Principal message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Our positive start to 2025 has seen our students engage in many learning and social aspects of school. I have observed children rekindling friendships from previous years, as well as developing new ones. 

Positive Classroom Strategies

This year we have introduced a school-wide expected behaviour system, that focuses on positive relationships. The logic is to develop dispositions that will help students now and into the future. In the first week of school our Positive Classroom Strategies were introduced in each classroom and learning subject area. Teachers and students went through all ten expected behaviours we have across our school, that all relate to the values we have at SPS. 

• Courage - To act confidently 
• Honesty - To be truthful to yourself and others
• Respect - To acknowledge individuals with courtesy
• Responsibility - To be accountable for your actions 
• Trust - To rely on and have faith in others 

After consultation with students and staff at the end of 2024, we co-designed this approach with teachers, our wellbeing team, students and the latest evidence-based practice from the Department of Education. This approach enables students to engage in good quality learning, as a consistent methodology is used across the school. 

Where behaviours have not met the Positive Classroom strategy approach, there are opportunities for reflections, which includes specific coaching by our school’s leadership team and teachers.

The impact, although early in its implementation, has seen improved engagement on tasks within the classroom. During play times a consistent approach helps students to positively interact with one another. We will continue to monitor the positive impact that this approach has across our school. You might be aware of the Dojo points system that is interlinked with our new behavioural focus. 

Student Leaders

Our school leaders have taken to their role as School Captains and Vice School Captains well. This was evident at our Smoking Ceremony at the start of the year, where they spoke with confidence and pride about the significance of this event.

You may have noticed our student leaders providing updates about what is happening at school on our Facebook page. These short snippets provide information to our community from the voices of our students and will occur on the alternative fortnight to the newsletter.

This year our school student leaders, meet with the principal class team once every three weeks along with our Student Leader Co-ordinator, Mrs Johnston, to increase their student voice and responsibilities of being a leader. Mrs Johnston will work with our student leaders throughout the year to clarify the differences between each role and what it means to be a leader.

To assist in our student leaders’ development, our school captains and ambassadors are attending the LeaderUp – Student Leaders Conference (Dream and Lead) being held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Here they will be exposed to role models and gain a greater insight on how to lead with impact.

Our SEEC leaders from Year 3-6 will be attending the Melbourne Flower and Garden show, to further gain an understanding of sustainable environments and how they can implement some these learnings to our school.

School Review

This year we are reviewing our School Strategic Plan as we determine the focus for the next four year period. As a part of this process, we review our school policies. We welcome any commentary around making Somerville Primary School a child safe and caring environment. This includes the Child Safety Standards policy which was sent out last Friday (21st February).

You Tell Us Interviews

It was wonderful to see many parents and carers attend the recent You Tell Us evening sessions. It is valuable for teachers to gain an understanding of each learner in their classroom and how we support them grow in the future.

The You Tell Us Interviews are a part of a large suite of communications that our school utilises to ensure that there is regular two-way communication with teachers. Other ways in which we do this is via the Compass platform which includes updates on upcoming events that are specific to your child/ren and the Achievement Statements that occur twice a term to update parents on their child’s learning progress.

Family Fun Night and Whole School Picnic

I had so much ‘FUN’ at our Whole School Picnic and Family Fun Night. The weather for the picnic was wonderful and it was great to see so many families relaxing and chatting with one another. The children do love having a representative come to this event.

The Family Fun Night was well received. Once again it was terrific to have all members of our community getting involved, this included getting drenched at our last relay.

Colour Run

A reminder that we have the Colour Run coming up next Friday (7th March). The support for this event and the fundraising will go to a new Bike Shed. On top of the fundraising, the event itself is another great community experience that engages our students wellbeing.

Attendance

Just a reminder about the importance of school attendance. Consistent and punctual attendance allows for students to engage in the explicit learning that is provided by teachers. When late attendance and days absent occur, this can have a great impact on a child’s ability to review prior learning, thereby making connections with what has previously occurred with the new knowledge and experiences they will receive.

Regards,

Jamie Sharp

Principal