Principal Report

December 2023

When I look back to the start of the year and the issues with getting into the new building, the fencing all around the courtyards restricting access and the sea of new year 7 students you just realise how quickly a year can pass by.

Without wanting to look back too far it has made me reflect on the disruptions of the COVID years and the building program and the impacts on students which can be so subtle that you don’t notice or fully understand the impact these things have at the time. The commentary and observations have shown how much more settled the students are now these events are behind us. Just the simple task of walking from W wing to N block is now infinitely easier which puts everyone at ease. This will only improve further as the memories recede.

I am already looking forward to another fresh start in 2024.

Capital Works

After many delays the C Block toilet refurbishment and associated landscaping works went out to tender. We have given a tour of the areas for four potential contractors and the tender has now closed. We look forward to these works being completed to further improve the grounds and the facilities for the students.

Unfortunately given the constant delays the completion time will be the end of term 1 2024.

Rollover

On Monday 27th November, with the exam period finished, it was time for all students to move up to their 2024 year levels. Students met new classmates and new teachers and began the next chapter of their educational journey. In particular, the now Y12 students began their important final VCE/Vocational Major year. There is a period of adjustment over this time particularly in the junior levels where friendship groups are broken up when the new classes are formed. With the assistance of the well being team and coordinators students are taught and learn resilience skills through this process.

Year 12 results

The Year 12 results were released on Monday 12th December. For the breakdown of the results please see the Year 12 results report in this newsletter. It was very pleasing to see the reward for the effort and commitment that students had put into their studies. All students can be proud of their achievements. As always, it is important to keep in mind that an ATAR does not define the person and there are many avenues open for student’s post-secondary education. Our careers, wellbeing and senior school teams are all be available to assist students to discuss their options.

Celebration of Student Achievement 2023

This event was held on Monday 11th December at the Frankston Civic Centre. We presented the academic/leadership awards. It is fantastic to be able to celebrate student achievements with their families and staff.

I congratulate all award recipients who have exhibited our college motto “pergo et perago” to excel throughout the year.

Staffing

As with all years there has been a steady outgoing and corresponding incoming of staff for the start of 2024. A number of teachers have attained promotion positions to other schools, some have decided that for their own professional growth they need to experience a different educational setting as they move through their career, for others it is a lifestyle decision, others a result of permanent staff returning to work and for some it is into the next phase of life and retirement.

So, we will farewell Mr Jamie Cumming, Ms Choi Leng Chen, Ms Courtney Leong, Mr Dan Myers, Mr Chuong Ly, Ms Lucie Cheron, Ms Julia Dharda, Mr Bradley Cooke, Mr Rhys Mahon, Ms Kylie De Niese, Ms Jessieca Penn, Ms Alysha Allcock, Mr Mathias Kasambalis and Ms Pauline White at the end of the 2023 school year. I thank these staff for their work with the students of Parkdale SC.

With these departures, and others through the year, there is the obvious influx of new staff. I will present the list of new and returning staff in the first newsletter of 2024.

Student Leaders 2024

After a process including written application, interview, speech to senior school and voting from students and staff I am pleased to announce the following as our student leaders for 2024.

POSITION

STUDENT

COLLEGE CAPTAINS

Ankita Mahanty

Rhys Wiggett

COLLEGE VICE CAPTAINS

Summer Bailey

Alice Roberts

I also take this opportunity to congratulate all students who nominated for these positions. The quality of the candidates made the final decision very difficult for the panel.

In closing I take this opportunity to wish every member of the Parkdale SC college community a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.

Sports News

by Adam Paterson