Principal's Message

One of the biggest challenges I talk to parents about at the beginning of the year is getting their children to school on time without creating havoc in their household. The bad news is that it's most likely always going to be a challenge however you can put things in place to make it easier and a smoother morning for everyone. 

Getting your children to school on time is essential for them to begin a calm and focussed day of learning. Believe me, students do not like walking into school late. They find it embarrassing and they often miss important directions to begin a day.  

I found these tips in an article by a leading parenting and educational writer Micheal Grose called “How to get kids off to school on time without yelling, whining or constantly reminding!” I thought I might share them with you. 

1. Prepare as much as you can the night before -  It may be stating the obvious but the less that children have to do in the morning the better. So putting clothes out, preparing lunches and snacks and having school bags packed and ready the night before will mean there is less decision-making and less for everyone to worry about in the morning. 

2. Identify and overcome distractions - Children can easily be distracted before school. If possible remove distractors such as televisions and digital devices. Allow them when everyone is ready for school. 

3. Make your morning routine visual -  Placing a sequenced photo chart of 4 or 5 main activities (e.g. wake up, breakfast, get dressed, chores, pack bags) in a prominent place that he or she can refer to each morning. This visual prompt will help put some routine into your child’s morning, as well as reduce their dependence on you. 

4. Delegate some responsibility - Consider delegating a job to your child/ren that needs to be completed in the morning. This gives them a responsibility in the morning to get things done, so they are part of this process too. 

5. Make yourself scarce - If you find it impossible to ignore your child’s morning meanderings or misbehaviour, or if you think that there is no way your child would get to school without your timely reminders then try keeping yourself busy. Get yourself ready for the day and give your children the space to work things out themselves. You may be surprised how capable your child is, when no one reminds him or her of their responsibilities. 

6. Be willing to take your child to school even if they aren’t fully ready - Mornings will always be stressful if you take full responsibility for kids being at school on time. One way around this is to be willing to take your child to school even if they are not fully ready. It may mean your child has to hurriedly put his or her shoes and socks on in the car, or perhaps finish that piece of toast on the way to school. It puts some responsibility back on them. 

Reading these tips reminds me that parenting isn't easy. 

There is no one text book telling us how to be the best parents but my advice is to be consistent, remember that you are the boss, don't lose your cool and always lead by example.

My two beautiful boys are now young men living with us but it's amazing how much parenting, guidance and love they still need. It's a lifetime job! 

Good luck.

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. 

Student Leadership 

“Leadership enables student agency, allows for personal leadership skill development and is a means of developing our community leaders of the future”

Student leaders at SMDP are encouraged to think about ways that they can make our school and their local and global communities better as leadership roles challenge individuals to develop a sense of vision and purpose. They take on responsibilities and use decision making skills in order to carry a project through to a successful conclusion.

Leadership is fundamental to our vision at SMDP. Even though we have Year 6 students with specific leadership roles, we are all leaders in our home, at work and in our community. We are all role models to the people around us. Our words, actions and behaviours are being observed and copied by others, especially our children.  

As a proud leader in a Catholic school I am inspired by the Gospel and led by the Holy Spirit to bring God's love to our school.

As leaders, let’s continue to work together to build a community committed to action for justice and peace, promoting the common good and where lifelong learning is celebrated. 

At this Tuesday's Opening School Mass, our Student Leaders for 2023 were presented to the school community where their leader badges were blessed and given to them. 

We wish these students good luck in their new roles and I am sure they will do their best and a little bit more.

Parents in Partnership (PIP) Group

Our Parents and Friends committee at SMDP is called PIP - Parents in Partnership.

The purpose of our PIP is to:

• fundraise for our school
• build school community

It is a small group of active parents that work hard to achieve fun and memorable school events. Some of these included our Easter Egg Raffle, Mother’s and Father’s Day Stall and our very successful Colour Run last year. These meetings are either face to face or online throughout the year.  

The first meeting for 2023 will be held on Wednesday 22nd February at 6:00pm in the staffroom. 

I invite any mum, dad, guardian or grandparent who are interested to come along - we are always after some new faces. It will only go for an hour and toddlers and students are welcome if you have no babysitting options.  

Important Traffic Management 

SMDP is different from many other schools as so many of our students arrive and leave each day by car. Very few students walk or ride home. Therefore, it is vital to follow our traffic management rules, especially at pick up time, to keep our students safe. 

Our drive through “Pick Up” system works very well when everybody follows the rules. However when parents don't, it becomes disruptive, unsafe and puts our students at risk. 

If the car park is full or the lineup of cars trying to enter the school is too long, I strongly suggest that parents park in Pearce or Campbell streets. You then can meet your child/ren at the gate and this will be much easier than waiting in a long queue. 

Other important reminders:

• No right hand turns in or out of the school.
• School Car Park - Only park in the spaces provided. Do not park in unlined areas. If the car park is full you must park in Pearce or Campbell streets. 
• The staff car park (to the left on entry) is a no parking zone for parents and carers between 8am and 4pm to ensure student safety and effective traffic management. 
• Do not use the car exit and entrances for foot traffic. The pedestrian gates at each end of the carpark is the much safer option to walk your children out. 
• Do not park in the ‘no standing’ areas opposite our school, as this significantly disrupts the flow of traffic. 

Thanks to the parents who follow our traffic management system every day. You are the role models to your children and to others that we value student safety.  

Start of Year School BBQ and Picnic

Our welcoming school BBQ and Picnic is on Thursday 9th March. You can bring your own picnic or there are beef/chicken sausages and veggie burgers available for sale. 

The BBQ and Picnic will start at 5:30pm and finish at 7:00pm.

Come and catch up with old friends or make some new ones. Make sure you bring a $2.00 gold coins to purchase the BBQ food.

Everyone is warmly welcome to celebrate the beginning of the school year as a school community. 

2023 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2023. These are student free days. Staff use these days to further develop their learning and keep informed with current practice and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.