And now a word from 

Mrs Richards...

Opportunities to volunteer at Parkdale Primary School

In my last Focus article I talked about the benefits to both you and your child of volunteering at the school and becoming an active member of our PPS community. I promised to follow up with more detail of how you can become involved. Let’s look firstly at the more formalised committee roles in the school.  Some of our wonderful parent volunteers have also provided personal insights into their role which I hope will encourage you to think about joining in 2025. 

SCHOOL COUNCIL

All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. In doing this, a School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students. The School Council plays a key role in enhancing the educational opportunities for all students and strengthening community bonds. 

“As I approach the end of my time as School Council President and I reflect on my five years on council and the last three as president, I can say it has been both fulfilling and manageable role, even while balancing a full-time job. 

The role of the School Council President involves chairing monthly council meetings, acting as a signatory for important documents like contracts, the school strategic plan and financial accounts. In addition, in conjunction with the broader school council, I’ve been involved in various initiatives such as appointing our after-hours care provider, supporting the PPA in various community and fundraising events, meetings with government representatives in relation to funding for buildings and grounds, signing off school policies and welcoming new parents to the school. I’ve also attended training to ensure I was fully equipped for the role. The school has clear, well-organised processes that make everything run smoothly, which makes it very easy to stay on top of everything and not a huge time commitment. 

This year has been particularly rewarding because I had the opportunity to participate in the school review process (which occurs every four years). I was on a panel with a department reviewer, PPS leadership team, principals from other schools and leading teachers. It was fantastic to see first-hand the team at Parkdale Primary engage with this review process and work tirelessly to ensure the success and well-being of our children. Even with the school’s excellent academic outcomes, they continue to strive for improvement by focusing on even small incremental changes to try to make a difference to the children's learning and well-being. 

As my daughter finishes Grade 6 and I wrap up my time at Parkdale Primary, I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to support the school community through the school council. While it does involve a regular commitment, it is not a huge time burden. I encourage anyone interested in helping at the school to consider joining the council—it's a rewarding way to contribute and support the fantastic work happening at Parkdale Primary.”

Suzanne Kneen – 2024 School Council President 

“For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on our school council. Initially, I was unsure if I had the time, skills, or knowledge required to contribute meaningfully. However, I quickly discovered that no special expertise is needed—just a willingness to get involved. The school’s council processes are highly structured and well-organised, making it easy to find your footing. Meetings occur once a month during school terms, are often held online (a lifesaver for busy families!), and typically last around 90 minutes. While there is some pre-reading involved, including reviewing the previous minutes, the insights gained during the meeting into the principal’s report, finances, education, student wellbeing is well worth the time.

Being part of school council has been a rewarding experience. It provides a deeper understanding of the school’s operations and the decisions that shape its future. Although important decisions are occasionally required, these are thoroughly discussed and supported by other council members. It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the school community, learn more about your child’s educational environment, and connect with other passionate parents and key staff. If you’re considering volunteering, I encourage you to consider taking on a role within the school council”

Jess Bambridge- 2024 School Council Vice President

PPA

The Parkdale Parents Association (PPA) is a group of parents who work together to support the school through fundraising, organising events, and contributing to programs that make students’ school experiences better.

“Joining the PPA two years ago has been fantastic. From the very beginning, I found it to be a welcoming and inclusive group. Through efforts like organising the Mini Olympics and Uniform Sales or supporting initiatives such as the Wellbeing Day, I’ve seen firsthand how the PPA positively impacts the students at our school.

Getting involved is easy and flexible. Some parents participate by attending our meetings at the start of each term, while others help with events like the Sausage Sizzle or Mothers/Father’s Day stalls. Whatever time or effort you can give, it all makes a difference. We’d love for you to join us and contribute to making our school an even better place for students.”

Shane Stevenson – 2024 PPA President

PARENT/CLASS REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

The Parent/Class Rep group provides a vital role in connecting parents with what is happening in the school.  At the beginning of the school year a call goes out for volunteers who would like to be the representative for their class – often this is a pair or small group of parents for each class who work together which reduces the load. These reps then put together a contact list for the class and become the conduit for any information that needs to be passed through to other parents. They welcome new families to the school and they also organise social gathering for children and for parents. They sometimes will set up Facebook or WhatsApp groups for easy class communication.  They are co-ordinated by the Class Rep Co-ordinator who acts as the point of contact to PPA for the class reps. There is generally just one or two meetings for the whole year for this group and then communication is via email. 

“Being either the social liaison or class representative coordinator can be a very social role, you have the chance to meet all the families in our school community and provide a point of contact between parents and the school. It is also an opportunity to be involved in the many and varied events the school runs. The kids love and appreciate it when they know their family is helping to run a school event from sorting the sushi orders on Japanese Day to running an equestrian obstacle course at our mini-Olympics Fundraiser. The PPA events, that the kids really enjoy, cannot be done without the support of our school community.”

Karen Meyer – 2024 Class Representative Co-ordinator 

For those who love to volunteer in formal groups any of these would be just the ticket to get involved at PPS. There are also many other informal ways to be involved. The PPA put out regular calls through the Parent Reps for volunteers to assist in special lunch/morning tea days, Mother’s and Father’s Day Stalls and breakfasts or special school events such as sports days.  There is the group responsible for Second Hand Uniforms and Friday Garden Club.  There are many opportunities to be a volunteer on excursions or camps or help out in the classroom.  You can be involved as much or as little as you have time for and it can be on a regular basis or every now and again to fit in with work rosters or days off. 

SRC

The 2024 SRC are an amazing group of students who have worked hard to be the voice of their peers and create a sense of community amongst our students.  They have given up lunchtimes to come to meetings and have been very impressive in the way in which they have conducted themselves.  Here are some of the many things they have achieved.

• Selling icypoles on Zooper Dooper Days

• Announcing clubs each day over the loud speaker
• Running an Easter Raffle 
  Reporting back to their class after each SRC meeting
• Presenting teacher awards at assembly
• Running The Great Book Swap during Literacy Week
• Presenting to their class each day during Bully No Way Week
• Working with their classroom teacher to promote Kindness Week
• Being the student ‘voice’ on issues such as developing new school rules

The group, through a variety of efforts, raised $5500. 

$3000 of this went to charities such as Good Friday Appeal, State Schools Relief, Indigenous Literacy and Kids Help Line. The remaining $2500 was put back into the students by being used towards the cost of the Kaboom Wellbeing Day that will take place next Thursday with PPA kindly making up the balance. 

Thank you once again to this amazing group, I have loved working with you.