Principal's Message

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. Art Show Appreciation (This Page)
2. No Kicking Soccer Balls in Forecourt (This Page)
3. Volunteer Appreciation Afternoon Tea (This Page)
4. Zooper Dooper Day - Please Donate Zooper Doopers (This Page)
5. Activities Day - December 18 (This Page)
6. Parent Payments Arrangements 2026 (School Leaders Page)

Principal's Message

Welcome to Week 9 of an 11 week term. I hope it has treated you well and that you had the chance to attend our wonderful Art Show this past week. 

Abraham Lincoln said, “I hold that the value of life is to improve one’s condition." I think we could expand on this idea as parents and educators to include, "...improve our children's condition." In this world, we can either be an anchor, or a lifeboat. Our own behaviours can either impede the development of our offspring, or provide a springboard for its success. 

Parents are their child's first teachers and that imprinting is indelible. Schools build upon the early successes of parenthood or try to debug some of the unhelpful elements imparted in the first five years of life. Sometimes, what teachers do can be unhelpful too - so our roles become critical in long-term futures of students. We try to build intellectual capacity within a compassionate and humane character. 

Parents at SMPS sweat the small stuff. The micro-interactions that occur are important to people. I call them the "eye roll moments". Regardless of how you feel about people; how you treat them and regard their lives reveals more about you than it does about them. If we "eye roll" with our face, body language or commentary - that gives the game away. 

Maya Angelou said it best:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

When I meet our wonderful community at the front door each day, I have never received the feeling of "eye roll". Parents are friendly, kind and respectful - even when they hold an annoyance. This wonderful attitude "positively infects" our children as they are so caring and kind with their interactions with me each morning.

I want to thank you for being you. It makes a difference.

Art Show Gratitude

I want to thank all who attended the Art Show. We hold this event every second year to celebrate our children and community. The displays in the gym were lovely and the support you gave with goodwill donations raised about $5,000 that we will spend directly on our children. Our school value of Community was also at play as you stayed to have fun on the forecourt. A more detailed gratitude appears on the next page.

Kicking Soccer Balls on Forecourt

A parent approached me last week expressing concern about students kicking soccer balls with force on the forecourt in the morning. I told the children at assembly on Friday that there is to be no kicking of balls on the forecourt either before or after school. I am sorry if you have been affected by this. Feel free to gently remind any students (especially your own) to refrain from kicking soccer balls in this area. Staff will do the same.

I don't like stopping kids being healthy and active. However, when balls are kicked with force, it can be dangerous for those in proximity. We will encourage the use of soccer balls in the park at recess where it can be better supervised and controlled. 

Volunteer Appreciation Afternoon Tea

Thursday, December 4 at 2:45pm

• The school runs with the help of volunteers
• Many people have helped our school in 2025 by attending excursions, donating goods and time, supporting camps and athletics day, doing chores, listening to students read, doing checklisting for student evaluations, organising and selling second hand uniforms - and much, much more
• On Thursday, December 4 between 2:45pm-3:15pm we would like to have a small afternoon tea to thank our wonderful volunteers
• If you have volunteered in any way (large or small) this year, and you have time to come along to the afternoon tea, please do so. If you know of someone who have volunteered and may not read this message, please pass this invitation onto them as well. 

Zooper Dooper Day - Thursday 11 December

• The Junior School Council (JSC) is excited to announce our 'Zooper Dooper Day' on Thursday, 11th December!  
• For a gold coin donation, students can enjoy Zooper Dooper icy poles at the start of snack time (Prep to Year 2) and lunch (Years 3-6). EFTPOS donations will be available between 8:30am and 9:00am as students arrive at school.  
• All proceeds will support Earthcare St Kilda, a not-for-profit organization with over 180 dedicated volunteers working to protect our local penguins through rubbish removal and community education.  
• How you can help:  We'd love donations of sugar-free Zooper Dooper packs. Please have your child drop them at reception by Friday, 5th December. A huge thank you to the families who have already contributed.  
• If you'd like to assist with EFTPOS donations (8:30am-9:00am) or have any questions, please email Miss Sam at samantha.mcgee@smps.vic.edu.au  
• Thank you for supporting our community and the environment!  

From Junior School Council  

FLAG: Activities Day - Thursday, December 18

• On Wednesday 17th December, at approximately 2:00pm we will be having our Final Whole School Assembly of the year! 
• Parents are welcome to attend. 
• We will finish at 3:30pm.
• Many families have indicated that they will be leaving for their holidays after the final assembly of the year and will therefore not be attending school on Thursday 18th December. 
• We typically have about 50% attendance on this day. We understand if this is the case.
• We will still be open and running some activities for students on Thursday 18th December. That day finishes at 2:30pm should you choose to send your child along.
• Friday 19th December is a student-free day and the OSH club will be open for those who need to use their services.

Multicultural Strategy - CoPP

https://haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/multicultural-strategy

We’re committed to creating a city where people of all cultural and religious backgrounds feel respected, valued, and safe. We are developing a Multicultural Strategy to strengthen inclusion, belonging, and cultural safety across our diverse community. The strategy will be grounded in the enduring presence and cultures of First Nations peoples, whose sovereignty and histories span over 65,000 years.

This four-year strategy will guide Council’s actions to:

• Celebrate and promote our cultural diversity
• Build stronger social connection
• Address racism, antisemitism and discrimination
• Make services easier to access for all residents

There are many ways you can share your ideas and help shape the Strategy. You can:

• Complete our survey
• Upload your ideas in a format that works for you
• Register for a workshop (community members and organisation/group representatives)
• Join our Co-Design Sessions and help us to develop the Strategy.