From the 

Acting Assistant Principal

What a whirlwind my first two weeks has been! I am so appreciative of how warmly the whole school community has embraced me in the short time I’ve been a part of the school. I already feel like I’m part of the furniture. Keep coming and saying hello, sharing your ideas and asking me questions. Meanwhile, student wellbeing is how we keep our students at the heart and here are our important wellbeing communications and tips for the fortnight.

ATTENDANCE

We understand that with the world opening up again, we are keen to make the most of travel once more, not to mention those of us with extended family overseas that we dearly want our children to reconnect with. I’m looking forward myself to seeing my siblings for the first time in 3 years this Christmas! However, as always, we strongly advocate for attendance every day at school and at SMPPS we pride ourselves on maximising outcomes by making every day of learning count.

Extended absences are required by the department to be authorised by the Principal. Therefore, we ask that families planning absences of 5 days or more notify Ms Arnold in writing for approval of the absence. Also, to minimise the impact of extended absences, please notify teachers via Compass, a minimum of two weeks prior to the trip so that an Absence Learning Plan can be developed to support your child to maintain engagement with the crucial learning they will miss whilst away. 

For any keen policy readers, check out the department’s attendance policy: Attendance

“Every day counts and there is no ‘safe’ threshold for absences” – Hancock et al., 2013 

“The effects of non-attendance on achievement are cumulative and can impact both academic achievement and attendance in future years of schooling” – Hancock et al., 2013; Zubrick, 2014 

TRANSITIONS

Transitions can be a tricky time for students (and adults!), whether they are beginning school for the first time, moving to secondary or just from one year level to the next. We are developing some consistent and supportive processes at SMPPS to ensure everyone has a smooth and stress-free experience for their next steps, beginning with our recent ‘I learn well with…’ student preferences. If you have a child about to start school with an older sibling already at SMPPS, you may feel less of a need to attend all the transition sessions, but we strongly encourage full engagement to ensure the best possible start.

Here’s some handy resources and tips for supporting your child with school transitions.

• Education NSW – 5 things parents can do to make school transitions easier
• Starting Blocks – Transition to School
• ECMS – Supporting your child’s transition to school
• Better Health Channel – School support for children with special needs
• Australian Government – Family transitions as children start schools
• Headspace – Transition from primary to secondary – supporting your young person
• Parents Victoria – Transition to Secondary School
• Raising Children – Starting Secondary School

OUR BEAUTIFUL TREES

At SMPPS we are very fortunate to have green space surrounding the school. The trees in our Kick Off play area have been sustaining significant damage as we can see in these

photos.

 This week we have discussed with the students the importance of trees and how we must look after them. They are living creatures and we should be caring for them as much

 as we care for each other. Small trees should not be climbed on and the bark of trees should not be scratched and cut as this causes injury to the tree. 

Trees provide us with oxygen, shade in summer, homes for birds and countless insects who all benefit us. It would be wonderful if this conversation could continue at home. 

Trish Wan

Acting Assistant Principal