Assistant Principal - Welfare & Wellbeing
Dear Park Ridge Families,
Each year our families and students take the time to think of others during the festive season. Over the last few years, we have supported ‘Shoe Boxes for Soldiers’, ‘Backpacks for Kids’, ‘Berry Street Foster Families’ and the last 3 years we have supported Gayle’s Share Space.
One of our very own families runs this Community Share Space, based in Rowville, servicing Rowville and surrounding communities. Gayle offers 24/7 access to food and personal hygiene items and provides families with food and essential item packs. She is also helping those in crisis housing and schools through welfare. Many of you will know, or already support Gayle and her amazing forces.
This year we are asking for donations of:
Christmas Decorations
New books
New games
New toys
Gayle’s Community Share Space will be supporting more families than ever before, with Christmas hampers, and already supports many, many families each week. This is an amazing achievement from a lady (and family) who wanted to give back to others and make families struggling lives a little easier.
We will be collecting donations until Wednesday, 10 December.
If every child donated one item each, we would be able to make almost 600 children happier on Christmas Day. We are proud to be helping Gayle’s Community Share Space and know the Park Ridge Community will get behind and support looking out for others less fortunate than ourselves during the festive season.
Thank you,
Carrie Chalmers
2026 Timetable Changes
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational experience for our students, we are revising the existing timetable structure to prioritises effective learning, well-being, and balance throughout the school day.
Starting in 2026, the school day will be organised into the following structure:
Period 1 – 8:45-9:35am
Period 2 – 9:35-10:25am
Period 3 - 10:25-11:15am
During period 1, 2 and 3, all students will have ‘Brain Food’. This is a healthy snack, provided from home, students can munch on whilst listening to a story read by their teacher.
40-minute ‘First’ break (for students to rest and recharge)
11:55-11:55am
Period 4 - 11:55-12:45pm
Period 5 – 12:45-1:35pm
10-minute eating time (canteen lunch orders will be delivered)
1:35-1:45pm
40-minute ‘Second’ break (for relaxation or further social time)
1:45-2:25pm
Period 6 - 2:25-3:15pm
This revised timetable structure is designed with a strong emphasis on maximising teaching and learning time. By splitting the day into manageable periods, students can focus better during lessons and have sufficient breaks for healthy eating, socialising, and relaxation. The structured breaks are intended to enhance concentration and overall well-being, allowing our students to return to lessons refreshed and ready to learn.
We believe this balanced approach will foster a more positive learning environment while supporting students’ health and academic success.
Brain Food Ideas
Brain food should be quick and easy to munch on, with limited mess. Examples are; cut fruit, vegie sticks and dip, popcorn, cheese and crackers, pretzels