Principal's report

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and friends of MPWPS

School Council Sub-Committees: Our new Council is now established and I welcome parent participation and engagement onto the Sub-Committees. School Council Sub-Committees really are the working part of the Council.  They are the ‘legs’ where discussion and investigation occurs. At the Sub-Committee level, discussion is full and sometimes brisk. The Sub-Committees of the MPW Council are Education overseeing policy, Resources that combines Finance and Buildings and Grounds, Environment and our new Sub-Committee Community Partnerships. Again I offer an invitation for the community to join any of our listed Sub-Committees. Simply email the school and indicate where your interest lies.  Your interest will be passed on to the relevant convenor.  What does membership entail? The Sub-Committee structure requires a monthly commitment. The new group negotiates meeting times and days. All school Councillors usually have a role on one Sub-Committee. The discussion at the Sub-Committee proceeds to the School Council in the form of recommendations. The recommendations are voted on so that everyone is clear about the nominated direction.

I urge you to become involved in your school through this lens, and if you want to influence the Sub-Committee is the place.

COMPASS

You would have received your child’s report for Semester 1.  It is also available on COMPASS under the REPORT tab. For Semester 1, we have provided a hardcopy of the report.  The formal report is supported by the student Portfolio which I hope you found useful.   For Semester 2 our 3/4 team are embarking on ‘continuous reporting’ where samples of learning and achievement will be available more frequently through the COMPASS Learning tab. It is very exciting to have the opportunity to share learning more frequently.  We are starting small so that when this does happen school wide there are less hiccups.

Absences

Just a reminder that the class roll is marked by 9.05 and if your child is absent, an SMS will be sent to alert you.  Entering the absence on COMPASS means that the absence is registered immediately.  Less chance of an error! Some parents have indicated to me that errors are occurring.  If this is the case can I ask you contact us and we will get our resident COMPASS expert to attend to the problem immediately. If you get an SMS and you know, your child is at school please call so we are all reassured. The attendance roll is a legal document and requires that we mark it frequently across the school day to ensure children are safe.  Unexplained absences are the real focus.  All schools are required to ensure that parents provide an explanation for non-attendance at school.  The letter that COMPASS generates for unexplained absences is very ‘matter of fact’ and I apologise, in advance if this causes any problem. It is not meant to offend, but prompt you into action if that hasn’t been done. 

Lost Property

Lost Property:  We have been back one week and already we have a lot of Lost Property. Last Friday one of our parents (Jaz) put the items out on fence just near the Library.  Some items were collected by children but most returned to the trolley.  Children if you take your top off, then you are required to pick it up and take it to class and then home.  Better still put it back on so that your body can cool down effectively with the jumper on.

Cold Weather

Cold Weather:  With the recent cold weather, please come inside the buildings where you can stay to be warm and dry.  However, do remember that classes are in action and teaching and learning is still the focus. This is especially in the Junior or Hall Building.  Conversations echo in the Hall area, and if there is a Hall session concluding the children and the teacher need to get about packing up, and sharing the experience, so please position yourself so you are not in the way. I ask for your cooperation in ensuring your safety and that of the students and staff.

Three-Way Conferences (Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews)

Three-Way Conferences (Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews): This THURSDAY JULY 25TH is STUDENT FREE so that the teachers and students can speak about their learning with you.  Please ensure that you have booked online via COMPASS and that your child attends with you. Student Portfolios hold samples of your child’s learning and will be discussed. The Three-Way Conferences complete the Reporting to Parents cycle for Semester 1.  

Assessment and Reporting team

Our Assessment and Reporting team meets regularly to review our Reporting to Parent processes, streamlining some aspects adjusting to needs of students, seeking your opinion on what is valued and what can be improved.  The move to Continuous Reporting of student learning is supported by the Department of Education and provides a more meaningful connection to real time learning and teaching. Our 3/4 team is trialing Continuous Reporting this semester.  Information about what to expect will be forwarded to families in the next weeks.  

Living and Growing Program for Years 5-6

This term the Living and Growing program is part of the learning schedule, and is in line with expectation of the Victorian Curriculum.  We are offering this learning firstly to students in years 5 and 6 and then years 3-4.  Sex Education Australia (SEA) facilitates the program we offer.  A Parent Evening will be held on Thursday Aug 22nd for parents of students in Years 5-6. The information shared at this evening depicts some the types of content contained in the lessons.  It is important for parents to understand the ‘age appropriateness’ of content so that at home there can be appropriate support before and after the lessons. All the content is formed around the Department’s program called Catching On Early.  Catching On Early is a Foundation to Year 6 personal development program. A copy of the Catching On Early program is on our website for additional information for you.

State Schools Spectacular

Congratulations to those children who are working hard to be part of this spectacular event. Having the opportunity to perform in such a large arena is wonderful. The first practice day is WEDNESDAY July 24th. The children involved will have the information for the first rehearsal. Chookas everyone!

Well that is about it from me.  Remember to regularly log onto COMPASS (using the parent login) because information and keeping informed is important.

Sincerely

Kerri Simpson

 Principal (Acting at MPWPS)

PARENT FORUM FOR TERM 3

AUGUST 2 (9.10-10.10) Come along and meet our Learning Specialist (Vicki McCormack) who will share with you our whole school focus on Problem Based Learning. As well be involved in a Number Talk and experience the way children learn from their peers and the teacher. Please register your attendance at Eventbrite. The link is eventbrite.com.au/e/66260114787