Principal's Report

The Syndal South 2024 School Concert - Rock Through the Ages was a resounding success. It was a unique entertaining extravaganza. I was so impressed by the professionalism of all our students throughout the evening and their performances were outstanding. The evening was so energetic, extremely colourful and a delight to watch. The music kept resounding in my mind, even after the final act was over.

A concert of such magnitude cannot take place without a lot of behind the scenes organisation. I would again like to thank all the wonderful staff who: helped prepare the music and choreography for our students; who supported the students through all their rehearsals; who assisted on the nights and a huge thank you for all the other jobs completed prior to and on the evening. Special thanks to Michelle Dodson for her magnificent job of directing the concert. 

Thank you to all the school's community members who supported the school by purchasing tickets as this is our major fundraising event and at the same time celebrating with the children their amazing musical talents.  Here is the link to the video (please ensure that you download it) and you will find a selection of photos of the night in the Student Gallery of this newsletter.  Please do not post any of the photos or video to social media, etc.

Spoil the Staff Day

Yesterday our fabulous Parent’s Association showed the school community’s appreciation of all the staff, by supplying a delicious morning tea and lunch.  It was a ‘foodie delight’ and such a fabulous gesture that was greatly appreciated by all. It was perfect timing after the concert and tomorrow is ‘World Teachers Day.’ A huge thank to all the wonderful helpers who made this day such a huge success. 

Solar Challenge

Last Sunday I had the wonderful opportunity to watch students from Syndal South represent our school in the annual solar car and solar boat competition at Parkhill Primary School. Students from Year 5 and 6 worked hard from Term 1 to design and make their solar vehicles under the guidance of Ian and Stephen (Box Hill Senior Secondary College).

The competition attracts competitors from many schools across Melbourne, both government and independent. The smart green t-shirts our students wore this year looked fabulous and stood out amongst the crowd of other school students.

The actual solar car races and boat races were very exciting, and many cheers were heard as our teams won their heats. 

Our students were wonderful ambassadors for Syndal South and should be proud of all the hard work and effort they put into the event. The competition promotes persistence, dedication, and a commitment to making a team project work. Our students have learnt a lot from the process, and I hope as our Year 6 students move into secondary school that they keep their passion for science alive. I also strongly encourage students in Years 5 and 6 in 2025 to consider joining the Solar Team. As our Science Captains say, “Go Science!”

Congratulations to:

• Annelise, Nayanka and Serena who won second place in the Student Designed Car Division with their car Fast Thing. The girls will be heading to Sydney in December to compete in the National Model Solar Vehicle Challenge.
• Chinmai, Dan, Evan, Kiaan and Mathew J who won 4th place in the hotly contested Junior Boat Division with their boat Leopard Express.
• Adria, Geeth and Vaishnavi who were awarded best poster for the Student Designed Car Division and Hayley, Mia and Shanaya who were awarded best poster for the Junior Boat Division.

Athletics

Congratulations to the students that ran today representing SSPS at the Eastern Metropolitan Region Athletic Championships!  All the students ran amazing races:

• Imogen finished 7th in the 1500m
• Benjamin finished 10th in the 100m
• Lucas finished 8th in the 800m
• Lewis, Lincoln, Benjamin and Lucas finished 7th in the 4 x 100m relay.

Moving on from Syndal South                

Finally, understanding that all our Year 6 students will be heading off to Secondary School in 2025, we need to know if any other students are leaving us. If you could let the Office know as soon as possible that would be greatly appreciated. Plus, if you know of anyone looking to enrol at Syndal South Primary can you please encourage them to do so as soon as possible. Thank you.

Have a great fortnight.

Helen