PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Fun Day 

Our staff and parents have been preparing in earnest for the Fun Day coming up next Wednesday 22nd June. After two years of COVID restrictions, students are really excited in anticipation. We have a fantastic day of activities planned. It is my first Fun Day since 2010 so I am particularly looking forward to seeing the Inflatable Obstacle Course, the Magic Show and the Colouring Competition. Thank you for all the donations that we will use for raffle prizes and thank you in advance to those parents who are available to assist on the day. 

Staffing Update 

We have recently filled several staffing positions in preparation for Term 3. Kate Fitzmaurice has taken leave for the remainder of the year and will be replaced in the Physical Education department by Anthony Falcone who will be with us on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cynthia Tennent has joined us as an education support staff member and she will work on developing English skills with a select group of students as our EAL coordinator. Finally, our own Leading Teacher Courtney Smith has been promoted to the position of Acting Principal at Kinglake West Primary School. We wish her luck in the new role. We have appointed Megan Long as the new Junior School Leader. Megan is returning to PPPS after seven years leading elsewhere, following her first stint here ended in 2015.   

Professional Development 

Our staff have spent a considerable time recently working with Deb Sukarna, a literacy consultant of great repute who specialises in the teaching of reading and writing. Our year 3 to 6 teachers have each observed Deb modelling best practice in classes and subsequently spent a full day reviewing their current teaching processes and honing their skills to make adjustments that are designed to maximise student learning. I am looking forward to watching our teachers implement these changes next term and observing your children as they develop their literacy capabilities.  

Communication 

I would like to take this chance to reiterate that I am always available to talk to parents or guardians about any issues that are important to you. In my two months here at Plenty Parklands I have come into contact with many of you and have sat down for formal meetings with several families. If you require support, please send an email to David.Whewell@education.vic.gov.au or call me at school on 9404 4311. Lately we have had a couple of instances where parents have felt the need to directly contact DET with issues. This is well within your rights, and in some cases the best course of action for you and your particular concern. Please note that if you want to communicate with me first then I am always prepared to make the time to meet.   

Decisions Looming

Leading any organisation in 2022 is challenging and schools are no different. As the second half of the year comes around, I will be working closely with the Leadership team, student Junior School Council and our School Council to make the best decisions on several matters. These include whether we hold the traditional Dance Concert, how we organise the Year 6 Graduation and what changes we make to our Reporting processes going forward. I will endeavour to keep you all up to date with plans as they arise. 

David Whewell | Principal