Principal's Report
Principal: Brendan Millar
In this week’s newsletter:
Appreciations and Acknowledgements
- Wearable threads - art spotlight
- Parents’ Association support for specialist programs and Trivia Night
News
- Building project update
- Prep Primary School Nursing Program reminder
- Student voluntary contributions at a historical low
- Rec West and Shorten Reserve development
Coming Up - Tomorrow
- Grade 4 CERES excursion
- Interschool sport finals
- Assembly
- Bake Sale
Coming Up - Next Week - Final Week of Term
- Student Learning Conferences
- Sports Maribyrnong Divisional Finals
- End of term - early dismissal
Coming Up - Next Term
Prep to Year 3 - Swimming Pro
Appreciations and Acknowledgements
Threads of Art, Woven in Warmth
Arlo from 3CG took a detour from his art class to visit me sporting his very classy, brightly coloured scarf that he knitted using straws! What a perfect time of year for Susie and Jess to offer warm, wearable art.
Parents’ Association
A big thank you to our PA crew who, through running regular second-hand uniform stalls, have provided a $370 dividend for each of our Italian, Library, Music and Art specialist programs. Shannon has quickly jumped on board and arranged for Donata from the Gumnut Tree to provide a list of great titles, which will be selected by our helpful student library assistants.
We also appreciate the parents who have joined the PA in preparing for a highly anticipated Trivia Night next term. I was amazed to hear all tables were booked on the opening day of bookings. Marvellous!
News
Building Project Update
We had our fortnightly meeting with the project team this morning. I'm pleased to report that the recent rain had a limited effect on productivity. Over the last two weeks, wall framing for the specialist classrooms, canteen office, meeting rooms, bathrooms, and storage spaces has been installed. Roof sheets arrived last Thursday and are already approximately ¾ fitted. Work has also started on the power substation near the car park vehicle access.
In the next two weeks, roofing will be completed, and cladding will be installed on the eastern and southern sides adjacent to the specialist areas mentioned above. The project team will next meet on the first Thursday of the holidays.
Reminder - Primary School Nursing Program
A post was sent to Prep families yesterday, reminding them to respond to a consent request related to the highly regarded Primary School Nursing Program. This program is only offered in the first year of schooling and serves as a bridge from the many medical assessments conducted during the first five years of a child’s development. It is the last free assessment of this kind.
While many families may find it unnecessary, we kindly ask all Prep families to respond to the post. Currently, we have a historically low 21% return rate. If you prefer, hard copies are available from the office.
Student Voluntary Contributions
Our payment figures are at a concerning historical low, with Prep payments at 70% and around 60% for other grades. Our voluntary contributions, less than $300 per student, are low compared to many schools. However, we are currently receiving approximately 20% fewer payments than pre-pandemic.
These funds directly support curriculum programs. If contributions are not received, we must either do with less, or divert funds from other priorities. If you have not yet paid your child’s contribution, please consider doing so in the coming week, or at the start of next term.
Rec West and Shorten Reserve Development
A sizeable number of FWPS families attended last night’s Maribyrnong Council presentation at Rec West to learn about the upcoming development project. This important initiative will bring new facilities and improvements, though it will involve a period of temporary changes and adjustments for the community.
Key dates:
- Rec West facility closing from 1st September 2025
- Shorten Reserve, Barrett Reserve, and Market Street partial closure from 15th September 2025
- Project completion date: December 2027
During this time, access to facilities in the area, including the car park, will be restricted. Given our current building works have reduced school parking, Shorten Reserve has been a valuable alternative for staff and families.
The project includes significant enhancements to the local amenities, with updated plans reflecting community feedback. While some original elements, such as a new sports pavilion at Shorten Reserve, have been revised, the overall development aims to provide improved recreational spaces for everyone.
For the latest information and updates, please see below:
Coming Up - Tomorrow
Grade 4 CERES Excursion
Weather conditions appear to be improving for tomorrow’s excursion to CERES urban community environment park in Brunswick. Students will leave shortly after 9:00am and return late afternoon.
Winter Sports Grand Finals
The Footscray District Primary Schools’ Sports Association grand finals will be played tomorrow at FWPS and surrounding grounds. With an improving forecast, matches should be played in better conditions than midweek. We are hosting the event and have teams competing in:
- Netball: Footscray West vs Footscray North (Girls) - at FWPS from 12:15pm
- AFL: Footscray West vs Footscray North - at Shorten Reserve from 12:15pm
We wish all participants the best of luck. Parents and carers are welcome to attend.
Assembly
This week, 2EP will present their assembly item, and our sports teams will report on last week's final round and our grand final teams will report on their match outcomes. If the weather is wet or too cold, assembly will be held in the gallery space of Dingo. Gates open at 2:30pm; assembly starts promptly at 2:40pm. Please note, Grade 4 will not participate due to their CERES excursion.
Bake Sale
Regardless of weather, the Parents Association Bake Sale will be held tomorrow after assembly in the covered area between the Wallaby and Bilby buildings. Contributions from Grade 3–6 families are welcome. Cash and cards accepted. Funds raised will support our gymnasium and additional learning spaces under construction.
Coming Up - Next Week - Final Week of Term
Student Learning Conferences
All grades (except PBD and 6ML) will hold end-of-semester Student Learning Conferences after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We appreciate all families who have participated, whether online or in person, especially during the winter weather.
Please note that if you have booked a meeting with members of the Specialist team and cannot attend, please contact the office.
Sports Maribyrnong Divisional Finals
For our grand final teams, there will be divisional round robin finals played next Wednesday at Keilor Sports Precinct. Parents and carers will be communicated with directly. There will be a short turnaround with Compass notification and payment required on Monday.
End of Term
Friday, 4th July, will be the final day of Term 2 before the fortnight of school holidays. Dismissal will be at 2:20pm following an early assembly. If held outdoors, students in Grades 1–6 will take their bags and be dismissed from the Bilby assembly area, while Prep students will return to their classrooms for dismissal. The TheirCare after-school program will begin at this earlier time.
Coming up … Next Term
Our nine-day swimming program for participating students in Prep, 1, 2, and 3 will start Tuesday, 22nd July (Term 3, Week 1), and conclude on Friday, 31st July (Week 2). Grade groups will participate in six sessions during the day to ensure optimal use of the facilities.
Warm regards,
Brendan
Reminders and Repeated Messages
