Principal's report
Greetings to the Families and Friends of MPWPS,
I want to start today by congratulating all parents and carers of our students-your children, because not entering the school yard with your child must be so difficult. For some, this would be a habit formed over time or continued from Childcare and Kinder days. However, I want to take a moment to give you some feedback on what we are noticing in your child as a result. I think you will be proud and want to continue with this pattern.
Here is what I am noticing as I welcome, farewell, and move around the classes. Teachers have also commented from their observations. Generally, children are more confident in themselves (read feel very grown up), and in what they are doing. For our Junior students, waving goodbye, going into class unpacking their bag, hanging up it up (which means finding their peg, recognising their name and moving back into their class with no distractions) and being ready for learning to start at 9.00 is a wonderful support for their learning. For our older students, being on time so that they don’t have to feel different by entering the class when the teacher has begun the lesson, and having time in the class with the teacher at the beginning of the day shapes relationships and connections. Also getting the ‘tools’ for learning ready so that their independent or personal learning starts right at 9.00 shapes the day. In the late 1980's early or 1990’s I prepared an academic paper on how parents could support student learning in schools. One of the findings (if I remember correctly) was linked to parent confidence in their students learning and being successful. Confidence demonstrated by parental behaviours to school, the child managing and doing their best. I think what I am seeing is parents confidently supporting their child/ren to enter and be a learner without the fuss of carrying their bag unpacking it for them and standing close to ensure they are settled before leaving. It appears that most children are not requiring this level of support because they can see by your behaviour that you trust and believe they can manage. Now I speak in general terms here, and if this isn’t your experience please let us help. But I recognise your efforts and support for your child and their school with your adherence to the present restrictions, AND guess what your day begins earlier! Anecdotally I think we have less late comers as a result of the staggered times, and more students interacting (verbally of course) with each other as a result of being at school before the instruction begins. As your Principal I thankyou for your continued support of students and your staff. What a wonderful learning community we have here at MPWPS. Let’s continue to develop these life skills in our children. Three cheers!!
End of the school Term
Next week on Friday we break for Term 2 vacation. What an unusual term we have had! School will dismiss at 2.20 as per the usual process.; that means 2.15 for the Grades 3-6 (so they can collect siblings) and 2.20 for the F/2. Please check with Camp Australia if you require this service.
Remote Learning Survey for Parents and Students
Two weeks ago, you will have received a letter with details of the survey and the appropriate logins. Please take the time to complete this as it gives us, and the Department of Education feedback on the remote learning experience. I will be seeking the support of the Parent Reps to support this opportunity. Please also encourage your child to complete the survey if they didn’t get a chance in class. We think we got into the ‘groove’ and did a pretty good job of supporting families to complete learning remotely, and we are happy to receive feedback to improve as I have the feeling there will be aspects for taking forward. Please find below the logon details and instructions for both surveys.
To complete the PARENT survey, simply:
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the text into your browser. This link will take you directly to the survey. NOTE: Only one parent from your family is invited to complete the survey.
https://www.orima.com.au/lfh/parents
Select the School and Campus name below.
School Name:
Moonee Ponds West Primary School
Enter the School PIN below.
PIN: 888726
When complete, please click on the ‘FINISHED!’ button at the end of the survey to submit your answers. Please note that the survey will time out after 60 minutes of inactivity.
To complete the STUDENT survey, simply ask / assist your child to follow the instructions below:
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the text into your browser. This link will take you directly to the survey. NOTE: Only students in Years 4 to 6 are invited to participate in this survey.
https://www.orima.com.au/lfh/students
Select the School and Campus name below.
School Name: Moonee Ponds West Primary School
Enter the School PIN below.
PIN: 6800
If you don't know what a question means, please ask your parent or teacher to help you. When you have finished the survey, please click on the ‘FINISHED!’ button on the last page to submit your answers. Please note that the survey will time out after 60 minutes of inactivity.
Reminder of the important hygiene and social distancing requirements
Wash your hands d,d,d,d wash your hands d,d,d,d (hum Baby Shark for the full effect!) is the key, along with being at home if you are unwell. Many parents are taking their child for the COVID 19 test if they are unsure. This is a wonderful precaution for us all. Teachers are sanitizing hands in and out of the classroom and ensuring minimal contact even though the social distancing is not applicable to children. Let’s stick to the routines as described by the Chief Health Officer and managed here at school by our OHS team. Together we can manage!
Prospective Parents for 2020 Virtual Q and A’s with the Principal
Last week and this week I am offering (via WebEx) Q and A sessions for prospective parents. We have heralded these via the website and specifically to those parents who have already enquired or enrolled. At the completing on this week’s session we will prepare a Q and A Information sheet for all who maybe interested. If you would like to join this week’s sessions please contact Sandra at the General Office.
Principal Internship
Next term I will be hosting an Intern. Karen Wheeler is an aspiring leader from Silverton PS and is gaining experience by spending 25 days in another school with a different leadership team. It is a pleasure to welcome Karen to MPWPS and to have her share her experience and knowledge with us. Karen commences week 3 of Term 3 and then works with us again in Term 4. Please make Karen very welcome as I know is the MPWPS way!
Well that’s it from me for now. Until we meet from afar, stay well and safe
Sincerely
Kerri Simpson
Principal