Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Imagine flying in a police helicopter hovering over a big city and receiving calls to every major crime being committed. Day after day of this would be depressing and give you a distorted view of humanity and its negative inclinations. Clearly, in life, bad things happen - even to good people. We need helpers when negative things occur so we can support our community and its members in their time of need. We should not ignore human suffering. 

Social media markets itself on negative stories. Its algorithms are set to find controversy. As humans, we are attracted to the negative as, in times past, it was necessary for survival. We would die if a fierce predator was around and we did not know about it! Social media and our predilection for 'seeking the negative' equates to being in that police helicopter all day, every day. It is unhealthy and does not reflect reality.

Much of life is positive if we choose to seek it. Our Art Show, whilst nowhere near perfect, was our chance as a community to celebrate what was right in the world. To focus on what was wholesome and good about being together in a predominantly peaceful country among like-minded, optimistic people striving to support the next generation of youth. 

I feel extremely lucky to occupy my place in the principal's chair at SMPS. The families, the children, and our wonderful staff give good reason to feel the world is not all bad and that predators are not around the next corner threatening my existence. I am aware of the brevity of my time leading the school in the big scheme of things - so I choose to relish the opportunities I am afforded. 

As we head into the holiday season, some of you will celebrate Christmas and others will enjoy time with families in constructive and healthy ways. We basically have this week to go and our time together will end, only to start anew in a few short weeks as we head into the new year.  I wish all families, children, and staff who are moving on the best and thank them for sharing their brief time in the world with us. I reserve a special shout-out to the Grade 6 graduating students (and their families) as their time ends at SMPS. We will celebrate them at our Graduation this week.

On a practical level, we have a busy week coming up and I will probably be on the Compass Newsfeed a bit reminding you all of our obligations to finish off strongly. I apologise for the flood of information - it is just busy and we want to keep you informed. Stay tuned and thanks again for a wonderful 2022. Your support and kindness does not go unnoticed.  

I hope that helicopter you are all flying lands in happy places.

One More iNewsletter Publication in 2022

Whilst this is the last 'full' iNewsletter, a modified version will be published next weekend outlining all of our staff placements, welcomes and farewells. We wanted to dedicate a special edition for this so our announcements did not get mixed up with the usual information. 

Whilst I will try to keep them to a minimum, I may have to send out a Compass Newsfeed or two to tidy up the loose ends before the end of the year.

No More Family Fridays in 2023

It has been wonderful seeing families visit on Friday morning. As Friday 16th December will be our last Friday of the year, we will not be inviting families to attend in the morning. However, we will be inviting families to attend our Final Assembly that will start at 2:35pm. We will have our last assembly either in the gym or the forecourt - depending on the weather.  We can't wait to celebrate an amazing year with you all. 

Monday 19th December Intentions (Final Call)

On Friday 16th December, at 2:30pm we will be having our Final Whole School Assembly of the year! Parents are welcome to attend. We will finish at 3:30pm. The venue for the Final Assembly will be announced closer to Friday. 

Many families (about 60% so far) have indicated that they will be leaving for their holidays that weekend and will therefore not be attending school on Monday 19th December. We kindly ask that you state your intentions for your child(ren's) attendance on Monday 19th December so we can plan accordingly.

Click on the link and fill out the survey below if you haven’t done so already. Thank you to those who have completed it already.

Monday 19th December will involve PE, team building games and activities, Arts and Crafts lessons and other activities. At the end of the day everyone will gather together to watch a compilation of best moments throughout the year and if there is time remaining, a movie. 

Tuesday 20th December is a student-free day, and the OSHclub will be open for those who need to use their services. Please refer to our Services and Community Page to find the link to book OSHClub.