Principal's report
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and friends of MPWPS
I have some exciting news! We have two of our Japanese Sister School teachers visiting for the next seven (7) days. Some of our children were in their classes when they were at school during our recent tour. The teachers are on their summer break and are using this time to learn about the Victorian school system. During their stay they will be travelling to and from our school by public transport (an experience). They will also be visiting Kingswood Primary School with another colleague. The teachers Yōko and Hanae
will be working alongside Diana and Cindy in the Japanese program and will also have other experiences whilst here at MPWPS. Please make them feel welcome; it a great privilege to have such a connection to our Sister School.
The Parent Forum
Last Friday a small but dedicated group joined our Learning Specialist-Numeracy (Vicki McCormack), for a session on Mathematics teaching and learning at Moonee Ponds West PS. Explanations about Number Talks and Problem Based Learning enabled the parents to gain insight into the new work that our teachers have been doing over the last 18 months. This learning has been led by our Mathematics Consultant Chris Coombes. Vicki as Learning Specialist will be supporting teachers in implementing these strategies across the school generally. The Problem Based Learning is a strategy for instruction in more forward thinking secondary colleges, and actually requires students to think and use their mathematical skills to solve problems. In a PBL session the teacher is watching, noting and looking for the different ways children are solving the problems. It is exciting work for both teacher and student. Thanks to Vicki for her time to share knowledge with our parents and thank you to our parents for giving the time to learn.
Year 5/6 Swimming
Off they went on Monday morning for sessions of swimming! We were surprised how many students need to learn this important skills. The Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre is a wonderful resource and the pool facility is really impressive. The main pool is a 50 metre indoor pool, with great water quality. Today I attended the swimming (yes I had my bathers) and watched as our students participated with enthusiasm. As I dived in, I felt like Dawn Fraser swimming the final leg of the 100 metres relay hehehe! The new swimming benchmark (for all year 6 students leaving primary school) is to meet the swimming and safety requirements of the Swim Safe Certificate. To gain the certificate the student needs to be able to swim 50 metres in freestyle, tread water for 5 minutes, continuously swim for a period of time, confidently answer safety questions and perform a supervised rescue. For students working up to this certificate I would suggest swimming lessons of some sort. Today many children were gaining confidence with their stroke development and a few more lessons would see them achieve and be safe in the water. Please encourage your child to get this essential life skill. Please see the photos of the session below.
Sensory Garden Update
We received information late last week that our Sensory Garden project had progressed to the next level where a contractor will be allocated to the project and an initial meeting will be held. This is wonderful news and means commencement is just around the corner! The plans for the area are published in the display box near the platform. Have a look it will be a great space for children and families.
Foundation Enrolments for 2020
If you are intending to enrol your child at Moonee Ponds West for 2020, I urge you to do this as soon as possible. We are now looking at siblings, and then considering families from outside our area. At this stage we are preparing letters to confirm enrolments. The Moonee Ponds West transition program will commence in term 4. Dates and times will be confirmed once offers have been accepted.
Well that’s about it from me. Until we meet in person.
Sincerely
Kerri Simpson
Principal (Acting at Moonee Ponds West PS)