Principal's Report
Canberra Camp
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of going with our Grade 6 students to Canberra for five days. While the bus trip to get there is a long one it is broken up by regular stops to allow for food and movement breaks.
During our time in Canberra, we visited a number of attractions at our nation’s capital including both the new and old Parliament Houses, The National Portrait Gallery, Australian War Memorial, Questacon, National Capital Exhibition, Electoral Education Centre, Australian Institute of Sport, Anzac Parade, Government House, the Mint, Geoscience Australia, and Laser Tag.
Each of the places we visited offered different experiences for the children.
At the Electoral Education Centre they participated in an election which taught the children how Australia’s preferential voting system works.
At Parliament House they participated in a role play to pass a bill in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, parliament wasn’t sitting while we were there, so we didn’t see any action in either of the houses.
One of the highlights is always at the War Memorial, where the children visit the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier and participate in the wreath lying ceremony. Although the camp program was jam-packed, it was very informative and engaging for the children. Our students were amazing and they represented the school in a very positive manner. By the end of the trip, most of the children were very tired as there were many early starts and some late nights.
Thanks to the staff who organised and attended the camp for the five days. It is always a big ask to expect teachers to be away from their families for five days. Some of our staff members have young children which makes it even harder.
Huge thanks to Craig Smith who did all of the organisation, including liaising with the company we used, and ensured everything went to plan. Thanks also to Dale Adams, Aislinn Farrow, Sarina Marchant, Katia Aloia, Aliya Hadj and Denholm Stevanov for attending the camp.
School Council
Congratulations to Aaron Hawke, Anna Graham, Christopher Dart, and Sam Bell who have been elected to fill the four vacant parent representative positions, and Sarah Giles and Joanna Bright who have been elected to the two vacant DE representative positions.
We had two vacant positions to fill and this was done through an expression of interest process and we had four parents express interest. We held an extraordinary School Council meeting on Monday night to select the two parents that we would offer the positions to. Congratulations to Anthony Stanley and Keri Spence who will join us at our first meeting next Monday, March 24th.
Foch Street Park
It has been brought to my attention that we have students going to the park in Foch St before and after school without any parental supervision.
I have also been told that their behaviour at times is not acceptable.
Parents, could you please ensure that your children are not going to the park before school and are going straight home from school at the end of the day.
2026 Prep Information Sessions
We have been inundated with calls from perspective families regarding Prep enrolments for 2026. If you know of any families who are wanting to enrol their child at Preston PS for 2026, please let them know we will be running Information Sessions, which include a tour of the school, beginning early next term.
All the information on how to book an information session and tour is located on the school website under enrolment: www.preston-ps.vic.edu.au/page/165/Enrolment
Tour dates:
Wednesday May 14 - 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Tuesday May 20 - 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Wednesday May 21 - 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Wednesday May 28 - 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Wednesday June 18 - 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Bookings are essential.
Regards
Janet Paterson,
Principal.