Parents & Friends with a passion for Koonung

Welcome to Term 1: Join the Vibrant Koonung Community!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers

We're thrilled to celebrate an incredible achievement: over 130 dedicated volunteers contributed to PFA events in 2024. Many of these unsung heroes went above and beyond, lending their time and energy to multiple events and tasks. We want to extend a massive thank you to each and every one of you for your tireless efforts.

Your behind-the-scenes work is what makes our events truly special. Your commitment and enthusiasm are the driving force behind the PFA's success. We're grateful for your passion and dedication to our school community. Thank you again for all that you do.

As we kick off another exciting year, we invite you to connect with fellow Koonung families and be part of something special. The Parents and Friends Association (PFA) is a dynamic group of parents, guardians, carers and friends who work together to enrich our school community.

Be Part of the Fun

We host a variety of engaging events, fundraisers and special projects such as enhancing outdoor spaces, all designed to bring everyone closer together. But we need your creativity and enthusiasm. We are calling on more parents to share their ideas and lend a hand at our events.

Let's Build a Stronger Community Together

By participating, you'll help create memorable experiences and foster a sense of belonging among our families. Join us and make a real difference! For more information, simply reach out to pfa@koonung.vic.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Andy Bee

On behalf of the PFA team

A Warm Welcome to Koonung's New Year 7 Families

On the first day of school, the Koonung Parents and Friends Association (PFA) and teachers extended a heartfelt welcome to our new Year 7 parents. Over steaming cups of coffee and tea, accompanied by delicious refreshments, we celebrated the start of an exciting new chapter. The perfect weather set the tone for a wonderful morning of mingling and making new friends.

Special Thanks to Our Volunteers

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Trina, Angela, Ari, Amanda, Vittoria and AndyB for volunteering on the day to welcome the new families to Koonung. Your efforts helped make this event truly special.

Stay Connected Throughout the Year

Stay tuned to this newsletter and our PFA WhatsApp groups for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to connect with your school community. We look forward to sharing many more memorable moments together.

PFA Outdoor Transformation Project

Exciting News: Stage 3 - Koonung PFA Oval Transformation Project is Complete

We are thrilled to announce the latest milestone in our PFA Oval Transformation Project. Following the stunning new garden at the school entrance and the significant improvements to the oval, Stage 3 is now complete. This phase features an impressive cantilever-style shaded area, beautifully complemented by timber-look outdoor seating, adding a touch of elegance to the oval's surroundings.

A Big Thank You to Our Community

This achievement would not have been possible without your generous support. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents who have contributed through direct donations, volunteered their time, and participated in our fundraisers like mango and pasta sales. Additionally, proceeds from our second hand uniform shop and book sales have played a crucial role in making this vision a reality.

Collaboration Makes It Happen

We also appreciate the invaluable collaboration and support from the school leadership and facilities teams. Together, we've created a wonderful space for our children to enjoy. We hope you share our excitement and look forward to seeing our students thrive in this enhanced environment.

Second hand Uniform Shop

Join the Heart of Our Community: Koonung's Second hand Uniform Shop

Every Friday from 2pm to 3:15pm during school terms, our vibrant second hand uniform shop comes alive, thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers. We would like to extend a huge thank you to May Na, Sophia and Mei for their tireless efforts running the shop every week, plus the many volunteers who helped out last year - Gerti, Alexandra, Angela, Natalie, Lizzie, Danielle and Martina. Your contributions have made a real difference and we're grateful for your commitment.

A Big Thank You to Our Generous Donors

We also want to express our sincere appreciation to all Koonung parents and carers who have donated or submitted uniforms for sale. Your kindness and support have enabled us to raise vital funds for our school, enhancing the experience for our students.

Be Part of the Team

Whether you can spare just one hour a month, we invite you to join our team of volunteers. Your time will help us continue to make a positive impact. For more information, please reach out to us at secondhanduniforms@koonung.vic.edu.au.

Second Hand Book Sale

We would like to extend a massive thank you to Zoe, Megan and Louise for their exceptional leadership and dedication to our 2024 book sale. Alongside an incredible team of volunteers, they orchestrated an outstanding event that truly made a difference. Your tireless efforts and meticulous organisation have earned the deep appreciation of our entire school community.

Join the Team: Help Make This Year's Book Sale Unforgettable

As we look forward to this year's book sale, we're eager to welcome more volunteers to our organising committee. If you're passionate about books, community or just want to contribute to a great cause, we invite you to join us. Please reach out to us at pfa@koonung.vic.edu.au to learn more about how you can be part of this exciting event. Let's work together to make this year's book sale an unforgettable success.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Donors

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the generous Koonung parents and carers who have donated or submitted books for sale. Your kindness and generosity have been instrumental in helping us raise essential funds for our school. These contributions have a direct impact on enriching the educational experience for our students, and we truly appreciate your support.

Stay Connected with Koonung's Vibrant Community on WhatsApp!

We're excited to announce that our WhatsApp groups for each year level have been refreshed for 2025. These groups are a fantastic way to nurture our community spirit, stay informed and connect with fellow parents.

Join the Conversation

Ready to join in? Simply click the link for your child's year level below. If you're already part of the group, don't worry, you will automatically move forward with your child as they progress through Koonung. Haven't joined yet? Now is the perfect time to connect with other parents and be part of the conversation.

Koonung PFA News

Keep up to date with PFA news and announcements by clicking this link https://chat.whatsapp.com/DyJZv7jLeRs2KH7ix1E6Fn

2025 Year 7 parents & carers

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bl0fcPIeULmF5fCGX7GffS

2025 Year 8 parents & carers

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GbcJqfgk00522n5mjb3Wr2

2025 Year 9 parents & carers

https://chat.whatsapp.com/DCf3gzmWMHD6trvITkhDpT

2025 Year 10 parents & carers

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJeO7MdWY090zuftBZI4yI

2025 Year 11 parents & carers

https://chat.whatsapp.com/I17H3ldHEvl5w8UbGCijzn

2025 Year 12 parents & carers

https://chat.whatsapp.com/HjqluQXdJnMHJTJ8EVuNIR

Connect with Koonung's Chinese Community on WeChat

Our vibrant Chinese community has over 130 members and we invite you to join our friendly WeChat group, where you can connect with fellow families and share experiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to build friendships and strengthen our community bonds.

To become part of this dynamic group, simply reach out to Peihoon Heng at 0431615181 or connect with her on WeChat @Peihoon1. She'll be happy to share the link and welcome you to our community. Let's stay connected and support each other throughout the year.

Become a Parent Representative: Help Build a Stronger Community

Are you eager to connect with fellow parents in your child's year level? We invite you to join us as a Parent Representative! No prior experience is required, just a willingness to help foster friendships and community spirit. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and create lasting memories.

Bring Your Ideas to Life

Imagine organising casual coffee meetups, cozy dinners or fun-filled Sunday picnics; whatever activities you enjoy! We recommend having two representatives per year level to share the fun and support each other. The PFA are here to help and facilitate any events you wish to organise, providing you with the resources and support you need.

Take the First Step

For more information on how to get started, please reach out to us via email at pfa@koonung.vic.edu.au. Let's work together to build a vibrant and connected community for all Koonung families.

Join the PFA Committee for 2025: Be Part of Something Special

As we embark on a new year, we invite you to join the PFA Committee and help shape the future of our vibrant school community. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Monday, 31st March 2025, at 7pm, followed by an ordinary meeting. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

New Opportunities to Make a Difference

Each year, our roles become vacant to give others the opportunity to have a crack and so we're calling on enthusiastic volunteers to step forward and be nominated for election at the AGM. Key roles include President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. We also have two specialised roles: Events Coordinator and WhatsApp Admin Coordinator. If you have a passion for organising events or engaging with the community, these roles are perfect for you.

No Experience Needed, Just a Willing Spirit

You can self-nominate for any of these roles, and being part of the committee is a rewarding way to contribute to the school while making new friends. It's a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of our community and make a real impact.

Learn More and Get Involved

To discover more about the committee roles, becoming a member or to submit your self-nomination, please email us at pfa@koonung.vic.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make 2025 an unforgettable year.

PFA Roles and Responsibilities

PFA President

Run PFA meetings and review minutes.
Act as the liaison between PFA and Koonung for requests and inquiries.
Ensure PFA events have volunteer teams to support them.
Represent PFA at events such as School Council, Information Night, etc.
Serve as a point of contact and support for information regarding PFA events.
Facilitate the funding process for teachers’ requests for assistance.
Write the end-of-year PFA report.

PFA Vice President

Assist the PFA President with activities and meetings.
Collaborate with the President in planning and coordinating PFA events.
Run PFA meetings in the President’s absence.
Serve as a point of contact and support for information regarding PFA events.
Represent PFA at events such as School Council, Information Night, etc.

PFA Secretary

Record minutes of every PFA meeting.
Document attendance and apologies.
Record all correspondence received.
Email minutes to the PFA group.
Assist the President with correspondence as required.

PFA Treasurer

Liaise with Koonung Business Manager to manage PFA accounts (PFA account is a sub-account of school accounts; PFA has no direct access or control of the funds).
Prepare PFA accounts using Excel spreadsheets before each PFA meeting.
Must be proficient in Excel and good with numbers.
Present a summary of income and expenditure at each meeting (Treasurer’s Report).
Prepare the annual budget for PFA activities and calculate available funds for PFA-funded purchases.

Events Coordinator

Lead and organize fundraising events and liaise with the school accordingly.
Support the committee with other PFA events.

WhatsApp Admin Coordinator

Create a new Year 7 WhatsApp group annually.
Update the Welcome flyer for the new Year 7 group for their info pack.
Manage & moderate the WhatsApp groups for all year levels.
Support the PFA committee, subcommittees, and parent representatives as required.

Please contact us at pfa@koonung.vic.edu.au if you have any questions or would like more information.

Thank you and have a great 2025.

Kind regards

Andy Bee

On behalf of the PFA team

Lunchtime Activities