Time to Pause, Reflect and Smell the Roses

What an incredible term we've had! Sometimes, the busyness of our days and weeks can mean we scoot through life without pausing to recognise the growth and achievements we are making along the way. I trust these first few days of the School Holidays has given everyone the opportunity to pause, rest and reflect on the term that was, with much pride and celebration.

Our Parent-Teacher-Student chats last week were a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students, their achievements and further enhance the partnership between school and home in helping them achieve their potential. I saw many children and parents proudly leaving their interviews. Our teachers were equally as thrilled with the attendance, interest and engagement shown by parents. Thank you!

Another highlight this term was our Sustainability Program. It was kicked off with enormous gusto, initiated and led by some of our remarkable parents. Students are beginning to see the impact their waste is having on our School and planet, in general. The enormity of our waste here at SMPS, both organic and other, is alarming. It is going to need the entire community to get onboard for us to make a difference. We must improve and reduce our footprint in this area. Our Student Leaders, the 'Green Warriors', will continue to support educating our community to reduce waste and make our school a clean and sustainable place to be. We deeply appreciate Kelly, Adriana and Melissa for their dedication to this program. They have devoted hours and hours each week to set this up. They are our champions.

Last week, our teachers spent the final staff-meeting continuing to learn with and from one-another. We split into teams and 'toured' the School to celebrate the learning that is occurring on each Learning Level. The energy and inspiration that this ignited was palpable. You wouldn't have thought it was the last week of term - our teachers were on-fire. I am incredibly proud of each of them. I've never worked in such a friendly, cohesive, supportive and collaborative team. This doesn't happen by accident. Each member of our staff is deeply committed to our School, our students and ensuring they are investing into both their own development and that of others. They, too, are our champions.

I wish all of our families and community a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing all of your bright, smiling faces back in Term 3.

Level 4 - Restructure

Last week I shared the continued growth in student numbers and the potential impact this may have on classes on Level 4. After much deliberation, we have decided to move forward with a straight grade model. Grade 2 and 3 will remain the same. Students in Grade 4/5/6 will be split into their respective Year Level to form three separate classes e.g Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6.

There were many models and possibilities considered. It is possible that not everyone will be happy with this outcome. I respect that. Our decision was ultimately based on what was in the best interests of our students academic, personal and social wellbeing.

We see great opportunity for our students and teachers to further develop and explore the curriculum and learning at their respective levels. Our teachers work very closely together to plan and analyse student achievements so that learning needs are addressed. This will not change and students who require extension or support will continue to receive this, regardless of their grade level.

All classes will continue to be located in the same area on Level 4.

The staffing process to determine who will join Mr Eli and Mr Callum in Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6 will be finalised in the second week of the holidays. We will communicate this to our families as soon as we are able. Early in the term, we will provide opportunity for all families to meet their child's 'new' teacher should this be the case.

In the meantime, the Level 4 team are continuing to plan and prepare programs ready for students to make a smooth transition into their new class in Semester 2.

End of Day - Change of Routine

Our continued growth requires us to regularly review and adjust the movement patterns and processes we have in place to ensure students, staff and visitors can move safely throughout the building.

Our end of day routine has been closely monitored throughout Term 3. Whilst our current process served us well when we were 200-250 students, as we exceed a population of more than 350 it is becoming problematic. Ground Floor is chaotic and can be quite overwhelming for staff, students and parents. Our youngest students become dwarfed by well-meaning adults. Students and families are all moving in different directions, bumping into one another. Our office staff are unable to attend to phone calls or face-to-face questions by our community due to the excessive noise. You get the picture... I think anyone who has entered the Ground Floor after school understands this scenario and is supportive of changes for everyone's safety and wellbeing.

The Leadership Team have listened to feedback from staff and students and look forward to enhancing the safety of our students by introducing new 'dismissal' areas for each Grade level.

In Term 3, all classes will be dismissed outside in the Front Forecourt at the end of the day. Families will be asked to remain outside of the building so that teachers can safely and calmly lead their students to the designated meeting points outside. We encourage families to wait on the tiered seating near the grass area while students exit the building to reduce congestion.

Families should not need to enter the building unless to visit the Office.

End of Day Dismissal Locations (subject to change):

Grade Prep: In front of Library

Grade 1: In front of Library

Grade 2-4: Undercover area (Tram side) of the library

Grade 5 - 6: Seating area near flagpole

In Week 1, teachers will be supporting students to become familiar with their new dismissal areas. These areas will also be used as line-up areas after recess and lunch playtime. After a trial period of 1-2 weeks, we will be placing permanent line markings to help identify the new areas.

We are hoping that this trial period will also enable us to assess whether the new process will cater for our School Community at full-capacity. Based on current enrolments, this is expected in the next 1-2 years.

School Resumes Tuesday July 16

A reminder that students return on Tuesday July 16. Staff are conducting a Professional Learning Day on July 15 and therefore no classes will be running. The focus of our Professional Learning Day is on Reading.

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