Newsletter

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff of MPWPS,

Welcome to Term 4 of this unusual year! Next week we welcome our students back to classes yeahhhh!  We are all very excited hear that the Chief Medical Officer has recognised that the virus numbers are reducing enough to take this next step.  Students being able to return to school is an illustration that you/we have followed the plan, stayed the course and are mindful of each other.  I think we all realise precaution is still our best course of action, and we will be cautious as we welcome students and families to our school.

 Return to School information

Yesterday I circulated via COMPASS the Parent Guide to Return to School. This document (link below) provides information about staggered start times and gates, what children need to bring and/or return to school and how teachers will be supporting your child and their return. Please read and prepare your child for the return as being at home for the past 12 weeks enables a routine and changing this can be difficult for some.  Teachers will be transitioning students back into the classes revisiting their class Rights and Responsibilities and using the ‘tools’ they have to reacquaint children.  As always if your child is needing some extra support or contact from the teacher please let them know via COMPASS and they will be only to willing to act.  I am sure coming back to school will be a positive opportunity for all children! 

Parent Reflection

What a wonderful opportunity you have had over the past weeks to watch, support and encourage your child as a learner. This type of opportunity doesn’t happen very often. It may occur if you take a term break from school to travel or explore our vast land.  During a vacation time away from school children are generally engaged in some sort of learning to maintain the connection between family and school. During such a time away, there is rarely a thought of your child or children generally slipping in their learning or not being ready for the progress to the next grade or year level. I have been thinking that Remote Learning could be likened to a travel experience.  My challenge to you is to take a moment as you leave your child with us for the first time (on your walk home or drive to work) to reflect on the three things you think you have learnt about your child during this time.  What are the qualities of a learner that you now know or appreciate? Share these qualities with your child on your walk home after a busy day at school. As always, I am interested in your thoughts.  I think as educators we have deepened our knowledge of students and have learnt more about the narrative of the learning and working as an effective team.  It is all positive and enabling. 

Enrolments for 2021

We are now beginning to organise for 2021.  Our Foundation enrolments are now at the Waiting List stage as we have reached the number designated for 2021. Some of our sibling enrolments were slow to be received however we think we have them all now.  Thank you to those families that have indicated they will not be returning to MPWPS in 2021.  I thank those families for their support over years (some for up to 8 years!) and wish every success to the students and their learning.  Of those students not returning, most are moving out of the area and some are choosing non-government options.  As I say to students leaving you have had a wonderful learning experience at MPWPS, and you can always come back!

Curriculum Day 2nd November

As you will have noted we have had to move around the planned curriculum days this year. Our next Curriculum Day will be Monday November 2nd 2020. I will be seeking School Council support for this date change at the October meeting. Please note this in your diary. Camp Australia offers a Curriculum Day program for families that require this assistance. 

SunSmart Policy

MPWPS has a SunSmart policy statement which is within the Uniform/Dress Code policy. As with all free dress, there are some items that children wear that are not SunSmart. Here are some: I am not sure about the short denim cut-off shorts (their practicality for school and sun protection) mid-thigh length shorts are fine, singlets with shoulders exposed are not SunSmart, hats that cover the top of the head but with no deep brim provide little if any protection for the face. I mention these few items so that as the weather warms children can sort their wardrobes into SunSmart for school verses beach or after school wear.  For many schools the school uniform items provide protection and less fashion competition, and perhaps dressing without a fuss. 

Well that’s about it from me. We will meet again in person shortly.  Until then stay well and safe. 

Sincerely

Kerri

Kerri Simpson

Principal.

Summary of Return to school - Times and Gates

Grades F-2

8.40-8-50am Foundation and Year 1 at Lennox Street

8.40-8.50am Grade 1 and 2 - Eglinton Street entrance

Grades 3-6 

8.50-9.00am Grades 3-4 at Athol Street gates (on oval side of the Gym)

8.50-9.00am Grades 5-6 at Eglinton  Street (gate near the BER)

Don’t forget your TUBS, DEVICES and HATS when you return on Monday!