PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Welcome Back!

Today is day seven of learning for students at Plenty Parklands. Both students and staff have made a great start to the school year. In particular, I would like to thank families for the way they have been following our school values when bringing students to and from school. It has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces at the front gate in the morning.

New Prep Process

We had over 90 Prep students start school last week. I am proud to report that they have made an unbelievable start to their school life. This year we have tried a new process which involved Prep students starting before anyone else but not attending school on Wednesdays until 11th March. 

On these Wednesdays, our Prep teachers complete assessments with their students. I will be interested to see how the new process goes when we review it in early April.  

Support Programs

We are just finalising student lists for our support programs. We have close to 150 students who will be involved in these programs for semester one. Parents will be notified if their children are in one of our programs. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions.

New Playground

It is exciting to see day two of our new playground installation. Yesterday, the workers from Adventure Plus removed the old playground and today they have begun construction of the new facility. 

We are expecting works to be completed by 17th February. We will keep families updated via Facebook with photos as it all comes together. 

Lynne Macdonald

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Plenty Parklands Inaugural Principal, Mrs. Lynne Macdonald. Lynne passed away last week after a short battle with heart complications. 

A number of senior staff will be attending a celebration of her life on 16th February. Lynne was integral in the successful move from the Bundoora Primary School site, where the ring road now exists, to our new Blossom Park Drive site in 1999. She served as the PPPS Principal for 9 years until 2008, when she retired from the Department of Education. Families with students in our red house colour will be aware that Macdonald house is named after her.

Opening and Closing School Gates

In an effort to increase safety around the school, I have had to tighten the times around when we open and lock the gates on the external fence around the outside of the school. Please note that going forward the gates will be locked at 9:05am in the morning after students have arrived. 

If your child is arriving after this time, please send them through our main administration office. At the end of the school day gates will be opened from 3:20pm (3:25pm closest to the Prep playground). While this may be challenging for parents waiting to enter on hot days, my priority is ensuring the safety of our students.

Lollypop Person Day

On Friday 6th February (tomorrow) it is Crossing Supervisor Day across our country. Can I take this opportunity to thank Donna, Maria & Bruce for the wonderful job they do each day keeping our students and families safe as they are crossing the road to come and go from school. 

If you see them tomorrow don’t forget to give them a shoutout.

Have a great weekend,

David Whewell | Principal