Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Welcome to the start of Week 3 of an 11 week term. I hope your child's life had many positives arising from their experiences last week at school. 

Happiness is within the agency of the individual - no human can 'make' another one happy. A longitudinal study by Harvard University, beginning in the 1930's, tracked the happiness of its students over a lifetime and found that taking control of one's own emotions and wellbeing was key to living a fulfilling life. That, along with having a friend. 

I often wonder if happiness should be an ultimate goal, given that life will serve up large doses of unhappiness to everyone over the journey. I think a better concept to aspire to is fulfilment. Are you leading a life that is fulfilling your potential and bringing you a sense of accomplishment? Our goal as a primary school is to provide the support to each child to achieve self-actualisation. We feel confident we have the people and program to do this for the vast majority of children who pass through our doors.

I want to apologise to families who arrived at school on Friday to find political advertisements on our fences. This was not by our design but was an independent act by those supporting the various parties. Our school was tagged as a voting site and the brief we agreed to with the Australian Electoral Commission was for its officials to set up on Friday after the students and families left for the weekend. It was to be unobtrusive. Individual party officials arrived to thwart that attempt. As soon as we saw what was happening, we acted to remove the banners. We apologise to anyone who may have wondered what was going on. 

I wish you all a happy week. Who couldn't be happy looking into the faces of your magnificent children?

New Line Markings on Forecourt

We have installed new line markings on the forecourt approach in front of the main door and library. We have done this to enhance safety in an area that can get crowded and hectic - especially before school and during recesses. 

We ask that parents support the intent of these lines by keeping children behind the line during the morning opening. The idea of children crowding up against the glass door and potentially getting 'crushed' is not one we want to promote. This is our way to make the opening more palatable for all. 

• Keep Clear Zone:
  • This is to help the traffic, particularly at the start of the day but also during play times. 
  • It will stop the doors opening/closing. 
  • It will allow visitors to get into the building with more ease.
• Walking/No Hat No Play Zone:
  • Only walking in this area, not running.
  • This is mainly the area in front of the library

MOTHERS' DAY MUSIC WORKSHOP (FRIDAY 9 MAY)

• On Friday, 9 May we are hosting a special event in our House Assembly to celebrate the awesome mums in the SMPS community.
• Mr. Paul will be running a fun music workshop teaching a group of mums how to play the marimba.
• Interested mums do not need to have any music experience to participate. It is catered for beginners.

• The group will perform their song at our House Assembly on the same day after lunch.

   

  Time:

• 12:45pm – 1:45pm Music Workshop

• 2:45pm – 3:30pm House Assembly Performance

  Where:

• Meet at Reception on the community steps.

  How to register:

• Please register your interest with Miss Emma at reception or via the school’s email, south.melbourne.ps@education.vic.gov.au 
• There are limited places available. Spots usually fill up completely.
• We look forward to making music with you soon!

Celebration of Learning Day (Please Tag the Day/Time)

We encourage all current families to join us on Wednesday 21st May from 2:40pm to 5:00pm as we celebrate our students' learning and achievements. Further details on page 2 of this publication.