Wednesday saw some weary faces returning from Camp Weekaway, with many students and adults due for a big long sleep. I hear that camp was great even though it was quite wet and some activities were held inside, and I heard glowing praise for the students’ conduct at camp. Big thanks to our attending adults: Desiree, Dean, Kerry, Brooke, Marcus and Peter, you have all earned your camp stripes!

As my time as Acting Principal draws to a close, I wanted to thank our lovely community and staff for the support you have provided me. It has been a privilege to be in the role and I have enjoyed the daily challenges that are unique to the position. As Jo steps into the substantive principal role next term, I will continue to support as Assistant Principal. Please continue to share feedback and suggestions, it helps to let me know how I can help.

CALD Families Morning Tea – we are pleased to present a special morning tea next Tuesday for CALD families. It will offer an opportunity to connect to our community and we will also be providing support with administrative concerns, including using Compass, communicating with the school and regular procedures.

Y5/6 Sovereign Hill Costumed School Camp – Y5/6 are eagerly anticipating camp next week at Sovereign Hill, starting Wednesday 14 June. The camp promises quite a change from our regular activity-based camps, with the costumed school for the final two days. Never fear, students will continue with their academic focus and I’m sure the school masters will keep them in line! Adults accompanying out of costume will be allowed to take photos, and the costumed school will also be providing photos after the camp. We will provide details after their return.

Parkhill Specialists visiting Kinders – Parkhill has a very proactive kinder transition program and in this term we have sent our Performing Arts teacher, Carlie, to ten local kinders to share a fun music session. Just recently, our Mandarin teacher, Shuoyin, went out to the same kinders to share a special language session with them. She’ll continue with part two next week. Next term we look forward to our Parkhill Preschool Program, where kinder students will come to Parkhill to enjoy sessions with the Specialist teachers. Thanks to our specialist teachers for making these sessions special.

Performing Arts – starting last week, Marinda re-joined the Parkhill staff to step into the Performing Arts teaching role. This will continue until the end of Term 3 while Carlie takes time to travel with family. We welcome Marinda back to staff at Parkhill. You have to admit, she’ll be great in the role!

Subcommittees and Working Groups – Both our Community Hub and Masterplanning working groups are scheduled to begin in Term 3. The Community Hub working group will be responsible for setting up the Community space shared in the library, evolving into a spot that community members can gather and use for many purposes. The masterplanning working group will begin the work scoping the future direction of our buildings and grounds at Parkhill. Please let us know if you are interested in joining either of these groups.

Have a wonderful long weekend.

Michelle Smith

Acting Principal

michelle.smith@education.vic.gov.au