It's all Happening at Syndal South

We have enjoyed a very productive fortnight at Syndal South. We have conducted several school tours for parents looking to enrol their children for Foundation in 2022. Personally, this is such an enjoyable task for me which unfortunately I missed out on last year. The highlight is visiting classrooms with the prospective parents and seeing all our students enthusiastically engaged in their learning tasks and when asked to pause and greet our visitor/s respond in such a warm and inviting manner, brings a feeling of joy and gratitude to me as the educational leader of this wonderful school. 

On Monday we had our Student Leaders Badge Presentation. Matt Fregon MP returned to our school to present the badges to our Year 6 leaders. Matt congratulated the group but also referred to the fact that we are all leaders and have a responsibility to each other to enact this leadership role in our daily life. After the assembly, Matt met with all the Year 5 and 6 students in the BER and he delved a little deeper into the meaning of leadership particularly drawing on his own experience. He then allowed the students to ask him questions, the session continued for over an hour. It was inspiring to watch the interaction. 

The initial stage of the Capital Works Project has commenced with a site visit on Tuesday, by the three architects chosen by the Victorian Schools Building Authority to engage in the tender process. 

The interview process is planned for late next week. Exciting times ahead for the Syndal South community.

Our Swimming Super Star

Congratulations once again to Ben who has continued his success in the swimming pool at the recent Eastern Region Swimming Carnival. Ben came second in Backstroke which advances him into the Regionals next week. He also achieved 3rd place in Freestyle. Go, Ben!

House Sports

Tomorrow I am looking forward to once again attending the House Athletics for students in Years 3 to 6 at the Waverley Athletics Track (behind Central Reserve, Glen Waverley). I hope you are as excited as I am! I have seen the students practicing enthusiastically during PE sessions and I am sure they are all looking forward to competing tomorrow on the professional athletics track.

Importance of Play

"Play is how children learn, and how they form a foundation for life in society.  Play is how children explore, discover, fail and succeed, socialize, flourish and thrive.  Play is the foundation of childhood." Pasi Sahlberg & William Doyle - Let the Children Play, 2019.

Have you ever sat at a park and watched a child play? We aren't necessarily thinking about the cognitive skills they are building or the social impact it will have on relationships later in life, but that is exactly what is happening. Play may look like "just fun", but it is promoting developmental benefits that will eventually help children become effective thinkers, leaders, and collaborators. Play is an essential part of a child's early development and is critical for the successful growth of both the brain and the body.

Play must be a part of every day to:

• encourage language skills
• foster social interactions
• cultivate curiosity
• enhance personal persistence
• enrich self-esteem
• engage the imagination
• reduce physical aggression
• provide opportunities for problem-solving
• develop negotiation skills
• support emotional development
• allow for collaboration, innovation, and creativity.

At school recess and lunch breaks are not only for refuelling the body with nutritious food and a change of environment. These breaks provide students with a multitude of experiences through our Student-Led Clubs; Japanese, Science, Art and Gardening Clubs plus the sports focus which at the moment seems to be tennis.

Finally, a reminder that our belated ‘Welcome Picnic’ is on Friday 19th March, I am looking forward to catching up with you at this popular annual event.