Principal's Desk

Looking Ahead to the Final Week of 2025
As we enter the final week of the 2025 school year, I’m reminded of just how quickly a year can pass - filled with learning, laughter, challenges, and countless moments of growth. Walking through the yard this morning and seeing students chatting excitedly, helping one another, and enjoying these last days together reinforces what makes Park Ridge such a special place.
Our students are, as always, remarkable. Their kindness, resilience, and genuine nature shine through in everything they do. As I reflect on my fifth year as your Principal, I’m filled with gratitude—for our supportive families, our dedicated staff, and the incredible young people who bring our school to life each day. Every person contributes something unique to our community, and it’s this collective effort that makes Park Ridge thrive.
Since my very first newsletter in 2021, I’ve often spoken about how welcoming the Park Ridge community is. Now, many newsletters later, that sentiment has only grown stronger. Together, we’ve continued to build a culture of wellbeing, achievement, and connection—one that I look forward to strengthening even further in the years ahead.
Thank you for being such an important part of what makes Park Ridge Primary School a wonderful place to learn and grow.
A Special Thank You to Our Parent and Carer Helpers
Each year, we take time to acknowledge our parent and carer helpers who generously give their time, energy, and care to support our school programs. Whether it’s assisting in classrooms, supporting reading groups, helping with events, or enabling our excursions and incursions to run smoothly, your contributions make a tremendous difference.
The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” rings especially true at Park Ridge. The connections built when families engage in their children’s learning journey are powerful. We deeply value the partnership we share with our parent and carer community, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.
To every parent and carer who has supported us throughout 2025 -THANK YOU. Your involvement enriches our students’ experiences and strengthens the heart of our school.
2026 Transition Process
Our transition process for 2026 is well underway. Last Thursday and again today, students spent time with their 2026 teachers and began forming new relationships in their upcoming learning environments.
It’s normal for students to seek the comfort of familiar faces, but stepping into new groups and meeting new peers are important skills that help build confidence and resilience. These experiences lay the foundation for a positive start to the new year.
Wishing You a Safe and Joyful Summer
With just a few days left, we’re excited to finish the year on a strong and happy note. As we prepare to say goodbye to 2025, we wish all families a safe, relaxing, and joy-filled summer break. Enjoy your time together, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an amazing 2026! We hope to see as many families as possible at our Farewell Assembly at approximately 1:00pm on Friday 19 December.
Please feel free to pop in for a chat with either Carrie, Brendan or I, should you wish to discuss anything.
Our doors are always open!
Take care,
Mr. Dale Blythman

