FPS Newsletter

Principal's Report

A Time to Play

1D - Persuasive Writing
1D - Persuasive Writing

On Friday, I was asked by class 1D if I could visit their classroom and read their persuasive writing, persuading me to make playtimes longer. I know if I was in Year 1, I would be asking for the same thing! It was great to hear about why students felt it was important to have longer playtimes and their suggestions for how much longer they should be (varying from five minutes to 200,000 hours).

 

This got me thinking about the importance of playtimes. During the week, students spend almost seven hours on the school playground during recess and lunchtime. This is a significant amount of time, which highlights the importance of a playground space that is welcoming, cared for and which provides a variety of experiences. When I am on the playground during break times, I am constantly struck by how much the students are enjoying themselves and how differently they spend their time. 

 

On a typical day, there are students:

  • Building bug hotels and fairy gardens alongside the oval.
  • Playing netball or basketball on the sports court.
  • Running, jumping, climbing, sliding and hanging on one of the two playgrounds.
  • Putting on performances in the Fig Tree Courtyard.
  • Playing football or soccer on the oval.
  • Exploring Kaan’s Winya.
  • Finding their own quiet pockets of space to hang out with friends.

 

Hearing our school playground occupied by the happy sounds of our students twice a day, is one of the most heart-warming parts of the day.

 

And sorry 1D… as fun as playtimes are, we are not going to make them any longer.

 

Shelter Shed Mural

If entering the school from the fig tree gate, you are greeted by our shelter shed, which is now adorned with a wonderful mural, displaying our school values. It is a stunning piece of artwork, and a great representation of our school. The brains behind the project was parent, Lee Hodson, who designed and led this work. Lee was supported by parents Trish Fradkin and Corrin McNamara, whose dedication has left an indelible mark on the school. 

 

Thank you to Lee, Trish and Corrin. To see how the mural was painted, look no further than this 2 minute time-lapse video of the process.

Our values - Creativity & Community
Our Values - Respect & Excellence
Our values - Creativity & Community
Our Values - Respect & Excellence

Parent Fees

A reminder that Essential Fees are due to be paid by the end of term. Information about the fees can be found here as well as at the bottom of your Compass news feed.

 

Thank you to the families who have paid their Voluntary Contributions. 

  • Our Nurse fund and Librarian fund are required to pay the salaries of our librarian and school nurses.
  • The Building Fund has been used to complete Stages 1 – 3 of the perimeter fence replacement; we will soon be planning for Stages 4 and 5.
  • The Library Fund has been well used this year, with a number of new books being added – see in this week’s newsletter for further details.

 

A reminder that donations to the Library and Building Funds are tax deductible. 

 

School Uniform

You will have received a communication yesterday, informing you of our change of school uniform supplier, from PSW to A Plus Schoolwear. As mentioned, school uniform is unavailable for purchase from Wednesday 23 June until the end of the school holidays. We will provide you with information regarding A Plus Schoolwear, including how to purchase uniform items, at the start of next term. 

 

Congratulations to Faye and to Daniel

We have recently received some exciting news regarding two of our teachers.

  • Congratulations to Faye Soderstrom and family, on the birth of Aleksander.
  • Congratulations to Daniel Arnavas and family, on the birth of Frankie.

 

Sending our best wishes from the FPS community.

 

 

Wingrove St Pedestrian Crossing

I am delighted to inform you that Darebin City Council will be undertaking the installation of the new pedestrian crossing, between our two campuses, during these school holidays. 

 

The works will include the following:

  • Raised asphalt pavement and asphalt ramps across Wingrove St.
  • Kerb and channel realignment.
  • Landscaping.
  • Road paving, marking and signage.

 

Please note that Wingrove St will be closed to all traffic for the excavation and construction of the raised concrete footpath.

 

I am very much looking forward to seeing our new crossing in use next term, providing improved safety for all of our community.

 

2022 Foundation Enrolment

If you have a child ready to start in Foundation next year, please submit the enrolment form by the end of this term. We plan to send out offers of place at the end of July, so we need to know which siblings of current students will be joining us.

 

Picnic Furniture Available

As a result of the recent building works, there is no longer a place for the picnic bench and table, previously located underneath the fig tree. They are in reasonable condition, and are available to a good home. The table is approximately 2m x 2m and there are two bench seats that go with it. It is currently stored behind the double-storey Year 1 building if you wish to see what it's like.

 

 Please let the school office know if you would be interested in having this furniture, and that you have the transport to take them.

 

End of Term Assembly

Unfortunately, current restrictions mean that we are unable to have parents at our end of term assembly. Instead, we will hold an assembly for staff and students in the middle of the school day on Friday.

 

A reminder that we have a 2pm dismissal on Friday. The first day of school for students is Tuesday 13 July (Monday is a curriculum day).

 

Thank you for all of your support this term. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable two week break.

 

~ Paul Wallace, Principal