A message from the Principal
One of the great strengths of St Kilda Park Primary School is the depth, generosity and spirit of our community.
This newsletter is full of evidence of just how much happens at SKiPPS because parents, carers and our wider community choose to get involved. The opportunities, connections and experiences our students enjoy are richer because of you.
Last Sunday, this was on full display at the Midsumma Pride March. Our involvement in the march has become a start of year tradition and it was wonderful to see well over a hundred parents, students and staff come together on Sunday morning to take part. Our presence reflects our strong commitment to inclusion and diversity and our support for the many different families and LGBTQI+ members within our own school community. A huge thank you to SKiPPS parents Gemma Fitzgerald, Ali Wilkins and Belinda Cotter, who coordinated our involvement for the first time this year. Their organisation and enthusiasm made the day such a success.
Looking ahead, the weeks to come are full. Next Tuesday, 10 February, we will gather for Jazz in the Park, held in the school grounds from 5pm. Approaching its 40th year, this much loved event is a unique SKiPPS tradition, coordinated by our Parents Association, SKiPPA. Live music, food, drinks and a relaxed social atmosphere make it a highlight of the year and a wonderful way to connect as a community.
Following this, our teachers will be hosting parent information sessions for each year level after school next week. These sessions are an important opportunity to hear directly from your child’s teachers about learning and events planned for the year, to ask questions and to begin building the strong relationships that help children thrive.
The following week, parent teacher interviews will take place for years 1-6. These one to one conversations allow you to discuss your child’s start to the year and share any important information that will support them at school.
Beyond this, our parent run SKiPPS Orchestra begins again next Thursday morning before school. All students are welcome, regardless of year level, experience or skill. It is a joyful program that gives students the chance to experience the magic of learning an instrument and playing together.
We are also seeking parent nominations for School Council. This group of parents and staff provides governance and oversight for the school and plays an important role in shaping our direction.
Planning is well underway for our School Fete on 14 March, now just over a month away. Please read on to see how you can get involved and help make this another fun and successful day for our school.
Finally, our Kitchen Garden program for Year 3 and 4 students begins on Monday. This program is a highlight of primary school for many students and works best when we have plenty of adult volunteers, allowing for more ambitious menus and shared learning. Parents, carers and grandparents of all students are warmly invited to volunteer. The sessions are great fun and end with everyone sitting down to enjoy the meal the group has cooked together.
All of these events and programs add enormously to life at SKiPPS and are only possible because of the hard work, generosity and involvement of our community. We look forward to seeing you getting involved and sharing in what makes our school such a special place.
Neil Scott
Principal