Principal News

Dear All,

SSPS learners, today we recognised and congratulated your learning on academic achievements as well as leadership and service in diverse dimensions of school life. It’s my hope that at the core of that successful learning is an open mind and a generous heart. Today’s awards validate the outcome of your learning and spirit. More important to your long term success and happiness is the process of learning; the skills you employ to learn rather than the learning of content itself. 

Research is telling us this. The World Economic Forum in their Future of Work study in 2020 identified the Top 10 Skills that will be needed in 2025. Broadly speaking, they are classified in four baskets: Problem solving, Self management,  Working with people and Technology use and development. 

We have no real idea what the workforce will be when many of our learners leave school.  The multiple influences of this technology such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, blockchain and bitcoin, edge computing and digital skills … to name just a few will influence their work choices. While this is true, I noted that of the many skills listed only two related directly to technology. The rest are thinking skills, people skills and skills in managing yourself. They are the skills that Dyson and his company have applied to be successful and inventive. They happen to also be the skills that St Saviour’s Primary School  reinforces through our Learning: to strive in learning and life. 

This core business occurs within our mission as a school. That mission is to be a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition and therefore a school with a clear set of values. These cornerstone values are intrinsic to our school culture: compassion, quality, service and commitment. It has to be lived everyday wherever SSPS children find themselves.

Staff and students are to be commended for the commitment that is made daily to the realisation of an authentic, innovative learning community.

2021 has been one of continued success, accomplishment and progress. From a long list I highlight the following from 2021: 

• The beginning of our construction projects: 4 new GLAs, new administration and staff facilities
• The Review of Religious Education program 
• The introduction of our Learning Dispositions 
• The enrolment of 420 students 
• The excitement generated by Once Upon a Fairy tale Crisis Musical – On Stage!
• The vibe of the STEM SHOWCASE
• PREP transition mornings for 2022 learners
• Catholic Education Week celebrations and activities
• Our success in Swimming and Athletics carnivals
• The recent Christmas Concert
• Service activities to the wider community
• 7 Darling Downs representatives; 1 Qld representative in sport
• Introduction of Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum from Prep to Year 6
• Grandparents' day, School Open sessions
• Welcome BBQ, Trivia Night, Mother’s and Father’s Day events, End of Year BBQ

St Saviour’s Primary offers the latest in teaching and learning, technology, extracurricular activities, and the benefits of being a high quality inclusive Catholic school.  We offer our students a rounded education that encourages personal growth based on Christian values.  We encourage students to develop a knowledge of other cultures, languages and environmental and social issues.

We manage to provide all these essential components of education, thanks to a lot of hard work from some very dedicated people.

Thank you to the members of the P & F committee, Renee Campbell, Danielle Hart, Brendan McDonald, Christine Scott, Terry Sanders, Shannon Zimmerlee.  Thanks to Cathy Condon for organizing our Pizza Treat days and Kate Boyd-Pratt for the support given to various P & F events across the year. Your dedication and enthusiasm is appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed.

I extend a huge thank you to the members of the SSPS School Board, Mr Adam Ottobrino, Mr Chris Black, Mrs Samantha Eagleson, Ms Shauna Green, Mr Sam Hannant, Mr Peter Ramsay, Miss Margaret Doljanin and Fr Michael O'Brien.  This group of committed and dedicated parents and parishioners are of tremendous support in ensuring our Catholic school continues to provide an exceptional educational program for all our learners.  Mr Adam Ottobrino will be leaving this group at the end of the year, and I wish to thank him for his generosity of time, support and the wisdom that he has given over the past ten years on our School Board.  You will be missed Adam. Also, on behalf of the SSPS community, I extend our thanks to Samantha Eagleson for her contribution to the School Board over the past two years.  As we move into the next phase of our Master Plan, I extend an invitation to any parents who could bring their building expertise to the school board.  If you are interested please contact me so that I can talk with you about your role as a board member. 

Thank you to all our volunteers, those that assist in the tuckshop, library, in class support, Book Club, excursion helpers and our Pastoral Care group, your support to the staff and students of St Saviour's Primary School is outstanding.  Your generosity of time and assistance never goes unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.  

Special thanks to Ms Sharon Collins, staff and the St Saviour's College community for assisting us throughout the building construction this term.  We are truly grateful for being able to access the necessary rooms and facilities in the College.

We are looking forward to beginning 2022 in our new Year 1 classrooms, Music and Drama room and the new administration and staff facilities.  Progress photos:

Many people contribute to this great school and I thank each and every one of you for your support.    

All of these events and many more have defined and enriched us in 2021; just as it has for the past 158 years. With God’s blessing it will do so again in 2022. I look forward to sharing that journey with you.  Wishing you all every blessing for the Christmas season.  I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday 25th January, 2022. 

Madonna Sleba