Term 1 seems to be moving along very quickly, with so much happening across our school in both academic learning and extra-curricular activities.

This week our Year 3 and Year 5 students commenced NAPLAN testing. I have been so impressed by the calm approach both our staff and students have taken towards these assessments. Whilst we work to prepare students for these assessments and have provided practice in the testing format – both online and on paper, we know that these assessments are one part of the comprehensive picture of performance that we plan for our students. Our teachers follow a rigorous assessment schedule that ensures we truly understand the learning of every student and can plan for supporting and challenging every student every day.

Our very rich extra-curricular program is well underway, with a variety of activities to engage everyone. We are enjoying:

Lunchtime music performances
Lunchtime clubs including Chess, Library, Boardgames and more!
Preparing for the Athletics Carnival this Friday
After school activities including Netball, Soccer and Young Engineers
Instrumental music classes
Preparing for Year 5/6 camp
Aerobics training in preparation for competitions commencing next term

And so much more! If your child is interested in joining any of our extra curricula activities and is unsure how to join, please speak to their class teacher or the Office.

School Council 2026

Following the close of nominations for School Council for 2026 last week, we still have one position available. The first meeting of the 2026 School Council will be held on Tuesday 24th March at 7:30pm. If you are interested in joining please contact the school. Whilst we do hold meetings on site, members are able to join remotely, so please do get in touch if you think you are able to contribute.

As our February meeting was the final meeting of the 2025 School Council, we thank a number of retiring members. Sincere thanks to Maulik Shah, Titaha Gillman and Jess Jason for their contributions over many years. Our school is all the better for the work and dedication you have provided and we are very grateful to you for your time, efforts and input.

We warmly welcome new members to our School Council for 2026:

Nipun Bhargava (Parent member)
Annette Bruce (SSPS Business Manager)

Reading Comprehension at Syndal South

Last Friday, 6th March, our teachers enjoyed a day of professional learning led by Literacy specialist Andrea Hillbrick. Our focus was on reading comprehension. Reading comprehension describes the way in which readers make sense of a text and is a complex process that involves knowledge of vocabulary, language structures, verbal reasoning and literacy knowledge. Our teachers used an engaging mentor text to plan for the teaching of each of these components of reading comprehension to ensure our students understand and enjoy the text. We are excited for the students to share all about the books they are enjoying!

Foundation 2027

Whilst we have only just commenced the 2026 school year, families with a child starting school in 2027 are eagerly contacting the school for tours and see the incredible learning and community that we have here at Syndal South. If you know a family that has a child starting school in 2027, please encourage them to contact the office or visit the school website - School Tours to make a time to visit.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our team that went to Division Swimming. It is an amazing achievement to get that far. Good luck to Alanah, Olivia, Justin, Ryan and Austin who are all going to Regionals.

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 Friday 20th March, all the students will be engaged in activities to celebrate Harmony Week. Students are encouraged to wear something orange (orange t-shirt, hair ribbon) or their cultural clothing. All other clothing needs to be school uniform.

Katelyn Joyce

Acting Principal

Mental Health in Primary Schools