From the Principal

Wrap up 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. It has been an incredibly busy, productive, and memorable year at Parkdale Primary School. Parkdale Primary celebrated 100 Years (1924-2024). The publication of the Parkdale Primary School Centenary Cookbook was a highlight and a great keepsake. 

Our students have achieved so much academically while continuing to grow in confidence and resilience. The year has been filled with exciting events and milestones that brought our community together and enriched our students’ experiences.

Highlights included the much-loved Mini Olympics Day, where the students shone as they participated with enthusiasm and team spirit. Melb United coming to PPS showcasing their talents and providing a great experience for the students.  A highlight for both students & staff.  Japanese Day was another standout, offering cultural immersion and fun, while Wellbeing Day gave us all a chance to focus on self-care and mindfulness.

Our youngest learners celebrated 100 days of Prep, and Footy Day was once again a crowd favourite. Sporting events played a major role throughout the year, with Athletics, Swimming, Basketball, Aerobics, Netball, and Interschool Sport providing opportunities for our students to showcase their skills and teamwork. Students participated in programs like GATEWAYS, the Australian Mathematics Challenge, Premiers Reading Challenge, and Junior Mayor. They explored the world around them through Incursions, Excursions, the Beach Program, Swimming, Bike Ed, and Camps.

As the year wrapped up, we farewelled our Grade 6 students at their Graduation, celebrating the completion of their primary education and wishing them the best for their future. To finish the year on a festive note, our Christmas Concert was a resounding success, with our talented students shining brightly on stage.

Last Day of Term 4 – Friday 20th December 

The final assembly will begin at 1:00pm and students will be dismissed at 1:30pm. 

We will farewell our Grade 6 students who will be dismissed from the basketball court. All other students in Foundation to Grade 5 will be dismissed from their classrooms. 

Grade 6 Graduation and Farewell

The Grade 6 students had their Graduation last night as a celebration of the end of their primary school years.  Graduation is both a time for reflection and celebration and a special occasion for our 2024 Grade 6 students. The memory books have allowed them to look back at past and current friends, teachers and all the school activities they have experienced over their 7 years at Primary School.  We wish all our graduates the very best as they step confidently into Secondary School next year.

We also take this opportunity to farewell several families who have been a valued part of the Parkdale Primary community for many years. Your support and involvement have enhanced our school, and we extend our gratitude and warmest wishes for the future.

Thank You - Parents, Students and Staff

Our school is very fortunate to have such a supportive community with many dedicated parents and relatives that contribute to our school.

Thank you to the incredible PPA team for their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout the year. Your efforts in organising and running events have made a significant impact on the students and the wider Parkdale Primary School community.

Thank you to all the parents who have assisted in Garden Club, second-hand uniform, classrooms, on excursions, camps, Parkdale cookbook, mini-Olympics, special lunches/morning tea, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day stalls, book club, social events and our parent reps. 

Thank you to the members of the School Council for your unwavering support and commitment to providing the best possible environment for the children at PPS. Your guidance and dedication have been invaluable. A special acknowledgment goes to Suzanne Kneen, who is retiring from School Council as her youngest child concludes their primary school journey. Suzanne has served as PPS School Council President for the past three years, thank you for your leadership, hard work, and passion in supporting PPS. 

To our students, take pride in how far you’ve come. It feels like just yesterday that you were learning the names of your classmates and settling into new routines. Reflect on your journey this year—what you set out to achieve and how much you’ve grown and accomplished.

To our amazing staff, thank you for your dedication, hard work, and sense of humour throughout the year. Your efforts have helped create a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students to thrive.

As we wrap up 2024, we celebrate the collective achievements of our entire school community. 

Good Luck 

Rachael has worked at several schools throughout her 30 plus year career and joined Parkdale Primary School in 2016.  Her commitment to supporting our students through intervention programs for Grades F-4 has been nothing short of inspiring. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every child had the tools and confidence to succeed, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Beyond the classroom, Rachael’s creativity has shone brightly. Whether it was her work with our school concerts or her contributions to the art shows, her artistic flair and dedication was an inspiration to both students and staff. As Rachael concludes a remarkable career in education, we thank Rachael for her dedication, creativity, and kindness she has brought to our school.  On behalf of all of us at Parkdale Primary School, thank you, Rachael, for everything. We wish you all the very best for the future. 

We wish Ash and Chris all the very best with the impending arrival of their second child in January.  Ash will be on family leave and will return in Term 4 2025. 

Thank you to our students, staff, and parents for making 2024 such a memorable year. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and look forward to another exciting year in 2025!

Kind regards

Leanne Bradney