For Parents & Carers
Absences, Late Passes, Early Departures
School begins at 8:55 AM with a 5-minute “Do Now” activity – a short, engaging task that students complete at the beginning of a class to prepare them for learning.
The roll is marked at 9AM. If your child arrives after the roll has been marked, they should go straight to the Office to be signed in and receive a Late Pass for their teacher; otherwise, they will be marked absent for the day.
If your child is going to be absent, please log the absence on Compass as early as possible. This helps us keep accurate attendance records and ensures your child’s safety. Simply head to the ‘Add Attendance Note’ section in the Compass app or website to record the reason and expected duration. If you’re unable to access Compass, please contact the school office directly.
If your child needs to leave early, please visit the Office to sign them out. This ensures we know who is on site and helps us keep everyone safe. Once signed out, a staff member will arrange for your child to come from class.
Annual Events
This is a snapshot of the events we hold throughout the year. We’re always adding new activities to our calendar!
This is a lovely day when grandparents or special friends (or just you!) can come along, visit the classroom and spend lunchtime with your child. It’s held alongside the Book Fair, where children browse the shelves and choose books to take home. They’ll bring home a wishlist in the lead-up and you can pre-pay or attend on the day to help them shop.
Usually held in Term 4
Book Week is all about celebrating reading and imagination. Each year, there’s a dress-up day where kids come dressed as their favourite book characters. There’s a parade in the morning and parents are welcome to come along and take photos!
Usually held in Term 3
Our end-of-year Christmas Carols night is a relaxed, feel-good event held at school on the prep deck. Each class performs a festive song they’ve been practising and families are invited to bring a rug, some snacks and settle in for a joyful event together.
Held in Term 4
The Colour Fun Run is a school favourite — and a fantastic fundraiser too. Kids wear white, run laps of the oval and get splashed with non-toxic coloured paint as they go. It’s messy, it’s exciting and it’s a brilliant way to wrap up the term.
Usually held on the last day in Term 3
This weekend-away is organised entirely by Southmoor dads. It’s a fun, relaxed chance to camp out, cook dinner and meet other families from across the school. It’s not run by the school, but it’s become a much-loved Southmoor tradition.
Typically held at the end of March, with tickets available about a month in advance. For alerts and updates, follow the Southmoor Parents Facebook Page.
These fun days pop up across the year—whether it’s Crazy Hair Day, Pyjama Day or a Jeans for Genes Day. You’ll always be notified in advance on Compass and kids love the chance to dress up and join in. It’s often a gold coin donation event, raising funds while giving kids a bit of fun.
Held throughout the year
In the lead-up to Easter, students are invited to create and wear their own Easter bonnets for a colourful parade on the basketball court. Families are welcome to attend and enjoy the celebration. Students wear their school uniform with their handmade hat.
Usually held on the last day in Term 1
Students visit the Father’s Day Stall with their class to choose a small gift for Dad or someone special. It’s a lovely way for kids to practice paying and picking out something independently—with just a few dollars in change, they’ll feel very proud.
Usually held on the Thursday before Father’s Day
Just like the Father’s Day Stall, this is a sweet opportunity for children to choose a gift for Mum or another special person. Teachers support the kids as they browse and buy—no need for more than $5–$10 in change.
Usually held on the Thursday before Mother’s Day
Held every second year, the school concert is a highlight for students and families. Kids rehearse throughout the term and perform at Kingston Town Hall with a daytime and evening session. The school usually organises the costumes and parents just help with simple items like black pants or a white top.
Usually held in Term 3
Assembly
Bike Education
Students in Grade 3 and above take part in our Bike Education program once a year, designed to build confidence, safety awareness and practical riding skills. Students learn how to ride safely, understand road signs and signals and develop responsible habits as young cyclists. The program also supports students preparing to ride independently to school. Helmets are essential and students must bring a roadworthy bike to participate. Parents will receive detailed information before the program begins.
BYOD (iPad) Program
We’re proud to offer a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, where students from Year 3 to 6 use an iPad as part of their everyday learning. iPads are used as a tool to enhance learning, not replace traditional methods. Handwriting, books and hands-on activities remain essential parts of our curriculum. iPads support a wide range of learning experiences — from recording reflections and showcasing work in digital portfolios to problem-solving through creative apps.
We work with a trusted technology partner to make setup simple. Families can visit the Southmoor BYOD Portal for device options, accessories, insurance and purchasing support. We’ll provide all the necessary details before your child begins Year 3. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or speak to our team during transition sessions.
We have a tech support onsite every Wednesday to assist with basic iPad troubleshooting and school-related tech issues. If your child is having trouble with their device, they should speak to their teacher first, who will let them know when to visit tech support.
Bullying Prevention & Complaints
If you believe your child may be experiencing bullying, it’s important to act early. Start by talking with your child and listening carefully to their concerns. Try to gather details about what has been happening, who is involved and when it occurs.
Next, contact your child’s classroom teacher. They see your child every day and may already have insights or be able to support your child directly. If the issue continues or you feel further support is needed, please contact the Principal.
All reports of bullying are taken seriously. The school will investigate promptly and sensitively, and keep you informed throughout the process. Support will be provided to all students involved and appropriate steps will be taken to prevent further issues.
If you have a concern or would like to make a complaint, we encourage you to first speak with your child’s classroom teacher, the Assistant Principal or the Principal. In many cases, concerns can be resolved quickly through informal conversations.
If the matter remains unresolved or is more serious, you are welcome to make a formal complaint. This can be done by emailing the school at southmoor.ps@education.vic.gov.au, calling 9555 1235 or arranging a meeting with the Principal.
We will acknowledge your complaint within two school days and aim to resolve most issues within 10 working days. You are welcome to bring a support person to any meetings. All complaints are handled respectfully, confidentially and in line with Department of Education guidelines.
Canteen & Lunch Orders
The canteen operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch orders only.
It is also open for over-the-counter sales at lunchtime on those days.
Lunch orders can be placed online through Flexischools. Simply visit www.flexischools.com.au, register, search for Southmoor Primary School, and select your child’s grade.
Orders must be placed by 7.30AM on the day of the order.
The canteen is coordinated by our Canteen Coordinator and supported by a team of amazing volunteers. If you’re able to spare some time to help, we’d love to have you on board! Please contact the school office on 9555 1235 or email southmoor.ps@education.vic.gov.au to express your interest.
Class Allocation
Class groups are thoughtfully considered each year to support every child’s learning and wellbeing. Teachers work together to balance social dynamics, friendships and individual needs to ensure fair and positive learning environments. While parent requests are considered, they may not always be possible to accommodate.
Students find out their class and teacher for the following year on Up Day — a special transition day held in mid-December. On this day, they spend time with their new teacher, classmates and in their new classroom to help them feel confident and ready for the year ahead.
Communication and Apps
ClassDojo offers a window into your child’s classroom, with features like Classroom Stories to view photos and updates, Behaviour Feedback for insights into participation, Direct Messaging for quick contact with teachers and Class Announcements to keep you informed.
Compass is our main platform for communication and administration, allowing you to notify us of absences, check attendance, view academic reports, receive school news and alerts, RSVP to events and make payments for activities, camps and fees.
Flexischools makes lunch ordering easy and cash-free. Pre-order school lunches before 7.30AM on the day.
Our school newsletter is published fortnightly and keeps you up-to-date with important dates, news and what’s happening across the school. You’ll receive a notification via Compass each time a new edition is available. All past newsletters can be accessed anytime in Compass under Community > School Documentation.
We use ClassDojo for everyday updates—teachers share class news, learning highlights and can respond to quick questions via direct messaging.
We also hold Parent-Teacher Meetings twice a year (in Terms 1 and 3) to talk in more detail about your child’s learning, progress and wellbeing. Bookings open in Compass ahead of each meeting period.
If you have a more urgent or sensitive matter, or something that needs more time, please contact the school office so we can arrange a suitable time to talk.
Excursions and Incursions
Excursions and incursions are an important and exciting part of learning at Southmoor Primary School. They are carefully selected to enhance the curriculum, promote engagement and enrich student learning.
An excursion is when students leave the school grounds to visit a place such as a museum or park. An incursion is an activity or program brought into the school, where external providers run interactive sessions on-site. These might include science experiments, cultural performances or hands-on workshops that complement classroom learning.
For excursions, a commercial bus is used for transport and students are always well supervised to ensure their safety.
The cost of excursions and incursions is covered by parents and students can only attend if permission has been provided via Compass.
Families are notified in advance with all the relevant details.
Health & Medical
We take anaphylaxis seriously and have plans in place for students at risk. Parents must provide an up-to-date ASCIA Action Plan and an adrenaline autoinjector. Food sharing is not allowed for safety reasons and staff are trained to respond in case of an emergency.
If your child has asthma, please provide an Asthma Action Plan completed by your child’s doctor, along with their labelled medication and spacer. Plans are reviewed annually. Staff are trained to respond to asthma attacks and follow emergency procedures if needed.
It’s vital that we have accurate and up-to-date emergency contact details. If your phone number, address or emergency contacts change, please notify the office immediately so we can contact you quickly if needed.
Our staff are trained in first aid and will care for your child if they feel unwell or are injured at school. Minor incidents are recorded and you’ll receive a Compass notification. For more serious injuries (especially to the head), we’ll contact you directly. If your child is unwell before school, please keep them at home.
To support student safety and wellbeing, we ask that students do not share food at school. This is especially important for children with food allergies or dietary requirements. Classroom food events will follow strict safety protocols.
If your child becomes unwell during the school day, they’ll be taken to Sick Bay and monitored. We will contact you if they need to go home. Please ensure your emergency contact details are always up to date.
For students with medical conditions, please provide the relevant medical forms and action plans at the start of each year — or as soon as your child is diagnosed. These help us support your child safely and effectively.
If your child needs medication during school hours, please complete a Medication Authority Form and provide the medication in its original packaging with clear instructions. We are unable to administer over-the-counter medication like Panadol unless prescribed.
From mid-August to the end of April, all students must wear a sun-protective hat during outdoor activities. We also encourage the daily use of SPF30+ sunscreen which students can bring from home. Shade is available and students not wearing a hat may be asked to stay in a shaded area.
Homework
At Southmoor, homework is designed to support what your child is learning in the classroom and help build good study habits over time. It’s purposeful, age-appropriate and manageable — never overwhelming. Homework includes daily reading, spelling and maths tasks.
Teachers provide students with homework fortnightly and aim to make it engaging and achievable. Parents can support by encouraging a routine, providing a quiet space to work and discussing their child’s learning. Homework expectations vary depending on the year level and are communicated directly to students and families. If your child is unsure about a task or homework is taking too long, please contact their teacher.
House & Interschool Sports
Every student at Southmoor is placed in a House team, which they represent at school sporting events throughout the year. Our House names and colours are: Bunurong (Yellow), Jarra (Blue), Kirrae (Red) and Wurundgeri (Green). These teams create a great sense of school spirit and healthy competition.
Throughout the year, students participate in major sporting events such as Athletics Day, the Swimming Carnival and Cross Country.
Athletics Day runs as a half-day event for Prep to Year 2 students and a full-day program for older year levels. Families are warmly invited to come along and support.
For students in Years 5 and 6, these events also offer the chance to qualify for the Summer and Winter Interschool Competitions, where they may be selected to represent Southmoor based on their performance.
Lost & Personal Property
We strongly encourage all families to clearly label every item your child brings to school, especially hats, jumpers, drink bottles and lunchboxes. Our Lost Property is located at the end of the main building, near the exit to the library (on the left). If your child misplaces something, this is the first place to check.
Please note that personal items brought to school are not insured and the Department of Education does not take responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items. Toys and valuables should be kept at home unless specifically requested by a teacher for classroom sharing or special occasions. When brought for these purposes, they should remain in the classroom at all times. To help minimise lost items and unnecessary risk, we ask that students bring only what they need for learning and school life.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
Our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and Holiday Programs with Kingston Council will continue until the end of Term 2, 2025.
From the Term 2 Holiday Program starting Monday, July 7, TeamKids will take over as our new OSHC and Holiday Program provider, with regular OSHC beginning from Term 3. Bookings with TeamKids are now open.
TeamKids will operate at Southmoor from 6.45-8.45am and 3.30–6.15 pm on school days, with vacation care hours from 7.30am–6.00 pm.
To get started, set up an account with TeamKids. This will allow you to manage your bookings and apply any eligible child care subsidies.
Parent Payments
We are committed to providing every child at Southmoor Primary with an exceptional learning experience. Under the Department of Education’s policy, schools receive funding to deliver the standard Victorian Curriculum. This ensures all students can access core learning programs at no cost to you. However, government funding only covers the basics. Many resources and programs that enrich school life – things you may consider essential – are not covered. To provide high-quality resources, engaging programs and a richer learning environment, we rely on the generous support of our families through voluntary financial contributions.
Contributions make a big difference to learning at Southmoor. They help us offer extra support and targeted programs for literacy and numeracy, engaging hands-on activities such as Kitchen Garden (Years 3–6) and STEAM projects, as well as everyday essentials like the Compass app, sports equipment, classroom supplies and grounds maintenance.
We understand that some families may find it difficult to contribute. If that’s the case, we encourage you to contact us. Support options include Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), State Schools Relief (SSR) and Flexible payment plans. Please contact our Principal, Jenny Siriopoulous, or our Business Manager, Johann Hudson, on (03) 9555 1235 for a confidential discussion.
Payment details for the coming school year are shared at the end of Term 4 each year. Contributions can be made through Compass. We kindly ask that payments are made before the new school year begins to support our planning.
Reports
We value strong communication between home and school. Formal parent-teacher meetings are held early in the year and again in Term 3 to discuss your child’s progress. Bookings open in Compass ahead of each meeting period.
If you would like to meet with your child’s teacher at another time, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.
Written reports are provided at the end of Term 2 and Term 4 and are available to families on Compass. These reports provide an overview of your child’s academic achievement, effort and progress across all learning areas.
Riding to School
Riding a bike or scooter to school is a great way for students to stay active and build independence. At Southmoor, we encourage safe and responsible travel. There is a bike shed located at the far end of the oval where students can securely store their bikes an scooters during the day.
All children must wear an approved safety helmet. Students in Grade 4 and below are not permitted to ride to school unless accompanied by an adult. Grade 6 students may ride independently, but they must have permission from home — a note to the school will usually suffice. For everyone’s safety, bikes and scooters must not be ridden in the school grounds and should be walked once inside the school gates.
School Camps
Camps are offered to students in Years 4 and 6. Each year level experiences a different program, tailored to their stage of learning and development. Instead of camp, Year 5 students take part in a two-day city and local community experience focused on teamwork, connection and building positive relationships. It’s designed to help prepare them for leadership roles in Grade 6.
Due to changes in Time in Lieu (TIL) provisions for teachers, schools across Victoria are navigating new challenges in staffing and budgeting. TIL ensures teachers are fairly compensated for supervising students outside of regular hours — especially overnight. As a result, many schools have reduced or cancelled camp programs. We appreciate your understanding as we adapt to these changes.
We remain committed to providing valuable experiences for all students. This year:
Year 6 students have attended a 2-day, 1-night camp.
Year 4 students will take part in a 2-day, 1-night camp in Term 4.
While camps are shorter than in the past, they still offer rich learning, fun and adventure for all who attend.
School Day Schedule
8.45AM – Gates open. Please ensure your child is not dropped off before 8:45AM as there is no supervision in the school grounds before this time.
8.55AM – School starts with a 5-minute Do-Now activity followed by the roll at 9AM
10AM – Fruit snack
11AM to 12PM– Lunch
2PM to 2.30PM – Recess
3.30PM – School ends
When weather conditions are unsafe for outdoor play (e.g. heavy rain, storms or extreme heat), a Wet Day (or Inclement Weather) Timetable is called. Instead of going outside at recess and lunch, students stay indoors and are supervised in their classrooms. They take part in quiet activities like games, drawing or reading until the break ends.
School Photos
Each year, SchoolPix visits Southmoor Primary School to take individual and class photos of every student. Photo Day is a fun and memorable occasion and students are asked to come in full school uniform, looking neat and tidy.
Your child will bring home a slip with a unique ordering code. You can use this code to view and purchase prints, digital files or photo packs via the photographer’s website. Orders and payments are managed directly online.
Further details, including the exact date and instructions, will be sent out to families via Compass ahead of time.
Starting School
Every Foundation student is paired with a Year 6 buddy at the start of the year. This special connection helps our youngest students feel safe, welcome and supported as they settle into school life. Buddies spend time together during breaks and take part in shared activities throughout the year, building confidence and friendships.
To help our youngest students feel confident and secure, Foundation children have their own designated play spaces during recess and lunch. These areas are close to their classrooms, quieter and supervised by staff who are familiar with their needs.
Starting school is a big milestone and every child arrives with different strengths. We don’t expect children to know how to read, write or count before they start Prep but being able to follow simple instructions, manage their belongings, go to the toilet independently and separate from a parent or carer with confidence can really help with a smooth transition.
Our Foundation teachers gently guide students through routines, building independence, social confidence and a love of learning. The first weeks of school focus on helping children feel safe, settled and part of the classroom community.
For practical information on school readiness in Victoria, the Department of Education provides helpful guidance for parents. This page includes tips on how to prepare your child emotionally, socially and practically for the transition to primary school, plus checklists and advice for parents and carers.
Foundation Transition begins as early as Term 3 in the year prior to starting school to help children feel familiar with the school. This includes meeting their teacher and classmates, and getting to know classroom routines.
Stationery
Stationery lists for each year level are released at the end of Term 4. Orders can be placed online through Campion Education and picked up in Moorabbin. Orders placed before the cut-off date (usually before Christmas) qualify for free shipping to your home.
Once you receive your pack, please send it to school with your child on the first day of Term 1.
There’s no need to label individual items as most supplies are shared and stored in the classroom.
Swimming
Swimming is a key part of our PE program and the Victorian Curriculum. All students from Foundation to Year 6 participate in a two-week intensive program at GESAC (Bentleigh) or Mentone Grammar, with eight lessons (one per day, Monday to Thursday) scheduled around regular classes. Timetables are shared in advance and students are grouped by ability. As this is part of the curriculum, all students are expected to attend.
Get ready at home: Have your child wear their bathers under their uniform to save time at the pool. Pack a small bag with a towel, spare underwear and a plastic bag for wet bathers.
Parents are welcome to attend sessions or help their child with changing. If you have a Working with Children Check, you’re welcome to assist your own child with getting changed after the session. Please note, however, that we aim to keep numbers in the change rooms low to allow for a smooth and quick transition between groups.
Uniform
Students may wear black school shoes or sneakers (sneakers can be worn every day) with white socks. Tops can include a white or bottle green polo shirt (short or long sleeve) or a similar style such as a skivvy. Bottoms may include bottle green pants, shorts, skorts, or skirts. In cooler weather, students can also wear a school jumper or jacket for warmth. In warmer months, they may choose to wear a green and white checked school dress.
To meet safety and hygiene requirements, long hair must be tied back and jewellery is limited to stud earrings and watches. During Term 1 and Term 4, a bottle green sun-safe hat (bucket, cricket or legionnaire style) is required for outdoor play — caps are not permitted.
Uniforms can be purchased from Primary School Wear (PSW), located on Mills Street in Cheltenham or online through the Southmoor PSW uniform portal.
The Parents & Friends Association (PFA) run a second hand uniform stall at least twice a term. Uniforms can be donated to be sold via the office.
Volunteering & Parent Involvement
We value the incredible contributions of our parent and carer community. There are lots of ways to get involved—whether you have an hour to spare or want to join a regular commitment.
You might help out in the canteen, act as a class representative, support fundraising efforts or join the Parents and Friends Association (PFA). We also welcome parents on School Council and its subcommittees, where you can help shape decisions and support the school’s strategic direction.
Volunteering is a great way to connect with other families, support your child’s learning and make a difference in school life. Keep an eye on Compass for opportunities or reach out to the office if you’d like to get involved.