Focus Newsletter

From the Principal

As we step into the final month of winter, there's a growing sense of anticipation in the air. With spring on the horizon, we’re now just 22 school days away from seeing our PPS students light up the Palais stage in their performance of A Night in the Museum.

Preps 100 days

Our Prep students recently hit a wonderful milestone: 100 days of school!  This special celebration gave us a chance to reflect on everything they’ve learned, from counting and fine motor skills to reading, writing, and friendships.  They enjoyed fun, hands-on activities, dressing up and a parade.  It was a wonderful celebration of growth, achievement, and community, and we couldn’t be prouder of what our prep students have accomplished so far. 

Academic Initiatives

We are thrilled to announce that numerous students are engaging in three significant academic initiatives this term. The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), challenges students from Years 3 to 6 with problem-solving questions. The Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, open to students in Years 3 to 6, which will take place very soon. Additionally, students are participating in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, which encourages young readers to complete a set number of books by 5th September.

Book Week

The theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure.  We have a whole school incursion ‘Treasure Island’ on Tuesday 12th August. On Monday 18th August is a whole school book week dress up day. 

Alumni PPS students

It’s always wonderful to hear from the secondary schools and celebrate the achievements of former students. Last Wednesday, our Grade 5 and 6 students visited Parkdale Secondary College to watch their 2025 school production of School of Rock. The impressive cast proudly featured 14 talented former students from Parkdale Primary School.

Grade 3-6 Aths trials 

Next Wednesday, students in Grades 3–6 will participate in the PPS Athletics Day at Dolamore Oval. This annual event is a highlight of our school calendar, offering students the opportunity to engage in various track and field activities, promote house spirit, and demonstrate sportsmanship. Parents and guardians are warmly invited to attend and support our young athletes throughout the day. We look forward to a fun and energetic day of athletics.

Policy Reminders

Student Dress Code 

The uniform policy promotes equality amongst all students and develops a sense of pride in, and identification with our school. A few reminders:

  • Jewellery: Only studs, small sleepers, and watches are permitted. No other jewellery, including rings, necklaces or nail accessories, are allowed as they may interfere with participation and safety.

  • Hair: Shoulder-length or longer hair must be always tied back to reduce the risk of lice and ensure students can participate safely in all activities 

  • Make‑Up & Nail Polish: Students may not wear make‑up to school, and only clear nail polish is allowed. 

  • Bike Shorts/leggings: Bike shorts and leggings are not a standalone uniform item. Bike shorts may only be worn under dresses or skirts.

Department Mobile Phone policy 

Students are encouraged NOT to bring a mobile phone to school unless there is a compelling reason to do so. 

  • Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and be in a labelled zip lock bag.

  • All phones will be securely stored at the school office and must be signed in before 9:00am and signed out after 3:30pm.

  • Exceptions to this policy may be applied if certain conditions are met (eg if required for medical reasons)

  • When emergencies occur, parents/carers should call the school office. 9580 1451

Students are not to use their phones within the school grounds. If students use phones  inappropriately parents will be contacted, and students will be unable to bring their phone to school.

 

Students with Smart Watches – these need to be disabled during school times.  As per a mobile phone, students are not to use their smart watches during school times. 

 

Mobile phones owned by students at Parkdale Primary School are considered valuable items and are brought to school at the owner’s (student’s or parents/carer’s) risk. Mobile phones brought to school are not covered by the school’s insurance if they are lost, stolen or damaged. 

 

Teacher Email and Communication – Right to Disconnect

Email is a great form of communication, but teachers do not always have time to check their email during the day, or the email system may not be accessible. If the matter is urgent, please call the school.

 

In line with the right to disconnect legislation employees have the right to refuse to monitor, read, listen to or respond to contact that occurs outside their working hours from their employer or a third party (such as a student or a parent), unless that refusal is unreasonable. 

 

We ask that you allow us 2 – 3 working days to provide you with a detailed response to general queries. We will endeavour to respond to urgent matters within 24 hours where possible. 

 

If your child needs to be sent to after school care or other arrangements have been made, please contact the office rather than emailing.

 

Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools

This policy supports government schools to strengthen their culture and practice to prevent and address racism, religious intolerance and racial and religious vilification. All Victorian government schools must implement this policy. The policy supports compliance with Victoria’s Child Safe Standards.

 

In line with Child Safe Standard 1 and Child Safe Standard 5, all Victorian government schools must actively prevent and respond to racism, and report incidents to the department. The policy covers 3 key actions:

  • preventing racism: schools must maintain culturally safe and inclusive environments

  • responding to racism: schools must have clear, timely, safe and inclusive processes to respond to incidents of racism

  • reporting racism: schools must report incidents of racism 

The link to this policy is located on the PPS website. 

Working With Children Check WWCC

A reminder for all parents who volunteer in the school. Department of Education requires all volunteers with a Working with Children Check WWCC to complete a Volunteer OHS Induction Checklist.  Please refer to the Volunteer Induction Handbook 2025 to complete the Volunteer OHS Induction Checklist. 

Please complete and return to the office ASAP.

If your WWCC has expired and you have renewed your WWCC could you, please provide a copy to the office ASAP.

Friday Lunch Service – Classroom Cuisine Term 3 Menu

Please check that you order for the correct date.  See the School News page of this newsletter for an updated Term 3 menu with some new items available.

 

How to Order:

Visit www.classroomcuisine.com.au

  • Register as a new user or log in to your existing account.

  • Select the desired date (Friday).

  • Choose your preferred lunch pack and complete the payment process. classroomcuisine.com.au 

  • For more information on menu options and pricing, please visit the Classroom Cuisine website. 

NB: This is a lunch service; therefore, students will still require fruit/snack as the lunches will be delivered to school after 12:30pm.

 

Kind regards

Leanne Bradney