Principal's Message

The end of the year is close, but at SMDP we still have plenty of time for focused learning. 

Our teachers are busy writing reports that will inform families of student achievement this semester. Students are busy consolidating their learning goals that will prepare them for their educational journey ahead. We are determined to provide high quality learning to the very last day. 

As SMDP is a growing school our class structures change from year to year. Some years we have straight classes (Year Prep) while other years we have composite classes (Year 1/2). 

This is part of your child's educational journey at SMDP.  

Staffing funding is allocated to schools based on the total number of students, not students at each year/grade level. As enrolments vary from year to year, it is sometimes impossible to form straight grades because the numbers simply do not allow for it nor does our staff funding allocation. 

At SMDP, we have straight (one level) and composite classes (two levels) and these vary from year to year. When you join us, that is part of the deal. 

Research shows there is no discernible difference between ‘composite’ and 'straight' year group classes in terms of academic performance because every class is a composite class filled with students with different learning needs, rates of learning, interests and strengths. Even in straight grades students are working at all different levels. It is the quality of teaching, combined with student interest and engagement that has a greater impact on learning than class organisational structures.

After much discussion and exploring different models, the best structure for 2023 students has now been finalised.

• Year P x 2  
• Year 1/2  x 3  
• Year 3/4   x 3  
• Year 5/6  x 3 

Over the next few weeks at our meetings, staff are working together to allocate students into their new levels. They are committed to ensuring that each class is balanced and that every student is teamed with both some familiar friends and with some students who may be wonderful, potential co-learners.

I ask parents to trust in the process as our teachers are best placed to determine the learning needs of all students. 

As we move towards the end of the year, it is time to say goodbye to some of our valued and respected staff members who are taking on new positions and adventures. 

Seamus Murphy, our YR 5/6 teacher is leaving us after another two year stint at SMDP. He has taken on both a teaching and leadership role at McKillop Education in Maidstone. We thank him for his time with us, his passion for student wellbeing and his dedication to always teaching with a social justice focus.

After three years we say goodbye to Louise Bloomfield, our current YR 5/6 who is moving closer to home, to St Mary’s PS in Ascot Vale. Her commitment to ensuring our senior students feel success and her drive for them to be role models each day was one of her many strengths.  

Sami Tighe is leaving us after three years. She is moving to St Monica’s PS in Footscray. Sami’s vibrance, positive energy and fun will be missed throughout the school as well as her care and commitment to each student.  Her strength in making every student feel special will be missed. 

Sadly, after two years our PE teacher Phil Poursanidis is leaving, to look for permanent work in his other field, ICT industry. His big burly voice heard throughout the school and encouraging captain/coach teaching style will be missed by all the students. 

To Seamus, Louise, Sami and Phil. We sincerely thank you for your time at SMDP and for touching the hearts and minds of our students. You have all created life time memories for our students and I hope each of you take a bit of SMDP spirit with you on your new adventures. 

We are currently finalising new staff and their positions for 2023. The current teacher shortage is making a significant impact on schools as we always want to employ only high quality staff. 

In our next newsletter, I will be able to announce our class teachers and specialists for next year. Students will meet their new teachers for next year at our ‘Step Up Transition Day’ on Wednesday 14th December. 

Thanks for your continued support. It is a joy to work with you and your children. 

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. 

2022 & 2023 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2022. These are student free days. Staff use these days to further develop their learning and keep informed with current practice and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.