Somerville Primary School Newsletter

Principal's Report

Jamie Sharp

Welcome Back to Term 3

It’s been a positive start to the term, with students quickly re-engaging in learning and participating in a variety of rich and meaningful experiences.

Already this term, students across the school have been involved in several exciting opportunities:

  • P–2 Swimming Program: Our youngest students have enthusiastically taken part in swimming sessions, developing important water safety and confidence skills.

  • Year 5 Excursion to IMAX and the Melbourne Museum: Students enjoyed an engaging day exploring science and history through hands-on exhibits and immersive film experiences.

  • Smile Squad Dental Van: We welcomed the Smile Squad back to our school to provide free dental health checks, supporting the wellbeing of all students.

  • Divisional Soccer: A big congratulations to our girls’ soccer team, who have made the Division. 

Thank you to our staff for their ongoing dedication in providing these experiences, and to our families for your continued support.

 

 

 

Branding

As part of our 140th anniversary and in alignment with our school review, Somerville Primary School has partnered with branding experts Athas Concepts to develop a refreshed school logo.

This process aimed to create a design that reflects our identity as a school that is proud of its traditions, yet forward-thinking and responsive to the needs of today and the future.

The logo design has been informed by feedback from students, staff, and families, with input gathered through the values survey. After careful consideration and refinement, the final logo has been endorsed by our School Council.

We are excited to share this important milestone with our school community and will publish the reveal via Compass soon.

 

Parent Teacher Interviews & Student Support Group (SSG) Meetings – Next Week

A reminder that Parent Teacher Interviews will take place next week. These conversations are a valuable opportunity to celebrate student successes and work together on identifying the next areas for growth and development.

We encourage all families to take some time to review the Semester 1 report in preparation for your interview. Discussing your child’s progress, strengths, and learning goals with their teacher plays a key role in supporting their ongoing growth.

A reminder that dates and times have been sent to parents and carers of students who are supported through a Student Support Group (SSG). These meetings, scheduled for next week, are a vital part of our planning and collaboration process to ensure students with additional needs receive personalised and targeted support throughout their learning journey.

 

School Disco – Tomorrow NIGHT!

A reminder that tomorrow tonight is Disco Night in the school hall! This is always an exciting and joyful event for our students, giving them a chance to have fun and connect with friends.

A heartfelt thank you to all the parent helpers and staff who have volunteered their time to make this event possible. Your energy and support help create magical moments for our kids.

 

Cyber Safety Project

Cyber Safety Project online webinar coming soon for all families and students to attend the Parent Online Session (Tuesday, 26 August at 7 pm). Details to follow. Considering the legislation changes coming into effect at the end of the year and other challenges with digital technologies, the purpose of the session is to:

  • empower caregivers with practical strategies to manage their child’s digital use outside of school.

  • guide parents and guardians on how to navigate social media trends, online gaming safety, privacy settings, cyberbullying, and overall digital wellbeing. 

  • outline the framework of Plan, Prevent, Protect strategy to establish safer online environments. 

Why it's Important to Attend?

  • Out-of-school digital activity heavily influences students’ social and mental health. Excessive screen time and online risks can lead to cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. 

  • Students may then experience poor classroom engagement, strained peer relationships, and reduced mental wellbeing, which impacts learning and social connection at school.

  • Evidence suggests that when both home and school adopt consistent digital safety messaging, students are more likely to practice safer online behaviours and make healthier choices. 

Some of the data influencing these sessions:

  • According to research, children average about 27 hours online per week, which also increases risks such as cyberbullying and sleep disruption, both of which can harm academic focus and social confidence. 

  • Cyberbullying alone affects many young people and is linked to lower self-esteem and emotional distress—sometimes even severe outcomes. 

We strongly encourage all parents and carers to join us on Tuesday, 26 August at 7 pm for this vital online session. You'll gain confidence in understanding current online trends, toolsets to protect your child, and strategies for supporting their digital wellbeing, ensuring a safer, happier school and home life.

 

Regards,

Jamie Sharp

Principal