Important Notices
NAPLAN Begins for Our Year 3 and Year 5 Students
This week marks the beginning of NAPLAN for our Year 3 and Year 5 students. NAPLAN (the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a nationwide assessment that provides a snapshot of how students across Australia are developing in key areas of literacy and numeracy. Students complete tests in Writing, Reading, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Mathematics.
Our Year 3 students began this morning by completing their writing test. We were incredibly impressed by the calm and mature way they approached what was, for many, a brand new experience. They settled in quickly, gave the task their best effort and produced some wonderful pieces of writing that really showed off the skills and learning they have been developing in class.
Unfortunately, our Year 5 students were caught up in the nationwide issues with the NAPLAN online testing servers this morning, which meant they were unable to complete their writing test as scheduled. We will now sit this assessment tomorrow, with the remaining tests (Reading, Language Conventions and Mathematics) each pushed back by a day. Year 5 students will now complete their final test next Tuesday.
We are very proud of the positive attitude our students have shown as we begin the NAPLAN period and appreciate the calm and supportive approach they have taken to these assessments.
Sexuality Education Program – Term 2
Next term, students will participate in our classroom sexuality health program, Talking the Talk, developed by sexual health nurse and educator Vanessa Hamilton.
This program focuses on physical, social and emotional changes, protective behaviours and consent. Lessons are age appropriate, aligned with the Australian Curriculum, and delivered by classroom teachers using a factual and respectful approach.
This is the fifth year we have partnered with Vanessa to deliver this important learning. We believe it is essential that young people receive accurate, evidence based information to support healthy and informed understandings.
We recognise and respect the important role families play in this area and hope the program supports ongoing conversations at home. If you would like to discuss the program further, or if you prefer your child not to participate, please contact Neil Scott at neil.scott@education.vic.gov.au.
Parent Information Session (Zoom) - Human Sexuality, Consent and Protective Safety
- Monday 27 April
- 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Please use the booking link provided to register your attendance.
School Council Meeting Tonight
Tonight marks the first meeting of our newly elected School Council for 2026, and we are looking forward to gathering together and beginning the important work that lies ahead for the year. School Council plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of our school, supporting strong governance and helping ensure that St Kilda Park Primary School continues to thrive for all members of our community.
We are also pleased to welcome a special guest to tonight’s meeting. Local Member for Albert Park, Nina Taylor MP, has been invited by Council to attend and speak with us about school facilities and the potential for future capital works funding. This is an important conversation as we continue advocating for the investment needed to ensure our students have access to the high quality learning spaces and school buildings they deserve.
Following this discussion, we will present the 2025 Annual Report to the School Community. This report is an important document for all Victorian government schools. It provides a comprehensive overview of the previous year, including information about student learning outcomes, wellbeing, staffing, finances and the key work undertaken as part of our Annual Implementation Plan. Schools are required to present this report publicly each year as part of our accountability to the school community and the Department of Education.
The meeting will then continue with the election of our School Council office bearers for the year ahead, including the President, Vice President and Treasurer, before moving into our regular School Council agenda.
We look forward to a productive first meeting and to the important work ahead as we support the continued growth and success of our school.
A Flourishing Kitchen Garden
Anyone who has walked past our school kitchen garden recently will have noticed just how wonderful it is looking. After such a hot and dry summer, it is an amazing achievement to see the garden so green, healthy and productive. The recent rain has certainly helped, and many of the plants are now thriving, with a huge amount of produce beginning to ripen and get ready for harvesting and use in our Kitchen Garden program.
If you have not taken a look recently, I encourage you to go for a walk past the garden and see it for yourself. It is a fantastic space and a real point of pride for our school.
A very big thank you goes to Allison Shanahan, our incredibly committed Garden Coordinator, whose passion and organisation keep the program running so beautifully. We would also like to thank Connie, a wonderfully green-fingered local volunteer who has generously donated many hours of her time to help keep the garden looking so good and producing so much.
If there are any parents or carers who would be interested in getting involved and lending a hand in the garden, please feel free to get in touch with Allison. Extra hands are always welcome, and it is a lovely way to be involved in this special part of our school. 🌱
allison.shanahan@education.vic.gov.au
Susan Bishop
As shared recently, Susan Bishop, a long-standing teacher at SKiPPS, retired at the end of 2025 after an extraordinary 35 years of service to St Kilda Park Primary School.
Since beginning in 1990, Susan has made a lasting contribution to our community as a classroom teacher, PE teacher, librarian and most recently as our specialist Philosophy teacher.
She also led initiatives such as the Premier’s Reading Challenge and our Walkathon, always bringing care, creativity and a deep commitment to students and colleagues. Her impact spans generations and has helped shape the culture and traditions that make SKiPPS so special.
We are delighted to welcome Susan back to SKiPPS on Friday 24 April, where she will spend time with students from 2:00pm, followed by a 3:00pm assembly where we will formally acknowledge her dedication and remarkable contribution to our school.
We warmly invite past and present members of our school community to join us in celebrating and thanking Susan for the difference she has made to so many lives.
Save the date: Mother's and Special Others Lunch
The annual SKiPPS Mother's and Special Others Lunch is fast approaching. All welcome (friends/family in the school community too).
- Friday, 8th May
- Sunroom at the Espy
- 12:30pm start
More details to follow
Kids Unlimited - Extra Curricular activities
