What an amazing week at Syndal South!

It all began on Monday evening when we welcomed our 2022 Foundation families to our Information Night. The families were introduced to the Foundation teachers, Miss Ross, Miss Antzoulatos and Miss Howes. The night’s discussion centred on the start to school covering areas like starting times, the daily school routine, what needs to be packed into the lunch box and pick up and drop off areas. All students were given an information pack that was delivered in a ‘decorated’ bag. A huge thank you to our talented Year Six students who during their art lessons had produced these magnificent decorative panels to decorate the bags.

We had a fabulous day on Tuesday for many reasons; we welcomed all our new Foundations for the morning, and we also had students who were joining our school in 2022 due to a move to the area.

Also, the students in Foundation to Year 5 all enjoyed the morning in their 2022 level experiencing activities and the physical environment that awaits them in the new year. The majority of the Year 6 students were enjoying their orientation at their chosen Secondary School. Those that were at school helped the younger students in their classrooms.

On Wednesday we all had a ‘super’ experience! Charlie Kenez had nominated the school for the ‘Most Outstanding School’ in the Victorian Tennis Awards and yes, we were successful! In conjunction with this award the school was chosen to celebrate the presentation of the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots 200,000th racquet giveaway. So, on Wednesday we had a very special assembly. Todd Woodbridge who is a renowned champion tennis player came to present the ‘200,000th racquet’ plus the Hot Shot racquets to all our Foundation students. Mr Jon Watson, Coach Leader for Tennis Victoria presented the ‘Tennis Victoria Most Outstanding School Award’. After the assembly the foundation students enjoyed having a hit with their new tennis racquets with Todd.

Can I say how proud I was of all our students, their behaviour was impeccable, the Year 5 students who asked questions of Todd about his career were outstanding . . . with Todd commenting ‘Gee, these are great questions.’

*More photos can be found at the end of this article.

School Council

We had our final School Council meeting for 2021 on Tuesday night, led by our President Deane Lam, and Treasurer Maulik Shah. I am proud of both what we have achieved this year and the way we have worked together despite the challenges of COVID-19. I would like to thank our staff representatives; Rebecca Stonehouse-Melke, Irene Antzoulatos, and Jess Jason, as well as our parent representatives; Mon Venus, Kunal Monga, Lisa Macdermott, Eric Huppe, Julie Jago, and Raja Ravi for their valuable contributions throughout the year and look forward to working together in 2022 for all the students at Syndal South Primary School. I would like to make special mention to the Finance Committee, Maulik Shah, Deane Lam, Katie Forbes, and Rebecca Stonehouse-Melke. The work of this group has been imperative to the efficient running of our school, particularly through the challenges of managing the whole-school budget during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the committee will continue to support our teaching and learning priorities with appropriate funding, as well as ensuring the physical environment of the school is supportive of highly effective student learning.

Reports

Just a reminder that families will receive student reports next week via Compass, if your child is leaving SSPS at the end of the year (including Year 6’s) please ensure you download your child’s report before your Compass access ceases.

Terrific Kids Assembly

Our virtual Terrific Kids Assembly will take place this coming Monday at 9.10am via Webex. If you would like to watch the details are:

https://eduvic.webex.com/eduvic/e.php?MTID=me552ecaf50db808df6f1f56e5b96db4f

Meeting Number: 2651 813 3797

Meeting password: cjUxaAhY379

Staffing News

The staffing structure for 2022 is as follows: –

Principal – Helen Freeman

Assistant Principal - Rebecca Stonehouse-Melke

FR - Tahni Ross

FA - Irene Antzoulatos

FH - Rachel Howes

1S - Clare Searle

1L - Holly Liu

2F - Jo Fisher

2J - Jess Jason

3/4 AR - Amber Panagopoulos/Rebecca Stonehouse-Melke

3/4P - Flavia Petrucci

3/4B - Chloe Bourke

5H - Kate Holly

5GP - Maria Giannone-Perri

6D - Michelle Dodson

6S - Janine Stockdale

Specialist Team

Physical Education - Jarrod Riley

Music - Leo Kahans

Japanese - Mariko Hioki-Walker

Art - Merrilyn Mann/Veena Senn

Science - Jessie Evans

Teaching Support - Jan Oliver

Office Team - Katie Forbes, Julie Pfitzner, Michelle Huppe

Education Support Staff - Inger Robinson, Sally Blaber, Alec Blaber, Samantha Pergadis, Ramya Sundar.

At the end of the year, we say farewell with heartfelt wishes to Nathan Philpotts who is heading to Coburn Primary School in Melton, to Christina Yoo for the wonderful work she has done while at Syndal South, to Kate Simpson who will be taking leave next year, and we thank Sarah Grigg for the great work she has done in 5C this year. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Gallery of Photos

Are you Interested in Looking after the Chickens over the Holidays?