Principal's Report

If you were anywhere near our school last Friday afternoon, you’ll know that something special happened. Our whole school took on Ned’s Uncomfortable Challenge, and we could not be more proud of the way our community embraced it.

Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

The idea behind Ned’s Uncomfortable Challenge is simple: do something a little bit hard, and discover you’re stronger than you thought. Our community did exactly that. We saw Foundation students tackle their laps with huge determination, older students cheering on younger ones, and teachers and parents joining in the challenge.

We were delighted to surpass the goal of 1222 laps that we had set as our school goal. Thank you to every family who sponsored, encouraged and cheered from home. Together we walked/ran 2675 laps (1792 kms) and we’re excited raise money for our Rocketship renovation as well as support Australian’s experiencing homelessness.

Student Leaders

Our 2026 student leaders have taken on many responsibilities and leadership roles this year and done both themselves and the school proud. At our weekly assembly, we are now singing the second verse of the National Anthem. This was an idea that came directly from our student leaders, who wanted to deepen our connection to the anthem and what it represents. It’s was wonderful to hear the whole school join in for the first time this week, and a great reminder of what can happen when students are given a voice and the confidence to use it. Well done, leaders!

Digital Devices at Syndal South: What’s Changing in 2027

You may be aware that The Department of Education have released updated policy and guidelines about digital device use in schools.

From the start of 2027, Syndal South will be aligning with the new Department of Education policy on digital devices in schools. The policy has two main components:

1. Syndal South Primary School will not operate a BYOD program. The school will provide the devices students need for their learning. There will be no purchase or lease costs for families.

2. Syndal South Primary School will limit the use of Digital Devices and time spent on devices at school. Digital tools will continue to be used with purpose, alongside explicit teaching, discussion, writing and hands-on learning experiences that build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and other key learning areas.

We will share further details as they’re finalised, including how devices will be used in classrooms and any updates to our student device and mobile phone expectations. In the

meantime, if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office or speak with me directly.

Class Placement

At Syndal South Primary School we pride ourselves on our knowledge of each and every student, both as learners and young people. As we plan for a new school year, teachers and school staff begin the very considered process of class placement. Planning for a successful 2027 for every student takes time, with multiple factors taken into consideration. Consideration of individual student needs, classroom teacher observations, friendships and learning behaviours are all taken into account.

Over the coming weeks, every child will be given the opportunity to list five friends with whom they would like to share a class with in 2027. We encourage them to think about both friendships and students they learn well alongside. At least one student from the list is guaranteed for every student.

Teachers and school staff use all of the information provided along with their extensive professional knowledge of each child, social dynamics of the year level and spread of academic needs to create the best balance for student learning and wellbeing.

To support our 2027 class placements, we request only special circumstances are communicated to the school via syndal.south.ps@education.vic.gov.au by Friday 6th November.

Students will be involved in a transition session in December where they will meet their teacher and classmate for the new year.

I thank you in advance for your support of this process.

Remembrance Day

Badges and pins are now on sale at the office to commemorate Remembrance Day - 11th November.

Katelyn Joyce

Principal

Term 4 Save the Dates:

Friday 16th October - Nedd’s Whole School Uncomfortable Challenge 2-3pm

Monday 2nd November – Student Free Day – Staff Assessment & Reporting day (Team Kids program available)

Tuesday 3rd November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Saturday 28th November – State Election Day – Syndal South BBQ and Cake stall

NEW:  Wednesday 2nd December - SSPS Christmas Concert 4:30–6:00pm – details coming soon!

Thursday 3rd December – Student Free Day - Staff 2027 planning day

Friday 18th December – Last day of Term 4, 1:30pm dismissal