From  The Acting Principal

Reflecting on this year, I am very proud of what our staff and students have achieved. There has been a positivity in our work together and a calmness around the school which has allowed us to focus on one of the key components of our culture, building community.

It was a privilege to address our year 12 students and their parents/carers one final time at Valedictory and wish them all best for their lives beyond secondary school.  At that time many were nervously awaiting VCE results. I am pleased to say that the class of 2024 has done themselves proud, achieving some of the best results we have seen.  This is a testament to the hard work and partnership between home and school and I’d like to congratulate once more our VCE and VCE Vocational Major students on the contribution they have made to our school.

While the Junior Learning Centre has been open for close to two years, the late works package of our active courtyard and toilets was only competed this term.  This concluded the $9.7 million improvement that began with planning in 2019.  The official opening of the project was held Thursday 5 December.  This was a wonderful event for the school with a number of dignitaries in attendance including:

• The Hon. Mark Dreyfuss, Federal Member for Isaacs
• Mr Tim Richardson, MP Member for Mordialloc
• Mr Meng Heang Tak, MP Member for Clarinda

The event included a tour of the building and courtyards, engagement with students and a short ceremony.  A real highlight was the visit with our Science Technology Engineering Pathway students.  Special mention must also be made of our 2025 School Captains who were exceptional in their representation of the college.  I’d like to thank all the staff and students involved in making this event a success.  We are a now working towards some finishing touches including gate and bus bay signage and the installation of some additional shade sails.

This term also saw two of our ‘big ticket’ student showcase events of the year with the annual Art and Design Show and Parky Does Greatest Hits.  The talent of our students continues to amaze me and the commitment they show to producing high quality work is impressive.  Between the two shows, over a thousand people came into the school to appreciate the art and performances.  These events really bring our school to life, and I’d like to congratulate the staff and students involved in both amazing shows.

While our year 12 students have marked the end of their secondary school time, our 2025 year 7s began their Parkdale journey with orientation.  There were a number of nervous faces as they entered the gym for their welcome assembly (parents included!), but the students settled quickly under the guidance of our student leaders and great day was had by all.  A government resource has been developed to assist families in the transition to secondary school and also for students entering their senior secondary years, A new year of learning, some may find this helpful.

Our final event of the year was the Celebration of Student Achievement held at Frankston Arts Centre. This was a fantastic evening to recognise our students who have excelled in the areas of community, striving for their best, and high levels of achievement.  Congratulations to all of our award winners on a wonderful year.

Looking forward to 2025, there are some leadership adjustments to share.  We are thrilled that Principal David Russell is returning from term 1 having recovered from his injury.  While we are excited to welcome David back, we also share with mixed emotions, the resignation of June Sainsbery.  June has been the heart and soul of Parkdale, having joined the teaching staff in 1988!  While most recently June has been Assistant Principal Junior School/Inclusions and Wellbeing, her contributions to our school has covered leadership in Senior School, Careers and as Acting Principal.  Many students first interaction with our school has been with June and her care and support for our community will be sorely missed.  I congratulate June on career which has enriched the lives of so many and wish her well as she steps back.  Hopefully, you will still see June around as we hope to entice her to stay working within the school, just in a reduced capacity.

With the above changes the 2025 Principal Team will be:

Mr David Russell – Principal

Mrs Melissa Treverton – Assistant Principal Accountability/International Students

Mr Michael Tuck - Assistant Principal Junior School/Teaching and Learning/Wellbeing/Inclusions

Mr Aaron Petersen – Senior School/Student Voice and Agency

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr Daniel Williams who has been in the role of Acting Assistant Principal during this year.  Daniel joined us this year from Cranbourne East Secondary College to support us in the absence of David and June and we have appreciated his positive attitude, strong work ethic and expertise this year.

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone for their support throughout 2024.  While we have had challenges and much learning throughout the year, we have continued our improvement journey to be the best school that we can be.  We are excited to work towards our vision of ‘challenging our community to strive and achieve’ in 2025 and continue to build on the Parkdale culture. 

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday period and a Merry Christmas.