Newsletter - 23 February 2023

Issue 4


Principal's Report

Principal’s Report Newsletter 23rd Feb. 2023

In this week’s newsletter:

  • Appreciations  
    • Cross Country Trials 4 - 6
    • Prep picnic
  • News …
    • School Council positions finalised
  • Coming up …
    • Assembly tomorrow 
    • Third flag pole
    • Casual dress day to support Turkish/Syrian Earthquake Appeal
    • JSC and ET election/presentation update
  • Repeated messages

Appreciations 

… to Cross country trial organisers, Stratos and Marco for the planning flexibility and Principal team members, Liz and Carolyn, for adjusting the school timetable to fit last Friday’s postponed cross country trial at short notice on Tuesday.  With us anticipating another very hot Friday, we sought the coolest of the days this week to run the event.  Appreciations to staff, students and parents and carers for organising, participating, attending and supporting.  

… to Kim, Anna, Amel, Lauren and Laura for organising the Prep picnic on Tuesday afternoon on the school oval.  We had a pleasing turn up of families, who really entered into the optimistic spirit that was evident.  

For both these quite informal events there was a really pleasing turn out - another opportunity to be together this year and forge forward with a positive, growth mindset.

News …

School Council positions have now been filled 

It seems my final message in the newsletter did the trick with all parent positions now filled.

Welcome to …

Alison Thistlewaite (Emma 4AF, Zoe 3MP and Cameron 1LE) agreed to fill the 1 year ‘casual vacancy’ that had been created recently by a current council member stepping down a year early due to practical family reasons.

While Sonia Vuddamalay (Scarlett 6MP and Lola 4MS)

and 

Casey Wright (Miles 5TH and Gabriel 2CW) have stepped into the 2 year roles.  

Welcome and thank you to our newest parent members.  We met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss expectations and commitment.  I feel confident that our supportive and active council will continue to operate positively and with the children in the forefront of our thinking.

The final meeting of the ‘outgoing’ council will be Monday on Webex.  The ‘new’ Council will meet for the first time on Monday, March 27th in person.  This year we will continue to alternate our meetings; remote, followed by face to face.  We feel this meets the majority of members' needs best and is likely to be the preferred model when hopefully the pandemic is a fading memory.  We also have been able to have members contribute to onsite meetings by joining us online.  This hybrid approach when required has proven adequate as well.

The final meeting of our current membership will be an online meeting this Monday evening.  The ‘new’ School Council will first meet on Monday, 27th March.  

Buddy Bus Stop

Former parent Bec Ide was back on Wednesday, adding painterly magic to our Buddy Bus Stop, a place we encourage the younger children to use when looking to find a friend in our busy school yard.  We are hopeful that we can hold an opening event in just a few week’s time.

   

Coming up … 

Assembly

Like last week, tomorrow has a forecast for extreme weather.  Consequently, we will again prepare for the likelihood of running an indoor video assembly in the gallery space, broadcast directly to classrooms from 2.40 pm.  At this assembly we will present the Pupil of the Week recipients (as listed in today’s newsletter) and 6MC will present an item relating to a highlight from their learning.

Parents and carers who plan to attend assembly to view the presentation of the Pupils’ of the Week, or for any other reason are welcome to attend in person in the gallery space in the Dingo Building.  We can cater for at least 20 attendees.

A Third Flagpole 

For a number of years we had a single flagpole at the front of the school for flying the Australian national flag.  Then over a decade ago we obtained an additional pole, one that nicely framed the entrance to enable us to fly the Aboriginal flag daily.  Now as part of the Child Safe Standards, all schools are required to have three flagpoles to also ensure that the Torres Strait Islander flag can be flown.  This coming Tuesday we are due to have our third flagpole installed.  Due to the foot path that leads into the Habitat Haven at the front of the school, the pole will be set slightly forward of the current pair, but the same distance apart.   Following the installation, our school and class captains will participate in a flag flying ceremony.  We will record this for sharing through our school Facebook page.

Casual Dress Day to Support Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Appeal

In one of their first community actions this year, our School and Class Captains (the Captains Crew as I like to say), have requested a community response from the students at FWPS to show support and care for the many thousands of people in Türkiye and Syria who are struggling to survive following the devastating earthquake and subsequent aftershocks over the last few weeks.  Consequently, we plan to hold a Casual Clothes Day (formerly referred to at FWPS as a Mufti Day) on Friday of next week, 3rd March.  In time honoured tradition, we encourage the donation of a gold coin donation.  We will also happily accept donations of higher denominations.  All the funds raised will be donated to https://www.redcross.org.au/earthquakes/

Students attending cross country will need to wear their school sports tops and may choose to change on their return to school.

Update - Student Representatives in 2023

In next week’s newsletter we will be delighted in providing a list of our Junior School Council and Environment Team representatives.  Our JSC members will be presented with their badges at our Friday afternoon assembly next week and our ET representatives will receive their badges at assembly the following week.  Whether held outdoors or indoors (depending on the weather), parents and carers will be welcome to attend the presentation.


Cheers,

Brendan


Repeated (and updated) messages …

CSEF Eligibility - The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities such as, school camps, swimming, school-organised sports programs, outdoor education programs, excursions and incursions. You may be eligible if you hold a current Centrelink Health Care Card, Veterans Affairs Gold Card or Pensioner Concession card.  

If you registered your child in 2022 there is no need to re-register, however you DO need to register new Prep Students or if your circumstances have changed and you are now receiving benefits.

Forms can be found in the link below or at the main office, a copy of your Health Care Card is required, this can be copied at the office. 

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/CSEF-Application-Form-2020.pdf

Should you require further information, please contact the Admin Team on 9687 1535.

Parent/Carer Volunteer Induction 

This information has been ‘pinned’ on Compass so it remains easily accessible.  You will currently find it as the third pinned item on your News Feed .  For all new families or parents and carers who didn’t complete the online process last year, if you wish to assist in classrooms, excursions or camps, or volunteer for really any other purpose at FWPS, we need you to complete the modules online.  For parents/carers who did this last year, all you need to do is sign the relevant form at the office.

Little Learners Love Literacy resources - Last year when we introduced our new approach to reading in grades prep and 1 we made significant resource purchases.  We are still seeking the return of some take home books that may have been mislaid. If any families with students in grades 1 and 2 can locate any missing resources we would very much appreciate their swift return. 

Change of email  

We are no longer using the school gmail addresses for communication to staff.  Parents will be asked to communicate directly with staff using the email facility within Compass, or email the school email address at: (footscray.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au) attention the staff member the message is intended for.  Emails sent from the Compass app will be sent directly to the relevant staff members’ education email account.  Please understand that staff are busy and will respond in a timely manner.  If a matter is urgent, you are advised to call the school during office hours, or leave a message outside those hours.

Car park 

A reminder that the car park is open prior to 8 am and after 4 pm daily for parent access for the Their Care OSHC program.  At other times, please appreciate that the car park is for staff use.  Should you need to walk through to the Their Care location at Emu Corner, for safety’s sake we ask that you use the pedestrian gate next to the boom gate and make your way between Koala and the Wallaby buildings past Gecko via the basketball court through to Emu Corner.

Please check out the brief explanatory video at: https://vimeo.com/777907951

Photo Permission - When parents and carers first sign the enrolment form for school entry, they may be understandably reluctant to sign the photo permission section.  We frequently use pictures and videos to share learning highlights and to maintain and foster school/home links.  As we frequently include photos and videos of the students learning and playing we are regularly confronted by wonderful picture opportunities we cannot share in our newsletter and videos.  

We would love you to review your decision so your child can be fully involved in the life of our school.  Feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the office so they can make those adjustments on your behalf.

COVID information

As you will all understand, COVID continues to be transmitted within the community and remains a highly infectious illness.  Consequently, it continues to be vital for families to remain careful when exposed to COVID or when demonstrating symptoms.  While schools will no longer be providing Rapid Antigen Tests - We do have dozens of leftover packs that have at least 6 months left before their use by date.  Drop in to the office, or send  us a message and we will send some home with your child.  

Many of you will have heard that this year RATs, while continuing to be supplied by the state government, will be distributed by local councils from venues such as our library locations.

Rapid Antigen Tests are also available for all Victorians from Council sites.  People can get 2 free packs (10 tests) for themselves and 2 free packs (10 tests) for each of their household members.

People with disability and their carers can get up to 4 free packs (20 tests) in line with existing RAT distribution for people with disability.

Further information can be obtained at Council Rapid Antigen Test Program.

Rapid antigen testing

It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff:

  •         If you have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
  •         If you are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
  •         If you are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.

The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians should report their positive RAT result to the Department of Health online, or by calling 1800 675 398.

Students (or their parents) should also report a positive result to their school, either through the COVID Test portal or by phone or written notification.



Coming Events

DATECOMING EVENTS
Mon 27 FebSchool Council Meeting (Online) - 7:00pm
Fri 3 MarFootscray District Cross Country - Grade 4, 5 & 6 for Qualifiers
Thu 9 MarDivision Swimming Carnival for Qualifiers
Mon 13 MarLabour Day - Public Holiday
Tue 14 MarStudent Free Curriculum Day
Wed 15 - Fri 24 MarGrade 1/2 Swimming Program
Mon 20 Mar2nd Hand Uniform Shop - 3:00pm to 3:40pm
Wed 15 - Fri 31 MarNAPLAN Years 3 & 5
Mon 27 MarSchool Council Meeting (In person) - 7:00pm
Thur 6 AprilLast Day of Term 1 - 2:20pm finish
Mon 24 AprilTerm 2 begins
Tue 25 AprilAnzac Day Public Holiday


Pupil of the Week

NAME

GRADE

APPRECIATION FOR:

Aster

1JI

Settling into grade one with confidence, enthusiasm, and diligence to apply her personal best in all activities. Superb effort Aster.

Felix

1JS

Demonstrating resilience and determination in completing tasks. 

Theo

1LE

Writing great reflections about his emotions. Keep up the great effort Theo. 

Valentino

1TN

Applying his personal best effort when attempting academic tasks. Fantastic effort Val. 

Arlo

1LL

Participating so positively in all activities in the classroom!

Gabe

2CW

Applying his personal best when identifying the different type of nouns. Fabulous work Gabe. 

Davey

2DW

Always giving his personal best and for confidently sharing his thoughts and ideas when learning.

Pippa

2HR

Always giving her personal best effort during learning tasks. Keep it up, Pippa!

Floyd

2TF

Congratulations on being elected as the 2TF environmental rep! Your passion for the role is already evident in class. Well done!

Eva

3CG

Being a thoughtful and understanding friend towards peers in 3CG. It has been awesome to see you show so much care for our community!

Imy

3MK

Applying your personal best effort to all class activities.

Nora

3MP

Her great leadership shown in group tasks. Well done!

Mai

3TM

Demonstrating kindness to all her classmates and making sure everyone is always included.

Elijah

4AF

Making frequent and meaningful contributions to class discussions. Elijah, you are a star!

Finn

4JD

The growth mindset you continually apply to your reading and writing. Keep up the fantastic effort!

Louis

4MS

Always showing Mutual Respect to all of his peers and teachers. Wonderful start to 2023 Louis.

Sophie

4TC

Showing a growth mindset by taking risks in her learning and helping others in the room. Well done, Sophie!

Arnav

5LW

Being a kind, thoughtful and empathetic student to those in his class. Arnav consistently thinks of the needs of others before his own. Outstanding personal best behaviour Arnav

Emma

5MC

Settling in at FWPS beautifully.  You apply your personal best effort to all tasks and took on feedback for your leadership speech very well.  Keep up the great work!

Jack Morrison

5SM

The kindness & mutual respect you show to others, even holding the door open for other grades everyday.

Nicholas

5TH

Being a kind and considerate friend, who is quick to help those others around him.  You're a superstar!

Eli

6LC

Showing a positive attitude towards your learning and for following a growth mindset when presenting your leadership speech to the class. Keep up the good work!

Luna

6MC

Her willingness and skills whilst working collaboratively with her classmates. Your hard work and great attitude make 6MC a better place. Keep it up Luna!

Ayush

6MP

Your thoughtful contributions to class discussions. Keep it up!

Donnie Lilly Clarke

TheirCare

Congratulations to Donnie for being a great role model and including all the new preps in his games. Keep up the great work!  

 



Lovers of sushi-get on board the sushi train

Lovers of sushi-get on board the sushi train.

You can NOW order sushi ON Friday FOR Friday lunch.  YASS!!!!!

We have managed to set up quantity limits for each of the sushi flavours which is a MAJOR win win for you and us.   

You no longer need to pre-order sushi which is far more convenient for you and we no longer have to guess how much rolls may be ordered, as we had to place the order with the supplier the day before of service-was hard to guess each week the quantity of rolls- so we are managing the war of waste.

We have set generous limits however, if you find you are missing out each week, drop us a line on our webpage thelunchbox.au we can easily increase the quantities for you.

The Lunchbox team

 



School Cross Country Trials Results

The following students have qualified for the District Cross Country after finishing in the top six in our School Cross Country Trials held at Johnson Reserve on Tuesday.

A big appreciation to all of the competitors from Grade 4 to 6 who participated on the day in ideal conditions. To all of the parents and carers who came along to support our students thank you for encouraging and cheering them on. The qualifiers will now go on and compete at Hansen Reserve on Friday 3rd March from 10.00 am. Information will be sent out on Compass this week.

 

   

9/10yr GIRLS

9/10yr BOYS

Shi-Ren Soon 5TH

Felix Nikolovski 4TC

Tilly Joyce 5SM

Harry Mitten 5TH

Madi Munro 4TC

Sam Howe 4MS

Hikma Abdula Wahab 4MS

Harry Lacy 4TC

Sophie Talevski 4TC

Ciaran Welsh 5TH

Evie Vaughan 4JD

James Parr 5SM

11yr GIRLS

11yr BOYS

Kara Li Bennett 5SM

Oscar Shrestha 6LC

Skye Coonerty 5TH

Finlay Rooney 5SM

Nancy Halpin 5TH

Adam Borg 5LW

Olivia Hall 5TH

James Pearce 5TH

Zara Rekhi 5MC

Perry Kordick 5TH

Ayantu Gelan 5LW

Finley Rowe 6MC

12yr GIRLS

12yr BOYS

Ella Knight 6MC

Oscar Cameron 6MC

Evie Millsom 6MP

Josh Griffioen 6MC

Alice May Weiss 6LC

Charlie Muhllechner 6MC

Asher Sheldon 6LC

Finn Phelan 6LC

Ka Hii Choong 6LC

Noah Bolton 6MC

Poppy Vaughan 6LC

Luca Longley 6MP



Message from the Gardening Club

Hi everyone,

Gardening club is going well so I thought I’d pop by & share a few photos! 
We collected many seeds when pulling the old broad beans and started to soak them today in hopes of some sprouts for planting next week! We’re experimenting with some in a tub of water and some on a tray of wet paper towels. 

A few little roots have emerged from our mint cuttings as well. Hopefully they’ll establish successfully enough to plant in soil! 

The other gardening groups are doing lovely things as well such as turning over the beds, preparing them for an update and clearing out an abundance of green waste. Students will start to research what to plant for winter in the coming days. 

      


FWPS Parents Association



TheirCare

Welcome back students, families, staff and friends!  

What a great third week we have had. It is sports week this week! We are so impressed by the support given to our new preps by our older children at TheirCare.  

With the beautiful weather this week, we have been spending lots of time outside. The children have had a blast playing tennis, cricket, basketball, and lava monster in the sunshine.  

This week we have started playing group games inside and outside in both the morning and afternoon! We have also started working on our affirmation mirror which will stand in our entryway for the children and families to see when they come and go. 

This week’s Star of the Week at TheirCare is Donnie Lilly Clarke! Congratulations to Donnie for being a great role model and including all the new preps in his games. Keep up the great work!  

For all families, if you have any questions about Theircare and would like to come and have a chat, please come visit us in Emu Corner in the morning or afternoon, alternatively, you can contact us on the details provided and we will help you as best we can. 

  

TheirCare Team:  
Louise, Ashleigh & Connie  
Service Phone: 0487004072  
Service Email: footscraywest@theircare.com.au  
Head Office: 1300 072 410  

 

 



Community Notices