Principal's report

Dear Parents, Students, Guardians and Carers at MPWPS,

Here we are at week four of a nine week term. It is moving quickly, with all classes settled and children readily involved in their learning and friendships.  When children are provided with a chance to widen their friendship groups, by being in a different year level or class, I realise that this can be a time of uncertainty for them. At home it is important to support and trust and believe they will be able to manage this change.  Here at school we may see a different set of behaviours, once the day has commenced. Know we are collectively monitoring and supporting, and of course will speak with you should this be needed.  Change is one thing that will  always be in our world and getting familiar with how to manage, with support is a really valuable life skill.  So how are we going?

Senior Choir for 2020

We have been so fortunate to have Shane Mc Namara take on this wonderful group. Shane’s drama and musical skill and his willingness to contribute to MPW in this way is wonderful.  The group met yesterday for the first time and there was some drama, movement and colour! 

The Choir offering will be different in its working for 2020.  There will be some performance at the end of the year, but there will be no State Schools Spectacular involvement in 2020.

Choir meets on a Monday and Friday from 1.30-2.15 in the Performance Space and it appears to be a lot of fun. Children can still join, but the commitment is for the term.

Jayde’s Dance Group

Jayde will again be joining us to provide this lunchtime activity on a Thursday. Jayde is a qualified dance teacher and provides an opportunity for children to develop their balance, co-ordination and creativity.  The dance group is for all ages and if there is demand a Senior and Junior Dance Group including an all-boys group are future possibilities.  It is a user pays system and there are enrolment forms at the General Office.  A great opportunity at lunchtime.

School Council Elections

Each year, half of the Council’s membership changes.  In schools February/March are known as Election months! 

We have posted the notice of the call for nominations (see attached below) around the school and on the website for parent and staff information.  Being on School Council is a great opportunity to contribute to the school for the benefit of all students.  I urge you to think about this role as a contribution you can make whilst your child is in their primary years.  All information is available at the General Office.  Ask to speak with Sandra (School Council Secretary) who is overseeing the process.

My personal thanks to the School Councillors who are stepping down after their term(s) concludes. They are:  Ben Atchison, Nigel Keegan, Lisa Shaw, Lee Cath  (parent members), Alyena Mohummadally, Katherine Ayrton and Barb Springfield (DET members).

Members, without your support, encouragement and confidence our school could not be so successful. 

Parent Representative System at Moonee Ponds West

We still have some classes to go until every class has a Parent Representative.  I will be asking teachers to seek a representative through their class email via COMPASS.  Please consider this role.  The Handbook outlines the role and there is a section for Frequently Asked Questions.  The goal is to have all Reps in place by the Basket tea next week!

The following classes are still to have a Parent Rep:

• Room 5
• Room 7
• Room 8
• Room 14
• Room 17
• Room 18
• Room 19

Our School’s Basket Tea Friday 28th February

The Basket Tea is a friendly way to get to know your school community.  You can also get to know other parents from your year level.  Staff are encouraged to start the evening with you if they are available.  There will be a Sausage Sizzle available but you are encouraged to bring your own dinner.  It is BYO everything! Fingers crossed for the weather.   See you there.

Your Principal Steps away

I inform you that your current substantive Principal Jeff Lyon has relinquished his position at Moonee Ponds West effective this term.  On your behalf I thank Jeff for his contribution, leadership and support to many, over the time he held this role. On behalf of the community our best wishes are extended to Jeff for any future endeavours.  The school will now go through a process to select a new Principal.  This process has begun and will be completed by the end of Term 1, 2020.

Professional Learning for Staff

In order to continually build staff knowledge and skill, from time to time your class teacher maybe involved in learning away from their class.  This year we continue to be focused on Mathematics (Problem Based Learning PBL, Number Talks, and Learning Centre’s to match learning to student needs) and English (Reading and Writing consistent strategies).  Professional learning for staff is an expensive but necessary part of improving. Other teachers will take the class if your teacher is involved. 

Our upcoming Curriculum Day on March 6 will be focusing on Reading and Writing development and assessment. The Curriculum Day is student free so no school for children on this day.

Well that’s about it from me.  Until we meet in person, have your child read their ‘just right book’ aloud to you.  In the early years especially reading aloud is an essential strategy to build comprehension!

Sincerely

Kerri Simpson

Principal (Acting at Moonee Ponds West PS)

Reminder

CURRICULUM DAY FRIDAY MARCH 6TH 2020

NO STUDENTS ON THIS DAY.