Principal's

Message

Welcome back to an action packed Term 3. I hope you all managed to rejuvenate over the break and are ready for the many events we have planned. We are a strong community at South Melbourne Park and I’m hopeful that this semester will see more parents and carers offering support to coordinate events. Unfortunately, we have the same people coordinating our community gatherings and fundraisers which can lead to burnout. We are currently looking for someone to project manage the Fathers’ Day breakfast, which is on Friday, 30th August 8-9am. Please consider taking on this event so that we can share the load as a community. 

MISSION STATEMENT

Over the past two terms, we have been discussing our purpose as educators at South Melbourne Park. After much consultation and refinement, we are proud to share with you, our mission statement:

Our mission is to foster a community of global citizens, grounded in integrity, empathy, and respect for self and others. We aim to nurture highly literate, numerate and curious life-long learners who are equipped to become the problem solvers of tomorrow.

NEW APPOINTMENT

I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Smrekar Thompson as Acting Assistant Principal. Ms Thompson, who was in a leading teacher role with us, will predominantly support the wellbeing and engagement of students in Prep to Year 2. She will work alongside our Assistant Principal, Trish Wan, who supports Year 3-6 students. Please join with me in congratulating Ms Thompson when you see her next and don’t hesitate to reach out to her for her wealth of advice and support. 

SCHOOL REVIEW

The school review is a key element of the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes 2.0 improvement cycle. Schools undertake a school review every 4 years to inform the directions of the school’s 4-year School Strategic Plan (SSP). The school reviewer also assesses compliance with the Curriculum and Student Learning Minimum Standard.

There are 2 components of a school review:

1. The pre-review self-evaluation (PRSE) where schools review their data and other evidence to form a collective view of current practice and areas for improvement. 
2. The review is facilitated by an independent school reviewer with a panel comprising the principal, school council president, Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL), and challenge partners. The panel considers the PRSE and undertakes additional fieldwork activities such as classroom observations, focus groups and interviews. The review concludes with a report proposing draft goals, targets and key improvement strategies for the school’s next Strategic Plan.

We will be completing the PRSE over the coming term, during which time you will be invited to provide feedback via a survey or a parent/carer forum. The review itself, will be held in weeks 3-5 of term 4. This is an exciting time for South Melbourne Park Primary School, and I look forward to giving you updates along the journey and to sharing the review findings.

WELCOME

Meet our new Year 3 and 4 teacher, Emily Spehar, who will be working alongside Jacquie Franzoni and Emily Kurts…

My name is Emily Spehar and I’m thrilled to be a new addition to your school community! I have been teaching since 2011, with most of my experience being predominantly in Years 3, 4 and 5, so I’m very much looking forward to working within the Year 3/4 teams at SMPPS for the remainder of this year. I love the varied challenges that teaching brings and I’m excited to see what eventuates alongside new colleagues and students. I’m sure it will be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

From what I have experienced so far, the SMPPS community has been nothing but warm, welcoming and genuine which aligns with my values as a teacher and person.

A bit about me on a personal note… I’m relatively new to the Port Phillip area and absolutely love being by the water after having lived in Melbourne’s north-west for most of my life. In my spare time I’m usually found at the gym, going for walks, listening to music, or hunting for unique, vintage finds for my home.

NAPLAN REPORTS

Parents and carers in years 3 and 5, are reminded that NAPLAN reports are now available for collection from your child’s teacher. Reports will not be sent home with students. Whilst we are proud of our results and of each student for doing their best, we also want you to keep in mind that each result represents ‘one test on one day’. Teachers utilise a variety of on-going assessments and work samples to gain an accurate picture of your child’s progress.

VIDEOGRAPHER NEEDED

As you know, we have our whole school performance coming up this term and we are looking for a parent/carer who can record one of our performances. If you think you might be that person and you’re available during the afternoon of Thursday 12th or Friday, 13th September, please email the school at south.melbourne.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au , attention Mrs Paech.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING PERMISSION

If you are yet to provide consent or non-consent for your child’s photographs or recordings to be shared (a) within the school environment or (b) within the community via newsletter or Compass, please follow these steps to do so by Friday, 26th July. 

• Go to Course Confirmation/ payments in each child’s Compass profile
• Click 2024 Photo, Filming Recording
• Click “see more” to read Policy
• Click “next”
• Type  “I do consent” or “I do not consent” and your name in each box
• Then click “proceed” to submit your answers

If we do not have a response from you, we will assume that consent is given. Thank you to the many families who have already responded.

A QUICK THANK YOU!

At the two year mark of my time as Principal at South Melbourne Park, I want to let you know how grateful I am to have your support. Your words of kindness and happy greetings each morning don’t go unnoticed. Your children are just gorgeous with their beautiful manners coming through the gate, and a morning chat with them is my favourite way to start the day. The staff we have here at SMPPS are second to none, and I am continually impressed by their work ethic and openness to learning. We’re doing some great work together at SMPPS and I’m really excited for what’s to come!

Nicole Arnold

Principal