INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF CURIOUS MINDS.
Located in Albert Park Reserve, the new School offers students modern learning facilities in a unique heritage setting, surrounded by parkland and one of Melbourne’s leading sports precincts. The historic Albert Park Signal Depot and Drill Hall buildings have been repurposed as specialist learning spaces for art, science, technology, music and exhibitions. They sit alongside a new state-of-the-art learning block, designed for 21st century teaching methods, a gym with a competition-grade netball and basketball court. The school has flexible teaching spaces, allowing us to design a curriculum that develops self-belief, and a thinking mindset. Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects are facilitated by an experienced class teacher. Specialist programs in Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Physical Education and Sport complement class programs. At its heart, South Melbourne Park Primary School inspires the curious mind in your child to lead an abundant and successful life.
Address 29A Albert Road Drive South, Albert Park VIC 3206 Phone 03 9498 3396
View Map
Principal Nicole Arnold
Annual Report Find our Annual Reports to our school community below:
– 2023 Annual Report
– 2022 Annual Report
– 2021 Annual Report
– 2020 Annual Report
– 2019 Annual Report
School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan Please find our
– 2020 -2023 School Strategic Plan
– 2024 Annual Implementation Plan
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OUR VISION
A PLACE TO INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF CURIOUS MINDS.
MEET THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome! I am delighted to be the new Principal of South Melbourne Park Primary School, having begun my tenure in July, 2022. One of the first things that you may notice, as I did, is the magnificent blend of old and new in this heritage setting. Steeped in history, the Royal Australian Corps of Signals buildings and Drill Hall date back to 1933. These buildings have since been developed with integrity, to connect beautifully with the flexible learning spaces of our contemporary Discovery Building. Our school is carefully integrated into the parklands, surrounded by Albert Park Lake and one of Melbourne’s leading sports precincts. We know that learning doesn’t just happen at school and this provides incredible opportunities for our students to take their curiosity into the broader community. At South Melbourne Park Primary School, our vision is to inspire a new generation of curious minds. We nurture children to develop self-belief, and a thinking mindset that empowers them to live an abundant and successful life. Fostering a learning culture that promotes curiosity and wonderment enables students to have agency in their own learning, to gain the confidence to take risks, to think critically and creatively and to be the innovators of tomorrow. We also privilege time for what we call ‘Passions’. We dedicate time each week for our students to explore their personal interests and strengths, with teacher guidance, and offer learning opportunities for them to discover new passions. Not only does this nurture joy in learning, it also promotes positive student engagement. The staff at South Melbourne Park are passionate about our vision, and our programs and practices are progressive and research-based, keeping us a step ahead. The staff bring an incredible energy and thirst to the continued development of their professional knowledge and practice. Our teachers play as a team by collaborating and planning in professional learning communities. Whilst curiosity and passions are key parts of our approach, we place a strong emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy, as critical areas of learning. The development of strong foundational skills provides a platform from which student passions and wonderings can take flight. Our families are an integral part of how we ‘play as a team’. We are proud of our inclusive, culturally diverse community and value the support they provide for their children, as partners in their learning. Parents and carers are encouraged to be actively involved in many facets of our school life, such as classroom support, families and friends’ events, school council and breakfast club. It is incredibly important to us for our families to feel valued and to gain a real sense of belonging to our South Melbourne Park community. I will finish by highlighting our most important cultural value, Kids at the Heart. Our decisions are always underpinned by what is in the best interests of our children, and I know that this will become evident if you choose to walk with us, in the future. I encourage prospective families to learn more about the school by exploring our website and taking a school tour. South Melbourne Park – where children love to be! Nicole Arnold Principal
Contact our Principal Nicole Arnold
Contact Nicole to find out about what South Melbourne Park can offer your child.
OUR PURPOSE
WE NURTURE CHILDREN TO DEVELOP
SELF-BELIEF, AND A THINKING MINDSET
THAT EMPOWERS THEM TO LIVE AN
ABUNDANT AND SUCCESSFUL LIFE.
ENROLMENT
We are now open for 2025 Enrolments. Please check to see if your residence falls within our designated school zone using Find my school If you are within the SMPPS zone, complete the 2025 Enrolment form Additional documents required to be provided with your enrolment form:
- Two documents detailing your current home address
- Child’s birth certificate or passport
- Immunisation history statement
- Visa (if applicable)
If you are outside the school zone, complete the Application form
Click Here for upcoming School Tours, enrolment Information and timeline
To register for a school tour please call the school office on (03) 9498 3396. Please find the Beachside Network Starting School – School Readiness Website. This is a fantastic website that has been put together by our local Network of schools in the area to support our families with understanding school transition, supports, and to answer some frequently asked questions.
Outside School Hours Care Registration The TheirCare program services children in the school from 7am – 9.00 and 3.30 – 6pm each day. TheirCare also offer Pupil Free Day and Holiday Care during the school holidays from 7am – 6pm. Families wishing to use this service can visit the TheirCare website: TheirCare.com.au Families are also eligible for a Government rebate which reduces the cost per session. Further information can also be obtained by contacting the service directly on 0447 013 242 or ringing TheirCare on: 1300 072 410. TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children and an environment where children enjoy their time in their program. During sessions children develop life skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play. Take a look at the video link below to find out more about our program Video
Enrolment Plan and Designated Neighbourhood Boundary
The Department of Education and Training has developed an enrolment plan and Designated Neighbourhood Boundary for each school. Our School Zone Our school zone is available on findmyschool.vic.gov.au which hosts the most up-to-date information about Victorian school zones. Students residing in this zone are guaranteed a place at our school, which is determined on the basis of your permanent residential address. The Department provides guidance through the Placement Policy to ensure that students have access to their designated neighbourhood school and the freedom to choose other schools, subject to facility limitations. You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the Department’s website under School zones. For more information: If you have a question about school zones call the VSBA Hotline on 1800 896 950 or email: vsba@edumail.vic.gov.au Parent Payment Arrangements Please find the 2024 parent payment documentation below: 2024 Parent Payment Arrangements You can find more information about the Departments Parent Payment Policies here: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/parent-payment/policy Policies Policies on enrolment, placement, and admission are available on the Department of Education and Training website.
OUR LEARNING PHILOSOPHY
Our educational philosophy is grounded in social and emotional wellbeing. We equip children with the tools to become resilient, self-motivated, and engaged participants in their learning journey. The learning philosophy for South Melbourne Park is built around the very best teaching practices guided by evidence-based and international best practice. The school focuses on creating engaging and authentic learning experiences where children experience purposeful and powerful learning that sparks and provokes curiosity every day.
Nurturing the joy of learning
THINKING CULTURE
At South Melbourne Park, students are challenged and supported to develop deep levels of thinking. This is achieved by adopting Visible Thinking framework from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Teachers are trained by associates from Harvard University Project Zero Classroom program. Visible Thinking is a flexible and systematic research-based conceptual framework, which aims to integrate the development of students’ thinking with content across subject matters. The 16 Habits of Mind complement this approach by providing students with solutions when they are confronted with problems, the resolution to which are not immediately apparent. The Habits of Mind help children to become more intelligent and successful adults in the world of the future. Watch the Visible Thinking video >
GROWTH MINDSET
Growth mindset is a concept that refers to how we face challenges and setbacks. Growth mindset was developed by Stanford University professor Carol Dweck. She found that kids who pushed through challenges held the belief that they could improve their abilities. Kids who pulled back from challenges believed their abilities were fixed. At South Melbourne Park we promote and nurture a growth mindset, instead of ‘I’m not good at this’ we ask, ‘What am I missing?’. Instead of ‘I give up’ we try thinking ‘I’ll use a different strategy’. We teach students ‘The Power of Not Yet’, by instilling in them the belief that you can improve. Watch the Growth Mindset video >
STUDENT LED LEARNING
Student led learning equips the child with the skills to become independent, responsible and confident. In a student led classroom, students and teacher share the focus while being encouraged to learn, collaborate and communicate with one another. Students learn to direct their own learning, ask questions, and complete tasks independently. With kids at the heart, South Melbourne Park nurtures the joy in learning. We believe that by fostering student confidence in their unique talents and interest, providing the tools needed to be independent and critical thinkers, and building resilient students who are ready to face and respond to future challenges are key to a successful 21st Century education. Watch the Habits of Mind video >
OUR CULTURAL VALUES
KIDS AT THE HEART
We are here for the students.
WHERE CHILDREN LOVE TO BE
We nurture joy in learning.
A STEP AHEAD
We raise the bar to inspire each other.
PLAY, AS A TEAM
We collaborate and thrive together.
LEARNING DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN AT SCHOOL
We connect with our community and beyond.
STUDENT VALUES
BE CURIOUS
BE INVOLVED
BE LEADERS
BE A TEAM
BE CONNECTED
Child Safety Commitment
South Melbourne Primary School:
- Ensures that every person has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.
- Is committed to safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making.
- Has zero tolerance for child abuse
- Actively works to listen to and empower children so their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.
- Has systems in place to protect children from abuse, and will take all allegations and concerns very seriously and responds to them consistently in line with the organisation’s policies and procedures
- Is committed to promoting physical, emotional and cultural safety for all children – with particular attention paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, vulnerable children, as well as the safety of children with a disability.
- Is committed to providing a safe environment for all children
FACILITIES
The new South Melbourne Park School incorporates the old Albert Park Signal Depot and Drill Hall heritage buildings, alongside brand-new facilities including a double-storey classroom building and gym. Design and development of the school was overseen by parents, educational experts, project planners and representatives from the community. The architects worked closely with Heritage Victoria and their own advisors to retain and make best use of the existing buildings. Reusing the heritage buildings provides a great design opportunity to showcase the area’s history and offer students a unique learning setting in a beautiful lakeside environment. The repurposed Drill Hall houses our ‘learning communities’, a Learning Resource Centre and a dedicated art/science/technology space, as well as a flexible exhibitions space and a student canteen. The separate Mess Hall contains the reception, leadership and administration areas. The existing West House has been transformed into a specialist Art Studio and the East House into a specialist Music Studio. A new double-storey learning communities building hosts a variety of spaces for learning and collaboration, as well as a large outdoor educational and playground space. There is a new gym with a competition grade netball/basketball court with seating, that accommodates whole-of-school performances. All facilities are designed with an environmentally sustainable approach. New insulation has been installed in the ceilings of the historical buildings whenever possible with 2500 litre rainwater tanks added to both the East and West Houses and the Drill Hall. Our new buildings are all naturally ventilated with openable windows or using outside air fans or mechanical services in areas where natural ventilation is not available.
School cookbook – “through the Seasons with kids at heart”
South Melbourne Park Primary School Family and Friends have put together a wonderful community cook book. They are $35 each or if you buy three or more you can get them for $30 each. We use QKR! by Mastercard for payment, please download the app and search for South Melbourne Park Primary School under the fundraising section to make payment. Copies will be available later in November.
School Hours
Learning Time: 9am – 11:30am
Eating Time: 11:30am – 11:40am
Break Time: 11:40am – 12:30pm
Learning Time: 12:30pm – 2:10pm
Break Time : 2:10pm – 2:40pm
Learning Time: 2:40pm – 3:30pm
Extracurricular activities
At South Melbourne Park Primary School we provide a large range of extracurricular activities for our families to engage in. 2024-2025 Extracurricular Programs:
Monday: Young Engineers Robotics (3:40 – 4:40), Black Dragon Taekwondo (3:40 – 4:40), Kidko Instrumental Lessons (Individually Arranged)
Tuesday: Kidko Instrumental Lessons (Individually Arranged)
Wednesday: Kidko Instrumental Lessons (Individually Arranged)
Thursday: Young Engineers Robotics (3:40 – 4:40), Kidko Instrumental Lessons (Individually Arranged) and Drama (3:45 – 4:45)
Friday: Kidko Instrumental Lessons (Individually Arranged) * Please note that these are the 2024 programs and all program dates and times are subject to change. Please check with the office or the individual program for updated times and dates
Video
CONTACT US
Address 29A Albert Road Drive South, Albert Park VIC 3206 Phone 03 9498 3396
View Map Principal If you have any questions, please contact our Principal, Nicole Arnold, for more information.
south.melbourne.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au Stay up to date Join us on Facebook for the latest updates.
School Council Elections We will be holding elections for School Council Soon. Please find further information concerning the elections below:
- School Council Information for Parents
- School Council Parent Nomination Form
- School Council Parent Self-Nomination Form
School Council Contact Information
School Council – Nicole Campbell (President)
5562-schoolcouncil@schools.vic.edu.au
POLICIES
Please find our policies listed below. Every policy at South Melbourne Park Primary School is carefully reviewed on a regular cycle by School Council and its subcommittees.
- Action Plan Aboriginal Learning, Wellbeing and Safety
- Administration of Medication Policy
- Alcohol Policy
- Anaphylaxis Policy
- Animals at South Melbourne Park Primary School Policy
- Asthma Policy
- Attendance Policy
- Bullying prevention policy
- Camps and Excursions Policy
- Child Safety Standards Policy
- Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
- Child Safety Code of Conduct
- Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures
- Communication Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Diabetes Policy
- Digital Technologies Policy
- Distribution of Medication Policy
- Duty of Care Policy
- First Aid Policy
- Fundraising Policy
- Headlice Policy
- Healthcare needs Policy
- Home Learning Policy
- Inclusion and Diversity Policy
- Inclusive Education Policy
- Junior School Council Policy
- Managing Stolen or Damaged Personal Devices Policy
- Mandatory Reporting Policy
- Mobile Phone Policy
- Offsite Activities Policy
- Online Learning Policy
- Parent Payment Policy
- Parents as Helpers in Classrooms Policy
- Phone Policy
- Photography, Filming and Recording Students Consent Form
- Photography, Filming and Recording Students Policy
- Privacy Collection Statement
- Privacy Policy
- Safety and Welfare with External Providers Policy
- Sponsor Advertising Policy
- Statement of Values and School Philosophy
- Student Wellbeing and Engagement
- SunSmart Policy
- Sustainability Policy
- Uniform Policy
- Visitor Policy
- Volunteers Policy
- Working with Children Check Policy
PARTNERS
TheirCare is our before an after school care provider and their partnership has been an enormous support to South Melbourne Park Primary School and our community. Please go to https://theircare.com.au/ for more information on the services they provide.