Assistant Principal Report - Junior School 

This term is moving along very quickly.  The cooler weather has started and it is great to see so many students wearing the new jacket.  Feedback from the students is that they are comfortable and very warm.  The ‘old’ jackets are being phased out and all students are to have the new jacket in 2024.

Year 6-7 Transiton process for 2024 has started.  Emily Payne (Year 7 Leader) and I have been visiting our local primary schools.  We would like to thank the following students who assisted us on our visits.  The students were well received by teachers and students when they visited their previous primary school to talk about their experience of moving to high school.

Addison TOMBE

Rosa WILSON

Asha LEGGE

Sharni SCHNEEBERGER

Jorja HATTON

Finlay WILLIAMS

William CARLSON

Jim GARNETT

Vicki TIGANIS

Emily LOCOCO

Syria LETTINI-DOWNIE

Amelia CLANCY

Dashiell MADDREN

Alexis FIRTH

Joey RASKIN

Eloise WADESON

OPEN NIGHT

A big thank you to Milla MARASCO and Alexander OSADNIK from Year 7 who assisted at our recent Open Night by addressing the parents and students about their experience of starting secondary school.  The students did an amazing job at public speaking, something that can be quite daunting. We are also very grateful for the high number of junior school students who participated in Open Night, assisting our staff in showcasing the many opportunities that are available for Parkdale students.

YEAR 9 CAMP

Year 9 camp is happening next week.  The camp is held at Forest Edge in Neerim South.  Such a beautiful setting and a fantastic opportunity for students to foster greater connectedness with their peers and teachers; as well as participate in a range of outdoor activities and reflection activities.

Watching ‘The Drum’ on the ABC one evening a few weeks ago; I was moved by the comments of one of the panel members.  “If we show kindness, we receive it back”.  “If we show hate, we receive that”.   As students interact with their peers – both face to face and on social media platforms – they can fall into the trap of showing unkindness, which can have far-reaching effects.  I encourage parents and carers to talk to about this at home, carefully monitor social media use and support students to engage in kindness.