PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Appropriate Drop Off and Pick Up Times

Due to some recent challenges, I would like to reiterate the importance of adhering to drop off and pick up times at Plenty Parklands. School gates are open for students at 8:30am, yet we have recently seen an increase in students being dropped off in the yard before this time. 

We cannot guarantee student safety before 8:30am, so we ask that if you do require support for the care of your children before this time, that you speak to the staff at TheirCare in our school hall. At the end of the school day, teaching staff are only required to be on duty until 3:45pm. 

A concerning number of students are still left in the office between 3:50-4:10pm, with no one to look after them. Again, if you require extra care for your children after the school day, can I ask that you please enrol them in the afterschool care program. 

Future Enrolments

The leadership team at Plenty Parklands is currently undertaking some extensive planning for 2026 and beyond in regard to our student population and the number of classes we can offer. Due to size constraints, the best number of individual classrooms available to us is 31, across the seven year levels. 

It is highly likely that we will only be able to run four Prep classes in 2026. This makes it even more important that if you have a child to enrol for next year, that you please let us know as soon as possible. We currently have over 120 families booked in for school tours, with a likelihood of only having 80 spots available.  If you would like one of these spots, please let us know now.

First Aid Phone Calls

Dealing with first aid issues in a primary school setting is an unenviable task. I know that I personally would not like to have to be the person differentiating between a child that is actually unwell, compared to a child that is maybe exaggerating their symptoms. 

One of the challenges we are facing is that some parents would like us to call them every time their child presents at first aid, whilst others can get annoyed when they are receiving multiple phone calls per week. As the Principal, I have advised the staff to err on the side of caution, allowing you as parents to decide whether to pick up your child or not. This is due to the fact you know your child best. Please be patient when dealing with our first aid staff, as it is definitely not an easy job. 

Interschool Sports Success

Tomorrow is the finals of the summer sports for our Year 5 and 6 students, and we have four teams participating in grand finals.

Congratulations to our students and staff involved in boys and girls Hot Shots tennis (coach Mr. Leslie), girls volleyball (coach Ms. Siedel) and girls netball (Mr. La Rocca). All  our students participating at these events will be at Marymede Catholic College tomorrow morning. We look forward to seeing how they go, and we are really confident that they will do us proud by showing our school values. With Mr. Scanu on leave, please contact Mr. Falcone should you have any questions about going to watch these events.

End of Term Organisation

I have a number of important activities to highlight for next week. On Thursday we have our end of term Assembly at 2:30pm, which will include our Specialist of The Term Awards. With students not in attendance on Friday due to Three Way Conferences, please note that Thursday is the final school day of the term and a 3:30pm finish is in place. 

Our Easter Raffle is also currently running, with plans for a new Gaga Pit should we be able to raise the two thousand dollars required. Please support us if possible, by purchasing then on the QKR app or at the office.

Happy holidays everyone!

David Whewell | Principal