Principal's Report 

Dear families and friends of MPW

In the first week of term 3, we had 11 students attend the Moonee Vale Instrumental Music Program (MVIMP) Camp alongside students from the other participating schools: Ascot Vale, Ascot Vale West and Moonee Ponds Primary Schools. This year nominated students attended Urban Camp in Parkville, a new venue closer to schools. The camp included the opportunity for intensive instrument lessons that culminated on Thursday evening’s concert for the students’ families. 

I was able to attend the camp concert on Thursday night to see the amazing effort and learning the students from Moonee Ponds West (and the other schools) have undertaken in their time in MVIMP. Their performances not only showcased their musical talents but also showed their enjoyment and enthusiasm.  All student representatives from the four schools should be proud of their efforts.

MVIMP Soiree 

Next week on the 2nd August we have our MVIMP Soiree. This is our concert for families of students in the MVIMP program. The concert will be held in the Performance Space starting at 6.30pm. Again, this is an opportunity for our students to gain valuable experience performing to an audience and to celebrate their achievements.

2024 Enrolments

A final reminder that the new statewide enrolment process for next year’s foundation students requires enrolment applications to be in by this Friday 28th July. For current families, if you have a younger sibling starting next year please ensure your enrolment application has been given to the office.

NAPLAN reporting 

NAPLAN results were released last week to schools and our individual students’ reports were sent home to our Year 3 and 5 families. This year NAPLAN has had several changes to its implementation and reporting, with for the first time, NAPLAN was conducted in Term 1 rather than Term 2.

The changes to reporting are being introduced nationally by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). NAPLAN will continue to measure student achievement in reading, writing, numeracy, spelling, and grammar and punctuation. The results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels: Exceeding; Strong; Developing; and Needs additional support. 

This change will give schools, parents and carers clearer information that details student achievement against new proficiency levels. Students’ NAPLAN reports will continue to show how they are tracking against their peers and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child. Each set of NAPLAN results is an important milestone but it’s also important to remember that it is a snapshot of learning on the day under test conditions. 

Our School Improvement Team (SIT) will be looking at the overall school results and new reporting formats to identify areas of strength or improvement. I am hoping to be able to provide a summary of results to the community once the full results are released, including State and National data.

Cold and flu season

Over the past few weeks in Victoria there have been higher cases of influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among children aged 5 to 11 years, particularly in those in their first few years of school. Most children with flu or RSV have a mild fever, runny nose or cough. Some children, particularly babies and children with underlying medical conditions, may have more severe illness. 

To help keep our school community well, at school we continue to have measures in place to reduce the spreading of illness by: 

• encouraging students to wash and sanitise their hands regularly
• continuing to use air purifiers across the school in spaces used by staff and students
• continue to have access to face masks should staff, students or visitors request them
• encourage students to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing into their elbow
• encouraging those unwell to stay at home and consult a general practitioner (GP) or health professional as needed 

For more information about influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), refer to: 

• Influezna (flu) on the Better Health
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the Better Health

Emergency practise drills

This week and later this term we will be holding different emergency practise drills. These drills allow us to ensure our processes in case of an emergency are known to students and staff, and are working effectively. This week will be our Shelter in place drill, where we evacuate to the gym, and later in the term we will practise our Offsite evacuation drill.

We will send out a Compass notification at the conclusion of any emergency drills, to notify families of the drill occurring.

Curriculum Day reminder

A reminder that we have a Curriculum Day this term on Monday 14th August, this is a student free day. Staff will be engaging in professional learning focused on Writing, led by Associate Professor Misty Adoniou. This learning continues and builds on the work we initiated with Misty last year.  Camp Australia will be available for those who require the service on the day.

Finally, all the best to those students heading to District Athletics on Friday. As always, we ask that you give your best efforts!

Regards,

Jarrod Sutton

Principal