Principal's Report

Term Four Arrangements

Ten days ago, the stage government informed us of the roadmap for easing restrictions across Victoria and what this means for schools. I have been in contact with many families since the announcement was made, and there have been a range of reactions. Generally, there is excitement for parents who know that their children in Foundation – Year 2 are returning to school week two of next term, whilst there is disappointment for parents of children in Year 3 – 6, with October 26 listed as the potential return date, depending on public health advice at the time.

What we know so far for FPS:

5 – 9 October (week 1 of term 4)

• Remote and flexible learning will continue for all students.
• We will communicate the return to school logistics for Foundation – Year 2 students, who are onsite the following week (drop-off, pick up, adults on school grounds, etc.)

From Monday 12 October (week 2 of term 4)

• Students in Foundation – Year 2 return to full-time onsite schooling.
• All students from Years 3 – 6 will continue with remote learning. A date for the return of these year levels to face-to-face learning will be subject to further health advice.

Onsite Supervision

Onsite supervision for children of permitted workers and vulnerable students will continue to be provided next term, consistent with existing guidelines. Eligible families, who have been sending their children to school for onsite supervision this term, will receive an email from the school asking them to confirm their children’s attendance next term.

We will once again be entering a period of change, with some students returning to school whilst others continue with remote learning. The school is aware of the support that all students will require during this unique time, and we will continue to keep wellbeing a priority.

School Grounds Closed

As per the Department of Education's advice to all schools, our school grounds and playgrounds will be closed during the school holidays.

Grade Structures for 2021

The school has made the decision that all year levels are to be straight year groups from next year onwards. This means that Year 1 and 2 will be separate year groups rather than composite classes. Whilst there are many benefits to having a composite year group, we believe that now is the right time to operate straight year groups, particularly given the specific needs of student cohorts as a result of COVID-19.

We wouldn’t normally announce this type of information until later in the year, however I feel that it is important, given our circumstances, to be aware of this change as early as possible. We will provide further information regarding next year’s structures later in term four.

Celebrating Online Events

Disco Fever

How wonderful was this event? I had never been to a virtual disco before, and I already want to go to another one. Congratulations to our specialists for organising such a wonderful, memorable event. A special mention to Keri and Olivia for hosting the disco so professionally and energetically.

Thank you to our families and staff for embracing the event. It was so great to see the masks, costumes, smoke machines, backgrounds and dance moves on display. The most special thing for me was seeing all of the school connected with each other at one event, and having so much fun at the same time.

Below are a couple of emails we received from families expressing their enjoyment and gratitude.

“Just wanted to express a huge thank you to Keri and everyone involved in organising the disco. It was a brilliant idea. It was such a special event for Rosy. She was very excited in the lead up, loved practising Brendan and Keri's dance moves (as I did too!), and we both had fun participating and trying to guess all the teachers. It really warms our hearts at how much work you do to keep the children connected with each other and for bringing joy into our homes. We can see the teaching community goes above and beyond to ensure children are still having those magic school moments that they'll remember and cherish.”

“Thanks so much to all for the huge effort to organise and host the disco. My children had an absolutely wonderful time, 'it was the best thing about home learning!'” 

“Thank you everyone for organising the FPS disco! We were on for both sessions. The boys loved seeing their friends and it was a great interactive way to connect. We’ve really hit a wall these last two weeks so the disco was a great visual reminder of their school friends and teachers. Well done and thank you.”

L-FRESH The LION

Last Friday we had the good fortune to host a Zoom meeting with our Year 3 –- 6 students, and Australian hip hop artist L-FRESH. This event was run by our Performing Arts captains, who asked L-FRESH a range of questions, prepared by the students. Among other things, L-FRESH told us about the musical instruments he plays, why he became a hip hop artist and why he chose L-FRESH as his name. He also explained some of the challenges he faced when growing up.

It was wonderful that such a popular performer was able to give up his time, which he described ‘as a privilege’. Thank you to Keri and Olivia for organising, and to our wonderful Performing Arts captains for hosting and, of course, thank you to L-FRESH for his time. 

Indigenous Literacy Day

On Wednesday 2 September, we came together as a school (via Zoom) to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day, a national celebration of Indigenous culture, story and language.

This event included appearances by Jessica Mauboy and Andy Griffiths, as well as storytelling by children and community members from the Tiwi Islands (NT), Jilkminggan (NT) and Bidyadanga (WA).

Students enjoyed the opportunity to hear from these people, to further their own understanding of Indigenous culture.

Building Works

Wingrove Street Campus

Our Wingrove Street campus construction continues to progress well. I was able to tour the site last week, and you can’t help but be impressed by its design. The classrooms and shared spaces are starting to take shape, and you can start to picture our students in this magnificent building.

Langridge Street Restoration

Much of the works on our Langridge Street site is now complete. The rooms off the administration wing look fantastic; shimmering carpets, smart new pin boards, immaculate ceilings and lighting, and some fancy staff toilets – all freshly painted and ready for everyone’s return.

During the school holidays the Old Hall will be receiving a makeover; the carpet will be replaced, the leadlight windows restored, and the eastern and western walls will be painted.

Also during the school holidays, a ramp will be built at our front office, providing easier access for wheelchairs, prams and deliveries. I am sure that you will agree that this is much needed, and we are delighted to have this included as part of the project.

We are also thrilled to be having a significant amount of external painting happening around the school. As well as freshening up the school (keeping the same colour scheme) it will also remediate the peeling paint and aging timber frames.

End of Term Assembly & Early Dismissal

On Friday, the end of term virtual assembly will be available on your child’s Google Classroom. There will be more fantastic Iso-Talented entries and messages from our community. Our virtual assemblies are set to continue next term. If your Iso-Talented entry was not featured this week, please look out for it next term. Please continue to send your entries via the Google Form.

As with all terms, we will be finishing at 2pm. We encourage your children to put away their device at this time, and get ready to have some holiday fun.

Final Word

What a term it has been.

Thank you staff. You are an incredible group of people who have put your heart and soul into all that you have done, making this term the best that it can possibly be for your students.

Thank you families. To not be able to send your children to school all term is tough. This has presented innumerable challenges. Despite this, you have found the time to support your children and the school, making the most of the situation.

Thank you students. We couldn’t be any prouder. You have been thrown in at the deep end, yet you have given everything a go, and had some fun along the way.

We don’t plan on sending any communications during the holidays—unless there is a significant change in restrictions, as we feel that we all deserve a break. Your children’s Google Classrooms will be up and running, first day of next term. 

Thank you to all members of our amazing Fairfield community. Have a great break, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you next term.

~ Paul Wallace, Principal