Principal's message
Staffing update
At the end of last term Richard Smith transitioned from his PE teaching position at Fitzroy PS to Carlton Gardens PS to pursue his career as a classroom teacher. We currently have a PE teacher position advertised and are in the recruitment process. Coaches from the Collingwood Basketball Association are running PE classes this term, together with a temporary teacher until the position has been filled.
During last term Emma Marino left to pursue a career in social work after completing her degree. She worked at Fitzroy PS for a number of years in Education Support with children across the school. This term we welcome Asha Clarke to our team as an Education Support staff member.
I also take this opportunity to welcome Robyn Cairns to our team. She is working as a Science specialist as part of the Primary Maths Science Specialist initiative through DET. Robyn will be team teaching STEM with Vicki and Kitchen Garden with Linda.
Lucy Renehan has also joined our team this term as the French/English teacher in F/1W. She brings energy and enthusiasm to the role, as well as the capacity to teach the Victorian Curriculum in both French and English throughout the week.
In the coming weeks we will finish the selection process for the School Community Liaison Officer position, as well as the PE teacher and Education Support positions. Further staffing updates will follow via Compass and in the newsletter.
Remote learning
With Victoria transitioning into lockdown, we quickly prepared ourselves for remote learning once again. I extend my deepest gratitude to our staff who have worked hard to plan for and deliver lessons online or supervise children onsite. Online tutoring and Literacy support has also continued which has been a challenge given the circumstances. It has also been pleasing to hear that most students have been attending online lessons and we look forward to hopefully returning to onsite schooling next Wednesday.
Parent teacher interviews
Teachers have started contacting parents/carers to discuss students’ semester one reports as part of the school’s reporting process. This semester, parent teacher interviews will take place either online or via phone. I encourage all parents/carers to meet with teaching staff as it’s an opportunity to celebrate students’ achievements and set personal learning goals for the second semester. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like to make a time.
Billy Garvey
This week staff from Fitzroy PS and Fitzroy North PS came together on Webex to engage in a professional development session with Billy Garvey on managing challenging behaviours in children. It was an opportunity for staff across both schools to connect and share effective strategies and resources that support students with complex needs. Billy Garvey also shared his expertise from a paediatric perspective. These sessions will continue throughout the term as part of the school’s involvement in the Royal Children’s Hospital research project.
Lunchtime clubs and clinics
This term we have various clubs and clinics running to provide students with a broad range of opportunities. I encourage all children to be involved and wish to thank Alex, Bryce, Robyn, Lucy and Linda for their time.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday – Art club
Tuesday – Art club
Wednesday – Choir at recess, Fitzroy Lions Soccer Club clinic at lunchtime
Thursday - Choir at recess, Fitzroy Lions Soccer Club clinic at lunchtime
Friday – Gardening club