Principal's Report

Jells Park Primary School

Principal:                         Kevin Oakey (Acting)

Assistant Principals:    David O'Kane

                                              Melissa McLeod (Acting)

Principal's Comment

At times , when you reflect on things that are happening in our world, you can only shake your head and say, "Why?"

What is it that makes people do things and say things that are hurtful and destructive? Why is it necessary for us as humans to separate, divide and discriminate based on race, religion or sexual orientation? And, what can we do about it?

The only real answer is education. I am reminded about the statement from Civil Rights campaigner, Martin Luther King:

While our role as a school is to educate students in all subjects of the curriculum, I think it is also vitally important that we aim to develop outstanding character among our students. Character, in this instance, is defined as 'moral or ethical quality, people with emapathy and integrity'.  

At Jells Park PS we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, where we all demonstrate tolerance and celebrate diversity. Through highlighting our school values and other specific programs, like Tribes, we are able to support students to understand the issues and make sensible and respectful choices in their interactions with each other, and ultimately, with the wider community. We recognise also that the development of 'good character' is a partnership between the school and the parents. Supporting the school programs is a matter of having conversations with your children about being a good citizen and a good person.

In recent newsletters I have 'encouraged' students to Be Bold. Make a Difference! The emphasis in these statements was around supporting and helping those less advantaged than us. However, I would also like to empower students to be bold about challenging discrimination and making a difference in our school.

Prep Enrolments 2017

Reminder again to any parents that have not yet enrolled their child for Prep 2017. Current numbers are close to our limit, so please see the office immediately if you have not yet enrolled.  If there are any JPPS families that know others that would be interested in joining our great school, please invite them to come for a tour.

Last Day of Term 2

This is a reminder that Term 2 finishes on Friday 24 June at 2.30pm. There will be an assembly at 2.00pm and the students will be dismissed following the assembly.  Lunch orders will be available but there will be no window sales at lunch time.

'Spring Cleaning' during the holidays?

If you are planning a good 'spring clean' these upcoming holidays, don't forget to collect all your unwanted clothes and household goods and donate them to those in need. You can place them in the Recycle With Mondo for a Better World bins in the school office. All items go to disadvantaged communities, with the bonus that we can raise dollars for every bin that we fill. So don't throw good items out in the trash - consider first if they can be re-used!!