Principal's Report 

Appreciations

Even in uncertain times, good things happen every day. Whether it is a random act of guidance, or even a shared smile with a stranger, we can often find positive and reaffirming moments each day. 

Parent/Teacher Interviews and Student Led Conferences 

Thank you to the many parents and carers who entered into the spirit of the times and took the opportunity to book and participate in our online Parent/Teacher Interviews and Student Led Conferences yesterday.  Immediate feedback as to format and process was positive, but as always, when we make adjustments and changes, we seek feedback from staff, parents and when relevant … the kids.  Our online interview process is just one more ‘work around’ we have had to manage, as you all have.  If you have feedback, positive or constructive please drop us a line at: footscray.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au using the subject line ‘Parent/Teacher interviews’ and they will be forwarded to our leadership team for consideration. 

5LC Student Led Conferences were required to be rescheduled due to class teacher, Lauren Crump falling ill on Tuesday.  We informed families as soon as possible and have now confirmed Lauren will be available to conduct Student Led Conferences with 5LC next Wednesday, 26th August.  Parents and carers of students in 5LC received further information regarding these amended arrangements today. Again, appreciations to all parents, carers and students of 5LC for your wonderful understanding (and the many ‘get well’ messages to Lauren).

FWPS MAILBOX - Drawings & Pictures to Senior Citizens 

Our senior school captains recently discussed their concerns about people in our community that are having a particularly tough time right now. Our senior citizens may feel even more isolated than we do because they may not be able to make zoom calls, or chat to friends online.  The situation is especially challenging for those in aged care facilities, who due to COVID-19 safety procedures have currently little contact with family and friends. 

We would love to bring some joy to their lives. Staff members Shannon and Kaye contacted Maribyrnong Council staff and they were delighted to work with us.  With the help of our school, class and vice captains and the Maribyrnong City Council we’re going to start a little program at FWPS to share a little spark of happiness with our senior citizens.  

How it works: 

• You can create a card, drawing, short story, room decoration.
• Add your first name and ‘from Footscray West Primary School’
• Drop it off in our specially placed FWPS mailbox located on the right hand side of the main entrance on Argyle Street (you don’t need to make a special trip, just make it part of your daily exercise when walking or riding in the neighbourhood).
• The letterbox will be emptied regularly and we will convey your messages to Maribyrnong Council who will ensure delivery to the people in need of cheering up in aged care facilities around Footscray.

We may not get return letters from everyone, but anything we send will go a long way to making their day a little bit brighter. 

This message will be shared with all our class teachers and we will ask them to also include this information in their Google Classrooms. Please note that this is an optional program, not a marked work assignment.  We would love to have letters, cards and pictures from lots of members of our school community.

Some of our grades 5 & 6 will also have the opportunity to become pen pals with an aged care resident. Our captains will be sending out some introductory letters (such as the example provide by Alana above) and when we get responses, we will ask for volunteers who would like to keep in touch by writing letters. The Council will deliver return correspondence to our school and letters will be shared with students in their Google Classrooms. 

Some important rules for everyone’s privacy: 

• Please only include first names
• No personal contact details
• No personal information (get a parent or guardian read it before you post it. 

Environment initiative – The annual Keep Australia Beautiful campaign has been one of the most long-lived environment campaigns in our history.  Interestingly this year we have had additional unexpected issues relating to the current pandemic.   We appreciate that the Environ Team is onto it.  We can all put into practice appropriate ways to safely clean and re-use cloth masks and we can all ensure disposable masks and rubber gloves are appropriately and safely disposed of. (see the article on page 4).

Best wishes …

... stay safe

Brendan