SMPS Family iNewsletter

Principal's Message

Our children are our future...

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. NAIDOC Week - Monday 16th - Friday 20th June
  2. Swimming Week - Monday 16th - Friday 20th June
  3. Parent Teacher Student Interviews - Thursday 3rd July
  4. Rockstar Day - 1:05pm, Friday 4th July. School finishes at 2:30pm
  5. Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser - Saturday 26th July

Principal's Message

Week 9 is here in our 11-week term, and I hope you and your family are keeping well. For families I haven’t yet met, I’d love to briefly introduce myself. If you're short on time, feel free to scroll down for the key information. Otherwise, thank you for taking a moment to read.

 

It has been an honour and privilege to complete my first full week as Acting Principal of South Melbourne Primary School. Earlier in my career, the idea of becoming a principal felt overwhelming. The responsibility of leading a school, supporting hundreds of students (their families’ most precious treasures), as well as the wellbeing and development of over 50 staff, seemed immense. But when I was asked to step into the role for about a month, I felt a genuine sense of excitement and calm. That feeling came from knowing how strong our community is — students, families and staff working together with care, professionalism and purpose.

 

I began my teaching journey in the UK as a high school maths teacher. After about four years, I decided to explore the world and eventually arrived in Melbourne in 2018. Just two weeks in, I was living in a hostel and heading to my first shift at a café job. On the way, I received a phone call offering me a short-term role at a brand-new, rapidly growing school that needed extra support — South Melbourne Primary School.

 

At the time, my UK teaching qualifications hadn’t transferred over yet, so I was offered a position as a Learning Support Officer. I told the café owner, who already knew I had a passion for teaching. He smiled and said, “Thanks for coming in, but you won’t be back. Take the job.” As I walked back to the hostel, I received another call to say I had also secured my first rental in South Yarra. A big day!

 

Seven years later, I’m still at SMPS and so proud of that. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported. Every staff member, student and family I met greeted me with warmth and kindness. I was bombarded with kindness! Even to this day, as the school has grown tremendously, I am still bombarded with kindness.  All the staff wanted to be the best they could be for the sake of the students. The ambition and care I saw in our team convinced me this was where I wanted to be long term. 

 

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work in a range of roles here. I’ve been a Learning Support Officer, classroom teacher (Years 4–6), PE teacher, remote and onsite teacher during COVID, Leading Teacher for whole-school organisation, Assistant Principal, and now Acting Principal. Each role has given me valuable insight into how schools work and reminded me of the importance of walking in others’ shoes.

 

Thank you to all our families for your continued support and partnership. Working together with our amazing staff, you help create the best possible chance for the students (your children) to thrive and succeed in life. That shared goal is what unites us.

 

With Noel now supporting 31 other schools, it’s a privilege to lead SMPS during this time. What we are building together is something lasting, a legacy school. We’re not perfect, but we’re improving every day through hard work, collaboration, care and always striving for excellence.

 

Thank you for making my job enjoyable and purposeful.

 

Callum Freel - Acting Principal of South Melbourne Primary School

 

NAIDOC Week (This week)

We will celebrate NAIDOC Week's 50th Anniversary at SMPS ahead of the official dates in July during the school holidays. Each class will read at least one Aboriginal story and contribute to a whole-school collaborative display of Bunjil the Eagle. It will be a special week of learning, creativity and connection as we honour the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

Swimming at MSAC for Years 3-6 (This week)

Lessons are free but parents must give consent. 

If you have not done so, please contact your childs teacher or the office. 

Check he Compass event for full details.

We hope students enjoy their swimming lessons this week at MSAC.

 

Parent  Teacher Student Interview Bookings (Thursday 3rd July)

Bookings are up to 81% from last week. 

Please contact teachers if you have not yet booked.

If you need a translator, we need to make bookings for them by 27th June.

 

Rockstar Day! (Friday 4th July)

On the last day of Term 2, Friday 4th July, we’re celebrating our SMPS Music Program with a Rockstar Dress-Up Day and concert!

🎸Dress-Up Day:

All students are encouraged to dress as their own version of a rockstar or a famous rock/pop star. (Please don't feel the need to spend extra money)

💰Fundraiser:

Donations will be digital this year. Details to come soon. Please donate what you can to support the Music Therapy Department at the Royal Children’s Hospital, helping bring music to unwell children.

🎶Concert – 1:05pm in the Gym:

Featuring performances from:

  • Year 5/6 Rock Band
  • Marimba Band
  • SMPS Choir

Thank you for supporting music at SMPS. Let’s Rock!

Mr Paul – Music Leader

 

⏰ Reminder: School finishes at 2:30pm on the last day of term! 🎉

 

Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser (Saturday 26th July)

We are hosting our first Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings Port Melbourne on Saturday 26 July from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

All money raised from the event will go towards supporting families in financial need to enable their children to attend school camp. 

Thank you in advance to all families and companies who have reached out to support the event, especially PRG who are providing a large amount of supplies.

If you are interested in volunteering at the event for a few hours, please email Miss Megan at megan.hartwick@smps.vic.edu.au.

 

🌭Please come out for a sausage and soft drink to support a great cause!