PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Wet Day Timetable

Term three is traditionally a time when we do get plenty of rain in Melbourne. When it is wet during recess or lunch our students are usually restricted to their classrooms for quiet activities. Recently we have adjusted the supervision roster and created a range of opportunities for students on wet days.    

Father’s Day Stall

Yesterday we held a very successful stall where students had the opportunity to purchase gifts for Father’s Day. Students enjoyed choosing from a range of items and spent their money wisely. Thank you to the thirteen parent volunteers who assisted on the day. I hope that all the dads out there are delighted with the items your children have chosen for you!   

ICAS Testing

In my first year here as Principal, one thing that has astounded me has been the interest in the ICAS testing process. An amazing number of our students have engaged in sitting the tests this term. We have had 104 students involved in the mathematics test, 96 in the English test and 55 sit the Science test. I was personally involved in administering some of these testing sessions and was really impressed by the student participation. Our students were motivated to produce their best effort, demonstrating our school value of Personal Achievement.  

Coffee and Chat

Just a reminder that we are reintroducing the coffee and chat with school leaders this term. Our Term 3 session is coming up on Monday 5th September at 9:15am in the staffroom. Please feel free to drop in to discuss what is currently happening at PPPS and ask any questions you may have.   

Parent Opinion Survey

Last week 183 families were randomly chosen to complete the Parent Opinion Survey. At the time of writing, only 10% have currently completed their survey. The due date for responses is September 16th. The feedback is invaluable for our school council and leadership team. If you have received the survey, please attempt to make the time to complete it to assist in our future planning processes. 

Athletics Carnival 

Last week I was fortunate enough to sneak out of school for an hour to go and support our Athletics team at Meadowglen Stadium for the District Athletics event that involved seven local schools. We had 60 students successfully represent Plenty Parklands, demonstrating both athletic ability and our school values. A further 21 students have progressed to the Whittlesea Division level and will participate next Tuesday at Meadowglen once again.   

Gardening 

The school purchased ten metres of cottage mulch and together with some Year 5 and 6 student volunteers, Mr Surkitt has revitalised the front of the school and the garden beds adjacent to the Music Room and Hall. It was fantastic to see the students engaging in activities to improve the school and many of the students were confident with shovels and wheelbarrows.

David Whewell | Principal