Principal's Message

I'm sure that at some time in the last few weeks you have said "Where has the year gone?"  

We're racing through June and we have nearly completed our first semester of school. Our Preps have settled into school routines and I'm sure that they have grown a couple of centimetres already this year. The Year Six students are shooting up as well and seem not only to be that little bit taller but  also more self-assured.   

Our growth has not just been in stature, it has been in learning as well. Over the past weeks the teachers at St Martin de Porres have been working on producing reports for all of our students and feedback will be given on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd June at our Three way Learning Conversations.  

At SMDP, we strive to give you a considered view of where your child is currently. In some cases the growth has been considerable, in others, a little slower but just as we know that children have growth spurts at different times, the same can be said about learning. We don't all catch on at the same rate, for some it takes a little more effort than others, but what is more important is that our students are trying their best. 

So where to from here? Sometimes it is the little things that make a difference; extra reading before bed time, discussion of current affairs, outings and rich experiences, building vocabulary, talking time out with busy parents, less screen time, being encouraged to be independent or to use initiative. 

There is so much more involved in educating children than the tasks assigned at school.  We want our students to be well rounded and to be able to make a positive contribution as worldly citizens. We know that when our students are encouraged and supported, when education is valued and attendance is regular, we have a better chance at making a difference.

STAFF UPDATES

Simone in 5/6S is taking Long Service Leave next week and the first two weeks of Term 3. She will be replaced by Anne O’Donnell and Nick Woodgate while she is away. Simone is looking forward to her well deserved LSL. 

Special safe travel wishes to Caoimhe who is travelling back to Ireland to see her family. She will be taking leave the last 3 days of this term and the first 3 days of Term 3. Paula Fernon, who is one of our regular CRTs, will be replacing Caoimhe for those 6 days of leave. 

We also say goodbye to our loved Anne Sexton. After 24 years at SMDP our Anne has decided to retire at the end of this term. 

Anne started at SMDP in 1999 as a Speech and Drama Specialist. From that role she moved into the Reading Recovery teacher position, then into our Literacy Intervention Expert.

Not only has Anne worked, supported and helped so many students over the years she has brought such expertise and joy to our workplace. She has a passionate drive for all students to feel success as well as a wicked sense of humour that makes her such a respected and loved staff member.

We wish her luck in her next exciting part of her life journey.

We also say goodbye to Vidhi Virpariya who has worked as an Learning Support Officer (LSO) this semester. We thank her for her short time at SMDP.

Finally, we welcome Emily Wong to our staff as a full time LSO. You may recognise her face as she has been on teaching placement here last term as well as last year. 

As we conclude the term, we wish everyone a happy, safe and restful holiday. These holidays are a great opportunity for staff and students to re-energize those batteries after a busy and cold term.

See you all next term. God Bless!

Dan Ryan

Principal

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

2023 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2023. 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.