Term 4 Week 8 2024

Principal's Message

‘We do whatever it takes to lead the way in Love, Learning, Faith, School Spirit, Sport & Community’

Dear families and friends,

2024 New SMP Initiatives & Projects
 The new initiatives and projects we undertook this year were:

• Explicit Direct Instructional Teaching in English and Mathematics 
• Trucker Cap Friday - Truck Show
• Christmas Wonderland
• Behaviour Check-Ins
  
• Academic Achievement Assembly 
• Cattle truck Playground
• New Kinder Playground
• All Hallows/Halloween
• Tree of Light
• Years 4, 5 & 6 classroom refurbishments
• Knocked outside walls down to open up more playground space at the front of the College's new building
• Bitumised a carpark to create more space for staff and for parents out the front

And the winner for the best initiative or project in 2024 is, Explicit Direct Instructional Teaching in English and Mathematics. This has seen our kids improve in their learning remarkably in one year. 2025 will see a continuation of Explicit Direct Instruction.  In 2025, we will also:

•  Build better toilets for our SMP kids
• Create a multi-purpose learning space where the Mercy Sisters used to teach piano. This space will be a library, music, technology, creative art space, etc
• The council will mark more lines across the road on Centre Street up to the petrol station, opening up more parking in the afternoon
• We will renovate half of upstairs of the convent, as we slowly bring this beauty back to its glory 

School Fees
Just a reminder, particularly for families leaving us, to ensure Tuition Fees are up to date.  Please communicate with me if you require any support.

                                                                          Class Names 2025

Take care
John O’Brien

Farewell to families

We say goodbye to the following families who have finished their association with the Primary School and move to High School: Kristina Nhen & Paul Wu associated with our school for 22 years (did have a little break) Jenny & John Crompton continuously for 17 years Kylie & Benjamin Baker for 16 years Sheree & Luke Murphy for 15 years Jenny-Lee Roche & Troy Macdonald Ashlee Armfield Troy Townsend Emma & Andrew Shields Tanya Reddell Clint Reddell Mitchell Morgan Danielle Reid & Corey Aleckson Angela & Darren Constable Rebecca & Glen McInnes Kristy Robson Nathan Scully Alice Marsden Michelle Underhill Steven Underhill Kim Anderson Andrew Smith Amanda & Lee Roberts Jody Transton Craig Transton Michelle & Matthew McCormack Jennifer Sauer & John Gardner Carley & Zane Cruickshank Renee & Michael Opryszko Brooke Thomas Nathan Gay Zoe & Stephen Handford Justine Irving Michael Heitmeyer  Karina & Paul Gollan Jan Andrews Sarah & Cameron Bennett Kellie & Tony Dean Stacy & Phillip Bunker Kira & Joshua Richards Michelle Newman & Rowen Paterson Tim Seed  Brooke McDermott Grant Scherf Robyn & Shane Hearn Paige Wilson Sheldon Wilson Jessica Thomson & Steven McInnes Naomi-Lee & Peter Elwell Naomi & Simon Pederson Rachael & Sean Sullivan Kristie & Adam Reddell Angela & Matthew Crimmins Kate & Mathew Morgan and Mary & Nathan Roach.  

Assistant Principal's News - Mission

School Jackets - 2025 Orders
We are now taking new orders for school jackets for 2025. The price is $65 per jacket.

To make an order, please follow the steps:

1) Fill out the order form link below

2) Make payment for the jacket at the school office

Please note - only orders that have been fully paid for in the school office will be processed.

Orders and payments close on WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER. They will take 6-7 weeks to arrive after ordering.

KIDS and ADULTS sizing guides are in the order form.

2025 School Shoes Information
Please use this guide when shopping for school shoes for 2025.

Sam Irvine
AP - Mission

Assistant Principal's News Teaching & Learning

Yrs 3-6 Academic Awards Assembly
Our 3-6 Academic Awards Assembly will be held at 2:15 pm on Tuesday 10th December in the Relihan Centre. 

At this assembly, awards will be handed out to those students who have taken part in the:
- ICAS Assessments
- Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition
- Byron Writers Festival Award winner

Medallions will be awarded to the top achieving student per grade (Yrs 3-6) who
    -  have made the most growth in the previous 12 months in their Reading, Writing, Spelling or Maths.
    -  achieved the highest scores in their standardized assessments for Reading, Writing, Spelling or Maths.
All winners will receive house points for their success and a perpetual House Trophy will be awarded to the winning house.  If your child is receiving a medallion for academic growth or achievement, you will be notified by text message.  Please keep this as a surprise for your child.

If you know your child took part in ICAS or the Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition, please join us, if you can, to celebrate their success in these.  Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this.

Is My Child Bullying Others?
A student facing personal and social challenges may exhibit behaviours that disregard school rules and codes of conduct or threaten their peers' wellbeing and safety. How you respond upon discovering that your child may have engaged in bullying behaviour is equally crucial as addressing the bullying behaviour itself. Help your child to be the best expression of their unique self through their words and actions.

What are the signs that your child could be bullying others?
Your child may be showing:
● Aggressive Behaviour: This could include using verbal or physical aggression such as hitting, pushing, name-calling and teasing to deal with conflict including with siblings.
● Lack of Empathy: They show a lack of empathy towards others' feelings or dismiss the pain they may have caused to someone else. They may put down other children or siblings in conversations and have difficulties understanding the feelings of others.
● Dominating or Controlling: Your child could dominate or control others, seeking power and control over their peers or younger children. This could include using threatening or demeaning language when talking about others. They may be unable to play games without being a ‘sore loser’ or a disrespectful winner.
● Blaming Others: Your child could often blame others for their actions and refuse to take responsibility for their behaviour. They may talk about or display behaviours that involve “getting even” with others.
● Unexplained possession of other students' belongings: If your child has items that don't belong to them without a reasonable explanation, it could be a sign of bullying behaviour.
● Increased secrecy about their activities: Your child might become secretive about their interactions with peers, avoiding discussing their day or social experiences. Helping your child to stop bullying others requires a proactive and supportive approach. It's important to approach this situation with care and understanding. If you suspect that your child may be bullying others, have open and honest conversations with them about their
behaviour and its consequences.

Teach empathy and appropriate ways to interact with others. Engage with your child's school to address the issue collaboratively and consider seeking professional help if necessary. The goal is to help your child recognise the harmful effects of bullying, develop empathy, and adopt positive social behaviours.
Addressing bullying behaviour requires patience, understanding and consistent effort. Be supportive of your child's efforts to change, and celebrate their progress as they learn to interact with others in a more positive and respectful manner.
If the behaviour persists or if you are concerned about your child's ability to change on their own, seek advice from your GP. They may recommend a pediatric review to help understand your child’s behaviour.

Felicity Wilde
AP Teaching & Learning

Sport News

SMP Swimming Carnival 2024
On Monday, 25 November, we held our annual SMP Swimming Carnival and what a fantastic day it was! It was wonderful to see our Year 3–6 students display such great school spirit and pride, dressed in their vibrant colour house outfits.

The day started bright and early, with many enthusiastic swimmers arriving early to ensure all events could run smoothly. A huge congratulations to all students who participated in the competitive events, giving it their all and earning well-deserved ribbons.  The excitement didn’t stop there! Students from Years 3–6 joined in the fun during novelty events and 25m races, filling the pool with laughter and smiles.

The house war cries were a highlight, especially during the highly anticipated Parent/Teacher vs Students relay. A big shout-out to our incredible dads—Adam Gould, Hayden Grissell, Chris Chelman and Trent Dhu—for embracing the spirit of the day and reviving some nostalgic moments. Our staff team, including Mr Parish, Mr Hannigan, Mrs Lyon and Mr Irvine, brought their A-game and secured first place! Special mention to Mr Irvine, who held his own against the swift Thomas McCormack, thanks to the team's solid lead.

Congratulations to de Paul for claiming the 2024 Cultural Trophy and to Champagnat for taking home the Overall Points Trophy!

A special acknowledgment goes to Thomas McCormack for his incredible achievement of breaking every existing record in all six events he competed in—an outstanding feat!

A big thank you to all our amazing parent helpers who made this sports carnival possible! Your enthusiasm, hard work and support behind the scenes and on the day helped everything run smoothly. From cheering on the sidelines to timekeeping, your contributions are what make days like these truly special for our school community. We couldn’t have done it without you!

We look forward to seeing all our placegetters represent SMP at the Zone Carnival early in Term 1 next year. We know they will make us proud.

Well done, everyone!

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Nikki Hammond
Sports Co-ordinator

Leader of Love and Community

Christmas Concert 2024

Thank you to all who came along last Thursday 28 November to celebrate Christmas with our SMP staff and students. It was a very hot afternoon, but the students did an incredible job with junk drumming, playing instruments and singing.  We were so glad to see so many families come along to hear the story of the birth of Jesus.

We wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas.

Hannah DeSilva
Leader of Love and Community

Christmas Concert

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Student of the Month ~ 6 December 2024

School Dates

2024:  Last day of school year is Wednesday 18 December - no Canteen

2025:
Friday 31 January:  first day for staff only - Pupil Free Day
Monday 3 February:  staff only - Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 4 February:  Years 1 - 6 commence

Thursday 6 February:  Kindergarten commence

Canteen Closure - Wednesday 18 December

The Canteen will be closed on Wednesday 18 December as staff prepare for the end of year and no items will be available for purchase or order.  Please ensure your child is prepared with a packed lunch.  The last day for Canteen orders will be Tuesday 17 December.

Birthdays

Happy birthday t0 Zahlia Skinner Sadie Patton Ella Rayner Millie Angel Aria Turner Oliver Urquhart Jorgie Gava Bryson Martin Cooper Gould Rayarla Lambeth Theo Leece Blair Clark Billy Stavenow Rocco Jenkins Vincent Handran Joseph Handran Lilly-Anne Marks Maddison Clark Sylas Hodder and Zoey Wilson who have recently celebrated their birthday, and to Cris Doney Sebastian and Lillyanah McDonald who celebrate tomorrow. 

Happy birthday t0 Charlotte Lyon Kayla Hoare Hudson Webber Dustin Hyde Dante Hickling Monks Anastacia Innes Caitlyn de Wit Byron Cruickshank Hunter Loy Oliver Gibson Emmett Patton Sebastian Neil William Stringer Poppy Miller Wallace Gray (Christmas Day) Charlotte Burgess-Connor Ashley Claydon Austin Stephens Nova Hale Indy Davis Isla Davis Nash Jansen  Dominick Gardner Lucia Formaggin Georgia Benn Chase Anderson Jaylah Smith Jessel Dibley Valentina McDonald and Hudson Scully who will celebrate their birthday later in the month.