School Concert

The Syndal South 2022 School Concert- Space Spectacular was a resounding success. It was a unique entertaining extravaganza. I was so impressed by the professionalism of all our students throughout the evening and their performances were outstanding. The evening was so energetic, extremely colourful and a delight to watch. The music kept resounding in my mind, even after the final act was over.

A concert of such magnitude cannot take place without a lot of behind the scenes organisation. I would again like to thank all the wonderful staff who: helped prepare the music and choreography for our students; who supported the students through all their rehearsals; who ushered parents and friends to their seats at the auditorium and a huge thank you for all the other jobs completed prior to and on the evening. Special thanks to Michelle Dodson for her magnificent job of directing the concert.

The parking at Crossway can be quite tricky, so I would like to especially thank the parents who volunteered their time to manage the car parking on our concert nights. This support was greatly appreciated.

We have received fabulous feedback about the concert highlighting what a wonderful opportunity it provides for all our students to star and enjoy the spotlight.

‘What a wonderful night it was last night at the Space Spectacular. The performance ran like clockwork and all the children were so good and enthusiastic.’

‘I have been to many school concerts over the years, and I haven't been as moved as much by the overall exuberance and joy, that was shown by all the performers.’

Thank you to all the school's community members who supported the school by purchasing tickets as this is our major fundraising event and at the same time celebrating with the children their amazing musical talents. You will find a selection of photos of the night on the next page in this newsletter.

Spoil the Staff Day

Last Wednesday the school community organised by our Parent’s Association showed their appreciation of all the staff, by supplying morning tea and lunch. It was a ‘foodie delight’ and such a fabulous gesture that was greatly appreciated by all the staff. A huge thank to all who made this day such a huge success. Special mention to Mon Brasher for her outstanding coordination of the event.

Congratulations!

Super congratulations to Zoe who had a wonderfully successful day yesterday at the State Schools Victoria State Track and Field meet, winning three gold medals in 100/200/Shot put, with two big Personal Bests. Most excitingly she was awarded medals by two Olympians, 1500m runner Linden Hall and Syndal’s very own race walker Rhydian Cowley! Go Zoe!!

Class Structure at SSPS

Towards the end of every school year, we organise learning environments and class structures for the following school year. The configuration of these is governed by:

Department funding, which is based on student enrolments and therefore determines the number of classes allowed,
Number of students in each class based on The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2021.

For 2023 the following structure will be in place:

Foundation - 2 classes

Year 1 - 2 classes

Year 2 - 2 classes

Year 3 – 2 classes

Year 4 – 2 classes

Year 5 - 2 classes

Year 6 - 2 classes

Class Planning for 2023

It is rapidly approaching the time of year when teachers start the formal process of student placement for the following year. However, in reality student placement decisions are shaped during the entire year as teachers observe and listen to students and parents/carers in relation to their wellbeing and learning needs.

Student placement decisions are not made lightly, as we recognise the importance of creating an optimum learning environment. It is an extremely complex process to ensure that we have a balance and appropriate spread of ability, gender and social dynamics to promote learning and support all our students.

Classroom teachers and specialist teachers are very well-aware of friendship groups and the dynamics within the classes which either enhance or impede the classroom climate. Teachers will use their extensive knowledge of how students interact and relate to each other when placing students.

We want to reassure all families that the teachers will be ensuring each student is placed in a class with other students with whom they are familiar (but perhaps not best friends with) and are able to build positive relationships to assist with their continued learning. All students either Thursday or Friday next week will be given the opportunity to nominate five friends that they would be happy to be with next year (the nominations are not viewed in any order). You might like to discuss this with your child before Thursday. This process reinforces our values of building relationships and resilience in our students.

We will be retaining our practice of accepting written information from parents regarding any specific learning needs which need to be taken into consideration when placing their child. However, we are not able to take requests for children to be placed together based on friendships or requests for teachers.

Some issues for parents to consider when thinking about making a request include:

Younger children have fluctuating friendship groups. This is a perfectly normal developmental stage so a request for a particular ‘friend’ may become less important over time—especially over the Christmas holidays.
How will a request support our shared work on building resilience in our students?

Teachers are sensitive to students with friendship concerns, and we ask that you trust your child’s teacher along with past teachers and specialists to make the correct decision on their behalf.

Should you wish to alert us to other learning related concerns, please put this in an email to myself helen.freeman@education.vic.gov.au by Friday 18th November 2022. Emails received after this date cannot be accepted due to the commencement of our process. Please remember and accept that, whilst parent concerns are noted, there is no guarantee that these concerns can be accommodated through the class placement process.

The SSPS staff would like to thank you in advance for your trust in our professionalism and our ability to create the best learning environment for your child and all our students.

Working Bee

We are organising a family working bee for Sunday 13th November from 9.00 am to 11.00 am. The focus will be on weeding the enclosed pond areas and a general clean up of the garden beds.

Poppy Appeal for Remembrance Day

Poppy Appeal badges and keyrings are available to purchase from the office from $2. The red Poppy symbolises remembrance, commemorating those who have made the supreme sacrifice in times of war. This appeal is for Remembrance Day on the 11th November.

Election Day BBQ and Cake Stall - 26th November

Finally, the School Council Fundraising Committee and the Parents' Association are calling for volunteers to help out on the Election day BBQ and Cake Stall. To sign up to help on the day please click on the following links (or paste it into your browser) and follow the instructions on the page, it only takes a few seconds to do:

BBQ - volunteersignup.org/T4YRM

Cake Stall - volunteersignup.org/4XE3W

The PA is also looking for anyone that is able to make jams, chutney or relish's, contact the school office if you are able to help.

Thanks and have a great fortnight!

Helen

TeamKids