From the Principal

SCHOOL REVIEW UPDATE

Last Tuesday marked the final day of our School Review. The Reviewer, Mrs Pattern, and the panel reviewed findings, set goals, and outlined key improvement strategies.

The Review confirmed our school's consistently high performance over the past four years, an impressive achievement despite COVID’s impact on our 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. Strengths highlighted included high-quality teaching and learning and a strong school culture supported by students, staff, and parents.

This process reaffirms our commitment to delivering excellent learning and wellbeing outcomes. We look forward to building on these strong foundations.

The final report will be submitted to the Department for approval. Special thanks to our Challenge Partners, Mrs Meirisch (Past Principal, Milgate PS) and Mrs Vesdrevanis (Principal, Donvale PS), for their insights, and to Mrs Kupinic, School Council Vice President, for her valuable contributions.

SCHOOL COUNCIL PARENT POSITIONS

Nominations are now open for the Park Orchards Primary School Council (2025-2027 term). We have four Parent Category positions available for a two-year term. Current members may renominate. If more than four parents apply, an election will be held.

Key Details:

• Eligibility: Parents only (Department of Education employees cannot serve at their workplace or child’s school).
• Meetings: Held on the third Tuesday of the month, when possible, at 7:00 pm.
• Subcommittees: Councillors join either Education or Facilities/Master Plan.
• Nomination Period: Opens today at 4:00 pm, closes Wednesday, March 12, at 9:00 am.

If you would like to nominate for a School Council Parent position, please download and complete the self-nomination form and email to me at:

bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au 

by 9:00 am on Wednesday, March 11.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Before School:

To ensure student safety, please refrain from dropping off children before 8:45 am unless they are enrolled in the TheirCare Before School Program.

The 8:45– 9:00 am arrival window allows for a fluid, smooth, supervised start to the day. However, we have observed students arriving as early as 8:30 am and being unsupervised at the gate or on the footpath, engaging in unsafe behaviour near the road, which poses a serious risk.

If your child requires supervision before 8:45 am, please use the TheirCare program.

Safe Bike Riding:

We’ve received reports of students riding unsafely to school, blocking pathways, riding recklessly near shops, and loitering around the Milk Bar.

If your child rides to school, please remind them to follow safe bike riding practices, be mindful of others, and represent our school responsibly while in uniform.

If you notice unsafe bike behaviour, please inform me so I can address it with the students and their parents.

Driver Behavior:

Mrs Bullen and I have observed unsafe driving on Bowmore Avenue, including children being called onto the road, which is extremely dangerous.

Bowmore Avenue has limited short-term parking, causing congestion. Double parking is illegal, and traffic inspectors have been asked to monitor the area.

Please prioritise safety by parking further away or arriving slightly later to reduce congestion and risk.

THANK YOU

It's wonderful to see Parents' Association community events starting strong this year. We had an excellent turnout of parents who helped cook pancakes for our students and staff this past Tuesday, a huge thank you to Mrs Campbell and Year 4 par for organising and coordinating the event, and to all the volunteers who assisted on the day .

WORKING BEE- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Friday 14 March 3:45- 5:00pm

The School Council's Facilities Sub Committee has organised a Working Bee for Friday, 14 March from 3:45 to 5:00 pm. Tasks include garden bed maintenance, vegetable patch upkeep, and cleaning the chicken coop. Families should bring garden gloves, hand tools, power tools, and a positive attitude. 

Key projects:

• We are finishing the clearing between the Gym and Rainbow Playground in preparation for interactive play landscaping. If anyone has a truck to help remove green waste, please let us know.
• We are also clearing and replanting the Foundation garden beds. If you have ideas or would like to help, please reach out.
• Thank you for your support!

A sausage sizzle will be provided for participants at the end.

If the weather is not suitable for a working bee a back up date has been planned for the following Friday March 21.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to our Division Swimming Team, Owen B, Beatrix C, Max C, Zach C, Xavier Ma, Luca S, Josh T, Ollie T, Declan S, and Lawrence Z, for demonstrating our school values in particular excellence while representing POPS at the Carnival last Monday.

Special congratulations to Beatrix C, who placed 2nd in the 9/10-year-old Girls Breaststroke event and will now compete at the Eastern Metropolitan Region Swimming Carnival.

Go to the Sports News page to read more about the student's swimming achievements.

• If your child has achieved something that the school can celebrate and acknowledge please email bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au
• Go to the From the Classroom page to read about what has been happening in the Specialist classrooms.
• Please visit the Student Wellbeing page to read about International Women's Day.

Have a great weekend,

Ms Garrity

Key Dates Week 7:

Mon March 10- Public Holiday 

Wed March 11- School Council Parent Self Nominations close/ Yr 3 & 5 NAPLAN- Writing

Thurs March 12- Yr 3 & 5 NAPLAN- Reading