Wellbeing News
Creating a Calm and Safe Environment for Learning
One of the key indicators of a high-performing school is the ability to maintain a calm, orderly, and safe environment where every student feels secure and ready to learn. At SMDP, we know that just like reading, writing, and maths, positive behaviour needs to be explicitly taught.
That’s why we introduced our Behaviour Curriculum at the beginning of this year. This whole-school approach helps students learn, practise, and understand the behaviours that support a safe and focused learning environment. It reinforces consistency across all classrooms and ensures every child knows what is expected of them.
Over the last two weeks, we’ve been placing a particular focus on silent entry. By entering the classroom calmly and quietly each morning, students settle more quickly and are mentally ready to engage in their learning. It also supports safe movement through the school grounds, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
We’re already seeing the benefits of this approach, and we’ll continue to build on it throughout the year. Our Behaviour Curriculum is another way we’re working to create the best possible environment for your child to succeed.
Kathy Blythe
Wellbeing Leader
Student Leader News
What a fantastic start to National Reconciliation Week we had on Tuesday 27th May with a special incursion! This important week is all about understanding our shared histories, cultures, and achievements as Australians, and building stronger support for reconciliation.
Michael Cussons and Liam Salvado joined us, sharing amazing Aboriginal traditions like Welcome to Country, didgeridoo music, and dot painting – they even taught us how to throw a boomerang! We then got creative, designing our own boomerangs with beautiful Indigenous symbols, using vibrant colours.
Everyone loved diving into First Nations culture, and had an amazing time. A huge thank you goes out to Alli, Julie, and Kathryn for making the day happen!
Vanshika and Lucas
(Social Justice Leaders)