Principal`s Message
As I reflect on my first two weeks at Fitzroy Primary School, I am filled with a mixture of excitement and gratitude. It has been a whirlwind of activities, introductions, and learning experiences, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of my observations and initial thoughts.
Welcoming Community: One of the most striking aspects of Fitzroy Primary has been the warm and welcoming nature of the community. From the enthusiastic greetings from staff to the friendly waves from students, it is clear that this is a place where relationships matter. I’ve been touched by the kindness and openness of everyone, which has made my transition smooth and enjoyable.
Dedicated Staff: I am deeply impressed by the dedication and professionalism of our teaching and support staff. The passion they bring to their roles is palpable, and their commitment to student success is evident in everything they do. I’ve had the opportunity to observe a range of teaching methods and classroom environments, and it’s clear that our staff are invested in creating a positive and effective learning atmosphere.
Student Engagement: The students at Fitzroy Primary are a highlight of my initial experience. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn are inspiring. It has been rewarding to interact with them, whether during classroom visits or casual conversations in the yard. I am eager to continue building relationships with our students and to support their academic and personal growth.
Parents / Caregivers/ Guardians Opinion Survey
Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents/caregivers/guardians think of our school. The Parent/ Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
*Please check Compass for log in details
Staffing Update
Staffing classrooms continues to be a challenge. We are currently experiencing plenty of illness throughout the school and have found it difficult to get replacement teachers. On the odd occasion we have had to spilt classes and I thank everyone for their understanding when thisoccurs. We endeavour wherever possible to engage the same replacement teacher in each grade so that they get to establish relationship with our students to ensure that the learning program continues.
Capital Improvements
I have recently been had meetings with the Department of Education and Roam Architects about the refurbishment of the Napier Street Building, plans are well underway for construction to commence in early 2025. I will share further updates with you as more details come through.
CCTV at our school
After a security review last term it was recommended that Fitzroy Primary School install a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system at our school.
Our school has an obligation to ensure the school environment is safe and secure, and fulfil our duty of care to students, staff and visitors. The CCTV system will assist our school to fulfil these obligations and to prevent and manage other inappropriate behaviour on school grounds. CCTV will also provide enhanced capability to protect our school’s assets against vandalism and theft.
We will follow Department of Education and Training policy requirements for the design, installation, management and use of the CCTV systems. This policy is available at: CCTV in Schools – Installation and Management.
We will also place a CCTV Privacy Notice on our school website with more information about our school’s use of CCTV before it is rolled out.
If you have any questions or concerns at this stage, please contact the school for more details.
NAPLAN results
At the start of term 3 we received this year's NAPLAN results. The results this year show that the work we are doing across all year levels to improve Literacy and Numeracy is paying dividends with improved students` outcomes.
Some of the highlights
Year 5 Results
Writing – 67% of students in top two bands increased from 41% in 2023
Spelling - 65% of students in top two bands increased from 61% in 2023.
Year 3 Results
Numeracy - 62% of students in top two bands increased from 51% in 2023 and above the similar school's result by 11%
Grammar and Punctuation - above the similar school result
Prep Enrolments 2025
I want to thank those families who have already enrolled their children for next year. We have recently sent out letters of offer to those families that have submitted an enrolment form. Please return the ‘acceptance of offer’ by Friday 23rd August.
Also, if you happen to know of a family in our local area who plans to send their child to Fitzroy P.S in 2025 or if you are seeking to apply to enrol your child in a school that is not your local school, you should read about school zones and how they work and how applications are prioritised using the Department of Education’s Placement Policy found on the enrolling in a school page. Click on Find my School to find school zone.
I encourage all families to enrol as soon as possible so they don't miss out on any important enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4, 2024.
Respect for Staff
Schools are positive places of learning where everyone has a right to a safe and healthy learning environment. Schools are also workplaces, and school staff deserve to work in an environment where they don’t feel threatened or unsafe.
Positive school environments are important because everyone has the right to be safe and play a shared role in being respectful. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work.
Respectful behaviours are important in building strong, healthy and thriving school communities.
Parents/carers can create a positive environment for learning and work by:
- modelling positive behaviour to their child/children and to the school community
- communicating politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
- working with the school to achieve the best outcomes for their child/children
- communicating constructively with the school
- making use of the expected processes and protocols when raising concerns
- following the school's processes for communication with staff and making complaints
- treating all school staff, students, and other members of the school community with respect.
By treating everyone with respect, parents/carers and schools can make sure students feel supported and cared for.
-Scott Burton, Acting Principal Fitzroy Primary School