What a term it has been; well done everyone. Once more we faced lockdown, some freedom, mask wearing and density limits, and it still goes on.

For over 12 months we have learnt to be flexible and resilient. Some of our community have found this more challenging than others, but we hope that you have been able to seek help and support. Also, remember that PPPS staff members have not been immune from the stress and challenges of the constant changes due to COVID, we are human too.

Thank you everyone for getting behind the Junior School Council Crazy Color Day on Wednesday. The kids really looked like they were having fun. The help of our Coffee and Chat members and parent volunteers was invaluable, and it was like ‘the good old days’ working with them to provide a special day for our kids. Although they were ‘run off their feet’, they were so positive about being on site. Special thank you to everyone who donated items for our raffle; we had 23 very happy winners.

A big thank you to our JSCs and Ms Seidel for their work to organise the event. Another big thank you to the office staff for their support and behind the scenes work, especially Mrs Azzopardi who, with Ms Julie Nixon, coordinated the fun. What a lovely day, full of fun!

Thank you to the many families who gave our recent facilities survey serious thought and responded with some insightful ideas and suggestions. We have received ideas related to the current Science room and facilities, a larger and technology advanced library, a new drama room, more flexibility for different learning styles and needs, outdoor gathering spaces, transforming the hall into a presentation space, the ideas went on and on. There were some great ideas about things you value in education, and while we might agree, we are limited by the parameters of the grant. We have attached a copy of the full comments to this week’s newsletter for your reading pleasure.

Thank you again.

As we look forward to Term 3, we have some staffing news to share.

We welcome our new Leading Teacher (LT) Courtney Smith. Courtney is an experienced Leading Teacher and is excited to join our leadership team. When Stephanie De Cata leaves to have her first baby, Courtney will take over as Year 4 Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leader and welfare support. You will find her office in the Library.

Speaking of Leading Teachers, we are very pleased to welcome back Kristy Caruso after having time with little Millie. Kristy will return for two days a week and will share an office with Courtney in the library.

Some people will already know Mrs Chrissy Wilberforce, a teacher who is currently working in our tutoring program. We are lucky that Chrissy will be taking over as classroom teacher in 4-30 when Stephanie De Cata goes on Family Leave.

We thank Mr Michael Hicks for spending the past 12 months with us. We also thank Charles La Trobe College for lending Michael to us. We wish him all the best for his return to

Charles La Trobe at the end of this term.

While we wave Michael goodbye, we also welcome Ms Aimee Carroll who has been selected as the classroom teacher in 3-27.

Welcome back to Kate Fitzmaurice who has been on Family Leave. Kate will return for two days a week. We are delighted to have Kate back.

Some news you probably already know is that Mr Cameron Conlon is moving to live and work in Queensland. He and his partner are hoping to relocate in the holidays, if they are allowed to travel. We wish Cameron all the best and thank him for being a ‘quiet achiever’, although he is also quite cheeky. Having followed the Department’s process, we are very happy to let you know that Mr Seb Scanu is returning to PPPS. We know you will be really keen to say welcome back to Mr Scanu.

We also wish Mrs Leanne Weston our very best as she takes extended leave to prioritise her health. Leanne has contributed so much over her 20 years at our school. She knows our children and families so well, and has made an indelible impression on so many; children, families and staff. I have always had the utmost confidence when new parents ask how they will know if their child is ready for school. My response is, “Don’t even think about it, Mrs Weston can tell you that from 10 metres away”, so sure am I of her knowledge and skills. Parents laugh and as they get to know Leanne as Prep Transition Coordinator, they agree with me.

Finally, I would like to thank and congratulate Julie Nixon, who has been selected to be the Acting Principal in Term 3, while I take long service leave (LSL). I know I am leaving PPPS in great hands as Julie has always been an integral part of the leadership team of our school.

My plans for LSL? Who knows; we will just relax, travel locally and interstate if and when we are able to do so.

Take care of yourself and each other,

Claire

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