Appreciations

I would like to acknowledge the work of our office team. With our marvellous business manager, currently recovering from medical treatment and working reduced hours, the additional work has fallen on Yvonne, Natalie and Zowi. They have done an outstanding job.

Thanks to Helen and Anna from the Prep team for again demonstrating support for our students by volunteering to run the Environment Team during lunchtimes. Representatives from grades 1 through to 6 were acknowledged and received their badges from Helen, Anna and School captains, Johanna and Stephen. The representatives (along with Helen, Anna and OTP coordinator, Dianne MacDonald) are pictured in the orchard after assembly.

News ...

Congratulations to Marnie Rowe, Arlyn Patterson, Indigo Troedel and Lyla Joyce who have been nominated for the under 12 Westgate Imperials Basketball representative team. Their team has had a very successful season and have won enough games to make it into the top 60 teams in the state so far this year.

Our second Classroom Helper’s session … was successfully held yesterday with an additional 14 parents/community members following 17 (for the initial session) last week. The remaining two sessions will be held on Thursday 19th March. A final opportunity will be held early in term 2, on Tuesday 21st April. If you plan to volunteer in the classroom, programs, excursions and camps you must have completed a Classroom Helpers program, either this year or previously and hold a current Working with Children’s Check.

Multicultural Day … is a day like no other at Footscray West. Giuliano is passionate in making the day a memorable one. We look forward to sharing and celebrating the wonderful multicultural aspects that are an integral aspect of life at FWPS and in the western suburbs. Please support your child in coming prepared for this biennial event next Thursday 12 March. More information in the following pages.

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund - CSEF Eligibility. This state government program provides fee relief of $125 per student. You may be eligible if you hold a current Centrelink Health Care Card, Veterans Affairs Gold Card or Pensioner Concession card. CSEF provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like, school camps, swimming and school-organised sport programs outdoor education programs and excursions and incursions.

If you registered your child in 2019 there is no need to re-register, however you DO need to register new Prep Students or if your circumstances have changed. Please ask for a form at the office or download below.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/CSEF-Application-Form-2020.pdf

School Council news

Council met for the first time for the year on Monday. Appreciations were expressed for two outgoing parent members of Council, Mel Shackell and Tania King. Mel has been a member for 6 years, the last 4 as Treasurer, and Tania has also demonstrated an active commitment for 4 years. We demonstrated our appreciation for their significant commitment.

We are pleased that current School Council President Marcus Hildebrand will continue in to serve on Council for the final year of eligibility. We are also pleased that current parent member, Andrew Newman and employee members, Caren and Lyn, will continue with us for the period 2020 – 2021.

In my monthly Principal’s Report I was able to reflect on our positive start to the school year.

During our meeting we discussed …

1. The status of School Council membership and how we can support a co-opted presence with our Parent’s Association. We are pleased to announce that Amanda Dunn, mum of Molly in grade 1JN, will join Council. We have one unfilled place on Council. Please speak with me if you have an interest in this position.

2. The Smile Squad initiative – Free dental care for children was included in the State government’s election package. In term 2, schools in the Maribyrnong LGA will be included in this initiative. We have already flagged our interest and will keep our community posted when there is relevant information to share.

3. How our school continues to grow steadily. With annual census enrolment of 698 students, we related how we will continue to liaise with Regional Infrastructure staff to ensure our school’s resourcing is adequately supported in 2021.

4. How our first 2 year contract with Their Care OSHC is coming to the end of the initial 2 year agreement (start of term 2). A positive proposal was presented to Council. We have opted for a 3 year extension with Their Care.

5. How Their Care afternoon OSHC program is now regularly reaching capacity. By licensing another space, we will soon be able to extend the program to 115 places.

6. The pleasing start to the staffed Orchard to Plate program.

7. Considerations for the Wakakirri Story Dance pogram this year.

8. The implications following a meeting that our SC President Marcus attended along with me and Maribyrnong Council Park and Recreation officers.

9. What facilities improvements and forthcoming ideas and challenges will be priorities this year.

10. A proposal to install CCTV in external areas at school for out of hour’s detection of illegal activities, a problem that was particularly evident during the January holidays. Please speak with me if you have any concerns, as we seek to build a scope of works to meet our needs and then obtain a series of competitive quotes.

11. Dates for The Biggest Morning Tea, Trivia Night Fundraiser and Grandparents (Special Friends’ Day).

Monday is Labour Day – a public holiday in Victoria and school will NOT be open. There will not be an assembly next week.

Reminders and some additional news

FlexiBuzz – Having easy access to our FWPS FlexiBuzz app is really important. It is also vital to check notifications regularly. Please ensure that you are linked to each and every one of your children’s 2020 grade levels, as well as General News. You can also easily use the FlexiBuzz app to send an email, or make notification of your child’s absence. So if you are yet to download, use or (regularly) check FlexiBuzz, PLEASE make the commitment to do so this week.

Cheers,

Brendan

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