Moonee Ponds West Primary School

Principal's Report 

Dear families and friends of MPW,

Welcome back for the 2023 school year. It was great to see everyone smiling and excited to be back to school this morning.  I have been floating around the school throughout the day and classes have been settled, engaged and calm.

We are looking forward to finalising the new School Strategic Plan in the coming weeks post School Review at the end of 2022, this will outline the school’s focus and priorities over the next 4 years.

Staff started back on Friday for our first curriculum day to start the year. We had a focus on looking at areas of our curriculum and wellbeing frameworks. It was a productive day full of rich discussion about expectations, processes and collaboration for 2023.

Again, I would like to officially announce the appointment of Amanda Elmer to the Acting Assistant Principal position for Semester 1. Amanda will primarily be coordinating student wellbeing and supporting curriculum areas through our Professional Learning Team structure. There is a little introduction message from Amanda attached.

We also welcome Stefania Lipoma to the F/1 team in Room 2, Sophie Hedditch to the 5/6 team in Room 7, and welcome back Liz Jackson to the 1/2 team in Room 22 and Bree White to the PE position once again. We are actively working to finalise arrangements for the teaching position in a 5/6 class, Room 10, and are hopeful to make an announcement as soon as possible. Thank you to Julie Lanyon for being available this week to ensure a smooth start for the class.

SunSmart

As we are a SunSmart school, our SunSmart policy was updated last year.  Students at Moonee Ponds West Primary School are encouraged to make healthy choices and are supported to understand the benefits and risks of sun exposure. A combination of sun protection measures are in place:

  • Students will be required to wear hats that protect their face, neck, and ears from mid-August to the end of April when they are outside.
  • Hats must be broad-brimmed, legionnaire, or a bucket hat. Baseball caps and visors are not considered a suitable alternative.
  • Sun-protective clothing such as: loose, cool, tightly woven fabric; shirts with a collar and/or high necklines; tops with elbow length or long sleeves; longer style shorts and skirts. Sun protective clothing is included in our school uniform.
  • The use of SPF30, SPF50, or SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen is encouraged, with time allowed for applying sunscreen. Students will be reminded to apply sunscreen before going outdoors.
MPW_Sunsmart Policy_2022.pdf

Online Lunch Orders

In 2023, Darling Street Café will be moving to an online ordering system, the Spriggy Schools app. Lunch orders will continue to be offered on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays. The cut off for ordering lunch orders is 9:15am the day of the order. The attached flyer has the required information for downloading and using the app. In the Education section of the newsletter you will find information regarding the new lunch ordering system and a copy of the flyer will be posted on the school's website.

Policies and Forms (mooneewestps.vic.edu.au)

Basket Tea

This year’s Basket Tea is scheduled for Friday 24th February, commencing at 5:15pm and concluding at around 8:00pm. I hope that you and your family can attend. The Basket Tea is a social opportunity to meet other families in your class and year level grouping and start the year. 

The night is held on the Tiger Turf area and is BYO everything, so bring a picnic rug and camp out for the evening. 

Book Packs

At the end of last year you would have received communication about the Book Lists for 2023. The book list can still be ordered from Compete Office Supplies (COS) if you have yet to arrange this. The book list is a guide to what teams feel are the essential items that your child will use in the classroom. Alternatively, you can use the Book list to source items from a supplier of your choice also. Please contact the office if you require further information regarding the book packs, book pack lists are available on the school website.

Policies and Forms (mooneewestps.vic.edu.au)

School Uniform

Please find attached the updated School Dress Code policy and Implementation timeline for the move to a compulsory uniform.

Some key points worth noting are:

  • From Term 2 2023, on days where students are required to be offsite, e.g., sports days or excursions there is a requirement that all students will wear a school uniform top.
  • From 2024, the school uniform will be compulsory for all students to wear to school.
  • Uniform items can be purchased directly from ‘Lowes.  Highpoint Shopping Centre, Level 2 Highpoint Shopping Centre, Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong or online at https://www.lowes.com.au/schools-online/mooneeponds-west-primary-school
  • The school also operates a lost property and second-hand uniform opportunity for parents.
  • Please contact the school’s Business Manager, Sandra Monaghan to discuss support that we may be able to provide to families experiencing difficulty meeting uniform costs, including information about eligibility for uniform support  through State Schools’ Relief. Further information about State Schools’ Relief is also available on their website: htps://www.ssr.net.au
MPW Dress Code Policy_Final approved June 2022.pdf

 

We look forward to welcoming our new Foundation students for their first school day on Friday 3rd February. The first day of school is an exciting and memorable moment.

 

Regards,

Jarrod Sutton

Principal