Principal's Message

The end of the year is close, but at SMDP we still have plenty of time for focused learning. 

Our teachers are busy writing reports informing families of student achievement this semester. Students are busy consolidating their learning goals that will prepare them for their educational journey ahead. We are determined to provide high-quality learning to the very last day. 

As SMDP is a growing school our class structures change from year to year. Some years we have straight classes (Year Prep) while in other years we have composite classes (Year 1/2). 

This is part of your child's educational journey at SMDP.  

Staffing funding is allocated to schools based on the total number of students, not students at each year/grade level. As enrolments vary from year to year, it is sometimes impossible to form straight grades because the numbers simply do not allow for it nor does our staff funding allocation. 

At SMDP, we have straight (one level) and composite classes (two levels) and these vary from year to year. When you join us, that is part of the deal. 

Research shows there is no discernible difference between ‘composite’ and 'straight' year group classes in terms of academic performance because every class is a composite class filled with students with different learning needs, rates of learning, interests and strengths. Even in straight grades, students are working at all different levels. It is the quality of teaching, combined with student interest and engagement that has a greater impact on learning than class organisational structures.

After much discussion, exploring different models and taking into growing enrolments, we are increasing from 11 classrooms to 12 classrooms in 2025. The best structure to cater for this is:

• Year P x 2  
• Yr 1 x 2  
• Yr 2 x 2  
• Yr 3/4 x 3
• Yr 5/6 x 3 

Our new fancy double portable is arriving in early December to cater for this extra grade. 

As we move towards the end of the year, it is time to say goodbye to our staff members who are taking on new adventures. 

Lana will be starting her maternity leave at the end of the year, as she waits for the birth of her second child in mid January. We thank Lana for all her work in the student medical management area as well as helping out in various levels. We wish Lana, Peter and Leon all the happiness in the preparations of their growing family. We hope to see her back soon.

Andrea Fernandes is excited about beginning a new teaching position at St Marys in Altona next year but sad to be leaving us. Andrea is one of the few longest serving teachers here in my time and has witnessed so much positive change. Over the years she has worn many hats including release time teacher, Numeracy Intervention and classroom job share. Andrea is excited to bring her gained knowledge and skills to a new workplace. As she had earlier organised Long Service Leave for the end of the year, her final day with us will be tomorrow - Friday 29th November. 

After two years we say goodbye to Olivia D. She is off on a European holiday adventure next year. During Olivia’s short time at SMDP she has made a big impact on the students in her care. We wish her safe travels. 

Shaun will start the year with us before he heads overseas in Term Two. Shaun has been with us for three years. He has been a wonderful role model of what it means to be a fine young man to our students. We are lucky to have his presence, wit and passion for Term One before he heads off on his overseas adventure.

After nearly 40 years in education, Denise is retiring at the end of the year. She has taught in many school settings including St Augustine's Keilor, Christ the King Braybrook, and Good Shepherd Gladstone Park to name a few. Denise has also had many roles including classroom teacher, Religious Education Leader, Mathematics Leader, Learning Diversity Leader and Deputy Principal. 

Both lists are extensive and always fulfilled at an exemplary level. 

SMDP is going to be a different place without her. Denise has played a crucial role in elevating the quality of teaching and learning, leading to improved student performance. Her passion, commitment and intelligence will be deeply missed. We are incredibly grateful for her tireless efforts and her significant impact on our school community. Her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come. Not only are we losing an expert educator, we are saying goodbye to a loyal friend. 

We sincerely thank Lana, Olivia, Andrea, and Denise for their time at SMDP and for touching the hearts and minds of our students. They have all created life time memories for our students and I hope each of them take a bit of SMDP spirit with them on their new adventures. 

We are currently finalising new staff and their positions for 2025. 

In our next newsletter, I will be able to announce our leadership team, class teachers specialists and non teaching roles for next year. Students will meet their new teachers for next year at our ‘Step Up Transition Day’ on Friday 13th December. 

Thanks for your continued support. It is a joy to work with you and your children. 

Dan Ryan

Principal

St Martin de Porres Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, well-being, and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

2024/2025 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2024. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.