From the Principal
Welcome to Foundation 2024 families
We are now including new Foundation 2024 families in our distribution list for the newsletter. We hope that you will enjoy reading this newsletter which will keep you up to date with the activities at Parkdale Primary School. It is a good idea to read this with your kinder child to familiarise them with school routines - another step in preparing them to start school next year.
Uniform
Parkdale Primary School has a compulsory uniform policy. A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instils recognition of themselves as an integral part of the school community, and assists in developing pride in representing their school. It promotes equality amongst all students and develops a sense of pride in, and identification with our school. We understand that occasionally children will come to school out of uniform. We ask that if this occurs that the alternative clothing be of a similar colour to the uniform and as plain as possible, eg without popular branding.
For health and safety reasons and to assist with the control of head lice, all children (girls & boys) with hair that touches their collar needs to be tied back.
G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge
Our Grade 3, 4, 5 and 6 G.A.T.E.WAYS teams participated in the G.A.T.E.WAYS challenge last week at Aspendale Gardens Primary.
The G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge is a team-based national competition. Over the course of a day teams rotate through four different Challenges where the focus is on teamwork over individual performance. Each student has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in one of the Challenges. Strong emphasis is placed on creativity, lateral thinking and problem-solving skill. We will find out the results in a few weeks.
Southern Metropolitan Regional Athletics 2023
Well done to the 15 students who participated at the Regional Athletics yesterday (Wednesday) at Casey Fields Athletic Centre in Cranbourne East; and congratulations to the students who medalled in their events. Gold for the U9/10 girls 4x100m relay team (Audrey H, Eva R, Bo G and Mila B), gold - 9/10yr girls triple jump (Eliza O) and bronze - 11yr girls 800m (Eden B).
The students who finished first in their event now progress to the State Track and Field Primary Boys/Mixed Girls State Championships which takes place on Wednesday 1st November at the Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.
You can find full details of results and times on the School News page of this newsletter.
Allocation of 2024 Classes
When developing individual classes each year, teachers consider several factors including academic ability, social competencies, gender, students who work well together, those who may not work well together and friendship groupings. Whilst the students are consulted about current friendships, it is only one of the criteria considered because building new relationships is also part of our education process and an important skill for students to develop.
The placement of students is a complex process where teachers put great thought into their planning. They discuss, reflect, and review their decisions over a period of time.
On occasions parent perspective can also add information to support this process. If you have any valuable information regarding class placement for your child for 2024, that is above and beyond what the classroom teacher and leadership team already know of your child, you may make a written request for consideration.
Any parent request must be in writing/email to Leanne Bradney no later than Friday 20th October 2023. Information will only be considered if in writing and received by the due date. Requests will not be considered after this date.
Naming a specific teacher or nominating other students will not be considered. Children are given the opportunity to list friends they would like to be with and are guaranteed at least one student from their list.
If parents have written requests in previous years, we do not retain these as students’ needs change from year to year. If the consideration from a previous year is still important, a new letter should be written.
There may often be a reason why your request is not granted. It is therefore important not to indicate to your child that you have made a request as this may lead to unnecessary disappointment.
I encourage you to trust our school’s judgement and value our teachers as professionals, as the welfare of every child in our school is our prime consideration.
Mrs Richards is on leave from Friday 13th October – Friday 27th October, and Mr Bainbridge is on leave from Wednesday 18th October – Friday 20th October. I will be on leave from Monday 23rd October to Tuesday 31st October.
Leanne Bradney
Principal