A message from the (Acting) Principal

As we approach the end of another school term I am reflecting on what a busy term it has been with students having participated in Athletics Day, NAPLAN Years 3 & 5, Swimming Program, Market Day, Italian Day, numerous incursions and Sports Gala Days. The staff have undergone teacher Professional Practice Days, completed writing student reports (which will be uploaded this Thursday) and managed constant fluctuating class numbers due to overwhelming student illness with either COVID or the Flu. The school was a polling booth for the federal election (seems  like ages ago) and we had a successful working bee, Trivia night and recent ongoing protests and meetings regarding the proposed Fitzroy Street toilets- all of these activities in a nine week term.

While reading student reports over the weekend Matt and I noticed more so than ever, the strong connection all the teachers have with their students and the extra support given to support student emotional and social well-being has contributed to a positive connection and engagement to school. While the days of remote learning are over,  students feeling valued, listened to, respected, supported by their teacher and being able to consistently attend face to face learning this semester has made everyone smile and students thrive. Well done to all the staff and students for living the SKiPPS values of Kindness, Resilience, Creativity and Curiosity. 

On another note, one that we are all closely following, I attended the meeting last night with close to eighty local residents, parents, business owners and rate payers all supported by  Councillors Clark and Councillor Sirakoff  at West Beach Pavilion regarding the proposed Fitzroy St. toilets and the Councils decision to proceed with this construction.  School Council Presidents Hannah Lawson and Elisa Webb are continuing to lobby against the proposal and will advise of the next steps for parents/ carers to take further action.  Martin Foley also contacted the school and visited last Friday  informing me that he is vehemently opposed to this proposal and will be contacting Parks Victoria and City of Port Phillip.  Please read  updated  information that will be sent out via Konnective.  Thank you to the many other parents who are supporting the school with this issue - your time, expertise and passion are greatly appreciated. 

You may have noticed me on patrol in the car park before and after school over the last week - this is a response to some poor choices by a few parents which make a big impact on many.  I have noticed parents stopping at the school entrance,  double parking, leaving cars illegally parked /unattended and not stopping  for student/ parents on the pedestrian crossings. I understand that the congestion that often occurs on the access road and car park can be frustrating and you often have  places you need to get to quickly afterschool pick-up. However, to keep everyone safe can you please be patient  and park safely especially when it is raining, student safety is paramount. 

 Enjoy the school holidays, stay safe, stay warm and stay healthy.

 Michelle  Bove