FPS Newsletter

Principal's Report

A Special Breakfast For Special People

The school was the happy host for our Mothers/Special Persons Day Breakfast last week. It has become something of a tradition to have two breakfasts a year to celebrate the special people in our lives.

 

There were plenty of smiles on show, and why wouldn’t you be happy when you have a coffee in one hand and a bacon and egg sandwich in the other! It was lovely to see the yard filled with our young people spending time with our older (not old!) people, mingling with friends and neighbours in the process.

 

Set up for this event started much earlier than when I arrived at school. There was a hearty band of volunteers throughout the morning assisting with set-up, pack-up, cooking, serving, taking payments, tidying, managing sustainability, and that is on top of all the preparation that happened in advance.

 

Thank you to all of the volunteers who made this possible. It was clearly well organised, incredibly well volunteered and attended by many.  Special mentions to Jennifer Clarke for her organisation in setting the event up and to Brett McNeill for coordinating on the day.

A total of $1,003.20 was raised. Thank You!

 

Staffing Update

Stephanie Benwell:  In amongst the busy news in the last newsletter, I omitted the very important business of sharing that Stephanie Benwell was starting her family leave earlier this month. This year Steph has provided additional support in Year 4 which has been much appreciated by all. We wish Steph and Dylan all the very best at this exciting time.

 

Tutor Learning Initiative:  In the previous newsletter I announced that one of our tutors, Ginger Moyle, was taking a year’s leave. With the shortage in the teacher workforce presently, the school has decided that Ginger will be replaced full-time in terms three and four. This will balance out at a very similar number of hours delivering the tutor program as it would if Ginger continued for three days over three terms.

 

Student Attitudes to School Survey

Over the next few weeks, students in Year 4-6 will complete the statewide Student Attitudes to School Survey. This is an annual student survey offered by the Department of Education to assist schools to gain an understanding of students’ perceptions and experience of school. Students will be asked about their thoughts and feelings in relation to their school, their learning, peer relationships, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general.

 

This year, the AtoSS will be conducted at your school from 22nd May – 2nd June.

Police Presentations

We are pleased to be having the opportunity for Preston Police to hold education sessions to our students on:

 

Friday 26 May

 

Year 4A/4C:  Police Education Presentation, 9:00 – 9.50am

  • Understanding the internet and how to stay safe while using it
  • Knowing how and when to ask a trusted adult for help

Year 6:  Police Education Presentation, 9:50 – 10.40am

  • Staying safe online.
  • Discussion on some of the things you might see, say and do online
  • Knowing what to do and where you can go for help if something goes wrong online

Year 5: Police Education Presentation, 11.20am – 12.10pm

  • Staying safe online
  • Discussion on some of the things you might see, say and do online
  • Knowing what to do and where you can go for help if something goes wrong online

Year 4B:  Police Education Presentation, 11.20am – 12.10pm

  • Understanding the internet and how to stay safe while using it
  • Knowing how and when to ask a trusted adult for help

Wednesday 14 June

 

Year 2:  Police Education Presentation, 9:00 – 9.50am

  • Understanding the internet and how to stay safe while using it
  • Knowing how and when to ask a trusted adult for help.

Year 3:  Police Education Presentation, 9:50 – 10.40am

  • Understanding the internet and how to stay safe while using it
  • Knowing how and when to ask a trusted adult for help.

Foundation: Police Education Presentation, 11.10am – 12.00pm

  • How to call 000, role of emergency services, sit in a police car

Year 1:  Police Education Presentation, 12.00 – 12.50pm

  • Understanding the internet and how to stay safe while using it
  • Knowing how and when to ask a trusted adult for help.

Allergy Awareness Day

On Friday 26 May, FPS is marking Allergy Awareness Day to raise awareness about allergies and honour two secondary students – Max McKenzie and James Tsindos – who passed away following an allergic reaction in 2021. Max is an ex-pupil of FPS. As a part of the day, students are invited to wear casual dress and bring a gold coin donation – which will be donated to the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE) to raise vital funds for allergy research. Also, at our mid-term assembly on this day, a guest speaker, Dr Vicki McWilliam, will talk about food allergies, allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and current research. All family members are invited to attend.

Mid Term Assembly

Friday 26 May 3.00-3.30pm at the Fig Tree Courtyard.  All Welcome!

Newsletter Dates

Due to this newsletter being published a week later than scheduled, Newsletter 8 will be published on 6 June and Newsletter 9 on 20 June.

 

Have a good week everyone.

 

~ Paul Wallace, Principal