Principal's 

Message

It is hard to believe that this is the last newsletter for the 2021. We began the year with the introduction of Spanish as the language of study at South Melbourne Park. Our Year 3 and Year 5 students performed admirably in the state-wide NAPLAN tests.  In all domains of Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation, and Numeracy we outperformed the state averages. We had a very successful Walk-a-thon raising $15,000 for the new Year 2-6 playground project.  Students went swimming at MSAC, and Year 4-6 students were lucky to go on camp. We ended the year with a fun disco organised by our wonderful Families and Friends. 

2022 has been incredibly difficult for everyone. Lockdowns, remote learning, school closure, positive COVID-19 cases within our community, cancelations of extra curricula activities and whole school events, locked gates, separate playing areas for students, wearing of masks, the list goes on and on. Despite the unprecedented times our students remain happy and excited to be at school.

MRS COSENTINO IS RETIRING IN APRIL 2022

I want to let the school community know that I will be retiring at the end of Term 1 (April) next year after 41 years with the Department of Education & Training.  School Council will be organising the process of principal selection during term 1. A new principal will be appointed to lead South Melbourne Park at the start of Term 2.  I am looking forward to enjoying my final term with the students, teachers, and parents.  I have come to the next chapter of my life where I want to spend time with my grandchildren and travel. 

PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY

I would like to congratulate Ollie (3-6D) who was Principal for A Day on Friday December 3.  We started the day by greeting the students at the gate. She had various tasks involving visits to classrooms as well as addressing school assembly.  Principal for a day is a Families & Friends initiative that helps raise funds for the school.   It is one of the many silent action items at Trivia Night. Thank you to Ollies' parents for being the successful bidders.

GRADUATING CLASS 2021

Last week we celebrated the achievements of our 2021 graduating class with a special assembly.  I would like to wish our Year 6 students, Juma, Raphael, Zara, Jason, Henrique, Mia, Spencer, Safira, Luna & Ashley all the very best as they venture onto secondary schooling. 

We congratulate the following Year 6 Award Recipients: 

Juma Earl                                          Albert Park Rotary Club Award

Zara Jukes                                        Josh Burns Mcnamara STEM Award 

Mia Olsen                                        Academic and Sporting Achievement Medal 

Henrique Monteiro Da Silva      Specialist Award

INTRODUCING NEW TEACHING STAFFING

We have six new staff members joining the teaching team in 2022. They have all been 'handpicked' from a highly competitive recruiting process. We welcome to South Melbourne Park:

Johanne Abbott Literacy Learning Specialist - (Amsleigh Park PS)

Melanie Davis - (Brighton PS)

Rachel Azzopardi - (Derrimut Primary School)

Jacqueline Franzoni - (Tarneit Rise PS)

Rebecca Rosen (Wilandra Rise PS)

Rebecca Webb - job sharing with David Webb (Merri Creek)

STAFF LEAVING SOUTH MELBOURNE PARK

I want to thank Mrs Emma McIntosh (Yr1/2L), Ms Rachelle Frew (Yr1/2Y), Ms Danit Zlotnick (Yr1/2KZ), Miss Vu Vy (STEM) and Nicole Johnson (Integration Aide) for their dedication and professionalism they have shown to your children and the community here at South Melbourne Park.  We wish them the very best for the future. 

THANK YOU, SCHOOL COUNCIL

I would like to thank School Council for their work in 2021, especially the work of our subcommittees.  I want to acknowledge and thank Nicole Le Pou our school council president for leading school council as I have truly appreciated school council’s support in what has been another year like no other. 

THANK YOU, FAMILIES & FRIENDS

Sincere thanks to Families and Friends for raising $22,860 this is a fantastic effect given the year we have had.

EARLY DISMISSAL- FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBER AT 1:30 PM

I would like to remind parents that the last day of school is Friday 17th December, students will be dismissed at 1:30PM.  For parents requiring after school care, TheirCare will be operating as usual. 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.