Thank you and congratulations to our families and students. It is a year that has posed lots of challenges, but also taught us things about ourselves, and the importance of resilience and a positive mind set; not always easy to achieve but so incredibly important.

Thank you to all the staff here at PPPS who once again committed themselves to ensuring the best possible educational opportunities for our students, especially as we all rode the waves of COVID 19.

Special congratulations to our year 6 students, who did not anticipate a year like 2020, but who have stayed positive and are celebrating their years at primary school with Presentation today.

Special congratulations a number of our students who are attending Mill Park Secondary College next year and will be part of one of their Accelerated Learning Programs.

To Ayman A, Minjun Y and Jade Z who have accepted a place in the SEAL program.

To Elle F-N and Riel S who will be part of the Accelerated English program.

To Nimai T who joins the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program.

Further congratulations to Elle F-N who is also the recipient of the Community Scholarship at Mill Park Secondary College. I have been informed that Elle completed an outstanding application and interview to win the scholarship.

We also congratulate Shivani N who was presented with her School Sports Victoria Academic and Sporting Award Medal yesterday. As an enthusiastic member of the learning community who acts as a role model for her peers, she loves to challenge herself in all learning opportunities and takes the time to assist her fellow learners. Shivani also made it to the final tryouts for the VIC STATE girl's cricket team, before COVID 19 restrictions. She is also a strong tennis player and has contributed to various sporting and athletic teams at PPPS since she was in year 4.

What wonderful personal achievement for each student.

Special thank you to all our volunteers, including our School Council members and all parent helpers who supported us in Term 1. Your work and commitment is really appreciated.

While we expect to pass our year 6 students on to secondary school each year, waving and wishing them well, we also say goodbye to some of our students who are moving suburbs or even interstate! We had a chance to do that at yesterday’s assembly as the year 5 students formed our Farewell Arch and year 6 students, any students from prep to year 5 who are moving, and any staff members who will not be here in 2021 walked through to the sound of music and a lot of loud clapping. Goodbye and good luck. We will miss you all.

This year, sadly, we say goodbye to Roger Baker, our School Council President as his youngest child leaves PPPS. Roger was our Treasurer in 2016 and 2017. He then took on the role of President in 2018 and has continued in that role. I can’t explain enough how lucky our community is to have a supportive and dedicated school council who is led by an equally supportive and dedicated President. Roger has always been highly professional in his role, keeping what is best for the children and families at the centre of decision making.

One last goodbye to other members of our community who are leaving PPPS. We wish these people and families all the best and thank them for their contribution to our lives.

The year 6 students themselves.
Families whose year 6 student is the ‘baby’ and last child to attend PPPS.
Students and families who are moving to other suburbs or states next year.

Mr Andy Broadbent, Mr Andrew Cavalieros, and Mr Tom Kimpton who are moving to new schools.

Mr Kimpton is taking up a PE role at his new school and is looking forward to the change. Mr Cavalieros, after six years at PPPS is going to a brand new school to teach a year 3 and 4 class. He is excited to be facing some new challenges next year and plans to take our Quality approach with him. After four years, Mr Broadbent is having a ‘tree change’ and moving to a small farm in beautiful countryside to raise his young family. His new school will provide many challenges but, as we all know, Mr Broadbent has the energy and commitment to meet whatever comes his way.

Ms Ashleigh Thomas who is expecting the family’s second child very soon. I will include a photo of the new addition next year.
Ms Kate Cugnetto and Mrs Mary Jo Cottier who will be with us next year, however in a different role. We thank them for their work with their classes this year.
Mrs Sharon Kandell, Ms Julie Windsor and Mrs Sue Chinnappa who have made the hard decision to retire. They are happy to have more time with their families, however we are sad to say goodbye. Each of these important staff members has been with us for 20 years; that’s a long time of commitment and service to our kids. We had a farewell for Julie and Sue yesterday and are planning one for Sharon early next year.

We wish them all the best and trust you know you are always welcome to visit PPPS.

Thank you to all these students, families and staff members who, in their own special way, have contributed to making PPPS an even greater school.

We are excited for Ms Marni Chambers who is celebrating her wedding in January. Like so many others, Marni has been patient and watched closely as the COVID restrictions eased enough to allow the event. We hope her day is as special as she has planned it to be.

Congratulations of a slightly different kind to Ms Emma Wallmeyer who has recently announced her engagement. We are delighted for Emma and her fiancé, Josh.

Over the summer holidays we would like to ask a favour of you all and see if you can keep an eye on our school for us. If you see suspicious people (kids or adults) hanging around PLEASE call the police; better to be safe than sorry. The police understand and will try to come past and investigate.

Remember that the values are just as important on holidays as they are at school so keep them alive and well with your children. We hope your holiday is full of A Fair go for All, Honesty, Respect, Trust, Care, and Personal Achievement.

Thank you all for contributing to our school community in a whole range of different ways.

From all the 2020 staff and students thank you all for another year of working together to educate [our] children as lifelong learners to shape a better Australia.

Enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday.

Claire

Claire McInerney

Principal

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