Principal's Message

Today, on March 21st, we celebrated Harmony Day at SMDP. 

This special day is a chance for us to embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our vibrant school community. From New Zealand and Samoa to the Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, China, Japan, Fiji, and beyond – our classrooms hum with the echoes of different languages, traditions, and customs.

We were thrilled to see a sea of orange today, the official colour of Harmony Day, symbolizing the warmth and unity we strive for in our school. But the true spirit of Harmony Day goes far deeper than just a colour. It's about fostering respect, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of our students, staff, and families.

We are fortunate to have students from countries like India, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia,  Singapore, Ireland, Scotland, Iran, Vietnam, Cambodia, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Spain and Greece, each enriching our school with their unique heritage. By celebrating these differences, we create a more inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.

Here at SMDP we believe that:

• Diversity is a strength. Our varied backgrounds bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences that can benefit us all.
• Respect is key. We encourage students to learn about and appreciate different cultures, fostering empathy and understanding.
• Harmony leads to success. By working together and celebrating our differences, we can create a stronger, more vibrant school community.

Together, let's continue to nurture this spirit of Harmony Day throughout the year. By embracing our differences, we create a more inclusive and enriching learning environment for all our students. This means actively listening to each other, celebrating cultural events, and intervening if we see or hear any form of disrespect. 

By working together, we can create a school community where everyone feels valued and respected.

Happy Times for Sarah 

Next term, Sarah, our Yr 1/2S classroom teacher, is returning home to Ireland to reconnect with her family and friends. While Sarah is away Olivia Allan will be taking over the responsibility of teaching Yr 1/2S. 

Olivia is an experienced teacher who has recently moved to Melbourne from Perth and she and Sarah have already begun planning together to ensure a smooth handover.

We wish Sarah all the best and a safe trip home. We look forward to her return in Term 3. 

Have a great weekend.

Dan Ryan

Principal

St Martin de Porres Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, well-being, and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

2024 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2024. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.