From the Assistant Principal

As we move swiftly through the term, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the many positive developments across our school. At SMPPS, our commitment to ensuring Kids at the Heart remains evident in both our learning programs and the strength of our community connections.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

Our ongoing implementation of School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) continues to strengthen a consistent, positive learning environment across the school. A key feature of this work is the use of student voice in shaping whole-school rewards, thoughtfully coordinated by our Wellbeing Lead, Johanne Abbott.

Through the successful rollout of our token system, students recently achieved their second whole-school reward. In a wonderful display of community spirit, staff embraced the celebration by dressing in school uniform. Seeing staff proudly wearing grey, orange and white—complete with hats and orange ribbons—brought great joy to our students and reinforced the shared ownership of our school culture.

Inform and Empower – Navigating a Digital World

Last Thursday evening, families from across four school communities came together for the Inform and Empower webinar, focused on supporting children to safely navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.

At SMPPS, we recognise that digital literacy and online safety are critical components of contemporary learning. Our students engage in termly ICT learning that builds their capacity to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for ongoing conversations at home, and we encourage families to continue these discussions to support healthy and balanced screen use.

Families who were unable to attend can access the webinar recording here:informandempower.com.au/schools-webinars/2026 

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

This week marks the beginning of a focused professional learning series for staff on Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—an evidence-based framework that supports inclusive teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

UDL strengthens our capacity to design learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and appropriately challenging for every student. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring that all students can thrive.

For families interested in learning more, the ThinkUDL podcast is a highly recommended starting point.

World Autism Awareness Day – Thursday 2 April

World Autism Awareness Day provides an important opportunity for our community to recognise and celebrate the diversity of our students, staff, and families, including those with lived experience of Autism.

As a school, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment grounded in understanding, respect, and belonging. We invite all members of our community to show their support by wearing blue on the final day of term, in recognition of this important day.

Prep School Nurse – Term 2

In Term 2, we welcome our school nurse, Alison Vickers, who will be conducting health, wellbeing, and developmental screenings for our Prep students.

This is a valuable opportunity to support children in being school ready across a range of developmental domains. We strongly encourage all Prep families to participate.

Year 1 students who may have missed last year’s screening are also eligible for a catch-up assessment. Paper forms will be available at the school office from the beginning of next term and should be returned by the end of Week 2.

For more information, please see the attached flier.

City of Port Phillip Partnership

Our valued partnership with the City of Port Phillip continues to enhance opportunities for our students beyond the classroom. Initiatives such as supervised play at Skinner’s Playground and the Friday recess club provide engaging, structured activities that strengthen social connection and wellbeing.  Skinner’s Playground even does a walking bus to school most mornings. We are deeply appreciative of this ongoing collaboration and its positive impact on our community. 

For more information, please see the attached flier.

As we approach the end of term, I would like to thank our students, staff, and families for their continued commitment to learning and wellbeing. I wish everyone a smooth conclusion to the term and a safe, restful holiday break.

Kind regards,

Sam Smrekar Thompson

Assistant Principal