PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

School Leaders

We started the week with the exciting announcements of all students selected as Junior School Council representatives for 2024. Each Year 4 and year 5 class Junior School Councillor was presented to the school community at the assembly, whilst two students from each Year 6 class were voted in by their peers. In a new initiative, Plenty Parklands has for the first time in our history, elected two School Captains, Joey and Mason. Our 18 leaders will play a major role in the direction of our school throughout the year. 

2025 Prep Enrolments

In 2023 we had 79 prep students. This number increased to 126 in 2024 as many families were drawn to us by the appeal of a comprehensive specialist program with seven subjects, a wide range of support programs including tutoring and extension, and a settled learning environment with excellent students and staff. After working closely with school council and the leadership team, we will need to tighten enrolment processes for 2025 with a target of 100 prep places to be offered. If you have a younger child who you wish to enrol for prep next year, and they have a sibling in the school currently, please speak to the ladies in the office as soon as possible so we can reserve a place for you.

Principal Forum

Our Assistant Principal Jenny Loorham and I attended the Principal’s Forum on Thursday at the Mantra in Epping, where over 200 Principals convened to hear from the Department of Education about key focuses for 2024. Student and staff wellbeing, parent engagement, workforce shortages and lifting learning standards are all on the agenda for schools this year.

Swim Team Success

After winning the District Swim Carnival Day, our team ventured to the Divisional Swimming Day yesterday and again represented Plenty Parklands with great pride. According to Mr Falcone, “We were one of the most successful schools on the day. The students lived up the school values, including the parents. At this stage, 13/14 students are going on to the Northern Metro Regionals which will be held on Thursday March 21st. We had many 3rd places on the day, which were photo finishes”. Well done to the students, staff and parents involved.

Fun Night

PPPS Fun Night is just around the corner. Tomorrow (Thursday 7th March) many past, present and future students and their parents will come together to celebrate being a part of the PPPS family.   The event, which will be held on the school grounds between 4pm-7pm, cannot go ahead without the many volunteers who work closely with staff to make the evening a success. If you believe that you can help on the night and have not yet put your hand up, please contact Laura in the office.

Having Fun at School

With my office window overlooking the courtyard, there are not many things happening in the playground that I do not see. Recently I have noticed lots of teaching staff mixing with students, enjoying the chance to build relationships by joining the fun students have, undertaking various activities at recess and lunch. This past week alone, I have seen five or six of our staff playing hot shots tennis with your children. This is another great example of the culture at Plenty Parklands.

Plenty Parklands Alumni

Those of you who enjoy watching Australian Idol will know Ivana Ilic, who has made it through to the last eight. Ivana is a former student at PPPS. She comes from a large family, one of five who attended our school in recent years. Please share this information with your children if your family are fans of the show and give Ivana your support as she moves on in the competition.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night,

David Whewell | Principal