Acting Assistant Principal Report

Year 7 and 8/Support

Year 7 and 8:

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we reflect on another highly successful term of learning and experiences. The energy, effort and engagement shown by our students have been outstanding.

Please continue to check the school calendar regularly, as Term 4 is a busy and often fragmented period, filled with a variety of events and activities.

The final day of 2025 classes for Year 7 and 8 students will be Wednesday 19 November. 

Our Transition Day will take place on Monday 24 November, followed by our Rollover Day on Tuesday 25 November, when all students will commence their 2026 classes with their new teachers. 

Parents are asked to please ensure students have new workbooks ready to support a positive and organised start to their new studies.

For our 2026 Year 8, 9 and 10 students, the final day of classes will be Friday 12 December (Week 10).

I encourage all students to maintain their focus and effort as we conclude the year. Continuing to demonstrate strong study habits and a positive work ethic will ensure they ‘Strive and Achieve’ in all areas of their schooling.

A sincere thank you to our Student Managers, teachers and support staff for their ongoing commitment and support of our Year 7 and 8 students. 

Year 8 -  by Dale Towler

As the Year 8s move into Term 4 there are some exciting leadership opportunities approaching. Students will be encouraged to apply for several leadership roles including junior school captaincy and Term 1 Don Valley Alpine School (All details can be found on the Compass News Feed).

The cohort will also be engaging with our pathways team as part of a Year 8 Victorian Government funded ‘My Career Insights Pilot Program’. Students at Parkdale SC will participate in early profiling access to Morrisby. Morrisby helps our students make informed choices as they move through the later years of secondary school and beyond by exploring their strengths, interests, and career opportunities.

On their last day in Year 8, students will be taking part in the Respect Cup, a great opportunity for them to showcase their respectful relationships and participate in activities as Tutor Groups.  

Year 7 - by Emily Payne

In Year 7, as we move closer to the rollover period, our students will be busy working on their final assessments for Year 7. During this period, you can support your child by reminding them to check Compass regularly, use their organiser to track due dates and other tasks, and checking to ensure they are using the organiser correctly. Having a calendar or whiteboard at home to track dates is also a tried and true method for building the skills and independence needed to effectively manage multiple priorities during the assessment period. 

We are busy preparing for the transition to Year 8, which will involve a change to tutor groups. These class lists are carefully considered, and are created using input from teachers who know the students best to ensure the groupings enable the best learning outcomes for all students. Change is essential but difficult at any stage of life, and learning to navigate and overcome the stress around change is an important part of maturing. You can support your child by encouraging them to talk to new people, and really give their new class a chance- they will often end up pleasantly surprised by the successes they can experience with a change in surroundings.