Principals Report
by Helen Freeman, Principal
Leadership Badge Presentation
We have certainly had an action-packed fortnight. To begin we held our ‘Leadership Badge’ presentation. Matt Fregon our local member once again returned to present the badges. It was wonderful to see so many parents, grandparents and other family members there to witness this special occasion. Our new House School Banners were also on display.
School Captains: Lewis and Bella
Vice School Captains: Harris and Clare
Marram House Captains: Benj and Hayden
Ngayuk House Captains: Max and Levi
Narrang House Captains: Imogen and Kemindu
Ngarrert House Captains: Lucas and Floria
Science Captains: Siddharth and Ved
Music Captains: Kiaan and Ada
Art Captains: An and Kathryn
Japanese Captains: Lincoln and Kento
Environment Captains: Zoe and Ashtin
Computer Captains: Taviru and Ashton
SRC: Ashton 2J, Maheen 2F, Olivia 3T, Ivory 3F, Rylee 3W, Athulya 4S, Ameyaa 4P, Nam 5H, Maddi 5GP
Green Team: Yudhish FD, Zorka FA, Kiara 1G, Rosabella 1S, Lexi 2F, Zev 2J, Raiden 3W,
Harvey 3T, Amberley 3F, Hermione 4P, Charlotte 4S, Harika 5H, Aiden 5GP.
NAPLAN
Congratulations to all our Year 3 and 5 students who are currently engaged in their NAPLAN assessments this week. Students have completed assessments in reading and writing for both Years 3 and 5. Language Conventions will be completed tomorrow and Numeracy will be completed on Tuesday.
NAPLAN results are one part of our assessment schedule, the results are viewed alongside other types of assessments completed by the students throughout the year. NAPLAN is also a great tool for schools to reflect on their strengths and challenges in teaching and learning. It is data that can help measure the impact of programs and identify goals for the future. The school results will be available in Term 2 and in July parents will receive their child’s individual NAPLAN report.
Divisional Swimming Team
Alannah, Auryn, Francesca, Harris, Imogen, Lewis and Livia all did amazing achieving their personal best at the Division Swim Meet at the Boroondara Sports Complex. We are all proud of your achievements. Go Syndal!
Somers Camp
Yesterday we welcomed back our Somers campers. We had a record number of students attend this fabulous opportunity.
160 children from Years 5 and 6 within the Monash and Hurstbridge area took part in the 9-day outdoor education program at Somers School Camp, located on the shores of Western Port Bay.
The students were all assigned to different groups and huts; a time to form new acquaintances. Over the course of the stay, roommates became great friends. Together all the students enjoyed participating in activities that included: High Ropes Course, Initiatives, Art, Bushcraft, Drama, Orienteering Environmental Studies and a very popular activity the Giant Swing.
The feedback from the students and the parents who were able to visit the Camp on Sunday has been overwhelmingly positive. What did everyone like about Somers Camp:
“Seeing everyone step out of their comfort zone and having a blast.” Mr Riley
“I liked the food especially the fish and chips.” Auryn
“I felt camp really pushed my limits - in a good way.” Thomas
“It was such a great time and we met lots of new friends.” Ada
“The activities were tiring but fun and exciting at the same time.” Eddie
“It was exciting to make new friends from different schools.” Claire
“Rock climbing was a really fun activity.” Emma
“The activities at camp were great, especially the high ropes course.” Michael
“The campfire was a great way to share your emotions.” Ojasvi
Student-Free Curriculum Days 2025
We have three more curriculum days scheduled for the remainder of the year – one each term. The dates for these student-free days will be:
- Friday 30th May
- Friday 22nd August
- Monday 3rd November
TeamKids Out of School Hours Care will be available for these days. We look forward to continuing the professional learning that supports us to achieve the best outcomes for our students.
Easter Hat Parade
On Friday 4th April at 9.00 am we will be holding our annual Easter Hat Parade. Students need to be preparing their special hat to wear on this fun occasion. After the parade we will be announcing our winners from the Easter Raffle. More information will be sent home soon regarding the parade.
Harmony Day
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Next Thursday, all the students will be engaged in activities to celebrate Harmony Week. Mrs Fisher and the Student Representative Council (SRC) have been busy organising the activities. We are hoping students will be able to wear something ‘orange’ in colour with their school uniform (orange t-shirt, hair ribbons) or their cultural dress.
House Athletics
Finally, the excitement is building for our SSPS House Athletics Day next Friday the 21st March at a new venue, Knox Athletics Track, Bunjil Way, Knoxfield. I have been watching the students in Years 3 to 6 working hard during their Physical Education lessons practising the different skills needed for the events next week. Parents and grandparents are most welcome to come along to the day.
Have a great fortnight.
Helen
Principal
