Principal's report
Greetings to all Families, Community and Staff of Moonee Ponds West PS,
Thank-you for a wonderful year of learning and growing together. It has been wonderful to see the full year of learning, as a cycle in each child. I hope you have seen the learning growth of your child over the past 12 months, and have acknowledged and celebrated this with your family. Continually we are looking for the growth ensuring that children see this, and give effort to continue the pattern.
Final staffing news
Congratulations to the following teachers who have gained 12 month contracts for 2020 at other schools: Ms Lisa McLachlan, Ms Liz Jackson, and Mrs Kate Ridgeway! Kate (our Choir leader for many years) has been successful in gaining a Performing/Visual Arts role as her first full time teaching position. We would think that Kate will be working for her passion in this role. MPWPS was unable to offer a Performing Arts position due to budget restrictions. Congratulations and best wishes to all staff who are taking a different pathway in 2020.
I would like to thank the following staff for their contribution over the past term or longer. I acknowledge Ms Andrea Gale who has been working with Liz Jackson for term 4, Ms Cath Walsh who is covering Jenny Irvine’s absence, Ms Marg Wright who has been in Intervention since Term 3, our reliable Casual Relief Teacher Ms Julie Lanyon and Ms Shirl Ramage who assists students in their learning. My thanks also to all existing and returning staff who have taken up new chances and opportunities. Collectively we are making a difference to the lives of these young people. Remember ‘I am because we are!’ There are many behind the scenes faces that make up our wonderful community, and assist all staff and students to ensure learning is at the forefront of all we offer.
This is the last newsletter for Mrs Denise Beckett who is retiring at the end of this week. Denise started her time at MPWPS in the General Office, and for some time has had a dual role in the Library, and assisting students across the school in different ways. Denise is often the voice from the Sick Bay that some may have heard. Thank you Denise for your service, assistance and friendship to colleagues and parents alike. Enjoy the next part of life’s journey.
Graduation tonight
Our Year 6 special graduation ceremony is being held tonight. Such an event is a celebration and almost a ‘rite of passage’ to the next stage of learning. Enjoy all who are attending.
Lost Property
We still have many, many items awaiting your collection. They will be out each day until night fall! Please have a look (children and parents) to retrieve anything that maybe yours.
Curriculum Days 2020
The following are the proposed Curriculum Days for 2020. These days are sometimes subject to change but six weeks notice would be given if this was to occur.
January 28th
All staff return to school after the holidays
March 6th (Friday)
Focus - Literacy Reading and Writing
July 23rd
Three-Way Conferences (Reporting to Parents Day)
September 18th
Focus - Student Engagement and Well Being
December 18th
No student on this day. Half Day in lieu for staff.
Term 1 2020
Term 1 start date is January 29th for ALL students in Grades 1-6. Our new Foundation students start on MONDAY 3rd February. They will be involved in entry assessments during the first week of school.
Final day for 2019
Our FINAL day is this THURSDAY December 19th and we dismiss at 3.30 pm. Our final assembly will be commencing at 2.30 pm. No students on Friday December 20th. Camp Australia will run a program if you require so please call to arrange. They do require to have a certain number of bookings for a program to operate.
Thank-you to all for another wonderful year for me at MPWPS. I will be returning in this role for Term 1, when the school will have a chance to choose their new Principal.
Happy and Safe Holidays to you all.
Sincerely and with good faith
Kerri Simpson Principal (Acting at MPWPS)
