Principal's Report
As the end of another school year nears, it’s time to thank our whole school community.
Firstly, we thank our staff for their dedication to providing a full, stimulating and challenging educational experience for our students. At Gardenvale we are so fortunate to have the most amazing, hardworking staff! I am in awe of their skills, abilities and willingness to put in that ‘little bit extra’ – not only that, but they are also truly exceptional people to work with and they work together magnificently as a team.
I would also like to acknowledge the steadfast and hard work of our School Council and Parents Association. Our School Council and PFA are a dedicated group of people who give so much of their time and expertise to make Gardenvale a better place for our students to learn. We are blessed to have Tricia Ciampa, as our School President. Tricia is extremely skilled and has been unwavering in her support, encouragement and guidance. Our PFA, once again has been led brilliantly by Robyn Krawitz. Robyn constantly amazes us with her enthusiasm, energy and work ethic! Thank you so much Tricia and Robyn for all that you do for our school!
The parent support at Gardenvale is truly incredible whether it be through School Council, PFA, Working Bees, Fundraising Activities, classroom help and social functions. We are so grateful for the support we receive from our school community!
School Concert
A massive thank you to all staff members who ensured students were well prepared for their performances and to the parents for organising all of the costumes, that made the performances look that little more spectacular. We are so grateful to Tom Pitts, Ilsa Cook and Casey Galinsky for their work in preparing the students for the concert. We also thank one of our special singing groups, the JETS, and our dance troop, Rhythm Nation, for their superb performances! Such an event also provides another opportunity for student leadership and in their hosting of the event, Iliana, Rom and Sasha, our Music Captains, did us proud! We thank the incredibly talented Mr Pitts for coordinating the whole concert!! It was a wonderful night!!
Staffing News
We say thank you and farewell to Kelly MacDonald. Kelly has been a hardworking and dedicated classroom teacher at Gardenvale PS for the last two years. We wish Kelly all the very best as she returns to Pakenham Lakeside PS in 2024.
Two of our Integration Aides, Eliza Ballas and Marnie Wilson, will be taking 12 months leave from Gardenvale PS and we wish them all the very best for the exciting new pursuits they will be undertaking in 2024.
In 2024 we will welcome two new classroom teachers to Gardenvale PS – Katie Ferguson and Michelle Robbins. I am sure Katie and Michelle will be valuable additions to our school!
2024 Classroom Teachers
Our Classroom Teaching Teams for 2024 are as follows: -
| Prep | PA - Chloe Ashlakoff | PB - Christine Gesuato | PC - Jazmin Valentine | PD - Chris Yianni |
| Year 1 | 1A - Judi Grossbard | 1B - Katie Ferguson | 1C - Peter Monotti | 1D - Richelle Beitz |
| Year 2 | 2A - Nathan Grant | 2B - Lyn Smith | 2C - Bridgett Cooper | 2D - Caron Rosenthal & Tania Spiegel |
| Year 3 | 3A - Clem Gunstone & Tanya Kentera | 3B - Rebecca Garrett | 3C - Michelle Robbins | |
| Year 4 | 4A - Marnie Houghton | 4B - Debbie Powell | 4C - Kim Webster & Sue Grant | |
| Year 5 | 5A - Nancy Merrick | 5B - Aviva Cohen | 5C - Josh Hewett | 5D - Cara Willis |
| Year 6 | 6A - Holly Ife | 6B - Tyler Trevaskis | 6C - Amy Wilson | 6D - Tim McRae |
Final Whole Assembly
Our final Whole School Assembly will be held at the Senior Campus at 9.30am tomorrow, Wednesday 20th December. At this assembly we will have the opportunity to farewell all students leaving Gardenvale this year and announce the student leadership positions for 2024.
Are you able to help us out?
On 28th January the Sunday prior to school commencing for 2024, we will be holding a Working Bee on each campus to do some general gardening and tidying. We would greatly appreciate the support of anyone who is able to spare an hour or two to help prepare the grounds for the commencement of the new school year. Jobs will include; raking, sweeping, mowing and weeding. We would love to have our school sparkling for the beginning of the 2024 school year. Hope to see you there!
Parent Information Nights
Below are the dates for our Parent Information Nights in February 2024. Please note the relevant date/s in your diary:-
- Prep – Tuesday 6th February - 6.00pm
- Year 1 - Wednesday 7th February - 6:30pm
- Year 2 - Monday 5th February - 6.00pm
- Year 3 - Monday 12th February - 6:30pm
- Year 4 - Thursday 15th February - 6.00pm
- Year 5 – Tuesday 6th February - 6:30pm
- Year 6 – Thursday 8th February - 6.00pm
Wednesday 20th December – Dismissal Arrangements
As you know tomorrow is the last day of school for the year and the students will all be dismissed at 1.30pm.
The 2024 School Year commences for Year 1 – 6 students on Wednesday 31st January. The first day of school for our 2024 Prep students will be Thursday 1st February.
I thank you all for your support and help over the year and wish everyone all the very best for the festive season and a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Looking forward to a truly wonderful 2024!
Janine Hall