PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

 As Melbourne awaits each day for news on the recent COVID spread it’s important to remind ourselves to be patient, kind to others, and be resilient.  It feels like we will never get out of that ‘rabbit hole’ of restrictions, but let’s remember, we managed to get through our COVID experiences throughout 2020 and we can get through this one if we all follow the rules put in place by the Victorian Government. 

Unfortunately, we have been forced to cancel so many of our usual school activities such as the concert, on site activities showcasing student learning, excursions and a number of sporting activities, for example due to the lockdowns.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that the year 3 and 4 camps, the gymnastics program, the swimming program and the year 2 day camp will all go ahead in term 4.

Despite all of the upheavals, a big thank you is extended to our staff for adapting so professionally to remote teaching and varying the teaching and learning program during these long weeks to ensure that children are kept engaged.  Increasingly challenging as the weeks pass. 

My deepest admiration to you, our parents, who have endured week after week of supervising home learning while juggling so many commitments such as working from home, coping with new born babies and toddlers, managing your homes and keeping your families safe. 

During the school holidays, we will continue to monitor updates from the Victorian Health Department, and Department of Education & Training (DET), and will pass on relevant updates as they are received. 

We will all be sad to learn that Ms McInerney won’t be returning to PPPS from long service leave. Claire has decided to retire after 40+ years working for the Department of Education and 13 years as our Principal at PPPS.  She is looking forward to being able to travel when the restrictions are lifted.  When we are able to, we will be holding a staff morning tea on site for Claire and the children will have a chance to see her and say ‘goodbye’.  I know many parents will want the opportunity to say thank you and wish Claire farewell and all the best in retirement.  If it’s not going to be possible to meet face to face, I suggest that you write to the school’s email address and we will ensure that these messages are passed on to Claire. 

I will be Acting Principal for term 4.  The position for the new Principal will be advertised on the Department of Education’s Recruitment online page.  A panel comprising the School Council president, a staff member and senior Department of Education personnel will be established to select the new principal whose term will begin on day one of term 1, 2022. 

Regarding term 4, Monday 4 October, is a curriculum day.  The focus for the day is on staff and student wellbeing.  Camp Australia will be providing on site supervision.  Please contact them directly to make a booking for your child.  

Planning week is also in week 1 of term 4.  Staff will spend half a day in their teams planning the curriculum and learning tasks for the first half of the term.  If on site, children will be supervised by the specialist staff.  If remote learning continues, staff won’t be posting work or responding during their planning time.

Stay safe, enjoy the school holidays and we will hopefully see everyone back on site in term 4.

Ms Julie Nixon – Acting Principal