Remembrance Day Observed at FPS
We thank our Grade 6 students, Alice Roy, Grace Barker, Asher Wiseman, Tehya McMahon-Normand and Dusky Hodges who led the school in a Remembrance Day observance. This year, 11 November marks the 98th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11 am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
The following peom was read out to the school as part of the observance.
In Flanders Fields—A poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915 during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium. 
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields
Robotics Competition
FIRST® (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) LEGO® League is an international competition catering for upper-primary and lower-secondary school students. Teams of students build, program and compete with a motorised Lego robot, while also learning about a modern problem in science and engineering and developing solutions for it.
This year, a number of FPS students, as well as a couple of past pupils have entered the competition under the team name of ‘The Bobs’. The team members are:
- Year 5: Red Maher
- Year 6: Julian Lynch, Tim Crichton, Will Grange Perry, Josh Thorpe
- Ex-FPS students now in year 8 at Northcote High School: Rohan Lynch and Nicolas Rodda
The Bobs have been collaborating and working diligently and we wish them the very best as they compete at Swinburne University on Sunday 20 November. Many thanks to Beth Crocce (mother of Julian) who has been the team mentor!
‘The Bobs’ robot in action on the competition mat.
DET—Parent Health Notice: Potential Health Hazards from Mosquitoes
We have been advised of the following warning to share with parents about the hazard of mosquitoes due to the ideal breeding conditions of late.
Recent heavy rainfall across the state has led to ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Current and predicted weather conditions, particularly in the northern part of the state, suggest that high numbers of mosquitoes will continue well into the summer months. Schools are advised of important protection measures to prevent spread of diseases.
While the overall risk is considered low, some mosquitoes carry viruses, so an increase in mosquitoes may increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
- Most mosquitoes found in Victoria do not carry diseases, but are more of a nuisance.
- Diseases that can be spread by mosquitoes in Victoria include Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, or very rarely Murray Valley encephalitis virus.
- Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses can cause joint inflammation, pain and rash in about a third of those infected. The majority will show no symptoms.
- Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE) is a brain infection that in rare cases, can cause the brain to swell, leading to brain damage or death. The last known case in humans was reported in Victoria in 1974.
Dusk and dawn is when most mosquitoes are more active but some will also bite during the day. There are simple steps students can do to help protect from mosquito-borne diseases.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing when outdoors. Cover up as much as possible.
- Households and Schools can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by ensuring:
- Any stagnant water is removed so mosquitoes cannot breed
- Any rain water tanks or water storage devices are sealed
- Loose-fitting clothing is worn outdoors
If anyone has any health concerns, please see your doctor or call the NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024.