Principal's Report
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of MPWPS,
Here we are at week 4 of the term and the second full week for our Foundation students.
We have noticed that the start for these little ones has been a bit different to past years. This could possibly be because of the interrupted pre-school experience or they are just different. To support their successful transition the F/1 team are again recognising the importance of Hall and the chance for children to interact through play. In the play space the influence of Reggio Emilia which focusses strategically on the conversations of children, and uses this information to plan the next experience, will enable connections to learning tasks that are of interest to the child.
We are also noticing that the children are tired. The hot weather is a contributing factor we think. Like at school, routines, and calm help to maintain positive behaviours and students gain confidence.
The Foundation students have conquered the coming into school routine of putting their bag down and lining up with their teacher. Great job!
As soon as we permitted to, I will be inviting the new parents to Morning Coffee. Please come onsite for a tour of the physical space and a real coffee! I look forward to meeting and speaking with you .
Parent Reps
We are still require reps to fill the following classrooms:
- Room 1
- Room 7
- Room 11
- Room 16
- Room 18
- Room 19
- Room 22
If your child is in any of these rooms you might consider volunteering. The commitment is one - two meetings a term where we ‘chew the fat’ or get a chance to meet and say hello to each other and learn to support the teacher and the school in general. It is a great way to support your school and the class.
If you are interested please contact
Sandra Monaghan @ sandra.monaghan@education.vic.gov.au.
Book-Packs
Most children have either the book-pack from our supplier COS or have filled the list from another outlet. Having the correct tools for learning is important. If you are yet to fill the book pack please contact the Office as we could help. The drawstring backpack that the stationary goodies came in will now be your child’s Library book bag.
Which Bag is Which! This year the BLUE satchel is the Home Reading Satchel and carries the books for Just Right reading practice. This is for Years Foundation to 4. The Draw String Backpack (from the stationary) is the LIBRARY Bag. All students need a LIBRARY BAG to protect the books that have been borrowed. Please ensure your child has both items for their organisation. No drawstring backpack? Any bag will be ok for protecting the books borrowed from the library.
School Diaries for Year 3-6
The school diary was part of the stationary pack this year. We are attempting to retrieve the diaries for those students who haven’t purchase this important item. You can use the cover from 2021 and insert a generic diary from another source. A diary is an important tool for organisation and the Learning to Learn lessons of the next weeks require the diary for an important routine.
The Parent Payment system for 2022
Thank-you to those families who have already made their contribution to the school. The richness of our program delivery is supported by these contributions.
The ICT contribution will be used to up keep our devices and to continue the leasing agreements rather than purchasing. This year we are almost able to offer a 1:1 device for students. The apps and programs enhance the learning for all students.
To make our budgets sing, we encourage sending your contribution by the end of this term. Again, if the contribution payment will or could cause hardship, please speak to Sandra in the Office, we have a number of different solutions.
The High Ability Program
This year we have two Year 6 students chosen for the Department of Education’s High Ability Program in mathematics and eight students chosen for English- writing and reading. The opportunity is online with students from other schools. It is hosted by a specialised teacher with expert skills in the area. The Department of Education offers this opportunity to students as an outcome of the student’s NAPLAN results in Year 3 and 5.
I am very proud of all our students as each day I witness their engagement, diligence, and joy in learning.
One of the great things about MPWPS is that we have fine tuned our academic focus, to support the learning needs across the school. The focus on the ‘right’ work has continued to enable the wonderfully diverse attributes of our school. As I say MPWPS is the jewel in the crown!
Parent, Teacher, Student Conferences
This year we are offering the first Three-Way Conference in Week 4, to seek information from parents around their child and establish learning aspirations. Our Foundation parents will have a chance to meet and speak with the teacher. The other meetings will include the student and speak about the Learning to Learn focus of the first weeks of school and give and gain information relevant to ensuring a successful start to the year.
Finally, don’t forget the Basket Tea on March 4th from 5.15pm.
Well until we meet in person, stay well and safe.
Kind regards
Kerri Simpson
Your Principal.