Principal's report

Dear Parents, Carers and Students of MPWPS,

After a little building hiccup, the new toilet block is open and ready for use! TODAY is the day! Sandra Monaghan has been the site project liaison person for this important project. I certainly want our students to have the best and hope that they too want to use and keep this facility in a respectful condition.  Congratulations to the architects (Haskell) and to the contracting builder (AAA Turners) for their communication and professional manner in all situations.  The Official Opening will be on Friday June 7th with a special assembly to welcome members of the community, relevant Department personnel, and our local member Danny Pearson. Danny works tirelessly for all schools in his electorate and we thank him again for his support.

Lorraine Wilson’s Celebration

Last Thursday evening a group of Lorraine’s colleagues, friends and family gathered to acknowledge and thank Lorraine for her contribution to the education system and Moonee Ponds West over many years. During the 1990-2000’s Lorraine worked as a literacy consultant at Deer Park North PS and Moonee Ponds West.  This was quite a progressive idea, unlike today. Lorraine worked alongside teachers in their classrooms with students, and also provided relevant information for parents. Lorraine has decided to ‘hang up her shingle’ for good and so donated her professional library to our teachers. On Thursday evening present and past staff acknowledged Lorraine’s contribution.  I would like to thank past Principals Mr Frank Smith (MPWPS) Mrs Patty Smith (Deer Park North PS) for attending and providing their stories of Lorraine’s contribution.  I would also like to acknowledge present staff who formed the organising team for this celebration.

Reporting for Semester 1

At present teachers are assessing students to measure the learning growth over this semester.  Teachers are getting proficient on making an ‘on balanced judgement’ around achievement.  To do this three pieces of evidence are used and teachers work in collaboration with each other (within and across the school) to moderate their judgements.  Generally, one of the pieces of evidence used is an external assessment to validate the teacher’s assessment. The research now shows that student achievement is enhanced when teachers work collaboratively and not in isolation. Consistency, in how we teacher is so important.  There is no longer room in the profession for what is known as ‘private practice’. All teachers in all schools now share, learn and grow together. These qualities make for excellent teaching practice.  At MPWPS our teachers are now planning each week in teams known as Professional Learning Teams or PLT’s.  The focus of the PLT’s is evidence of learning and mapping next steps that are tracked and evaluated. Whilst this focus is new for MPWPS, our staff have been able to visit other schools and learn about the advantages from their colleagues. Such an opportunity can be a chance for ‘renewal’  if we look with a different lens.

Classroom Helpers Program

This is coming up and will run on TUESDAY June 11 at 9.15 in the staffroom. Please come along and learn or re-learn about supporting children’s learning.  Barb Springfield and Kim Simmons will be facilitating this session.  Kim is our Learning Specialist (Literacy) and I am sure you will find something to enhance your already appreciated skills.

Continuous Reporting

Next semester we will be trialing aspects of Continuous Reporting through COMPASS.  You may have noticed that on your COMPASS Homepage there is a tab for LEARNING TASKS. This is in the dropdown box with the pencil.  In this section there is the opportunity to upload student goals, samples of work and contextual statements along with Individual Education Plans.  We are at present mapping out the components of Continuous Reporting with relevant staff teams, so when these are complete we will communicate to you and highlight the team where this will be trialed for Semester 2.  Our School Council is supporting this idea to ensure that reporting is more current and flexible.  Again, this is an exciting opportunity and provides real and meaningful use of our devices.  Stay tuned.

MPWPS Swimming Program

Several years ago the Department of Education provided funding for Year 6 students. The goal is that all Year 6 students leaving Primary School will be able to swim 50 metres in an overarm stroke. An audit conducted by our PE teacher Bree, has led to a proposal for our senior students.  The Senior School team will review the proposals offered and you will be informed.  As most of our students can swim our program will need to consider this, and provide challenge for all ability levels, some training to complete the 50 metres and some lifesaving skill.

Well that’s about it from me.  Until we meet in person have a wonderful week supporting the learning of your child.

Sincerely

Kerri Simpson (Principal Acting at MPWPS)

Footnote:  Thank-you for allowing me lead your school for the past year!

Reminders

PARENT FORUM

THURSDAY June 6th from 6.30 -7.45pm ish with Dr David Collins.  Bookings on Eventbrite.  Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn and support your family further. We already have 43 registers of a max 50 participants. There are still places if you are keen. The Eventbrite link is below.

Eventbrite link:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mpw-parent-forum-tickets-61477799754

PARENT REPS

Some classes are still looking for a Parent Rep to complete the full set.  Below are the classes still to find a Parent Rep according to my notes.  Not sure what this system is in the school?  Come along to the next gathering and see if it is how you wish to participate.

According to my records the following rooms still require a Parent Rep. These are: Rm 8, Rm 10, Rm 11, Rm 12, Rm 13, Rm 15, Rm 17, Rm 18, Rm 20, Rm 21, Rm 22.