Footscray Primary School is such a unique and beautiful space in which to work, learn and play each day. Our heritage-listed buildings hold the history and memories of the many generations of students that have come before us. I have a special connection to this wonderful community as my own Nanna and her siblings attended Footscray Primary School in the 1920s-1930s. I grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne and have worked at schools in St Albans, Sunshine and Derrimut before landing here at Footscray Primary School in 2020. My career has focussed heavily on an inquiry-based approach to learning and I have a special interest in the teaching and learning of mathematics. I am a member of the Bilingual Schools Principal Network Executive where I work closely with a crew of inspiring educational leaders and continue to build my knowledge of best practice in bilingual education.  Whilst I am not bilingual myself, I learnt some Italian in high school and studied AUSLAN for a number of years. It is always mind-blowing to enter our bilingual classrooms and we invite you to come for a visit if you are interested in seeing it action. 

In 2022, a major capital works project transformed our school and the novelty is far from wearing off. Our new building, Palazzo di Vetro, has 12 new classrooms, shared breakout spaces, and beautiful facilities for our staff to work, learn and rest. The new covered outdoor ball court, La Palestra, is a major feature of our grounds that is put to good use by students of all ages during the school day, and members of the wider school community after hours. We have two large playgrounds, a community garden, a senior and junior Gaga pit, and an oval that has recently been resurfaced. The capital works project also gifted us with ample seating and many new decked areas where our young people and their families can find a place to sit and chat with friends or play quietly no matter what weather our beautiful city chooses to surprise us with. 

I have been blown away by the strong sense of community that we continue to grow and nurture. Schools are the hub of a community, where we come together to connect and learn. Our community is dedicated and engaged and lead many initiatives within the school and wider community. The sense of community was only strengthened by the COVID pandemic as demonstrated by this fabulous song co-written by students, families and staff and composed and coordinated by an FPS parent. 

I believe that every child has the right to learn, play and feel safe and I see my role as a school leader to continually strive to ensure each child at Footscray Primary School experiences success academically, socially and emotionally. We lead learning through inquiry and student-driven action and ensure all students are supported to be critical thinkers, who are highly literate and numerate. 

To arrange a school tour you can call our super friendly office staff on 9687 1910 or email them at footscray.ps@education.vic.gov.au. To find out more about enrolment, bilingual education, or other offerings at Footscray Primary School please look around the website and if you have specific wonderings, you can send me an email at jenny.briggs@education.vic.gov.au.

Thanks,

Jen