Principal's Report

150 Year Celebration 

Our big celebration is fast approaching and we hope to see lots of present and former students and staff in attendance. The day will start at 10am with a formal welcome. Following the official opening our school band and choirs will be performing on the stage under the COLA. We will also have the Darebin Brass band and the Thornbury High School band performing throughout the day. 

There will be tours of the Senior School building every hour starting at 10.30am. I think for many of our former students the highlight will be the photo display in the PAC and the video we have made. The video contains interviews with a number of our former students. 

In the Milking Shed we will have Devonshire Tea and a cake stall. Our hope is that old school mates and former staff that haven’t seen each other for years will be able to sit and have a chat and reminisce over a cup of tea or coffee. 

We will also be selling merchandise on the day including pavers, tea towels, t-shirts and coffee mugs. 

Memories of Preston Primary from Phil Lewis 1959-1966

Phil provided us with a detailed account of his seven years at Preston. Unfortunately, it was too long to publish in full. These are his memories of starting school at the “little school” .

I started school with a whole bunch of other kids, and my friend Ray in 1959.  They were all about my size. 

Mum walked me to school on the first day.  It was only a few hundred yards from home.  She made sure I was all right and made her getaway with the other mothers before the trauma of parting got out of hand. 

On the corner of Shakespeare Avenue and Ellison Street, it was referred to as the “Little School”, a remote site from the “Big School” in Tyler Street.  It was for Preps and Grade 1 kids exclusively. 

The “Big School” or “Tyler Street Primary School” was officially known as Preston Primary School and was for Grades 2 to 6. 

After everybody stopped crying, it was alright.  Miss Twining was nice.  Ray and I sat together. 

Mum and Ray’s mother thought it would be a good idea to buy our clothes together from the same shop.  Ray and I quite often went to school dressed identically. 

When I got home from school, my hair was still stuck down just like Mum had done it that morning. 

The school grounds had a sand pit, swings, a small slide, a “monkey bar” and old car tyres. It was next door to a large rundown house on a large block.  The house had a huge peppercorn tree that overhung the playground. 

Most kids would have a few pennies in their pockets for a pie (with sauce) at lunchtime. Mum used to tie the correct amount into the corner of my clean hanky.  In the morning, kids submitted a brown paper bag with name, grade and lunch order written on it with the money inside. Almost like magic, there was always a hot pie or pastie with sauce waiting for us at lunch time. 

Other than Mondays, Mum always sent me to school with a cut lunch.  A sandwich, a piece of cake or a couple of biscuits, and an apple or a banana or maybe some sultanas.  Lunchtime was traumatic for some after cling wrap had been invented. Some kids spent all lunchtime trying to unwrap their lunch. 

I remember learning to read, but I think I already had some reading ability because of the nursery rhymes Mum used to read to me.  Just as well, I spent a lot of time off school due to various childhood sicknesses. 

The “John and Betty” first reader, although not a great gripping, thrill packed read with no plot, was easy enough to read and learn.  We graduated to the “Holidays” reader (featuring John and Betty) in Grade 1 which had a lot more words on the page. 

School Council 

At our last School Council meeting on Monday evening, we approved the Updated Student Dress Code Policy. 

The link to the policy is here:  Student Dress Code; please take the opportunity to read it. If you would like to provide any feedback please forward your thoughts to the school email account. 

Boys’ Soccer Team 

Last Wednesday our Boys’ Soccer team competed in the State Finals at Darebin Sports Centre in Thornbury. There were eight teams from across the state who made it to the state level. 

Our boys played in Pool A against St Augustine’s Wodonga, Kennington PS Bendigo and Ballarat Grammar. 

They won one game and drew the other two. While they didn’t make it through to the grand final they should all be very proud of their achievement.

Dale and I went to watch them, and although my soccer knowledge is very limited, I thought they did an outstanding job. The boys all played the games with great sportsmanship and encouragement for their fellow teammates. 

Thanks also should go to their magnificent coach Craig Smith. It was also great to see so many of their family members there to support the boys.

School Uniform 

Currently we have several students who are not wearing the correct school uniform on a regular basis. Our uniform is a colour-based uniform of royal blue and gold. The uniform does not have to have a school logo however it cannot have any other logos either. 

We also have a number of students wearing black and white long sleeved tops under their short sleeved polos. This is not part of our uniform and should not be worn. 

Hats 

As we are now in September and the UV is increasing it is compulsory for all children to wear a hat when they are outside. Children must wear a royal blue school hat. Parents can buy a bucket hat from the school Uniform Shop; however, the children can also wear a broadbrimmed hat (royal blue).

Children are not permitted to wear a baseball style hat.

Parents, please make sure your child has a clearly named hat in their bag at all times for the remainder of the year. Children who do not have a hat will be restricted to playing in an undercover area.

If your child needs a new hat, you can order one on Compass.

End Of Term 

Today’s Preston Post will be the last newsletter for the term. 

As we head into Term 4 there is a hint of sadness as it is our Grade 6 students’ last term at Preston Primary. As always, Term 4 will be very busy. 

On Friday September 19th we will be finishing school at 2.30 pm. 

I hope all our families have a very relaxing and enjoyable break. I look forward to everyone’s safe return on Monday October 6th.

Regards,

Janet Paterson,

Principal.