An appreciation to our community for the supportive and positive manner as we have worked collaboratively to ensure a successful return to face to face learning at FWPS.

A Positive Return

There is much to be grateful as I walk through our school grounds, visit classrooms and programs. A goal I stated in the first assembly video this term was a plan to try and create as normal a school day as we can imagine, despite the restrictions. The least regular aspects are the things parents and carers see, the long ‘soft’ start each morning, the lack of parent and carer access to the grounds and the early finish with waves of students leaving en masse. During the day in the classrooms, programs and in the yard, things feel regular, even normal. We know there are some irregular requirements; adults wearing masks (though by choice in classes), no cash at the canteen, students remaining largely within their cohort, so no mixing of grade 5s and 6s for sport, no lunch clubs program and a requirement to hold physical education and sports classes outdoors.

We are pleased that the practical aspects put in place with thought and consideration have been working. The effort to put out bollards in order to rope off the Argyle street car parks is working well. We know that driving in Argyle street during the peak period is problematical and so it always has been. Best take the advice to avoid driving there!

Wellbeing

The challenge for some of the children shouldn’t be underestimated. If they previously had a level of anxiety, the experience of this year of stop/start schooling, exposure to adult concerns and media exposure, the lack of organised sport, activities, holidays, trips to grandparents, friends and cousins, will almost certainly heightened these feelings.

Felt a greater level of anxiety at times over the last half year or so? Probably. I know I have. In some ways the return to face to face learning may have felt a little like the beginning of the year. Relationships may need to have been rekindled and behavior and expectations reoriented. Let us be kind, remind ourselves that even making poor behavioural choices is a normal part of growing up and with reflection, transformational learning can be the outcome. We will ensure we remain consistent and fair when managing these challenges. Even a chat in the Principal’s office can lead to positive outcomes!

Captain’s Crew

I met with the grade 6 Captains along with the grade 6 teachers, Marco, Towela and Shannon on Tuesday. Our representative group of senior students have continued to do exactly that, represent their peers and the younger students throughout the long period of offsite learning in terms 2 and 3. You have seen them feature regularly in our video assemblies and they have been the inspiration behind innovations such as; the FWPS Mailbox and the grade 6 Virtual Camp. At our most recent meeting, an open discussion was held on how the grade 6 graduation might be best held depending on the level of restrictions that are likely to be in place in December. The group were open and creative in trying to find the best compromise in these extenuating circumstances. On another but related note, the suggestion to have a Halloween Mufti Day focus on Friday next week was adopted, as we realise the usual after school trick or treat arrangements that have become popular over recent years are surely also compromised. That information was quickly shared via Flexischools app.

The FWPS Mailbox – We have received some beautiful responses to individual students who took the time to write to senior citizens in our community. Keep the letters and pictures coming in to the FWPS Mailbox near the front entrance and we will keep sharing them.

News …

The playground water bubblers have been off-limits, just like in local parks since the first COVID-19 restrictions were put in place many months ago. We do regularly remind students that they need to have a labelled water bottle. Until now there were few outdoor taps that children had available to access water, they needed to use the ones indoor or in the toilets. Thanks to our maintenance man, Taleb, the water bubblers have now been adjusted with a number of auto-shut taps being temporarily placed to make the filling of water bottles easier. This item will be featured in Monday's assembly video.

Halloween Mufti Day – Next Friday the Grade 6 Captains are promoting Halloween as a fun reason to dress up at school. With consideration to the younger and more sensitive amongst us, we ask that the costumes aren’t too scary and we keep the masks for the classroom if given permission by their teacher.

We ask that there be a gold coin donation for the State School’s Relief charity, but because of COVID restrictions we will arrange for them to be deposited by the children in class without having to be handled by others.

Junior School Council will next meet Friday October 30th.

Tomorrow is a public holiday to celebrate the AFL grand final to be held on Saturday. Geelong or Richmond? Neither option is one that appeals to me! Ok Geelong, but no one but Tiges supporters want to see Richmond win 3 in 4 years. I hope it is a cracking game however.

Victorian High-Ability Program

This term at FWPS we have three students that were selected to participate in the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP). The Department of Education and Training (DET) have invested in this program to support high-ability students in schools in grades 5-6 and years7-8. Students can be selected for either the maths or English lessons and the school is notified of which students have been selected in which subject areas by DET. Students will then be involved in a ten week online program with an expert virtual teacher and they will have the opportunity to learn exciting new concepts with like minded students during their virtual lessons. FWPS staff will also support with the program and at the end of the term there will be a day for the online class to meet in person and participate in activities.

Congratulations to the following students that were selected for maths this term: Ben Barham, Andrew Njoo and Mae Bettinsoli

Congratulations to Arlo Scott-Teunen 5KT who (like Clara Hall 5BC) also was successful in this year’s Parliament Prize competition. The judges were really impressed with the enthusiasm and passion displayed in his member statement speech. Unfortunately, due to an error in his email contact details, it has taken a while for us to learn that Arlo received a Highly Commended Certificate. Arlo is pictured with his certificate and Clara (and 5BC teacher Bre) with hers.

Leaving FWPS?

If your family is planning to move to another school for the 2021 school year we require this information in writing. The complex task of forming class lists will be developed over the next few weeks and the earlier we can factor in student changes the more comprehensive those lists can be. Please drop us a message at: footscray.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au.

Class Placement for 2021

During term 4 the teaching teams will spend many hours preparing grades for next year. Throughout this process, the needs of all students are considered from a social, academic and behavioural perspective. However, parents who wish to discuss, or

communicate considerations relating to their children’s grade placement for 2021 are advised that initial communication should be made in writing and addressed, via the office, to Brendan Millar.

All matters will be dealt with sensitively, however we must stress that requests for specific teachers or classes will not be accommodated. Requests related to learning, behavioural or social requirements will be considered on merit and in consultation with key staff members. Please note that all communication on this matter will need to be received by no later than Friday, 30th October.

We will acknowledge receipt of any communication in writing and may seek further information to support any request.

All the best,

Brendan

The LunchBox