The Year Draws to a Close!

This week started with excitement plus! We had our Terrific Kids recipients for Term 4 presented with their trophies by Garry Dowd representing the Kiwanis Club. 

Last night, Year 6 families and friends celebrated the graduation of 64 Year 6 students with a formal graduation ceremony, to mark the end of their 7 years of primary schooling. It was a very different format this year as has been the case for many celebrations throughout 2020. The staff organised the night with the ‘Space’ theme chosen by the students. The students enjoyed a meal together followed by the presentation of awards and a disco to conclude the night. 

I would like to acknowledge this outstanding and talented group of young people who have added so much to our school community as leaders, role models and friends to so many of our other students. Both staff and parents are certainly very proud of what they have achieved both as individuals and as the 2020 graduating group. One of the highlights of the ceremony were the skits prepared by the students which captured some wonderful memories and insights into their time at SSPS. It was also inspiring to hear each students’ future goals .

Congratulations to the following students who received awards on the night.

The Norm Gibbs Community Leadership Award

Matt Fregon MP, our local member presented the "The Norm Gibbs Community Leadership Award” which is awarded to a student who embodies that of Norm Gibbs – someone who is always looking for ways to give back, big or small. Norm has been recognised for his community service with many awards including Sir John Monash Community Leadership Award, and the Medal of the Order of Australia. Norm is someone who believes, in his own words, that “nothing is too small, and nothing is too hard.”

Norm Gibbs Community Leadership Award

Charlize 

All Round Award

Aisha  and Emmett 

Citizenship Award

Ellyn  and James 

Living the Moto Award

Ashnadhi  and Arjun 

Leadership Award

Isabelle  and Charlie 

Sport Award

Timothy  and Alizeh 

I would like to acknowledge and thank the Year 6 teachers in 2020 for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the Year 6’s final year at SSPS was a memorable one. Thanks to Michelle Dodson, Maria Giannone-Perri and Janine Stockdale .

On behalf of all the SSPS community, I wish all the graduating Year 6 students a wonderful start to their secondary schooling in 2021 and that all their dreams for the future be realised.

School Captains

Special thanks to Hashitha and Jayden for being such wonderful role models and ambassadors in their role as school captains for SSPS. It has been a difficult year but no matter the challenges, they supported each other and worked as a great team sharing responsibilities throughout the year. I have seen their confidence, public speaking and organisational skills grow throughout the year. Thank you and well done!

2020 Student Placement

Tomorrow students will be given the opportunity to meet their 2021 class teacher and find out who their classmates will be in 2021. Many hours have been spent on the creation of these classes, taking into account the needs of students, balancing academic performance and gender. We ask you to support the placements made and speak positively to your child about the year ahead for them.

Final Assembly and Early Dismissal

All students will be dismissed at 1.30 pm on Friday (tomorrow). Prior to the dismissal, we will be holding a final farewell assembly at 1.00 pm. We will be acknowledging students leaving SSPS F-6.  The 2021 School Captains will be announced, and Year 6 graduating students will be singing their graduation song. Parents are most welcome to attend our final assembly for 2020 but please respect the social distancing rules.

Finally, the end of school is a perfect time to reflect on our achievements throughout the year and to show gratitude for the work and support of the community – even more so in 2020.  I’d like to thank the school community (staff, students and parents) for their support throughout the year. 

We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff who have shown a great deal of resilience this year as they quickly designed and learnt how to deliver a learning program online.  Our students were equally as resilient as they moved into remote learning twice and worked hard at staying engaged.  Our amazing parents balanced their own work commitments with the support of their child/ren’s learning. 

To those families and staff who are leaving our school community, I would like to wish you all the very best for the future and thank you for your amazing contribution over your years at SSPS. I am already well aware of the loss you will be to the SSPS community!

It is now time for all of us to take a well-earned rest and spend some additional relaxing time with our families and friends and loved ones, we all deserve it. I look forward to contributing and working with all members of the SSPS community in 2021.

I sincerely wish everyone a very safe and happy festive season with your families and friends.

Helen