Principal's Message
What exciting news we received this week with the announcement that the current restrictions are slowly being wound back. Suddenly, we are tasting the freedoms that are usually just so normal to us. We have already booked a family dinner at our local Indian restaurant and have been invited to a picnic with friends to watch the Melbourne Cup.
Last weekend I read an interesting article from Andrew Fuller who is a clinical psychologist. He spoke about how this year of fear and uncertainty has left many of our children feeling anxious and isolated. It has also left too many over reliant on screens and under motivated for learning. Even those students who have thrived during these uncertain times have been on heightened alert status all year long (as have their parents). It is now time to heal these wounds.
He states that “compassion and love are our oldest medicines.” Add to this hope and connectedness and we have the four most powerful ingredients for healing.
I thought these words were so important as we return to school as well as ‘normal’ life. At SMDP we will work with our students to rebuild their self belief, support them in reconnecting with their friends, rekindle their hope and reignite their love of learning. The wellbeing of each student is paramount to us, so that they can actively and confidently engage in learning.
During COVID, not only have families been dealing with the social and emotional impact of these uncertain times but many have been facing financial hardship as well. I hope that I have always sent out the message that if any families are struggling with our school fees and levies please call for a discussion and assistance. Having your child attend this school is the most important thing.
Like family households, here at SMDP we follow a tightly planned budget. Schools are funded by both Commonwealth and Victorian governments. As a Catholic school system we actually receive less than public schools per student and that is why we depend on the contribution of fees and levies from families.
Your Family Fees go towards paying the bills such as loans, utilities, staff wages and insurances. Your Curriculum Levy goes towards funding a whole variety of school based expenses such as our physical education program and equipment, library and take home readers, class supplies, classroom furniture, literacy/numeracy learning aids, as well as excursions/incursions. During remote learning our school was still highly functioning, with the same financial obligations and responsibilities.
As this year has been like no other, we have spent more of our budget in some areas and less in others. Our ICT budget, due to the extra amount of technology devices we sent home during remote learning, increased dramatically. However, the funds we usually budget for: excursions and incursion has hardly been used. As a consequence I have decided to credit $65.00 to each child throughout the school. This amount will be credited to your next year's levies. Our Year 6 students with no siblings or families leaving will receive a cheque payment.
I hope this small amount helps out.
Enjoy your long weekend of new freedoms and remember those important words of compassion, love, hope and connection.
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.
2020 School Closure Days
Listed below are our school closure days for 2020. Please note these are student-free days. Staff use these days to further develop their learning.
- Monday 2nd November - Report Writing
These dates may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control.