From the Principal
Welcome to the 2025 school year, we are excited to be back and look forward to the year ahead. Welcome back to our existing families and a special welcome to our 2025 foundation students and new families to Parkdale PS.
There is a lot of important information in this newsletter, please make the time to read through the newsletter.
All grades have been participating in 'Learning How to Learn' which ensures consistency and highlights our expectations and values for the children at PPS. Our priorities for 2025 will continue to be in the areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Wellbeing. This year we are trialling 4 common school rules across F-6 and within specialists. These link to our Super 6 Values and will ensure consistency and expectations across the school. Further information will be in the next newsletter on each of these areas.
We had a variety of projects completed over the holiday period:
Installation of a LED video wall in the gym – thank you to PPA who funded half of this project.
New carpet in the wellbeing room
New doors and frame fitted to the performing arts room
Gym floor – recoated
Replenish sand in sand pits
Turf maintenance
Optic fibre cabling to the Foundation and Grade 1 buildings
Two new slides on the senior playground
Annual tree works
General maintenance of school grounds
Purchase of 50 iPads for specialist areas
Newsletter: "Focus"
Each fortnight on Friday the school publishes this Newsletter online (www.parkdaleps.vic.edu.au) and via COMPASS. Please ensure you access the website or COMPASS to read the newsletter as it contains valuable information, reminders and dates.
Important: Compass
The Compass Parent Portal is an integrated, online portal that allows you to access information about our school. Compass includes many different features, including the ability to:
Monitor your child’s attendance, and enter an explanation for absence, lateness/leaving early, holidays
Provide consent for incursions/excursions
Access the newsletter
Book Parent/Teacher conferences and Meet & Greet
Access Semester Reports
It is important we have up to date information with your correct email address and current family circumstances (each parent at an alternative address will need to provide separate details).
Personal Goods brought to School at Owner's Risk
Personal property is often brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This can include mobile phones, electronic games, calculators, toys, musical instruments, sporting equipment, and cars parked on school premises. The Department does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.
Student Accident Insurance
This is a reminder that the Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents/guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including any transport costs. Reasonably low-cost accident insurance policies are available from commercial insurers.
Notifying parents of an unexplained student absence
All schools are required to contact parents/guardians as soon as practicable when student absence is unexplained. To assist with this process, we require parents to notify the school in the morning (before 9am) if your child is absent. All absences need to be entered on Compass with a reason for the absence. If you are experiencing any difficulties with Compass please contact the school.
Parent Contacts
It is vital we have up to date phone numbers for families. In emergency situations and if your child is sick, it is crucial we can contact you easily. If you have changed your phone number or emergency contacts, please contact the office and update these.
IMPORTANT: Working with Children’s Check
Parents require a Working with Children’s Check if they are attending camp, excursions and volunteering in the school eg: classroom assistance, school events, garden club, etc. Applying for a WWC is done online and is free if you click on the volunteer category.
Please note: Parents need to have a WWC card before they can volunteer in the school. http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au
2025 School Contributions/Parent Payment Arrangements
The contributions are important in enabling us to provide the best learning environment for the children at Parkdale Primary school. The Parkdale Primary School Council is extremely appreciative of the generosity of parents who are able to support the school through the payment of the voluntary contributions. Contributions Due 7th February, the SSB cannot be used for school contributions. Payment is via COMPASS pay. Please note: If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact Helen to discuss a payment plan.
We thank the families who have contributed as your support is greatly appreciated and ensures we sustain and improve the learning environment for the children at PPS.
Collecting your Child Early / Arriving Late
If you are collecting your child early, they need to be signed out at the office before they are collected from the classroom. If your child arrives after 9:00am you will need to go via the office and sign your child in.
Before & After school Arrival Times
Teachers are officially on duty for 10 minutes prior to the commencement of the school day and 15 minutes after the conclusion of the school day. Consequently, the following apply:
· School commences at 9:00am
· No student should be dropped off before 8.45 am as there is no supervision.
School finishes at 3.30 pm. If the student is not collected, they will be taken to the After School Care and families will be charged accordingly.
A reminder that OHSC & external sports have access to the school grounds before and after school. Students and parents should not be on school grounds before 8:45am when the bell will ring, and we ask that parents leave the school grounds by 3:40pm.
Pick Up and Drop Off Zone: "Kiss & Go"
It is very important that parents do not park for long periods in the pick-up and drop off zone at the front and back of the school for the safety of the children. These areas are designated for quick drop off or pick up of children. Parents are reminded that they are not allowed to park in these designated areas and leave their car. Parents SHOULD not park in these areas for an extended time. We also ask parents to be considerate of our neighbours and not park over their driveways.
NO Parking in the School Grounds
For safety reasons: parents and/or grandparents are NOT permitted to park in the school grounds. This includes the staff car park and in the driveway at the back of the school. The children’s safety is of the utmost concern. We realise it can become very congested around the school at pick up and drop off times, however parking in the school grounds is not an option.
School Council and PPA
School council and PPA play a vital role at Parkdale Primary School. We encourage parents to become actively involved in these committees. These committees operate best when we have a full membership. I encourage anyone who is interested to please nominate for school council or to join PPA. If you are interested but need to know more information, please contact me. We welcome new faces as well as current members. Information about the upcoming School Council Elections was sent out via Compass last week and information is also included on the School News page of this newsletter.
Our next and final school council meeting for the current membership is on Monday 17th February with our AGM and the first meeting of 2025 scheduled for Monday 17th March.
School Policies
Community Code of Conduct (Statement of Values and philosophy)
The Code of Conduct sets out our behavioural expectations of all members in the school community. It respects the diversity of individuals in our school community and addresses the shared responsibilities of all members in building a safe and respectful school community.
Links to Policies included in this newsletter are Child safe code of conduct, Uniform, Schools Privacy, Medication Authority Form, Community Code of Conduct (Statement of school values and philosophy) these are also available on the PPS website. A range of policies are available on the school website – under the section 'About – Policies'
Child Safe Standards
Parkdale PS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child. Attached to this newsletter is Child Safety acceptable and unacceptable behaviours. Further information is also available on the school’s website: www.parkdaleps.vic.edu.au.
Our students and their families are important partners in keeping our students safe. We value feedback and ideas on how we can continuously strengthen our child safety framework.
If you have any suggestions, comments or feedback, please contact Parkdale Primary School at parkdale.ps@education.vic.gov.au or by phone on 03 9580 1451.
Mobile Phone Policy – Department of Education
All schools are required to implement the Department mobile phone policy. For the purpose of this policy, “mobile phone” refers to mobile phones and any device that may connect to or have a similar functionality to a mobile phone such as smart watches.”
Students are encouraged NOT to bring a mobile phone to school unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and be in a labelled zip lock bag.
All phones will be securely stored at the school office and must be signed in before 9:00am and signed out after 3:30pm.
Exceptions to this policy may be applied if certain conditions are met (eg if required for medical reasons)
When emergencies occur, parents/carers should reach their child by calling the school office. 9580 1451
Mobile phones owned by students at Parkdale Primary School are considered valuable items and are brought to school at the owner’s (student’s or parents/carer’s) risk. Mobile phones brought to school are not covered by the school’s insurance if they are lost, stolen or damaged.
Students are not to use their phones within the school grounds. If students use phones inappropriately parents will be contacted, and students will be unable to bring their phone to school.
Students with Smart Watches – these need to be disabled during school times. As per a mobile phone, students are not to use their smart watches during school times.
Uniform
School council has approved the PPS school uniform policy. Parkdale Primary School has a compulsory uniform policy. A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instils recognition of themselves as an integral part of the school community, and assists in developing pride in representing their school. It promotes equality amongst all students and develops a sense of pride in, and identification with our school. We understand that occasionally children will come to school out of uniform. We ask that if this occurs that the alternative clothing be of a similar colour to the uniform and as plain as possible, eg without popular branding. Click HERE to access our uniform policy – please read through this.
Please ensure all uniform is labelled with your child’s name.
Sports Uniforms
Sports uniforms for Grades 1-6 can be worn on children’s dedicated Phys. Ed day and year level sport day.
Hats
School hats need to be worn until the start of May and be clearly labelled with your child’s name. Children are required to wear their hat outside at recess, lunch and during sport. All children need to have a navy wide brimmed hat. Sports caps are not part of our uniform or sun smart policy. It is also a good idea during the summer months to pack a sunscreen in your child’s bag.
Head lice
For health and safety reasons and to assist with the control of head lice All children (Girls & Boys) with hair that touches their collar needs to be tied back.
Teacher Email and Communication
Teachers will be sending home year level information very shortly; this will include a year level information book, and the teachers email address. Please note if the matter is urgent, please send and call the school. Email is a great form of communication, but teachers do not always have time to check their email during the day or the email system may not be accessible.
In line with the right to disconnect legislation employees have the right to refuse to monitor, read, listen to or respond to contact that occurs outside their working hours from their employer or a third party (such as a student or a parent), unless that refusal is unreasonable.
We ask that you allow us 2 – 3 working days to provide you with a detailed response to general queries. We will endeavour to respond to urgent matters within 24 hours where possible.
If your child needs to be sent to after school care or other arrangements have been made, please phone the office rather than emailing.
Making Appointments with Teachers
We encourage parents to communicate with us when the need arises. For quick information sharing, a brief unscheduled chat is fine. If more time is needed, we recommend that you schedule a longer appointment time so we can address your concerns adequately.
Photos and Social Media
Parents are reminded that you can freely take photos of your own children; however, it is School Policy that photos of other students are not published on social media, without parental permission. This includes photos in the classroom, excursions, camps or at any other school event.
Medical Conditions
If your child has any medical condition, it is vital to let the class teacher know at the start of every year. Although hand overs are done from teacher to teacher it is important teachers receive this information first hand. If your child has an anaphylaxis, Diabetes or asthma plan these need to be provided to the school as well as their asthma inhaler and spacer, diabetes kits and/or EpiPen which should be clearly labelled and within date.
Anaphylaxis Reminder
In line with our school's policy on Anaphylaxis, we remind parents that eggs, nuts and nut products should not be brought to school in lunches and snacks.
We are committed to:
providing, as far as practicable, a safe and supportive environment in which students at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of the student’s schooling.
raising awareness about allergies and anaphylaxis in the school community.
actively involving the parents/carers of each student at risk of anaphylaxis in assessing risks, developing risk minimisation strategies and management strategies for the student.
ensuring that each staff member has adequate knowledge of allergies, anaphylaxis and emergency procedures.
NB: Parents, please ensure the school is aware if your child is anaphylactic. Please ensure the school has your child’s current action plan and an up-to-date EpiPen ASAP.
Medication Authority Form
Staff are unable to administer medication without written consent. Staff can only administer medication if a parent gives written notification. Please note staff do not administer non prescription medication such as Panadol or vitamins.
Parents must complete an Administer Medication form. This form can also be accessed from the school website.
Bike Shed
All bikes and scooters need to be collected from the bike shed by 3:40pm. The bike shed will be locked at this time. If your child attends After School Care their bike or scooter needs to be removed from the bike shed after school and placed in the bike area near the After School Care building. It is important to know that if you leave your bike or scooter in the shed after hours or over the weekend, unfortunately it is likely to go missing. If you are concerned that your child may forget their bike, perhaps consider the use of a bike lock.
No Riding bikes/ Scooters in Yard
A reminder that children need to wear a helmet to and from school if they are riding their bike, scooter or skateboard. Children need to dismount from their bikes and scooters at the school gate and are not to ride in the school grounds before or after school.
No Dogs in the School Yard
Dogs are not permitted in the school grounds. Dogs are not left unattended if tied at the front or back entrances.
OSHC TheirCare
Our school partners with an independent provider called TheirCare to provide exceptional Outside School Hours Care services for our school community. The program is available for all children at Parkdale PS from 7:00am in the morning and from 3:30pm – 6:30pm each school day. During Pupil Free Days the service will operate from 7:00am – 6:30pm.
Families wishing to use this service can visit the TheirCare website to enrol and book: www.theircare.com.au More information can be obtained by contacting the school or TheirCare Support Team on 1300 072 410. Parents need book online to access OSHC.
To secure your child’s spot parents need to book in advance or at the latest the night before. We understand at times parents may need to book on the day however, due to staff ratios it may not always be possible to accommodate children on the day. Parents need to sign their children in and out of OSHC.
Assembly
Assembly is held on a Friday afternoon at 3pm. If assembly is cancelled due to weather a notification will be sent via Compass.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Emily Hibberd and Michael who were married over the holiday break. Congratulations to Steph Strong and AJ who are expecting their first child in July and congratulations to Ash Muir & Chris on the arrival of their second child Arlo.
Staff 2025
Foundation: Julia Howell, Maddie Williams, Andy Bentley, Demi Woodlock
Grade 1: Steph Strong, Jo Pyke, Mandy Went, Lucy Wilson/Jaci Lundy, Nathan James
Grade 2: Lauren Macafee, Bec Crute, Taylor Glew, Nicola Watson
Grade 3: Mel Johnson/Caz Whitfield, Sally Murphy, Sam Opie, Issabelle Harper
Grade 4: Michelle Pieters, Megan Rosenbrock/Tobi Webster, Perri Davies, Darcy Brown
Grade 5: Liam Grimwade, Dillon Hendricks, Tara Bickham, Jackie Sell
Grade 6: Brent Rafferty/Emily Hibberd, Casey Blacklaw, Audrey Ulrich, Ryan Hubbard
Specialists: Phys Ed: Cliff Anderson/Emma Wicks, Visual Arts: Michelle Richard/Tess Arnold, Wellbeing: Jarrod Sing/Michelle B (Term 1) Sophie Durnan from Term 2, Performing Arts: Leah Willis/Michelle Mackenzie, Japanese: Michelle Mackenzie/Mami Sherwood
Classroom Support: Caz Whitfield, Emma Wicks, Jaci Lundy, Lisa Flynn, (Michelle Byrne T1/Sophie Durnan T 2-4), Ash Muir T4, Maddy Holland T4
Education Support Staff: Trish Mccarthy, Michelle Green, Faye Harris, Elise Zajac
Admin Staff – Helen Teasdale (Business Manager), Jane Hulley & Shelley Keating (Administration) and Helen Bradnam (First Aid)
Principal (Leanne Bradney), Assistant Principals (Tracy Richards and Jarrod Bainbridge)
We are all looking forward to an exciting and productive 2025.
Kind regards
Leanne Bradney