Principal's

Message

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

Today is World Teachers’ Day. I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight some of the incredible things that I see the teachers at South Melbourne Park doing:

• When a teacher comes across a distressed or worried child, they stop and check in. It doesn’t matter if they miss their lunch or have to cover each other’s class. Teachers here believe that fostering a sense of belonging and safety, through care and relationship building, is at the heart of our work with kids.
• When we’re reviewing our practices or analysing data, as we are this term, there is a global sense of shared ownership and responsibility. Teachers here understand that when we play as a team to learn together, we ensure improvement and consistency in practice, leading to better outcomes for our kids. When we know better, we do better.
• Teachers here work hard! They work well beyond their paid hours to plan for and reflect on their lessons, to plan engaging excursions, camps and events, to meet with families and to drive school improvement. They work together every day to find ways to engage our kids so that South Melbourne Park is a place where children want to be. 

As Principal at South Melbourne Park, I feel very privileged to work with, guide and learn from such a positive and inspiring staff. HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY!!

OUR CURIOUS AND CARING KIDS

I want to tell you a story about my day on Wednesday. I was in my office when 4 young girls knocked on my door and asked if they could perform a play for me. Feeling pretty lucky to be entertained as I ate my lunch, the girls seamlessly performed a story that they had created together and practised in their own time. 

Their vocabulary was beautiful and the tale was well structured. But most touching of all was that when I asked them afterwards, how it all came about, not one child stole the limelight. Each child was credited for their part and contribution in turn. I told the group that I was so impressed with their inclusivity and support for each other, that I felt they should share it with the community at assembly next week. As they left my office, I could hear them squealing with delight “She said yes!!” 

Moments like these really do make your heart sing!

Nicole Arnold

Principal