July 15th 2022

Issue 8


Pyjamas and Popcorn!!

Thank you to those families who have booked their Parent-Teacher Conferences next week. The Compass booking portal will remain open until next Monday 18th July.

Don't forget that during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Tuesday 19th July, we will be having a Pyjamas and Popcorn afternoon with leadership and specialists supervising students throughout the afternoon. We can't wait to see everyone in their warm and cosy pyjamas!

If you have any questions about Parent-Teacher Conferences please contact the office on 9687 1910.



School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

Throughout Term 2, our Wellbeing and SWPBS lead team have been continuing the implementation of our school-wide positive behaviour support initiative. At the end of the term, the team were proud to share our 'behaviour response continuum'. This continuum provides students, staff and families with a shared language and framework that guides the way all staff engage with students displaying minor or major behaviours. This consistency provides students with a clear understanding of the boundaries that support all learning and play spaces to be safe and engaging environments.

We encourage you to explore the behaviour response continuum with your child/ren. We also look forward to being able to unpack this continuum further with families as part of future family information sessions. Keep an eye out for more resources as we continue our SWPBS initiative implementation.



Volunteering at School

Community members volunteering in our school play a vital role in building both home-school partnerships and connections within our local community. In line with Child Safe Standards, schools are obliged to conduct a number of suitability checks to ensure a high standard of student safety is maintained.

Recently, we have refined our volunteer induction processes to ensure we are meeting our Child Safe obligations, while ensuring ease of access to those who wish to support our school.

Our volunteer induction process is as follows:

1. A parent, carer or community member wishing to volunteer is required to read the following school policies:
   a. Volunteers Policy
   b. Visitor Policy
   c. Child Safety Policy
   d. Child Safety Code of Conduct
   e. Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy
2. The individual must then sign that they have acknowledged and understood these policies and are aware of their obligations as a volunteer at Footscray Primary School.
3. The following suitability checks will be sighted and copied prior to any commencement of volunteer duties:
   a. Working with Children Check (WWCC)
   b. Proof of Identity
   c. Proof of relevant professional or other qualifications (please note you do not need a particular qualification to be a volunteer)
4. The school will file the signed volunteer acknowledgement and copies of suitability checks securely.

The volunteer induction pack can be read via hard copy in our office, or an electronic copy can be requested from our office staff.



Term 3 Significant Events

Friendship Week – 25 July until 29 July
To acknowledge the International Day of Friendship (30 July) FPS students will spend a week exploring the concept of Friendship. Our Year 6 Leaders will be running friendship-based activities within our new Friendship Zone throughout recess and lunch. Our classes will also have opportunities to explore qualities that support friendships, such as trust and respect, as well as what skills and strategies can be used to make new friends.

CBCA Book Week – 20 August until 26 August
This year the theme of Book Week is ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open’. FPS teachers and students will have the opportunity to dress as their favourite book character for our annual Book Parade, as well as engaging in interesting activities based on the Children’s Book Council of Australia award winning books.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Week – 5 September until 9 September
This year for R U OK? Day, FPS will take the time to explore how we support others and ourselves with our mental health and wellbeing. Through our Buddy program, students will work together to learn about strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing.



News from the Library

We would like to extend our appreciation to the familes and staff who have donated to the library this year.  We have also been very lucky to be able to add some great titles to our collection using the Scholastic Bookclub rewards received, with our last order having a focus on Wellbeing. Thanks to all the families who have made these purchases possible and to our parent helper, Jess, who does an amazing job with the bookclub organisation.

Thank you for supporting our library.
Katrina


A great way to develop children’s social and emotional skills is through the reading and sharing of quality narratives. A good book can open up opportunities for rich discussions around problems, promotes reflection and can help support self-identification when your child relates to a character they might have read about. As a school we are constantly seeking new social and emotional books to support our teachers and students and address current wellbeing needs.  

Jenny
Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator



Cross Country Champ



This champ came in 41st out of 100 runners in the state cross country and managed to get a personal best time also. We are so proud, Zeph!!! Well done!!!!


Important Dates to Remember

Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 July: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 July: Additional F-2 Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday 25 - Friday 29 July: Friendship Week

Friday 12 August: Curriculum Day - no students at school

Saturday 20 - Friday 26 August: CBCA Book Week

Monday 5 - Friday 9 September: Mental Health and Wellbeing Week

Friday 16 September: Last day of Term 2

Saturday 17 September to Sunday 2 October: School Holidays

Monday 3 October: First day of Term 4

Friday 14 October: Curriculum Day - no students at school

Chess Club Term 3



Kelly Sport Term 3




Parenting Mini Series