And now a word from
Mrs Richards...
PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
We have many students across the school who have been busily reading books and logging them as part of the 2027 Premiers’ Reading Challenge. I particularly enjoy reading the entertaining reviews that the students submit on the books they have read. Currently we have 51 students who have completed the challenge. The final day for recording books is Friday 4th September.
PRIME MINISTER’S SPELLING BEE
Last week we had 81 students participate online in the 2027 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee. There were some very tricky words but our students all tried hard and represented Parkdale very well. We now have 4 students whose score and time have progressed them through to the State Finals which will take place next week. Good luck to Aidan, Felix , Michael and Julia!
BULLY NO WAY WEEK
Last week the SRC students lead the way as we participated as a whole school in Bully No Way Week. The theme this year was “Small acts-big impact” with the aim of educating children that even small things such as a smile or inviting someone to join in a game, can make a big difference. Each day the SRC students would read a short piece of information to the class followed by teacher lead discussion and a video clip.
DAY 1 What is Bullying - Sometimes people think bullying is just someone being mean, but bullying is something more specific.
Bullying is when someone repeatedly and deliberately hurts another person. It might be through words, actions, online messages or by leaving someone out on purpose. Bullying usually involves someone trying to gain power over another person.
At our school, everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and included.
This week let's remember that even small acts of kindness—like smiling at someone, inviting them to join a game or using encouraging words—can make a really big difference.
DAY 2 What Bullying isn’t - Not every disagreement or argument is bullying. Friends sometimes disagree. People can accidentally say something unkind, make a mistake or have a bad day. While those things still need to be sorted out, they aren't usually bullying.
Bullying happens when someone is intentionally hurt over and over again and there is an unfair balance of power.
Learning the difference helps us respond in the right way. We can solve small conflicts by talking, listening and apologising when needed, while bullying always needs help from a trusted adult.
Today, think about one small thing you can do to help make our school a kinder place. Sometimes people think one person can't make much difference, but one kind action can completely change someone's day.
Remember Kindness is Contagious!!
DAY 3 The Power of Being an Upstander - Have you ever seen someone sitting alone or being treated unfairly?
When we safely choose to help, we become an upstander instead of a bystander.
Being an upstander doesn't mean putting yourself in danger or arguing with someone. It can be as simple as inviting someone to play, checking if they're okay, walking with them or telling a trusted adult if someone keeps being hurt.
If you are being bullied, or if you know someone who is, you are not expected to deal with it on your own. Talk to a trusted adult such as your teacher, a parent, a member of the wellbeing team or another staff member. Speaking up isn't dobbing—it's asking for help to keep everyone safe.
Our school wants every student to feel welcome, respected and included. The sooner we know about bullying, the sooner we can work together to stop it.
Today, remember that asking for help is a brave thing to do.
DAY 4 Pause Before You Say or Post Something - Once you say or send something then you can’t take it back. We should use our words to build others up not to tear them down.
Before saying something that might be unkind, take a breath and think about how you would feel if someone said this thing to you.
DAY 5 Small Acts, Big Impact- As Bully No Way Week comes to an end, we'd like everyone to remember that creating a kind school isn't something we only think about for one week each year.
Every day we have opportunities to make a positive difference. A friendly hello, including someone in a game, helping a classmate, using kind words, saying thank you, standing up for someone respectfully.
These might seem like small things, but together they create a school where everyone feels they belong. Let's continue to show that small acts really do have a big impact—not just this week, but every day.