Principal's report
Greetings Parents, Carers and Students of Moonee Ponds West PS,
A shortened week this week but still much to do. Thank-you to those families that have chosen to return the Class Placement Form. As is always the case, we endeavor to build classes that provide the best learning environment for all students. Students are always at the centre of all decisions. Our partnership with you continues to be built on trust and consideration. The parent community of MPWPS are a great support to us all and we will continue to build and strengthen this as we go forward.
Foundation Transition begins
This year we have revamped the Transition process for our new students. We commence this important process on Thursday of this week. Current students will be having a learning experience with other classes or assisting with the new Foundation students. This is exciting for them, and provides an opportunity to meet other students. Please speak with your chil if they are effected so that they are prepared especially if change could be an issue. Your class teachers (F/1) can assist if you require further information.
When the students are in the school we invite the parents/carers to meet and hear about important aspects of the school and how to best support starting school; one of life’s milestones!
Assessment and Reporting
MPWPS now has an Assessment and Reporting team who are reviewing and ‘tweaking’ assessment requirements for our school. The goal is consistency in assessment practices. Any assessment we complete must provide information about the child so that individual and teams of teachers can plan the next step in the learning journey. Some of the enhancements for the second Semester are completing Fountas and Pinnell to the highest INSTRUCTION level for the students, and as a whole of school measure using ACER PAT Reading from years 1 to 6. The whole of school measure can assist us in ensuring all students have growth in Reading. Our teachers know their students well. We believe that the ‘tweaking’ of assessments will provide for triangulation of achievement results so that there is an on balance judgement. We are on the journey of assessment FOR, AS and OF learning.
We will also be using the COMPASS Reporting format for the Semester 2 Report. The Student Portfolios tell the story of the learning with samples or evidence of the progression your child is making and always support the written report. The Education Committee on November 19 will see this format and add comment where required.
The Outcome of the Review
We are waiting for to receive the Review Report. When we do have, the report we will br shared with the School Council, Staff and Community. The sharing of the report will provide direction for our work for the next three years. Because of the Review outcome, an internal structure for collaboration of staff around student learning achievement will require some change to staffing roles. I am building the staffing profile at present. It is a juggle as our numbers are falling. I hope that this will change in the next years to build a strong student enrolment. The ideal enrolment for MPWPS is around 560 students. Next year we will have around 520.
Lost Property
We are at week 5 and already the Lost Property is overflowing! Lots of casual clothing unnamed and in good order. Many lunch boxes drink bottles of all sorts mostly unnamed. If your child’s items are named, there is a chance to return them to you or better still for your child to FIND them! Hand a thick black texta to your child and get them to put their surname on their items preferably on the neckband for clothing, and anywhere on the other items mentioned. Finding and collecting personal items is a step in children becoming personally responsible and independent.
Well that is about it from me. Until we meet in person.
Sincerely and in good faith
Kerri Simpson
Principal (Acting)