From the Assistant Principal

It is hard to believe we are already approaching the midpoint of the term. 

Our school continues to prioritise our Kids at the Heart approach, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of our Classroom-Based Education Support (ES) staff — Harper, Jen, Jo C., Luke, Mae, Sean, Shyamasree, Swapna, Tanzeena and Tippy.

Our ES staff work collaboratively across classrooms to support whole-class learning under the guidance of classroom teachers. Last week, teaching staff participated in professional learning focused on current educational research regarding effective practice when Education Support staff are working in classrooms. The research consistently highlights that classroom teachers, as the most highly trained educators in the learning environment, are best placed to lead and differentiate learning for students. Education Support staff are most effective when allocated to support classroom programs rather than individual students, working alongside teachers to enhance learning outcomes for all.

Our shared goal is to develop capable, confident learners who progressively build independence and ownership of their learning. Staff will continue this professional learning collaboratively during our upcoming Curriculum Day as we refine how ES staff are best supported within classroom settings. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring ES team contributing to the learning and wellbeing of our students at SMPPS.

CompassCheck

CompassCheck has significantly improved administrative processes across the school. Many volunteers have found the platform effective for uploading their Working With Children Check documentation and accessing school policies, supporting our ongoing commitment to child safety.

We have received feedback that access can vary depending on the device used — some users have greater success using laptops, while others find mobile devices more effective. If you experience difficulty locating our school on CompassCheck (https://compasscheck.education), we recommend trying an alternative device. Thank you for your patience as we embed this new system, which is already helping streamline administrative workload for staff.

Koorie Morning Tea

Our first Koorie Morning Tea will be held on Friday, 27 February. This gathering is open to all parents and carers — both Koorie and non-Koorie — and provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between school and community as we work together to create a culturally safe and inclusive environment for our Koorie students.

Our Koorie Education Support Officer, Steph Briggs, will be present. Families who would be willing to contribute by baking, assisting with set-up, or simply attending are warmly encouraged to contact me via email.

Student Support Groups (SSGs)

Student Support Group meetings bring together students, parents/carers, classroom teachers and a principal nominee to review and plan each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Students eligible for SSG meetings include those who:

• are in Out-of-Home Care
• identify as Koorie
• receive Disability Inclusion funding

Families of eligible students will have received a Compass notification to book this term’s meeting. These conversations are an important opportunity to reflect on students’ transition into the school year, review Term 1 goals, and collaboratively establish next learning priorities.

SunSmart Policy Update

Our SunSmart Policy has recently been updated to further support student wellbeing and safety. Key changes include:

• Hats are now encouraged from mid-August rather than 1 September.
• School-provided sunscreen has been updated to SPF 50+.

I continue to be impressed by the number of students consistently remembering their hats. Students without hats may access the passive play space within Breakfast Club. Hats will remain required throughout Term 2 until the end of April.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club continues to operate five days a week, providing cereal, toast and fruit to students before school. This program plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing and readiness to learn.

We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated volunteers and especially Helen Shaw for coordinating the program and managing FoodBank orders. Additional volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested in joining the roster, please email the school office and your details will be forwarded to the Breakfast Club team.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

Recent SWPBS professional learning introduced our new classroom behaviour matrices. These matrices promote consistency across year levels and clearly outline classroom expectations and transition routines.

By explicitly teaching — rather than simply telling — students what successful classroom behaviours look like, we create predictable learning environments that reduce cognitive load and support engagement. Shared language and consistent practices across teams strengthen both learning and wellbeing outcomes, contributing to calmer classrooms and improved readiness for learning.

AGP Excursions

Families are reminded to provide consent or decline participation for the AGP Excursion via Compass if this has not yet been completed. Any remaining School Savings Bonus funds can still be allocated toward excursions by contacting the school office.

Parenting Resource

ParentZone offers a range of online and in-person workshops designed to support families in navigating contemporary parenting challenges. Please refer to the attached information for further details.

Sam Smrekar Thompson

Assistant Principal