Principal's Report

We’re Back… Almost!

Thursday 5th August was the last time that we heard the sound of laughter, footsteps and school bells around FPS. Since that date, our students have done an amazing job with remote learning, staying engaged, positive and connected.

Staged Return

Next week sees the much-anticipated return of some students to school. The state government’s roadmap (see attached) outlines Foundation (Monday – Wednesday) and Year 1 – 2 (Thursday and Friday), returning next week. Year 3 – 6 students will return to school the week beginning 25th October, with all students resuming full-time on Friday 5th November.

A Dual Experience

Students will have the unusual dual experience of remote and classroom learning within the same week. Tomorrow, Foundation – Year 2 families will receive a letter from their teachers (via Compass) explaining what to expect as of next week, and ways to prepare for the return. This communication will also include a timetable of when the specialist lessons will take place at school.

Specialist Teachers and Lessons

From next week, I am sure that students will be pleased to hear that specialist teachers will be delivering their lessons at school. Specialist teachers will also be in classrooms the mornings of next week, to support our junior students as they transition back to school. There will be no remote specialist lessons for Foundation – Year 2 next week (just the in-class sessions.) Year 3 – 6 students will continue to have their specialist lessons online, and the specialist remote social catch-ups will finish this week.

Further Communications

Year 3 – 6 remote learning will continue as normal next week. Year 3 – 6 families will receive a letter from their teachers on how their return to school will work next week.

There will be a further communication from the school later this week, explaining the implementation of operational matters and health and safety measures. We recognise that the excitement of returning to school may be tinged with apprehension. We will ensure that we follow and communicate all the current Department advice in a timely manner, to support your child’s health and safety.

Hopefully this doesn’t sound too confusing, but there is certainly a lot to prepare. In short, we will make sure that you are informed of how the return to school will work, before your child returns onsite. Below is a visual breakdown of onsite and remote learning for each year level.

Shade Sails Grant

I am delighted to announce that the school was successful in applying for a $25,000 shade sail grant. This is fantastic news, and we owe a huge amount of gratitude to our Buildings and Grounds Committee, in particular Cara Rodrigues and Katherine Barraclough.

This shade sail has been earmarked for our redeveloped Fig Tree Courtyard, adding some much-needed shade to this area. We look forward to seeing this project develop.

Ventilation Assessment Program

During the term three holidays, the state government announced the rollout of a Ventilation Assessment Program. Our school was chosen as one of a hundred schools across the state to take part in this. 

Two weeks ago, the Victorian School Building Authority organised for this assessment to take place, which involved undertaking carbon dioxide monitoring in our school to provide an indication of the type of spaces within schools that may require additional ventilation and/or filtration measures.

This report will provide valuable data, insights and evidence, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and to keep staff and students healthy. 

Fence Upgrade

Restrictions in the construction industry during the school holidays delayed the replacement of the Fairfield Rd fence. The work is taking place this week and will be completed ahead of the students returning next week.

Upcoming Diary Dates

Monday 1st November – This is our fourth and final curriculum day of the year. 

• This day is traditionally used by teachers for semester two reports.
• Schools will receive advice from the Department regarding reporting expectations, as the extended period of remote learning will present some challenges.
• As this is a curriculum day, there will not be any onsite or remote learning.
• OSHClub will be running a holiday program on this day. Foundation students and students eligible for onsite supervision are permitted to attend OSHClub as they are the students who would have otherwise been at school on this day.

Tuesday 2nd November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. 

• There is no onsite or remote learning on this day.

How many more sleeps?

Depending on your child’s year group, there are either 6, 9, 14 or 16 sleeps to go until they return to school. After waiting for so long, we’re nearly there!

See you soon!

~ Paul Wallace, Principal