Principal's Report

Lunchtime Clubs

The term continues to be full of learning and laughter, both inside and outside of the classroom. When I have been walking through the yard, I have noticed the recent uptick of tennis being played. It has also been lovely seeing many students playing ‘Memory Tag’ on the oval before school starts.

Next week will see the introduction of lunchtime clubs. These clubs provide students, who might want a break from the yard, with different opportunities. These clubs are open to all students and are supervised by teachers from 1 – 1.30pm.

District Swimming

Last Thursday was our first school sporting event for a considerable amount of time. We had 21 students compete in District Swimming Carnival at Fitzroy Pool. I heard great reports of how well everyone represented the school, supporting each other, showing great sportsmanship, competing with great zest, and enjoying the day out.

We have many students who qualified for the Division stage, where I am sure they will experience an equally enjoyable day. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to the staff who have supported this event, particularly Tom Pinchen-Hogg for his coordination.

Introducing ‘The Social Club’

Running alongside our School Council are several sub-committees which assist with the governance of the school. These committees are Buildings and Grounds, Sustainability, Policy, Finance and the newly renamed ‘Social Club’.

Previously known as the Community Committee, The Social Club met last week and discussed ways of having more parent interest and involvement in community matters and events. It had been decided that rebranding as ‘The Social Club’ might be a more accurate reflection of the purpose of the group – to help build strong social connections between people in our community.

The Social Club discussed the level of parental involvement that is required to run our much-loved events, including Art4All. It was decided that it was not feasible to run a school fair this year (as this event is traditionally held in term one) however, we are very optimistic about hosting a memorable Art4All weekend in term four. Of course, this cannot happen without the help of parents, and we hope to tap into the expertise and passions within our school community to get you on board.

Keep an eye out in Compass for communication regarding all things social! 

Parent Payments

Last week you received information regarding this year’s school payments. Thank you for the swift payments that we have already received. These contributions support the running of our everyday programs, including classroom materials, specialist class resources and IT. We ask that these payments are made by the end of term one – Friday 8 April.

COVID Safety Measures, Visitors & Volunteers

Last week, the Department of Education announced that current COVID-safe measures will remain in place until the end of term one. Please note:

• RAT kits will continue to be provided until the end of this term. You will be informed via Compass of when tests can be collected for the next two weeks.
• Visitors are no longer required to scan in using a QR code.
• We are very keen to have volunteers back in the classroom, as we know what a positive difference this makes. We will use Compass to let you know when we can invite you back.

Morning Tea 

Each term, I host a morning tea where all parents are invited to attend. 

This is an informal get-together where I chat with parents to update on what is happening around the school and answer any questions that you may have.

• When: Friday 4 March, 9 – 10am
• Where: Staff Room

Future Dates for your Diary

• Welcome Picnic at FPS: Friday 18 March, 5:30 – 8pm
• School Photographs: Tuesday 29 March, 9am – 3:30pm
• Foundation Social Night: Friday 1 April, 7 – 10pm
• Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 1 – 6 (online via WebEx): Wednesday 30 March, 1:40 – 7pm. Please note, there will be an early dismissal at 1pm on this day.
• Art4All Weekend: Friday 11 – Sunday 13 November

It is great to see our calendar filling up again, and I look forward to seeing you around the grounds.

~ Paul Wallace, Principal