Principal's report

Greetings to all Families, Community and Staff of Moonee Ponds West PS,

Week 10!  Oh, my goodness hasn’t the time flown! Seems like we only just started the year and we are now preparing to close off 2019.

It has been a successful performance year for our school. We have been able to move students learning growth in all categories (above the level, at Level and below level) in Number, so that we have no students performing (as a cohort year 3-5) below the expected standard. In Reading, we have had significant growth in student achievement (Year 3 -5) for students above and below the expected level. The students at level have grown but not as significantly as the other two categories. Such achievement has enabled the school to move from RENEW to INFLUENCE. What has made this difference?  I believe it is the learning that has built the capacity of teacher’s instruction in reading and mathematics.  Working in teams with coaches and peers documenting a developmental approach to lessons is the key. Problem Based Learning enables students to show what they know and build on it. In reading, the Unit planner has enabled teachers to differentiate at the class level for small group instruction.  Our challenge is to keep in this zone!  We all look forward to the challenge.

Parent Information Book for 2020

Uploaded with the newsletter is the Parent Information Booklet for 2020. We have new information in the booklet for families to consider. The most important pages are the Term Dates, Curriculum Days (some still are to be confirmed) and the use of COMPASS as our main communication tool. We still have 60 families we think are yet to log on. It would seem that these families are missing out on joining our community and participating. We are planning to make contact in the new year and offer some specific training to assist where possible.

Parent Representative for 2020

Our suggested process for allocating parents reps was to seek parents for this role early so we could let you know who the parent representative was when the class lists were distributed.  To date we have five names.  I am attaching the Expression of Interest again, so if you wish or you and a friend might like to nominate before the end of this school year. Please note we are adding the Specialist areas for your involvement. The following have been received. 

The Race around Melbourne for senior students:  The race is on this THURSDAY!

Our Year 5/6 students head into the city for an independent, planned exploration as part of the school’s transition activities.  This is very exciting and the children have been busy planning where to go, what to do, and how to get there using public transport. All senior students need their Myki so that they can travel. On Thursday morning, the parent helpers need to be here by 8.30. The students need to be on their way by 9.00 and back by 2.45-3.00pm.

Lost Property

Thank-you to our Education Support Officer Maria, who went through the items and rescued the named uniform pieces on Monday.  Hopefully, they got back to you as well. Each day until the holidays we will be rolling the racks out. Please encourage your child to look for their lost items especially the street clothes.

We do not hold any clothing items over the break!

Reverse Advent Calendar to help others

The Ascot Vale Pantry has an opportunity for us all to give at this time of the year. The Reverse Advent Calendar is a wonderful idea to give specific items on the days to Christmas. How about we all support this great organisation. I have included the Reverse Advent Calendar with this newsletter and there is a black decorated box in the General Office to receive your items. I will ensure that all collections are received by the Ascot Vale Little Free Pantry.

Well that’s about it from me.  Until we meet in person.

Sincerely

Kerri Simpson

Principal (Acting at MPWPS)