Principal's Report

Another busy fortnight at the Springs!

It seems like we're always on the go at Pakenham Springs! Since our last edition, we've had our school captains and vice captains join the Cardinia Shire to consult around the 'Imagine Cardinia' initiative. We've had a number of students represent Pakenham Springs at the District Swimming Carnival, with Alyssa Winbanks winning her way through to the next level. This week, we held our annual Pakenham Springs Athletics Carnival for our Year 3-6 students, and I am proud to say that each and every student represented our school with a high level of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience.  It really is a pleasure to go to these events and see our students cheering each other on and trying their very best at their chosen sport. Athletics Day ran smoothly thanks to the organisation, time and effort put in by our Physical Education staff.  We really are so lucky to have them planning these special events for us.  Our office staff and other staff who assisted in running the events and the many different organisational aspects on the day are also amazing, and we send a huge 'thank you' their way too.

Farewell from me

As you are aware, this week marks the end of my 11 years at The Springs.  While I am extremely excited to be taking on the position of Acting Principal at Garfield Primary School, I am incredibly sad to be leaving my Pakenham Springs family.  We often take our community for granted and do not always appreciate the support we all have for each other.  I feel so lucky to have spent such a considerable amount of time in an environment with great kids, supportive parents and colleagues who make coming to work every day enjoyable.  I'm sure you'll still see my face around the Springs on occasion - I'll come and buy a sausage at the next Community Open Day!  I wish you all the very best as you continue to make Pakenham Springs an even greater school into the future.  Jane King will be stepping into the Acting Principal role temporarily, ahead of Kerryn Baillie's return from leave.

Advance notice and important dates

Please note that Monday 19th April will be a Curriculum Day (no students at school). This will allow our staff to delve deeper into the work we are doing in creating a rich, engaging and challenging Mathematics program for all students. 

School Photos will be taken by SchoolPix on Tuesday 27th April (week 2 of term 2).  Order forms will be sent out later this term - please note that no cash will be accepted for these.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club continues to run from 8:30am - 8:45am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Multi-Purpose Room.  Students (and families) are welcome to pop in for toast or cereal before the students head into class at 8:45am.  We thank all of our staff and volunteers for their assistance in making sure we can get a healthy breakfast to as many students as we possibly can. 

Parking

We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get a parking spot around our school - this is a headache experienced by most schools across the state!   Please be mindful of observing the road rules and parking restrictions around the boundary of our school.   We also ask that you are respectful of our neighbours when parking on the street.  

There is no entry to our school car park by parents - our spaces are only for staff and for the Kindergarten and Maternal & Child Health Centre.

Student Safety

Just a reminder that students require parental supervision if they are on school grounds before 8:30am and after 3:30pm.  Out of Hours School Care is available if parents are unable to make other care arrangements.  Please contact OshClub if you require care before or after school on any school day.

Coughs? Sore throat? Fever?

Don't bring your germs to school!  If your child is unwell, please, please, please, keep them home!  It remains more important than ever for students that are unwell to stay home.  Also please ensure your emergency contact details are current on Compass - it is a requirement that unwell children are collected as soon as possible from school.

Have a great week!

Renee Cotterell

Principal (Acting)