It was wonderful to have so many families turn out to our Open Classrooms and Welcome Back BBQ on Thursday evening. The children did a magnificent job learning and presenting their dances. There was a lovely atmosphere and energy around the school, and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and catch up with families.

I want to express many thanks to Louise and Tim Martin, as well as the Parent's Association, for graciously hosting the BBQ for our families. A massive thank you goes to Michelle Rassias for handling all the food arrangements and general coordination. Additionally, I would like to extend my appreciation to Anthea Keep for her coordination of the Stomp Dance lessons and performance.

Donvale PS has always been renowned for its unwavering community spirit. Throughout the years, we have been incredibly fortunate to have numerous families dedicating their time to support our community. We are immensely grateful to these families, and although it is impossible to mention everyone by name, I want to assure you that the entire community is deeply thankful for your unwavering efforts and support. However, the time has come to pass the baton and enlist new families to contribute to our extraordinary school. There are countless ways to get involved, and we encourage you to explore the various opportunities available. Research (Australian Institute of Family Studies) highlights that parent engagement and family school partnerships have a positive influence on your child's:

Early literacy acquisition
School readiness
School adjustment
Cognitive development
Motivation
Attendance
Belief in the importance of education
Engagement in school work
Social and relationship skills
Self-regulation behaviour
Sense of personal competence
Wellbeing
Enrolment in higher level classes
Academic achievement
Retention
Graduation
Participation in post-secondary education

Our Parents Association, Parent Representative Initiative, and School Council provide an excellent platform for connecting with other parents, supporting your child's educational journey, and making a positive impact in our school community.

We understand the demands on families these days, with busy schedules filled with sports and extracurricular activities. That's why we work collaboratively, ensuring that your contribution is manageable and fits around your commitments. We want to emphasise that everyone is welcome, regardless of any specific experience or skill sets. We firmly believe that every parent has something unique to offer.

The Parents Association plays a vital role in organising various events such as the Mother's Day Stall, Father's Day Stall, Easter and Christmas Raffle, as well as managing the Canteen and BBQs. We are always open to new ideas and eagerly welcome your suggestions. In 2024, Michelle Rassias and I will be working closely with the team of parents in PA to support your efforts. We would love for you to join us for a cup of coffee or tea in the staffroom to share your thoughts.

Please keep in mind that Parent Representatives often provide support and offer their services to the Parents Association, and it's important to note that this can be a shared role among parents.

Another avenue to consider is joining the School Council, which provides an opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of the school and have a voice in shaping and supporting the school's direction.

If you are interested in getting involved at Donvale PS, please contact the office or email me on larissa.vesdrevanis@education.vic.gov.au

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