From the Principal

Welcome back for the final term of 2023. It is hard to believe we are in Term 4 and very soon we will be celebrating the conclusion to another productive year at Parkdale Primary. We hope that everyone had a refreshing and relaxing break. It has been a very smooth start and the children are excited about the term ahead. We have many events to look forward to including Japanese Day, Grade 3 camp, Grade 5 Health Education and Money Talks incursion, F-2 Swimming, transition sessions for our 2024 Preps, Grade 6 Sport Gala Days, excursions (Moonlit Sanctuary, MSAC, Museum, Bounce) Grade 1 Insect incursion, Preps will visit the Zoo, GATEWAYS challenge, Prep Portfolio presentations, and we will farewell our Grade 6 students as part of their Grade 6 Graduation.

Sun Protection

In line with our Sun Protection policy school hats need to be worn from September 1st until the end of April 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.  The school does have sunscreen available for children to use, however we do recommend students bring their own sunscreen. 

2024 School Year

If you have a child in Foundation to Year 5 who will not be returning to PPS next year, could you please inform the office or the class teacher via email ASAP.  This will assist with planning for class structures and staffing for 2024.

Allocation of 2024 Classes

When developing individual classes each year, teachers consider several factors including academic ability, social competencies, gender, students who work well together, those who may not work well together and friendship groupings. Whist the students are consulted about current friendships, it is only one of the criteria considered because building new relationships is also part of our education process and an important skill for students to develop. 

The placement of students is a complex process where teachers put great thought into their planning. They discuss, reflect, and review their decisions over a period of time.

On occasions parent perspective can also add information to support this process. If you have any valuable information regarding class placement for your child for 2024, that is above and beyond what the classroom teacher and leadership team already know of your child, you may make a written request for consideration.

Any parent request must be in writing/email to Leanne Bradney no later than Friday 20th October 2023. Information will only be considered if in writing and received by the due date. Requests will not be considered after this date.

Naming a specific teacher or nominating other students will not be considered.  Children are given the opportunity to list friends they would like to be with and are guaranteed at least one student from their list. 

If parents have written requests in previous years, we do not retain these as students’ needs change from year to year. If the consideration from a previous year is still important, a new letter should be written.

There may often be a reason why your request is not granted. It is therefore important not to indicate to your child that you have made a request as this may lead to unnecessary disappointment. 

I encourage you to trust our school’s judgement and value our teachers as professionals, as the welfare of every child in our school is our prime consideration. 

Staff Leave

Mrs Richards will be on leave from Friday 13th October – Friday 27th October, enjoying a well-earned break in Japan. 

Grounds 

Over the term holidays the junior playground sandpit was redone, maintenance on the oval undertaken and 5H has a new sliding door.  General ground maintenance and emergency services work was also completed. 

Leanne Bradney

Principal