Principal's report

Dear Parents,Carers, Students,Staff and members of the Moonee Ponds West Community

Term 3 is quickly running to the end! Some of my colleagues say it is the busiest and most difficult Term. I am not so sure, as the preparation that happens in Term 4 is extensive and essential to a smooth start to another year.

Victorian State Schools Spectacular

I had the privilege of being in the audience this year.  It was a wonderful showcase of the talent we have in our Government schools. It was also a testament to the high expectations and quality teaching that enables such performances.  I have already emailed our local schools to offer words of encouragement and acknowledgement.  A copy of the Program is at the General Office if you are wanting to know more about the performances.  Congratulations to our children who formed part of the Mass Choir and to Clementine S who performed as part of the Victorian State Schools Choir.  Great performances from all.

My personal, and our collective thanks to Kate for her tutelage of the group, and to the parents (Sally, Anthea and Kate’s daughter Jessica  who helped during the rehearsals and at the performances.  Chookahs to all!

Lost Property

We now have two racks one for uniform and the other for street clothes.  Please have a look to see if any of the items belong at your house.  There is quite a lot of $$ on the rack!

Fundraising

The next item on the fundraising calendar is the Aussie Trivia Night on Friday October 11th. The venue is here at school and it promises to be a terrific night. So dust off your Aussie knowledge. Here is a warm-up question for you: What well known pub in the middle of Australia is up for sale at the moment?

Answer further in the newsletter.

Haven’t got your table together yet? Come on it will be fun and who knows we all could be winners!

Any members of our community that can donate to the Silent Auction please let the General Office know. We are looking for an overnight stay somewhere (i.e. farm stay, caravan resort, city hotel).  Any items that you have access to and could donate would be gratefully received. The fundraising team have just about worn out two pairs of shoes seeking donations for this great night.

Learning and Teaching Consistency

Within our current internal structure, teachers are planning together in an arrangement known as a Professional Learning Team or PLT. These are every week during school time and after school.  Teachers review student learning evidence and using the documented curriculum to plan next steps either for a cohort of students or for learning patterns that need further teaching.  This method of planning enables all teachers in a year level cohort to not only have support but also to understand the learning needs of students in their area. The learning is supported through the structure of the teacher’s Professional Development Plans (PDP) and their PLT leader.  Recent NAPLAN results have indicated that our students are growing their learning more than in the past and this method is certainly assisting a more cohesive and coherent approach.

Enrolments for 2020

We are calling for any SIBLINGS that are not enrolled to quickly get your forms into the General Office. We are wanting to confirm our numbers.

If you are not planning for your child to return to MPWPS in 2020, can you also let us know so we can balance up the ins and outs!

Either complete the form provided in the Newsletter last time OR send an email with your details, child’s details and a short reason if you wish.  It is always of interest to know why families have decided not to return to our school. It is a chance for us to improve!

Sandpit Toys

WE ARE LOOKING FOR DONATIONS OF TOYS SUITABLE FOR OUR SANDPIT.

Buckets, spades, sifters, plastic cups, bowls anything except aluminium pots and pans. We will house them carefully and get the students to look after them. Over the holiday you might have a clean out, if so we would love them!

Early Dismissal/Assembly on Friday

This Friday we dismiss at 2.30 pm. As a result we will be finishing lunch early and children will clean up the yard, return to their class and be dismissed by their class teacher. I wish all a happy and safe holiday and see you on October 7th at 8.45 am for a 9.00 am start.

Well that’s about it from me. Until we meet in person. No news as yet, re the principal’s position, so I will see you next term as usual. My best wishes go to Jeff.

Sincerely and with gratitude

Kerri Simpson

Principal (Acting at Moonee Ponds West PS)

The Answer to Kerri’s Aussie Trivia Warm-up Question:

The Birdsville Hotel.