PPS School Council Report

As we move into the final weeks of the school year, your school council would like to share with you some of our 2023 activities.

Throughout the year, we continued our focus on improving the school buildings and grounds, with the Grade 2 building being the priority. We have sought support from local MP Tim Richardson to help further our cause, as our aim is to secure funding to replace this entire building. In the meantime, the building has been restumped and applications to the Victorian School Building Authority have been made for minor improvements - such as window replacements. Work on securing government funding for the Grade 2 building will carry over into 2024 and we will keep the school community updated. A number of outdoor works have been undertaken, including the fabulous Japanese Garden.  

Other general activities of school council this year involved:

• Staying informed on the progress of the school’s Annual Implementation Plan (AIP). All schools are required to prepare a four-year strategic plan and the AIP supports this strategic plan. The school is progressing well against its priorities of numeracy, literacy and wellbeing. 
• Considering the school’s NAPLAN results, responses to the parent surveys (thank you to all parents who responded to this survey) as well as the student survey results.  
• Monitoring the new after school care provider TheirCare.
• Complying with the Victorian child safe standards. In 2023, members undertook this important training as it forms part of our role as school councillors.

The school community is so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of teachers at Parkdale, which is apparent not only in our educational outcomes but also the range of fantastic events the school is able to offer the children i.e. the fabulous concert at the Palais Theatre, camps, garden club and the various sporting activities.

We are also grateful to have such an engaged group of parents willing to volunteer their time to the Parkdale Parents Association (the PPA). The work put in by these parents to run events and implement initiatives for the benefit of the school is so appreciated. Thank you also to the class representatives and all parents that have volunteered at any time throughout the year. Below is a list of activities and projects the PPA has funded throughout the year.

• Outdoor seating in combination with SRC (to be installed over the holidays)
• Grade 6 Graduation t-shirts and cake
• Japanese Garden
• Cubby house 
• Sand pit
• Wellbeing day activities

Thank you to our 2023 school captains, leaders and also the SRC - who have contributed to a fantastic year including fundraising for the new outdoor tables. All the very best to our Grade 6 students as they wrap up their time in the Parkdale PS community and look towards the next exciting phase in their schooling. 

If you are interested in becoming involved in the school council, elections will be held early in 2024. Please look out for information on the nomination process. 

School council wishes everyone at Parkdale a safe and happy holiday season and a fantastic start to 2024!