School Leaders

2021 Class Placements 

Students and families will be told 2021 class placements on Tuesday 15th December. The children will have an opportunity to meet their new teacher and class on the 15th December on this day as well.  We are busy finalising class lists at the moment. If your child will not be returning to our school next year, it is very important you tell us as soon as possible by contacting the office on: south.melbourne.ps@education.vic.gov.au.

School Gates 

Our school gates are locked at 9.05am and 3.35pm. It is really important that your child is on time in the morning. The latest they should arrive at school should be 8.55am to ensure they make it up to their learning level by 9am when learning begins.

If the doors are locked when you arrive, you need to contact the office on 99359399

If your family uses the bike shed - please ensure you close the gate behind you. We recommend you bring a bike lock to lock your bike/scooter in the shed. The school will not take responsibility for any lost or stolen items. 

A Challenge Is Coming!

Does your child like reading? Keep your eyes peeled for a summer reading challenge soon! We can't wait!

Book Club

A reminder that final orders for Book Club need to be placed by 30th November (Monday). Please refer to the instructions on Compass to place your order.

Stay Home When Unwell 

The Department of Education and Training have issued schools in Victoria with an updated Operations Guide. The new guide addresses the recent changs to restrictions in Victoria. It also includes a section regarding children showing symptoms of coronavirus. We would like to remind everyone in the school community that a child experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sore throat or fever, should not be sent to school. 

The most important action school communities can take to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), is to ensure that any unwell staff and students remain at home and get tested, even with the mildest of symptoms. 

Further clarification around testing for coronavirus and when clearance is required by a GP can be found below:

Students with Underlying Conditions (such as hay fever or asthma)

If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or asthma, the student should still be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) if they develop symptoms that are different to or worse than their usual symptoms. 

Parents/carers should also consider getting a medical certificate from the child’s treating GP to confirm that it is safe for them to attend school with persistent symptoms that may overlap with some of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as cough or runny nose.

Young Children with Persistent Mild Symptoms

Younger children (in grades Prep to 2) who have had a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test that was taken after they developed symptoms, the decision about return to school should be made in conjunction with the child’s treating GP. If the GP is satisfied the child has recovered from their acute illness, is otherwise well, and does not need a repeat coronavirus (COVID-19) test, the child can return even if they are not completely free of symptoms. Any worsening of symptoms will require review and repeat coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, if considered appropriate by the doctor.

Students with a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test whose symptoms have completely resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to the school.

For further information for schools and to distribute to families see: Managing illness in schools and early childhood services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

ANGLICARE Emergency Relief, Community Support Services and Financial Wellness

Are you an individual or family who is experiencing hardship, isolation or financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19?

Anglicare can facilitate access to a range of services to support you both within Anglicare Victoria and from other community organisations. They can provide information and referral to material aid assistance including food vouchers or food parcels, gift cards, food, clothing, furniture and household goods, budgeting assistance, bill payment assistance, transport tickets, fuel vouchers, medical and pharmaceuticals vouchers.

Anglicare have also advised us of a Christmas gift service they have available for families struggling this year. If you would like to apply for this service, please complete the form found here:

Contact the COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM on 1800 966 172 or email: community.support@anglicarevic.org.au

Contact FINANCIAL WELLNESS on 1800 966 172 or email financial.wellness@anglicarevic.org.au

2021 Parent Payment Arrangements

The 2021 School Fees are now available to pay via Compass Course Confirmation and Payments. Our Parent Parent Arrangements are available on the school website (https://southmelbourneps.vic.edu.au/) along with the DET's Policy. 

Payments can be made in full or via the following set instalment dates: 1st December 2020, 1st of January 2021, 1st of February 2021 and 1st of March 2021. If you require an alternative payment plan, please contact our Business Manager, Tess, on 03 9935 9399 or tess.duerden@southmelbourneps.vic.edu.au. CentrePay is also available. If you believe you are eligible for Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding, please contact Tess prior to making your payment. We thank you for your continued support and voluntary payments and donations. 

Student Device Program

In 2020 South Melbourne Primary School introduced a School-Owned Device Program (SDP), where the school provides devices on a lease for all students in Grades 1 and 4. Students in these levels hold onto the devices for a 3 year life cycle. In 2021, the school will be continuing this program and providing all students in Grades 1 and 4 with a device, as we begin to phase out the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. The devices can be paid for upfront payment or over three years as instalments. This is a ‘lease to return’ contract and all students will have to return their device to the school at the end of the three years. All families will have the option to buy out the Device at the end of the three years with a $50.00 fee.

Prices vary each year depending on the costs the school can negotiate with suppliers. For further details on the program, please open the PDF file below.

SMPS 'End of Year' Raffle

Roll up, roll up! The SMPS 'End of Year' raffle is here. Come and get your tickets now!

Thank you to the families and local businesses who have generously donated prizes to our raffle. 

Tickets on sale via CompassTix: 

• from 9am Monday 16 November
• until 5pm Thursday 10 December
• $2 for 1 ticket
• $10 for 12 tickets
• https://compasstix.com/e/wtapxdlrmk

The raffle will be drawn at 2pm Friday 11 December 2020. (One week before end of the school year) 

Thank you and good luck!