Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Welcome to the start of Week 9 of an eleven-week term. We are getting to the business end of the year, and all cylinders are firing. We have slightly less than three weeks to go, and we plan on making them good ones. Staff have completed their draft reports and look forward to sharing your child's progress with you when they are published on Compass. These reports will celebrate everything your child has achieved over the course of the year. We know you will be proud of your children - we certainly are.

We have been busy finalising staff for 2025, and it is a tough market. Out of a very competitive field, we believe we have selected an incredibly talented and committed team for your children. I count our lucky stars that we are a school of choice for staff when they select their new school. We will again welcome around 90 new Prep students and all of our returning children when the new year arrives. All students return for the 2025 academic year at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29.

Please be aware that our final assembly for the year will occur on Wednesday, December 18, at 2 p.m. in the gymnasium. Many families have indicated that this will be their child's final day, though some will send their children on Thursday, December 19, for our activities day. There is no school (but OSHClub will operate for those who book) on Friday, December 20.

SMPS Babies

It must be the season for babies! Staff at SMPS are thrilled to announce the following: 

• Mr Ben and his partner Teresa welcomed baby George into the world on November 24. George is doing well.
• Mr Hugo and his partner Tilly (our friend from OSHClub) welcomed their daughter Emelie and this is their first child which makes it even more exciting.
• Miss Jenny is expecting her second child soon - stay tuned for some great news

Volunteer Appreciation Afternoon Tea (Monday 2nd December)

On Monday, December 2 at 2:50pm-3:15pm, we would like to invite anyone who has volunteered their time during the year to an afternoon tea as a small token of our appreciation. Families and friends have helped with excursions, production costumes, camps, testing and so much more and we want to say thank you.

Although we believe we have extended this invitation personally via Compass, please extend this invite to anyone who may not have access to the portal (for example grandparents etc.)

We will provide some drinks and light refreshments and Mr Noel and the Leadership Team would like to thank you in person.

We understand that not everyone will be able to make it and we can't thank you enough for your contribution towards our Community. If you can make it, we look forward to seeing you.

Other Key Dates and Events Upcoming

• Wednesday, December 4 at 4pm: Junior Rockers Concert. If your child is involved with Junior Rockers, there will be a concert on the ground floor. The event will begin at 4pm on the Ground Floor Community Steps (internal).
• Saturday, December 7: Our wonderful SMPS Choir Performance will be held at South Melbourne Market at 10:00am. Come along to support the children and enjoy their wonderful tunes played out in front of the crowd. 
• Tuesday, December 10: This is the day when your child will find out their new teacher, classmates and location for 2025. Some parents gave feedback regarding student placement and Mr Callum will email through some reasoning for you if you put your request in writing. 

JSC Zooper Dooper Day (Thursday 12th December)

The Junior School Council (JSC) will be running a “Zooper Dooper” Day on Thursday the 12th of December.  For a gold coin donation, Zooper Dooper icy poles will be on sale at the start of snack (for Preps to Grade 2's) and lunch (Grade 3's to 6's). Cash only to be brought on the day. 

As decided upon by our JSC, all proceeds will be going towards purchasing and installing a screen to project live house point totals! This will be installed on ground level above the office window to foster students’ sense of community, and pride for their house. 

If you are interested in donating a pack of Sugar Free Zooper Doopers to help fund the event, please have your child drop them off at reception on the way into school by no later than Friday the 6th of December. 

Any questions can be emailed to Miss Sam: samantha.mcgee@smps.vic.edu.au