There are so many wonderful things to celebrate at Athol Road PS….

I would like to congratulate the Year 5/6 students for their exceptional work and impressive displays at the Travel Expo this week. It was evident that the students poured their creativity, dedication, and passion into this project. The Travel Expo showcased not only their knowledge about various destinations but also their ability to present information in engaging and informative ways. The exhibits, presentations, and enthusiasm truly captured the essence of each country, transporting us on a journey around the world without leaving the school premises. It was great to see parents visit the Travel Expo to share and celebrate the learning with their children. Well done Year 5/6 Team - students and teachers!

I am so proud of Student Voice Council for the outstanding job they did in organising a successful PJ Day fundraiser. The PJ Day was not only fun but it also served a noble purpose - raising funds for families in need. The ability of Student Voice Council to rally the school community behind a meaningful cause and create a sense of unity is a testament to their leadership skills. PJ Day raised $631.50 AND in addition, we have a mini supermarket in the office!! Student Voice Council, with the help of Catherine in the office, now have the important job in packing the supermarket items in boxes ready to donate to families in need. Thank you to Miss Nesbitt for all her work with Student Voice Council and to the school community for your donations and helping make PJ Day a success. Your collaborative spirit exemplifies the sense of community that makes our school such a special place.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and send LOTS of encouragement to Miss Brewer and the dance students as they embark on the final stretch of preparations for the upcoming Victorian State School Spectacular at the John Caine Arena. Their dedication, talent, and hard work have already shone brightly, and I have no doubt that the next three days will be nothing short of spectacular! The journey to this moment has been marked by countless hours of practice, collaboration, and fine-tuning and the next three days will bring their fair share of excitement, challenges, and nerves.

Best wishes Miss Brewer and the VSSS students for an amazing three days of rehearsal and an unforgettable performance! The Spectacular is a celebration of your passion, creativity, and the incredible potential that resides within each of you - always remember that you are part of something remarkable!

Congratulations to Ms Meade and our Year 5/6 students who have entered an Australian Game Design competition and have been shortlisted! The game design competition is through Arludo – a company creating videogames to engage and inspire students to help them understand and use science in their lives. The two teams shortlisted are:

'Neutron Light' by Jordan T, Steven H and Ryan T
'Planatia' by Trisha, Kevin N, Laura S, Amaan and Celina

Please get behind our two student teams by voting. Refer to page 5 for the information and links to vote. This information is also on the Sentral Parent Portal.

Thank you to Mr Keleher and Mr Hunter for supporting our students to participate in the upcoming Greater Dandenong Division Primary Track and Field Carnival held at Casey Fields. Athol Road PS has a total of 25 Individual Student Entries and 4 Relays. Whether sprinting down the track, clearing hurdles, launching into the air for a long jump, high jump, triple jump or showing their strength in shot put and discus, I have no doubt that our students will put in their very best effort.

Farewell and Best Wishes: We have 2 staff members leaving ARPS at the end of Term 3 to embark on a new chapter and explore new opportunities:

Miss Ella Mechelen – Speech Pathologist

Thank you, Miss Mechelen, for your significant contribution at Athol Road PS and Kindergarten.

Your patience, expertise, and compassion has supported the learning and development for so many students and you have truly fostered their confidence and self-esteem. Your presence at our school has been a source of comfort and reassurance for parents, knowing that their children were in the capable hands of someone who truly cared. Your ability to connect with students, to make therapy sessions engaging and fun, and to provide guidance to families, teachers and support staff has been invaluable.

May your private practice be filled with fulfilling experiences, continued growth, and the knowledge that you are making a real difference.

Mr Scott Tunnicliffe – Year 5/6 Teacher

Thank you Mr Tunnicliffe for your flexible attitude and warm approach to teaching and learning at ARPS. You have built many positive relationships over the years and no doubt the students will miss you. The genuine care you've shown your students has created a learning environment where students feel valued, respected, and will remember you for years to come. We wish you all the best for a fulfilling future and we look forward to hearing about the new opportunities and endeavours that are ahead.

Aussie of the Month

Congratulations to our two Aussie of the Month students. Andrew in Foundation and Darany in Year 1. Both students were proudly presented with their award at last week’s assembly.

Well done, keep up the great work. The ARPS community is very proud of you 😊

School Holidays

Reminder: The last day of Term 3 is Friday 15th September and students will be dismissed at 2.30pm.
Term 4 commences Monday 2nd October at 8.50am.
PLEASE ensure your child brings their SUNSMART SCHOOL HAT to school every day in Term 4.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy the time with family and friends and remember to get outdoors and soak in some sunshine – hopefully we will have some beautiful sunny days to enjoy!

Carmel Nigro

Acting Principal

Premiers' Reading Challenge