SMPS Family iNewsletter

Principal's Message

Our children are our future...

Headlines - Please Note

We encourage you to read this entire newsletter as lots of effort has been put into its production.  Here are the most urgent and important details to read in this edition (not just on this first page):

  1. Major Refurbishments to Learning Levels
  2. Call for Families Leaving SMPS to Contact Office
  3. ICAS Student Tests Upcoming Opportunities 
  4. Child Safe Notice re Online Safety
  5. Class Updates - Important Dates and PE Days for Term 3
  6. New After School Programs Begin!
  7. Important Dates for Semester 2

Principal's Message

Welcome to Term 3, folks! We are up and running for the second half of the year. Term 3 runs from Monday, July 21 to Friday, September 19 which makes it a 9 week term. This will fly by so we need to make the most of the learning opportunities. 

 

This newsletter is short and sharp and does not contain the usual detail of classes and highlights (as we have been on vacation). It does contain important information so please give it your time. 

 

I wish all students a great start to Term 3 and all families the very best.

Major Refurbishments on Learning Levels

The State Government generously funded SMPS to the tune of $1.15 million about two years ago after we pointed out that the the original school design had some acoustic faults which were somewhat impacting the teaching and learning program. Given that we were the first vertical primary school in the state's history, it was inevitable that some glitches would present. The wonderful behaviour and excellent teaching and management techniques of our staff have mitigated the issue in large part - but nonetheless, issues did exist in our open-classroom scenario. 

 

We have worked really closely with builders and architects to iron out the acoustic issues and it has taken the best part of two years to remediate. Over the last two weeks, builders have been working non-stop to complete the final piece of work. This involved the erection of glass walls on Levels 2, 3 and 4. In a nutshell, the high traffic area around the stairwell on Level 2 which transports most of the students throughout the day has been 'quarantined' to protect the noise from the students on that learning level. A wall also separates one half of the level from the other so noise transfer across that level is mitigated. 

 

Level 3 already had the stairwell separated from the learning level from previous works - but a half-way wall has been erected to separate the area into two zones. Level 4 does not have any through traffic so it does not have the stairwell separated, but the half-way wall has been built.

 

The upshot is that we are optimistic that noise transfer between levels (i.e. via stairwells) and through levels (i.e. via the half-way walls) should significantly cut down on audible distractions for staff and learners. Of course, the proof will be in the day-to-day operations of our classes but I am extremely hopeful this will improve the experience for all inside the building.

 

One of the most frequent questions I get from visitors is: "How do you go with noise in the open environment?"  To be honest, Level 2 was always my bugbear due to its high-traffic volume through the day. The quality of the teaching has really helped mitigate any issues for the last 7 years - but this enhancement should make things even better.

 

As with everything, I am sure there will be unintended consequences of the new upgrade. I remain hopeful that we can crush these bugs and make SMPS even better than before. 

 

Just a note, we technically 'overspent' the original $1.15 million and these extra funds were drawn from the generous donations from YOU - with our Building Funds that about 75% of our parent population contribute to making the extra work possible. Every cent you give to the school through your contributions goes back to the students. This project is case-in-point. The staff and students are VERY grateful for your ongoing financial support. We could NOT do this without your generosity. 

 

Make sure you come up on Family Friday to have a look at the new works. We hope you can see the benefits.