Assistant Principal -Junior School & Wellbeing Report

Junior School students returned to onsite learning four weeks ago.  This required them to re-adjust to the demands of school routines, bells, and crowds.  For the most part students transitioned back relatively smoothly, and it was great to see them reconnecting with peers and staff.  We have observed that several students are not meeting the requirements of the uniform policy and remind students that there is a process to follow, should they be out of uniform.  That process is outlined on page 21 of the student organiser. 

Year 9 Koorie Day – Wednesday 10th November

This day, organised by Aunty Amon, our Koorie Leader, and Fiona James aimed to enable students to deepen their understanding of our First Nation people and Aboriginal culture. Students participated in three sessions delivered by Uncle Kutcha Edwards, Uncle Ron Murray, and Alana Marsh. The students participated enthusiastically and respectfully.

Uncle Kutcha is an indigenous Australian singer, songwriter, and storyteller. He is a very  proud Mutti Mutti man and is a survivor of the Stolen Generations.  Uncle Ron Murray Uncle Ron is an Indigenous man from the Wamba Wamba tribe.  He is a much loved and highly respected Victorian Indigenous educator, storyteller, and musician. 

Alana Marsh is a Meriam woman (Torres Strait Islands), who grew up on mainland Australia, Bundjalung country which is on the Northern Coast of NSW.  She now lives on Wurundjeri country (Melbourne).  Alana is passionate about System Re-setting and sharing Wayapa Wuurrk.  Wayapa is a wellness model that focuses on mind, body, spirit and land and utilises mindfulness to connect with the land.

Remembrance Day – 11th November

Parkdale Secondary Junior School Leaders Summer Bailey and Brian Lim, Junior School Captains, joined Ms Natalie Baker in representing the school at the Mentone RSL Remembrance Day Service. Summer had the honour of reading “We Shall Keep the Faith”, a poem by Moira Michael, and recited it compassionately. 

Junior School Leadership

We are currently going through the process of appointing our Junior School Leaders for 2022.  This process involves students completing a written application, interview, and a presentation to their peers.  I congratulate all students who have submitted applications and look forward to meeting them at interviews next week.

Year 7 camp is back on and will run in the last week of term.  This will be a great opportunity for students to build relationships with their 2022 classes and their teachers. 

Transition Day is on Friday 26th November.  On this day students begin the transition to the next year level.  For our Year 7 and 8 students this day will encompass an ‘Online Safety’ presentation, a session of PAT Testing, and assemblies/presentations to prepare them for Rollover which starts on Monday 29th November.