Acting Assistant Principal Report

Year 7 and 8/Support

Year 7 and 8

What an incredibly successful year it has been in the Junior Learning area. It’s remarkable to think that only twelve months ago we were welcoming our enthusiastic, and perhaps, slightly nervous Grade 6 students to their Orientation Day.

Since then, our 2025 Year 7 cohort has achieved so much, and we could not be prouder. Whether it has been overcoming academic challenges, celebrating academic success, excelling in sport or music, taking part in our school musical School of Rock, or contributing to our recent Parky Does Summer event, our students have embraced every opportunity to become active members of the Parkdale community.

Our Year 7 Camp earlier this year also saw students step well outside their comfort zones; and into tents, with enthusiasm and resilience.

My sincere thanks go to all teachers and support staff for their dedication throughout the year. A special acknowledgment must go to our Year Level Leader, Ms Emily Payne, and our Year 7 Coordinator, Mr Jonathan Eng, for their outstanding leadership and care.

To our 2025 Year 8 students: it has been a pleasure watching you grow and mature in readiness for the independence that awaits you in the Year 9 CONNECT Program. Most recently, you were finally able to select electives for Year 9 that reflect your strengths and passions, and you demonstrated impressive self-direction and curiosity through the Engagement Program in Term 3. 

You have proven yourselves to be an exceptional group of young people, consistently striving to achieve your best. Always immersed in extra-curricular activities across the school representing your year level (and school) with such pride.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Dale Towler for his leadership of the Year 8 team, supported so strongly by Mr Georgatsos and Mrs Koumoundouros. Students are delighted that Mr G will continue with them into Year 9 as one of their strongest advocates. We also warmly farewell Mrs Koumoundouros, who has served as a student manager at Parkdale for many years. She now steps back to focus on her teaching and to enjoy more time with family and friends. We are deeply grateful for her commitment to our students, families and colleagues.

Finally, I wish all students and families a restful, safe, and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to beginning the next chapter together in 2026.