Principal's Report

Welcome Back for Term Two

I hope that families were able to enjoy the two week break. Students have returned refreshed, reenergised, and ready to go!

Our last newsletter was on 19th March, and it seems that there has been so much happening between then and now:

NAPLAN

Well done to our Year 3 and 5 students for their positive attitude towards NAPLAN. Congratulations also to the staff for the smooth running of these tests; using technology can add an extra dimension of challenge and our staff were well prepared knowing that the technology might not always work as well as you would hope.

Swimming

Since the last newsletter, we have had students represent FPS in the Regional Swimming Carnival and the State Swimming Championships. This is a fantastic achievement which you can read more about in this newsletter.

Year 6 Debating Afternoon

On the last Tuesday of term one, our Year 6 students put their debating skills to the test in front of family and friends at the Wingrove Street Campus. Topics for the debates were: 

• Social media is more harmful than beneficial for society.
• The school week should be 4 days long.
• Competition is necessary for success.
• It is better for students to learn through traditional classrooms than online learning. 

It was a nerve wracking experience for the students to speak in a formal setting in front of such a large audience. The content and delivery of the speeches was impressive. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Year 5 Sovereign Hill Excursion

Last Friday our Year 5 students experienced a day at Sovereign Hill. This was a big day with students departing at 8.15am and returning at 5.15pm. I heard great reports about how well the students enjoyed their day back in the 1850s.

Future Events

Keep an eye out for details regarding:

• Neurodiversity Day, which will be held on Wednesday 1 May. This day has been planned and organised by one of our School Community Leaders, for students to learn about neurodiversity and celebrate the differences and similarities we all share. Read more about this further in the newsletter.
• Mothers / Special Person’s Day Breakfast is on Friday 10 May, 8 – 9:30am. Keep an eye out in Compass for details.
• National Reconciliation Week takes place next month, 27 May – 3 June. Our Koorie Perspectives School Improvement Team is currently planning activities for students to take part in, as part of the work to stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples.

Harmony Day

We have celebrated Harmony Day at FPS for a number of years. I can still recall meeting with groups of students ahead of our 2022 School Review, where they described Harmony Day as a highlight of the year. The Year 6 students coordinate and run the events (supported by our French teacher Emily) which allow students from all year levels to take part in lunchtime activities to celebrate diversity, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

There was a lovely atmosphere in the playground as students participated in activities including scavenger hunts, friendship bracelet making, obstacle course, disco, parachute games and a culture wall.

Well done and thank you to the Year 6 students, and to Emily for making this happen. Also, a thank you to our community – we raised $525.80 for Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders.

Lunchtime Clubs

We have a wide range of lunchtime clubs available for students to attend this term – something for everyone!

Best Wishes to Emily and to Sophie

Next week we will be saying farewell (for now) to Emily Lindsay-Smith and Sophie Ratcliffe, as they will both be taking maternity leave.

Emily’s last day is Friday 3 May. Emily will be replaced by Laurence Barré, who we look forward to welcoming to FPS as our new French teacher. Laurence will be joining FPS next week, giving her a week to work alongside Emily.

Sophie’s last day is Wednesday 1 May. Sophie has been in the role of Numeracy Learning Specialist since the start of last year, and has not had a grade this year. In Sophie’s absence, Daniel Arnavas, Emilia McDonald and Lauren Withers will take on the role of Acting Numeracy Leaders (they will continue to teach their grades as normal).

We wish Emily and Sophie all the very best at this exciting time.

Consent for Excursions

Now that we are in term two, there will be an increase in the  number of excursions and incursions taking place. To assist with the running of these events, we appreciate families providing consent and payment in plenty of time. We realise how busy everybody’s schedules are, however providing payment and consent in advance supports the office and teachers as it reduces the need to remind families. Please note, we are unable to take students on an excursion if consent has not been provided.

Annual Report

During the last week of term I presented the 2023 Annual Report at our Annual General Meeting. The information in our Annual Report provides a high level snapshot of how our school is performing – attached here.

School Council

Below are the members and roles of our current School Council. I am grateful for the time and dedication that these parents and staff give in order to make our school a better place.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

~ Paul Wallace, Principal