Assistant Principal Report Senior School
by Aaron Petersen
Assistant Principal Report Senior School
by Aaron Petersen
YEAR 12 FORMAL
We recently celebrated the much-anticipated Year 12 Formal, an evening that shone with the glamour and excitement of our students dressed in their finest. The dance floor was heaving as students celebrated their special night together. The joy and laughter that was shared has set a positive tone for the year and highlighted the importance of social events in fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Sincere thanks to our incredible Year 12 team who worked tirelessly to ensure the night was a success. Faya Mrad, Lucas Vogt, Carly Gaffney and Kelly Pondard all went over and above supporting the students before the event and the night could not have been such a success without their efforts.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Our student leaders recently coordinated International Women’s Day events at the school. At Parkdale SC, we are proud of the incredible women and girls who lead, mentor, strive, and achieve every day. Whether in the classroom, in the community, in STEM, in sport, or beyond, they inspire us with their determination, resilience, and passion. Students wore white ribbons to celebrate the strength, voices, and impact of women in our school and community.
Jas, Matilda and Ava represented the college at Kingston’s annual Women of the Year Awards. The Awards celebrate the outstanding contribution that women make to industry, community, and society. Not only did our students celebrate the women who are leaders in their field, but they also got involved with an impromptu dance session with Jalwa Dance Company.
YEAR 10 DRAMA
The energy and enthusiasm of our Year 10 Drama class shone brightly during their fantastic performances of "Magic Book of Fairytales" bringing so many classic fairytales to life!
This week's performances for the local primary schools were a wonderful success, and it was a joy to see the younger students so captivated by our student’s storytelling. The success of a production like this isn't just about what happens on stage, though. It's about the countless hours of hard work that go on behind the scenes. Their dedication to rehearsals, the meticulous crafting of props and sets, the costumes, and the makeup and design all contributed to a truly magical experience.
A special thank you must go to Ms. Tebbutt for her expert guidance and unwavering support throughout this process. Her dedication and passion for drama and her mentorship has been invaluable.
SPORT
Term 1 also saw our athletes make a splash at the House Swimming event and excel in the Senior Sport Round Robin. These events not only showcased the exceptional talent and sportsmanship within our school, but also emphasised the value of healthy competition and teamwork. Our swimming team had an outstanding day at the Kingston Division Championships. A host of students qualified for the Southern Metropolitan Final and several senior and intermediate teams have done the same at their gala days.
PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents who attended the Parent-Teacher interviews. These meetings are a vital communication bridge between home and school, ensuring we are aligned in our goals for your children's education and wellbeing. Your engagement and support are invaluable to us. We have heard lots of positive feedback about the opportunity to complete interviews either online or in person.
VISIT FROM MARK DREYFUS
Our senior and junior school captains met with Mark Dreyfus MP for a Q&A session that covered politics, global affairs, leadership and the law. As well as being the Federal Member for Isaacs, Mr Dreyfus is also the Attorney-General of Australia and Cabinet Secretary for the Government. Students were able to ask a question of Mr Dreyfus after he presented them with a leadership award.
Year 12 Camp:
Our Year 12 students will be gearing up for one of the most exciting highlights of the year at the start of term 2 - the Year 12 Camp at The Summit. Running from Tuesday, 22nd April to Thursday, 24th April, this camp is an incredible opportunity for students to create lasting memories, strengthen connections, and push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Throughout the camp, students will take part in team-building activities, personal challenges, and dedicated sessions for English and VCE VM, all designed to support their academic and personal growth. Whether it's conquering a high ropes course or engaging in reflective discussions, this experience will play a valuable role in their final year of school.
A reminder for all students to refer to the packing list and ensure they have everything they need for the trip. Please bring a packed lunch for the first day.
We look forward to seeing our Year 12s embrace this adventure and make the most of this fantastic opportunity!
Year 11 Futures:
From Tuesday, 22nd April to Thursday, 24th April, our Year 11 students will take part in a dynamic three-day program designed to support their careers, wellbeing, and personal development. This program will provide valuable insights and skills as students prepare for their final years of schooling and beyond.
The schedule includes career and team-building sessions, a safe partying presentation, and wellbeing workshops, with expert guest speakers from SpinChat, Whole New World, and a careers presentation by Tyson Day. The program will conclude with visits to tertiary institutions on Thursday, giving students a firsthand look at future study and career pathways.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with important topics, build connections, and gain valuable knowledge for their future. We encourage all students to participate actively and make the most of this experience!