobie Camp. So far, the weather has been perfect for the beach hike, night walk, canoeing, farm activities and game of life or death. Everyone is looking forward to the bush dancing this evening. The teachers also hope that with a bit of country air and a jam packed itinerary of activities, that everyone sleeps well tonight in readiness for the big bus ride home tomorrow.

School Council 

Our School Council met online on Tuesday evening. Key aspects discussed included:

• Appreciations to Council Members who will give up their time to represent the school as panel members for the selection of the next FWPS substantive Principal. 
• Further recruitment panels for STEM, Music, Disability Inclusion and classroom teachers are currently in progress. 
• Approval for our Year 4 Campaspe Downs camp was sought and provided
• We reviewed our recently received School Performance Report.  This is provided for all government schools and shows the positive learning and wellbeing outcomes at FWPS. 
• The newly approved Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA) provides for an increased number of eight pupil free days starting in 2027. We reviewed possible Curriculum and Professional Practice dates. These will be confirmed at our final scheduled meeting in November and shared with the wider community.
• We discussed the challenging budget situation and changes in government voluntary curriculum contributions policies and the likely effects at our school. 

Inform and Empower Cyber Safety Online Incursions 

This term’s online incursions started this week for Years One to Six. Parents and carers can anticipate receiving information on this term's program from the teaching team. The program provides a background for families to informally discuss these very relevant matters with your children.

Coming Up Tomorrow

Round 2 Summer Interschool Sport

The Year 6 Summer Interschool Sport program continues with Round 2 tomorrow - a home fixture opposing our nearest neighbour, St John’s. Sports being played in Term 4 are Cricket, Bat Tennis, Basketball and Newcomb. They will be held each Friday between 9:30am and 10:30am. We encourage parents and carers to attend should commitments allow. 

Assembly … Tomorrow we will return with an assembly item - this week featuring a video presentation from PAC.  If you would like to attend please arrive by 2.40pm, ready for an assembly starting by 2.50pm.  

Coming Up Next Week

Prep 2027 Classroom Transition Visits

The first of three Prep 2027 transition visits will occur next Monday.

Emergency Management Drill

On Tuesday afternoon the entire school will participate in our Term 4 emergency drill. This will be our first ‘shelter in place’ drill, which will take place in the gym. Students will be informed and prepared for this experience beforehand.

Diversity Day

We look forward to our annual celebration of the rich diversity of our community with our annual Diversity Day, featuring Kaboom Kids.  For families planning not to attend due to extended long weekends, please remember to decline attendance at the event through Compass.

Warm regards,

Liz