Principal's Report

In this week’s newsletter:

News and Appreciations

• Welcome Back
• Congratulations
• Holiday Works
• NAPLAN
• Industrial Action - Thursday, 23 July 
• Community Use of the Eagle Building
• School Values - Responsibility
• Parents' Association Evening Disco
• Smile Squad

Coming Up Tomorrow

• Assembly

Coming Up Soon

Looking Ahead - Term 3

News and Appreciations

Welcome Back

We hope all families had the opportunity to enjoy some downtime and recreation over the term break. We are looking forward to a productive and positive second semester and welcoming everyone back for another exciting term of learning.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Libby Buck, who was appointed to the role of Acting Assistant Principal late last term.

Libby has made a significant contribution to FWPS in many ways. Her leadership of the English curriculum and her work in introducing an additional learning support program have been highly valued. Her commitment to improving teaching and learning outcomes, together with her collaborative leadership, has been recognised by the Principal Team and reflects the qualities we value in our current and future school leaders.

Libby's appointment is also an important part of our planned approach to developing and strengthening senior leadership within our school. We congratulate Libby on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to have in her new role.

Holiday Works

A number of maintenance and improvement projects were completed over the school holidays.

As part of preparations for our upcoming gazebo paving and sand-and-water play project, survey contractors completed drainage assessments to enable the project to progress.

Other improvements included:

• Replacement of the 24 louvre windows in the Dingo Building, which has already noticeably improved insulation in these learning spaces.

• Repainting of the external masonry window surrounds on both the ground and first floors of the Wallaby Building.

• Enhancement of the Wallaby Building's front entrance signage.

• Installation of new blinds in the Koala classrooms, the Dingo Gallery and the Administration area.

• Installation of additional lighting in the Eagle Building bathroom walkway and adjoining undercroft, significantly improving visibility and safety.

Thank you to our maintenance staff and contractors for completing these works during the holiday period.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN assessment reports for our Year 3 and Year 5 students arrived at school this week and will be sent home with students on Friday unless families choose to collect them in person from the school office.

A Compass post has been sent to Year 3 and Year 5 families outlining collection times available today and tomorrow. As is our usual practice, students will be reminded not to open their reports unless they are with a parent or carer. Reports for absent students will be securely stored in the office until they return to school.

Industrial Action – Thursday 23 July

You may have heard this week that the Australian Education Union has announced a 24-hour stop-work action for Thursday 23 July.

We anticipate that this industrial action will significantly impact our school program on that day. Specific information regarding arrangements at FWPS will be communicated to families by Wednesday next week.

Unfortunately, due to Department of Education timelines, we are unable to confirm which staff members will be participating before then. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Community Use of the Eagle Building

It has been wonderful this week to see our new Eagle Gymnasium bustling with activity after school each day.

The facility is now home to:

• Footscray Hawks Basketball Club (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
• RISE Netball Club (Wednesday)

• Westgate Basketball Association competitions (Friday evenings and Saturdays) and practice sessions (Sundays)

   

It is fantastic to see so many current and former students, along with other young people from our community, enjoying this outstanding facility. The strong level of community use also provides valuable additional income that will support future improvements for our students.

Parents' Association Evening Disco

Please save the date for the return of our annual Parents' Association Disco on Thursday, 13 August.

Our Parents' Association is working closely with school leaders and our office team to ensure this is a fun, safe and well-organised event. Please keep an eye on future newsletters and Compass for further details.

Smile Squad

After a break during our Big Build, we are delighted to welcome the Smile Squad team back to FWPS.

There has been a very strong response from families, and the program may be extended to ensure all registered students can be seen.

During this time, the Smile Squad dental van will be located beside the Eagle Building near the bike and scooter parking area. Once dates are confirmed, we will notify families if any temporary changes to parking or access arrangements are required.

Coming Up Tomorrow

Assembly

Our first assembly for the term will be held tomorrow in the Eagle Gymnasium at 2:40pm.

We look forward to welcoming 1CL, who will present the first Year 1 assembly item for this year. We will also present our first Pupil of the Week Awards for Term 3.

Visitors are asked to be seated by 2:45pm.

Coming Up Soon

• Thursday, 23 July – Australian Education Union Stop-Work Action
• Tuesday, 28 July – Curriculum Day (student-free day). Staff professional learning will focus on further developing our Explicit Maths Program with Brendan Lee.
• Friday, 31 July – Prep 100 Days of School celebration.

Looking Ahead – Term 3

• Inform & Empower Cyber Safety Program - (Years 1-6 – Week 4 or Week 5) (Preps - Week 6)
• Book Week celebrations
• Father's and Special Person's Day Stall
• Sporting Colours Day

Best regards,

Brendan

Repeated and Revised Messages