Principal's Desk

Parent Payments (Financial Contributions)

At this month’s School Council meeting, the Parent Payments (Financial Contributions) for 2026 were finalised. I’m pleased to share that, thanks to careful planning and budgeting, there will be no price increase for 2026.

As in previous years, once payment is made through Compass, book packs will be delivered directly to your child’s classroom from mid-November, with all additional items supplied by the school, during 2026.

All student computers and iPads will continue to be provided by the school, ensuring every child has access to the necessary technology for learning.

Full details can be found on Compass under ‘Course Confirmation.’

Introduction of Navy Blue polo for 2026

Following the successful introduction of the navy polos for our Year 6 students this year, School Council has approved the expansion of this option for all students from the beginning of the 2026 school year. Both short- and long-sleeve navy polos will be available to order early next year, ready for the start of the school year through our supplier.

We will continue to offer the yellow polo option indefinitely through our uniform supplier, Spartan. To complement this change and preserve the special identity of our Year 6 students, their polo design will be updated to feature a combination of both, navy and yellow panelling.

Instrumental Music Tuition - offered in 2026

Over the past six months, Mr Graeme Stewart and I have been working closely with Groove Foundations to plan the introduction of an individual music tuition program. While we had initially hoped to launch the program this term, we have decided to commence at the beginning of 2026 to ensure everything is well-prepared. Once Mr Stewart returns from leave, we will move into the final planning phase and share more details with the school community about the instruments available and the associated lesson costs.

This initiative marks an exciting next step as we continue to expand the range of programs and opportunities available to all students at Park Ridge.

Hay Fever Season

Just a reminder that with Spring comes hay fever. If you require us to store hay fever medication at the office, we require a Medical Action Plan which is completed annually by your General Practitioner. 

Seeking Support - 2026 Student Learning Groups

Next month, we will begin working with students to identify five (5) classmates they work well with.

I encourage you to have this same conversation at home. It’s important for students to understand that the people they work best with aren’t always their closest friends — and may even be students from another class. Talking about this together helps them make thoughtful choices that support their learning and wellbeing.

When students provide their list, the names are not ranked or preferenced. From these five, we ensure that each child is placed with at least one — and, in most cases, several — of their chosen peers. If you’ve recently submitted a placement request that includes specific names, please discuss this with your child to make sure their selections align.

These small but meaningful conversations make a big difference. They help us create balanced, supportive class groups and the best possible learning environments for 2026.

Please note that once the class placement process begins, it becomes extremely difficult to make changes. We appreciate families’ understanding and respect for the thorough process involved in creating classes, and we ask that no changes be requested once the communicated timelines have passed.

Melbourne Cup Day

Tuesday 4 November, is Melbourne Cup Day. This is a Public Holiday and students are not required to be at school.

Staff Professional Practice Day

Wednesday 5 November, is our whole school staff Professional Practice Day. Teachers will be spending the day writing student reports, therefore students will not be required at school on this day. 

Wishing you a great week ahead. As always, feel free to drop in for a chat with Carrie, Brendan or myself. Our doors are always open! 

Take care,

Mr. Dale Blythman