Our School
Our School is located on the lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation and we wish to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners.
Footscray West Primary School is located in a culturally and economically diverse residential area in Melbourne’s Inner West.
We are lucky to have large grounds with many playing spaces, attractive and practical gardens and orchard areas; designated areas for art/craft, music, library and gymnasium; meeting rooms; outdoor learning areas; and a mix of refurbished heritage and more recent built learning spaces.
Our Statement of Cultural Safety
Footscray West Primary School provides a safe environment for all children that generates a positive, lifelong impact that cannot be underestimated. Cultural safety is a key dimension of safety for Aboriginal children. They feel stronger and safer when they are able to express their cultural awareness and individuality.
At Footscray West Primary School we celebrate and acknowledge the lived experiences and histories of our Aboriginal children and their families. We build a sense of pride about Aboriginal culture throughout our school environment and practice. Our goal is for all students to know the Country that they walk on and to feel proud of Aboriginal perspectives, values, skills and attitudes.
We have developed the following strategies to promote cultural safety in our school community:
- We begin events, assemblies, meetings and the school learning day with an Acknowledgement of Country.
- We fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on our school grounds.
- We display plaques and signs to Acknowledge Country and Traditional Owners.
- We make Aboriginal voices part of decision making in matters that affect Aboriginal students.
- We are open to different ways of doing and expressing things.
- We lead on safety and inclusion for all students including our Aboriginal students and their families through our strong commitment to wellbeing.
- We learn about Aboriginal histories and cultures through our units of work.
- We commit to learning more about Aboriginal culture. We aim to speak with respect and confidence about Aboriginal culture, knowledge systems and people.
- We will continue to build school wide knowledge of Aboriginal histories, cultures, perspectives, values, skills and attitudes.
- We will recognise key events, anniversaries and celebrations
We commit to finding out more:
Cultural Safety for Aboriginal Students Tipsheet
Grade Structure
Footscray West Primary School will have straight year levels in 2023.
The junior school consists of stand-alone Prep, grade 1 and grade 2 class. Middle school has grade 3 and grade 4 classes. The senior school has grade 5 and grade 6 classes. This structure supports effective resource provision for all learners.
Children learn by participating in small teaching groups, problem-solving and co-operative learning groups. Social development is enhanced by the whole-school participation in the Tribes process.
The curriculum is supported by comprehensive assessment, ensuring the development and achievements of each child is monitored and documented.
Homework
The Homework Policy is in line with Department of Education and Training (DET) guidelines.
Junior School homework consists mainly of oral reading tasks, which parents are encouraged to share. Other simple tasks and projects are set within team planning.
In the Middle and Senior Schools homework may take the form of:
- Projects
- Spelling tasks
- Activities designed to reinforce class work
- Unfinished work
- Independent reading
School Times
There are four school terms in a year. The school year runs from late January until mid-December. Current dates are available on the Calendar.
During their first month Preps attend Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
School hours in 2023 will be 8:50am – 3:20pm. Preps’ first day ONLY is 9:00am-12:30pm
2023 Bell Times
8:50 am School starts
11:20 am to 11:30 am - Lunch eating
11:30 am to 12:10 pm - Big play (40 mins)
1:50 pm to 2:00 pm - Afternoon snack
2:00 pm to 2:30 pm - Small play (30 mins)
3:20 pm Dismissal
The playground is supervised 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after school hours. Children should not be left unattended in the playground outside of these hours. Before and After School Care is provided on site by TheirCare. All enquiries need to be directed to TheirCare. For further information go to: www.theircare.com.au
Children who arrive late to school must report to the office to sign in on the Compass kiosk to receive a Late Pass.
Communication
There are many opportunities for both formal and informal school-parent communication, such as reports, meetings, assemblies, newsletters, and through participation in school activities.
Open, constructive communication between school, home, and the community is essential to maintaining the friendly, nurturing environment that exists at Footscray West Primary School.
A copy of the FWPS Annual report to the Community is available online.
Uniform
Footscray West has a compulsory uniform policy. Wearing uniforms reduces unnecessary competition and reinforces a sense of belonging and school identity. A special commemorative top is available for Grade 6 students to acknowledge their final year.
Items can be ordered/purchased from PSW.
PSW Deer Park, Unit 2, 51-53 Westwood Drive Ravenhall VIC 3023
Phone: 03 9768 0342
Website: www.psw.com.au
Footscray West is a Sun Smart school. There is a NO HAT- NO PLAY policy from the 1st September until 30th April, each year. This is because the sun is lower in winter resulting in low UV index.
School and Voluntary Contributions
Contributions are voluntary and payable at any point in the year and families may opt to make periodic contributions.