Principal's Desk

The Final Day of 2024

Here we are—the last day of the 2024 school year! We began this year with renewed hopes and aspirations, ready to embrace new possibilities. Today, as I look out at the children smiling, laughing, and playing around the podium area, I’m reminded of what makes schools thrive: the hum of students learning, growing, and simply enjoying their time together.

The students of Park Ridge Primary School are truly remarkable. Their genuine, down-to-earth nature makes our school an inspiring and joyful place to learn. As I reflect on my fourth year as your Principal, I feel deeply grateful. Grateful for our supportive families, my dedicated colleagues, and our incredible students. Every individual—no matter the size of their contribution—adds something unique to this vibrant community.

From my very first newsletter back in 2021, I shared how welcoming everyone at Park Ridge is. Now, over 1,400 days and almost 200 newsletters later, I can wholeheartedly say this sentiment remains unchanged. Together, we’ve cultivated a culture of wellbeing and success, and it’s my vision to carry this forward in the years to come.

Thank you for making Park Ridge Primary School a truly special place to learn and grow. 😊

A Special Thank You to Our Parent and Carer Helpers

Each year, we celebrate our wonderful parent and carer helpers for their invaluable contributions to our school. Your support has been instrumental in enhancing our students’ learning experiences, from assisting in classrooms to making our excursions and incursions possible.

As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and your involvement in our students’ education is a testament to this. The positive impact of seeing parents and community members engaged in their learning journey is profound. At Park Ridge, the relationships we share with our parent and carer helpers are highly valued, and it is a privilege to partner with you in this shared mission.

This year, we extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all parents and carers in our community. Your support has been extraordinary, and your collaboration with our teachers has enriched our students’ experiences in countless ways.

2025 Transition Process

As in previous years, we’ve provided a robust transition process to prepare students for the year ahead. Last Thursday and this Monday, students had the opportunity to meet their 2025 teachers and start building new connections.

Meeting new peers and stepping outside one’s comfort zone are essential life skills. While it’s natural to seek familiarity, growth often comes from embracing new experiences. 

Wishing You a Safe and Joyful Summer

As we close the chapter on 2024, we wish the entire Park Ridge community a wonderful summer break. Stay safe, enjoy your time with loved ones, and we look forward to seeing you all ready for an amazing 2025!

Take care,

Mr. Dale Blythman