Principal's Report 

Dear Families and Community members of MPWPS,

We have had our first week of Foundation transition sessions, and my, what a well settled group of students.  Many of today’s group were siblings so knew the lay of the land so to speak.  It is always an exciting time to welcome our new students as they commence their learning journey. We will be conducting many sessions for these little ones and from all reports they are settled and working as if they have had a complete year of pre-school. Who would have thought!

Book Packs for 2021

For the coming year (because of COVID-19) children will have their own supplies in the form of a BOOK PACK.  This is new for MPWPS and brings MPWPS in line with our Network schools. Teachers have put together a list of essential stationary items for children at each of the year levels.  The Book Packs are purchased online, and delivered to the classroom for the children to have on Day 1.  There will be no collecting prior to school beginning. This is to ensure this process is convenient for parents and families. The Book Packs will be online from  Monday 30th November.

Parent Payment Arrangements for 2021

The Department of Education has provided some additional directions around the collection of Parent Payments.  The structure of Parent Payment Arrangements for the 2021 school year are to be in line with what the Department has outlined as being consistent and compliant. There will be a Materials Contribution (as always) for the purchase of additional materials in the classroom and for the specialist subjects.  Children having their own items in the class will continue to ensure a safe learning environment. 

 In each class, there will be shared items as in the past that will continue to develop collective responsibility and enrichment.  I hope that you will be supportive of this change and ensure your child has the necessary tools for learning in the New Year.  Payments for the Book Packs and the Parent Payments can be made through COMPASS (a new facility) BPay, Credit Card and EFTPOS. We will be accepting payments up until the 5th of March 2021.  Still to settle your Parent Payments for 2020? 2020 Parent Payments are still being accepted and there is a final statement on its way.  Your prompt attention would be appreciated. 

Fundraising efforts for this term

We currently have two fundraising efforts on offer. The first is the printed Christmas Baubles, a great momento for the year, and the second is the Christmas Raffle.  Thank-you to all who have either given or ordered thus far.  We have a lot of items for the Christmas Hampers which is fantastic, Thank you sooo much!. Santa’s merry helpers will be whisking these things away for forming into spectacular hampers.  Look for your chance to win!

DET Parent Survey for 2020

The Parent Survey has now closed and I hope that if your family was randomly chosen to participate, you took up this option.  The surveys, student, parent and staff form an important part of the school’s reflection and review data sets. The feedback enables effort for focused improvement. We are expecting the results in the next day,  so I will be sharing your impression of our school in the coming weeks. A strong sample means we have strong grounds for planning.

Rolling down to the end

We have had many spinning plates, juggling balls and hula hoops in action as the children are practicing for the Circus performance.  We are going to capture this great event in real time for children to share with you.  Look out it is going to be terrific!  We are missing Phil  (Mr Odd Socks), but the teachers in the 5/6 classes are doing a sterling job as ringmasters and teachers of tricks.

Transition year 6-7

This year we have offered some structured Transition to Secondary College sessions with our senior students. There was also a Parent Information Session that provided some tips for organising, how to ensure support and structure at home for success. Thank-you to a past parent (Amanda Lecaude) for facilitating the sessions with the students and parents. We hope that families of the senior students have had a chance to speak with their child/ren about how to use what they know, to successfully set up for 2021. Zipper folders who would have thought!

Annual Implementation Plan

Last week our School Improvement Team of leaders sat down to write the Annual Implementation Plan for 2021. For this coming year we are focusing on three important Key areas:

1. Learning catching-up and extension
2. Happy, active and healthy kids
3. Connected schools

Each of these areas will have a Whole school, classroom and individual or tailored focus. Of course, our existing priorities will continue to be ‘bubbling’ away, but the three above will be our main focus for the year.  A six month check in as usual will provide specific feedback on how we are progressing and will be shared with you. It’s an exciting time to be developing this plan as we work to continue our 'Influence' achievement status.

Well that’s about it from me for the time being.  Continue to stay well and safe

Sincerely

Kerri Simpson

Principal