Principals' Weekly Update

Dear Armadale Community,

We hope you are all well and enjoying the wonderful sunny days we are recently experiencing. The children are excited by the noticeable changes in the gardens and the new growth evident heralding the start of spring.

Our Safe Routes to School launch is happening tomorrow morning starting at 8am. You may have already noticed all of the stamps on the pavement outside of our school or in the nearby streets. Please join us on one of the routes to school or stay for the special assembly to launch the safe route to school at 9.00 am on Friday morning.

Farewell to Pippa Cocks

Sadly Pippa has decided to move away from teaching at Armadale Primary School and we wish her all the very best with her new adventures. Pippa has been a teacher at Armadale Primary for 24 years and during that time she has left her mark on so many children. Pippa has been a classroom teacher, teacher of Italian, Music, Drama, Visual and Creative Arts; Dance and Drama. She has led choirs, the School Orchestra, the Instrumental Music program, Sustainable Education and has secured many Arts projects and Creative partnerships for the children to enjoy. Pippa will still be involved with the school until August 15th as she has committed to supporting Jenny, Luca and the Year 5/6 students in their Wakakirri performance at the Frankston Arts Centre on August 14th. We know that the school community will join with us in thanking Pippa so very much for her contribution to education at our school over the years and she will be very much missed by us all. We will begin the recruitment process shortly to acquire a new Arts teacher to continue Pippa's wonderful legacy.

And a few words from Pippa herself ....

Dear Armadale Community,

I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible journey I have had at Armadale Primary School.

Firstly, a huge thank you to all my colleagues for their friendship, support, shared purpose and their dedication and care for all students.

To students – past and present. Watching you grow, struggle, succeed and discover your potential, sparking an interest in the arts or care for the environment has been a very rewarding part of my career.

To the families and wider community – thank you for making this place feel like a community, not just a workplace. Your incredible support and collaboration ensure our students thrive.

I will miss many aspects of the school, but I feel proud to have contributed in some small way to the fabric of the Armadale Primary School community. I also can’t wait to hear how the school continues to grow and develop in the future.

Pippa Cocks

Farewell Clare – Our Wonderful Garden Educator

This term, we say a heartfelt farewell to Clare, our incredible garden educator. Clare’s talent, passion and commitment to creating beautiful, vibrant garden spaces around our school has been truly priceless. From flourishing veggie patches to blooming flower beds, Clare has helped our school not only look fabulous, but also become a space where students can connect with nature, learn about sustainability, and get their hands dirty in the best way possible.

Clare, your presence, creativity and green thumb will be deeply missed by students, staff, and families alike. We sincerely thank you for everything you’ve brought to Armadale and wish you all the best as you take on your exciting new full-time role.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Anna Parry, Perdie (3/4N) and Tom’s (PR) mum, as she steps into the garden educator role. With her background in art, Anna will bring a fresh and creative perspective to the garden program and we look forward to seeing how her unique talents will shape this next chapter.

Thank you, Clare and welcome, Anna!

Armadale's Got Rock Bands!

Calling all interested children who would would like to form a rock band, please see the flier in the newsletter. What an exciting opportunity to showcase your musical talents.

We already have a few students signed up but it would be much better if we had a few bands to battle it out at the end of term to make the experience more exciting for the whole school. Sign up through the QR code on the flier.

Teachers vs Year 6 Netball Match: A Fun Filled Showdown

The Community Building SRC team, led by Indi and Miraya, brought the school together in the best possible way this week, with a friendly (and slightly competitive!) netball match between the teachers and Year 6 students. After much deliberation over possible games, netball came out on top. The SRC ensured that every interested Year 6 student had a chance to play, while the teachers swiftly pulled together their team and brought their A game.

With Allira providing the soundtrack, the atmosphere was electric. Students and staff lined the sidelines, cheering loudly for both teams. It was a joyful celebration of teamwork, community and school spirit.

The teachers may have claimed victory this time, but there's already talk of a rematch.

Year 6 are ready to bounce back!