A message from the Principal

Welcome back to Term 2 at SKiPPS! 

I hope all of our families enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing Easter break, and that the warm and sunny weather provided plenty of opportunities for rest, play and connection. While students and staff were away, the school grounds were anything but quiet—with builders, deliveries and trades on-site every single day. I’m thrilled to report that some major projects have now been completed, and the results are already making a huge difference to school life.

First and perhaps most noticeable is the removal of the shipping containers—an eyesore that many of us have been longing to say goodbye to! 

In their place, we now have a brand-new DreamCourts surface installed in front of the basketball hoops. Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of our community across 2023 and early 2024, this stunning new space not only looks amazing but provides a cushioned, professional-grade surface that makes basketball safer and more fun for our students.

Inside the school, we’ve also completed the construction of dividing walls in the Year 2 and 3 classrooms. These learning areas were previously open-plan, which could be challenging for both students and teachers when it came to maintaining focus and managing noise. The transformation has been immediate—quieter, calmer classrooms that feel more purposeful and supportive for learning. To top it off, Year 3 students now have brand-new tables, generously funded by SKiPPA, our amazing parent association.

And, at long last, we are nearing the finish line for one of our biggest projects—the refurbishment of the Art Room and Kitchen Dining Room. These beloved learning spaces have been out of action for over nine months, and we know how sorely they’ve been missed. Builders are completing the final touches this week, while staff (and some amazing parent volunteers) are hard at work unpacking and setting up. From next week, Art, Italian, Kitchen Garden and Team Kids will all return to their rightful homes, and we can't wait to see the life and learning that fills these areas once again. Families are warmly invited to pop in and take a look at the refreshed spaces—we’ll also be including photos alongside this article so you can see the transformation for yourselves.

We’re also pleased to share that over the holidays, a full set of brand new gates were installed around the school—including new pedestrian and vehicle gates at the front of the school, as well as pedestrian gates along the side and at the rear. These new gates are self-closing, which significantly increases the security and safety of our site, meaning gates can be opened during pick-up and drop-off times and then easily closed and secured at other times. In even better news, the front vehicle gate will be automated over the upcoming June school holidays, allowing us to better manage vehicle access to the site and ensure that the gate remains closed during the school day. These updates are an important step forward in keeping our school secure and welcoming for all.

Term 2 is always a busy and exciting time, and this year is no exception! Next Thursday night is our very first School Disco, and we’re so excited to be heading to St Kilda Town Hall for what promises to be a fantastic evening. Over 150 tickets have already been sold, and we’re hoping to see every student there for this memorable night.

We’re also looking forward to some wonderful events for our families, including the Mother’s Day Lunch on Friday 9th May and the ever-popular Parents’ Battle of the Bands on Thursday 15th May. These events are brilliant opportunities for our community to connect, celebrate and raise funds for the school—please mark your calendars and join the fun.

Further details and ticket booking links for all of these events can be found later in the newsletter.

Finally, a quick reminder that this coming Monday, 28th April, is a Curriculum Day. Students are not required at school, but Team Kids will be running a full-day care program onsite. Staff will be taking the opportunity to continue our professional learning with teachers from local schools and Shane Pearson, the creator of the PhOrMeS reading and spelling program, which has been having such a positive impact in our classrooms.

Here’s to a brilliant Term 2—we’re off to a flying start!

Neil Scott

Principal