From the Principal

As communicated to the school community on Thursday 15th May via Compass Newsfeed after much consultation with my specialist, broader medical team and my family and consideration of these discussions,  I have made the decision to take leave for the remainder of the school year commencing Monday 2nd June. I thank all staff and members of the school community for their support over the last 15 months and, in particular, my return this year.

I will take this period of leave with the comforting knowledge that Mr Michael Tuck will be the Acting Principal during this time. He has shown, in my absence in 2024, to be an excellent leader of the College.  I know he will be ably supported by the Principal team, the school leaders and by School Council.  This has made my decision so much easier to make.

Currently we are working through a process to appoint an Acting Assistant Principal.  As part of this process there will be a reallocation of some responsibilities at the Assistant Principal level.  When this process is finalised, it will be communicated to the school community. 

ANZAC

As has become custom we held a wonderful ANZAC service to honour those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  This year the focus was on the bombing of Darwin which brought the war to our own shores. My thanks to Ms Jo Quinn for her role leading this service. I also congratulate Will Travis (Y10) for his magnificent performance of “Only Nineteen”

Staffing

As always seems to be the case there were staff changes for the commencement of the new term.  This happens for various reasons with staff going on leave, illness and starting positions at different schools.  Ms Irene Platsis has been replaced by Stephen Yaghmoor after accepting a position at a school closer to home, Mr Marty Murrihy is absent through illness and Mr Steven Rofe is replacing him.  In a shuffle of classes his Y12 Biology class has been taken over by Ms Shelley Hatch who teaches the other Y12 Biology classes.  

Ms Dayna Brett has been seconded to a position within the DE for term 2.  Her classes are being covered by Ms Clare Keyburn.

Open Night/Tours

The college Open Night was held on Tuesday 1st April and was well attended by potential enrollees and their families. There were an estimated 550 people in attendance as we showcased the academic and co-curricula programs of the school.  There were many staff and students present to answer questions and I thank them all for their important role on the night.  Additionally, we have received some great feedback from families that attended.

The school tours have been very well attended, continuing the trend of the amazing interest in the school from the community. Families of grade 6 parents have now submitted their Year 7 2026 preference forms to their primary school and this information will be passed onto us in due course. We await to see how many students have selected Parkdale SC as the school of their choice.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

The Year 7-9 interviews were held on Thursday 1st May.  As per the senior student interviews at the end of term one these were a hybrid interview process using Webex and in person.  The decision to do this was based on feedback we received from parents that they wanted to meet teachers in person.  Parents were able to engage with their child’s teachers and discuss progress and listen to advice on how their child can take the next steps forward in their learning.  Importantly, on many occasions, the child was present through the interview giving their viewpoint and hearing the advice being given.  This is a great example of the three way communication which is important in the learning journey. I encourage keeping these lines of communication open throughout the year not just at these formal occasions.

Year 7 Camp

This occurred in the last week of term 1 and was fortunate to have wonderful weather.  Students undertook numerous activities.  For many there was the first time experience of sleeping in tents. My thanks to Ms Emily Payne for her organization of this camp and to all staff who attended giving their time so that students could have these experiences.

Year 12 Formal/Camp

These events are important milestones in school life. It was terrific to see the Year 12 students all dressed up and having a great night with their friends and teaching staff at the formal.  I attended the camp and had a very enjoyable time speaking and interacting with the Y12 students in a less formal setting. Again, my thanks to the staff who attended and in particular to Ms Faya Mrad who was the leader of this camp.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

An outstanding function led by Ms Brooke Douglas.  To say that it was an emotional morning understates the feelings that were evident as students recalled the relationships they have with their mothers and the memories they hold dear.

Victorian State School Spectacular

This performing arts event is open to all students across the state, and it is a significant achievement to be selected as a participant.  This year three Parkdale SC students have successfully navigated the audition process to be chosen to participate.

We congratulate them and look forward to seeing them in the production.