Acting Assistant Principal Report

Year 7 and 8/Support

It has been a very chilly, but strong start to Term Three, following such a busy first semester! Taking a moment to reflect, I feel incredibly proud of the huge amount of work and the many extra-curricular endeavours our junior students have embraced.

Finishing the semester with so many of our students performing in the double-cast production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory really was the cherry on top!

Four huge performances for our school community, as well as two of our feeder primary schools, was no mean feat! A huge congratulations to all students and staff who contributed hundreds of hours to creating such an impressive show.

Our next focus is interim reports and Parent-Teacher Interviews. Interim reports provide an opportunity to reflect on our Parkdale Principles: Purpose, Preparation, Punctuality, Participation, Perseverance and Probity. We encourage families to discuss these results together, using them as an opportunity for reflection and meaningful goal setting for the months ahead.

Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on Thursday, 27 August, with online interviews from 12:00–3:30pm and in-person interviews from 4:00–7:00pm in the Junior Learning Centre.

Important dates for your diary:

Year 7: Report from Ms Emily Payne (Year Level Leader)

It has been wonderful to see our Year 7 students settling straight back into the hustle and bustle of college life after the break, with assessments continuing across all subjects.

To support students as expectations and requirements increase, we encourage all students to attend JUMP on a Tuesday from 3.20pm for Maths support, and Homework Hub on a Thursday from 3.20pm for help across all subjects. 

Additionally, it is important to build routines and habits around homework and revision from an early age, in alignment with our Parkdale Principles and in preparation for future years. As we often say to the students, we would never expect to successfully run a marathon without training- so preparation for senior school begins now. You can support your child with this by checking their organiser, ensuring they have a dedicated space and routine at home for completing work, and assisting them with organising their busy schedules to accommodate schoolwork. 

Year 8: Report from Mr Dale Towler (Year Level Leader)

The Year 8s have enjoyed another successful Engagement Program, where despite wet and wintery conditions they took part in activities such as First Nation Art, Bubble Soccer, Virtual Reality, Circus Activities, and an Amazing Race. It provided the cohort with an opportunity to interact with their peers and staff, outside the normal learning environment. We were very proud of the way they participated and collaborated with each other, and our external providers. 

Students, parents, and carers have just completed the process of selecting subjects for their 2027 Year 9 studies, following a well-attended information night. This is their first opportunity to have more independence in selecting their subjects, and an exciting part of their journey through the college.