Principal's Desk

‘Spotlight on STEM’

This week at Park Ridge, we saw a celebration of education with a variety of activities and events recognising the importance of public education. This year's theme follows the above motto, 'Spotlight on STEM'.

Regarding our Open Night, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to all families, students and our local community that attended our Open Night on Monday night. There was so much to see and do. We had beautiful performances by our Choir singing in the Wentworth Building and the EarlyAct Bake Sale was a delightful success, offering an array of delicious homemade treats. 

One of the long-standing beliefs at Park Ridge Primary School, has been the critical role of students being active agents in their own learning and as citizens of their community.  Learning is not something that is done to a person, it requires the active engagement of the person learning and therein lies the joy and challenge of schools. 

Teachers can create environments that are conducive to learning, that encourage and motivate students to want to learn and then design learning sequences for the students to participate in that result in growth and evolution. 

However, as the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink."  That critical moment, the most valuable part of the learning process relies on the student taking that step forward. 

I am always so proud of the students at Park Ridge Primary School as I move through classrooms and see how they approach challenges and get involved in their learning. I will often ask students what they are learning at that moment and without fail the students are able to articulate what they are developing or practising and can describe what has come before and what they are working towards in the learning sequence.  

I am sure that for many parents you receive little more than 'nothing' or 'not much' to queries about what they have been doing, but hopefully with a little digging they can elaborate more for you. 

For so long, education has been portrayed as a passive process - 'sit, stay quiet, learn' but nothing could be further from the truth. I'm pleased to see that examples of this were being celebrated throughout our school this (and every) week. 

Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

This week, in conjunction with our Open Night, we have participated in  National Reconciliation Week by taking part in a range of different activities most notably in Art.  If you haven't, please stop by the display on the Art Room windows.

Throughout each year, we plan and implement activities that help build on the respectful relationships we have with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait families and the broader community. It is an important part of our students' journey at Park Ridge to participate in a range of activities and experiences that help build a respectful understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions among the next generation of Australians that is critical to achieving reconciliation. 

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers, and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:

• washing and sanitising hands regularly
• avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
• staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2024 booster dose. You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Please feel free to pop in for a chat with either Carrie, Brendan or I, should you wish to discuss anything. 

Our doors are always open! 

Take care,

Mr. Dale Blythman