From the Principal
It has been a busy and exciting week at school. The Grade 4 team received their incubator in preparation for the chicken hatching program, sparking great enthusiasm among students. Our Grade 4, 5 and 6 students enjoyed a visit to Parkdale Secondary College to watch The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We also held our annual school photos, our Junior Mayor team presented at the Moorabbin Town Hall, showcasing their leadership and confidence. We finished the week with our Mother’s Day stall and breakfast. It was wonderful to see so many of our mums and special female figures join us for the celebration.
Due to weather the cross country was postponed this week, it will now take place next Thursday 14th May.
Prep/Foundation Enrolments 2027
Enrolments for 2027 are now open for foundation students. There will be an open morning for prospective parents on Monday 11th May from 9:15am to 11am. To our current families with a child commencing Prep in 2027, please ensure you fill out the online enrolment form via the link on our website.
Kingston’s Junior Mayor Event
Kingston’s Junior Mayor Event
On Thursday 7th May, students from schools across the City of Kingston came together to take part in the annual Kingston Junior Mayor event. This year’s theme was: What are three ways council could help young people get involved in activities, programs and decisions in the community? Students shared inspiring speeches, highlighting how young people can be involved in their local community. At the conclusion of all presentations, votes were cast to elect the new Junior Mayor for 2026. Parkdale Primary School was proudly represented by a passionate and articulate team: Naveen S, Zara P, Harry J, and Bodhi R. While we didn’t take home the Junior Mayor title this year, we are pleased to announce that Naveen was selected for a position on the Junior Council, a fantastic achievement. Thank you to Miss Ulrich for supporting the team, and for providing this
valuable opportunity for our students to engage in local leadership and civic participation.
Before School Arrival and Supervision
We have noticed a growing number of students arriving at school as early as 8:30am. Please be reminded that supervision does not begin until 8:50am, which is 10 minutes prior to the start of the school day at 9:00am. Students should not be on school grounds before this time unless they are enrolled in a supervised before school care program.
If your child travels to school independently, we ask that you speak with them about leaving home at a time that allows them to arrive closer to when the gates open. If this is difficult to manage, before school care is available and has places for families who require supervision earlier in the morning.
2026 Attitudes to School Survey Grades 4-6
Information was sent via Compass on 29th April to parents of students in Grades 4–6 regarding the Department of Education Student Attitudes to School Survey.
Parents of students in these year levels are asked to read the information carefully, including the process to follow if you do not wish for your child to participate. The survey will commence from Monday 11th May.
Aerobics
Good luck to our PPS aerobics teams as they take part in their first competition for the year this weekend. The teams have been training hard in preparation, and we wish them all the best. A big thank you to Miss Watson and Mrs Mackenzie for their dedication in supporting and training the girls.
Mother’s Day
Thank you to the PPA parents and volunteers who organised and volunteered for the stall and breakfast.
We wish all our wonderful mums and the special people in our students’ lives a very happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, thank you for everything you do.
Illness – Unwell Students
As we enter the cooler months, we are seeing an increase in colds and flu. While we understand the importance of regular school attendance, we kindly ask that if your child is displaying symptoms or feeling unwell, please keep them at home. This helps prevent the spread of illness to other students and staff.
Gastroenteritis Reminder: If your child has experienced vomiting or diarrhoea, they must remain at home for at least 48 hours after the last episode before returning to school. This precaution helps keep our school community healthy and safe. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Stay well this winter
Influenza (flu) can be serious, especially for children. Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine. The earlier you and your family get vaccinated, the better your protection heading into winter.
Keeping our school community well. We encourage parents and carers and students to:
wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face
cough or sneeze into your elbow
stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed
stay up to date with your flu vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations
Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu, especially babies and toddlers. They can get a free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.
Headlice
We have had a small number of head lice cases across the school. We ask all parents and carers to please check their child’s hair and treat as necessary. Regular checking helps prevent the spread and keeps our school community healthy.
OHSC
One less thing to worry about later with Before and After School Care at TheirCare
Even if you don’t need before or after school care right now, enrolling your child means it’s there when you do.
Work runs late. Meetings pop up. Appointments happen. Kids get invited places. Life moves fast, and having care already set up makes those days so much easier.
The good news? There’s no catch.
• It costs nothing to enrol
• You won’t pay unless you actually book a session
• Care can cost as little as a few dollars per session (after CCS)
So, you can enrol, be prepared, and only use it when you need it.
Your child will be with caring educators, doing fun activities, and spending time with friends in a safe, familiar space.
It only takes a few minutes to set up and future you will be glad it’s done.
https://theircare.com.au/families/
Industrial Action Update
The rolling regional half day stoppages have been suspended for the period through to 18 May to enable the continuation of negotiations.
Kind regards
Leanne Bradney