This week started with excitement plus! We had our Terrific Kids recipients for Term 4 presented with their trophies by Ed Wilson representing the Kiwanis Club. In addition, we were fortunate enough to have Norm Gibbs at assembly to present his award the ‘Norm Gibbs Community Leadership Award’ to Flynn from Year 6. Matt Fregon MP, our local member was also in attendance to support the presentation of the award.

"The Norm Gibbs Community Leadership Award” 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 still involved to this day with Very Special Kids, the Down Syndrome Association, Camp Quality, Copeland Street, to name but a few. Norm is someone who believes, in his own words, that “nothing is too small, and nothing is too hard.”

On Monday evening our Foundation students with their parents enjoyed a wonderful celebratory BBQ of the year that was. It was a great opportunity for the families to share stories about the journey and to marvel in the growth the students have achieved over the year.

Last night, Year 6 families and friends celebrated the graduation of 75 Year 6 students with a formal graduation ceremony, to mark the end of their 7 years of primary schooling. Prior to the formal part of the night, students and staff, many of which had taught these students over the past 7 years, enjoyed a delicious meal together.

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 2019 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.

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

Citizenship Award

- Isabelle 56D

- Finlay 56D

Living the Moto Award

- Sam 56S

- Antony 56J

Leadership Award

- Olivia 56S

- Ewen 56J

All Round Award

Xiao Yu 56G

Flynn 56G

Sports Award

- Katie 56S

- Markas 56S

SSV Academic & Sporting Achievement Medal

- Xavier 56D

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all the Year 5/6 teachers in 2019 for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the Year 6’s final year at SSPS was a memorable one. Thanks to Clare Searle (Team Leader), Michelle Dodson, Maria Giannone-Perri, Janine Stockdale and Aaron Tait.

On behalf of all the SSPS community, I wish all the graduating Year 6 students a wonderful start to their secondary schooling in 2020 and that all their dreams for the future be realised.

School Captains

Special thanks to Mui and Pete for being such wonderful role models and ambassadors in their role as school captains for SSPS. 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 2020 class teacher and find out who their classmates will be in 2020. 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 20th December 2019. 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 2020 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 2019.

Finally, I would like to thank all students, staff, parents, carers, grandparents and School Council for your valued support and magnificent contribution throughout 2019. We have achieved much, and we have achieved it together working as a productive and generous school community.

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. I look forward to contributing and working with all members of the SSPS community in 2020.

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

Helen

IMPORTANT

The school has been notified today by the Department of Education that asbestos will be removed from Block B (Foundation and 1/2 building) during the school holidays. This is a positive outcome for the school. I have attached the letter regarding the removal for your information. The actual asbestos removal will take place between Monday 23rd December and Monday 13th January. There will be no access to the school during this time. Fore more information please click on the following link.

https://www.syndalsp.sponsored1.com/uploaded_files/media/vsba_planned_a3_asbestos_removal_program_letter.pdf

The Rocket

Issue 40 · 19 Dec 2019

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