Issue 4, Friday 24th February 2023
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The Parkhill Community touch the land and think of the Wurundjeri People and surrounding Clans of the Kulin Nation who cared for the land before us.
We share our gratitude to their Elders past, present and emerging.
As we touch this land we promise to treasure it; taking care of all its people, animals, plants and waterways.
We at Parkhill appreciate this land.
Thank you.
Principal's Message
Happy Friday! Today closes our first four weeks at school, and what a busy time we have all had. I firstly want to thank Parkhill’s amazing staff for their support, dedication and care. I acknowledge over the last two weeks the staff carried a heavier burden, and did so with professionalism and courage. Our staff really are the heart of Parkhill.
Building Update
As you will have seen with the various fencing about the place, we have many building projects on the go. Unfortunately the hall will be delayed yet again, and I am informed our current completion date is end of March. The ramp in the Foundation playground work is also delayed while we wait for building surveyors.
On a more positive note, our shade sail was installed today and the associated plumbing work will be completed soon. Our damaged footy point post will also be replaced next week.
School Council
Our first school council meeting of the year was last night and councillors eagerly discussed improvements to the school buildings and grounds, fundraising opportunities and goals and financial matters. We have a very vibrant Council and I would encourage community members to join. Elections are open from today. For further information, you can find a nomination form and fact sheet below.
School Council Subcommittees
Nominations are also open for School Council Subcommittees. Members do not need to be part of School Council to be in a subcommittee. We have a range of subcommittees available to join now. If you are interested, please contact the office or myself, we’d love to have your input.
Finance – budgeting, reviewing school finances, discussing fundraising and finance issues
Buildings and Grounds – improvements to the school’s buildings and grounds, working bees
Policy – governance of the school, policies and procedures
Publicity and Promotions – promoting the school to the wider community
Community Hub Establishment Group – creating a space for the community to gather
Upcoming Events
We have two big events coming up next week – one for students and one for the whole family! On Monday afternoon, our Brainstorm Productions anti-bullying show will be held in the library for the students. Please make sure to provide consent and payment through the Compass portal before the event or your child will not be able to attend.
On Wednesday from 5:30pm our Twilight Sports will kick off. Our whole community is invited: students and their families, and our local kinders. We’ll have a great night with a sausage sizzle, fun activities and running races. Our School Council will be there to answer your questions. Hope to see you there.
Have a lovely weekend.
Michelle Smith
Acting Principal
Calendar of Curriculum Events
Student Of the Week
The Term 1, Week 3 recipients were:
Foundation: Charlie F
1/2A: Winnie W
1/2B: Maryann O
Y3: Zoe K
4/5A: Ada W
4/5B: Ayesha S
Y6: Sarah G
TWILIGHT SPORTS
Dear Parents/Carers,
Our Twilight Sports night is nearly upon us. Originally set for Tuesday 28th February the night has now been pushed back a day to Wednesday 1st March. We plan to start at 6.00pm sharp and hope to finish at around 7.00pm.
In the past, many families have arrived early (about 5.30pm) to have a picnic on the hill. Like last year, the PFA will have sausages and drinks for sale.
We look forward to seeing you all there on Wednesday 1st March. And parents, don’t forget your runners for the adult’s race!
The Twilight Sports Team
School Council Update
Our School Council met for the first time in 2023 this week. Council meetings involve discussing a range of aspects relating to the governance of our school, including school’s direction, finances and fundraising. This week, we were updated on the building works happening across the school and discussed the frustration of the school hall floor not being ready when promised. School council is following up on this through our local MP, and our Acting Principal, Michelle Smith, is in daily contact with the Department and builders to get our facility back in use.
The start of a new year offers opportunities for parents and carers to get involved with our school. There are so many ways that you can be part of our community and we encourage everyone to consider joining in during the year. We have Parents and Friends Association (PFA) and School Council, as well as a range of committees including Buildings and Grounds, Publications and Promotions, Policy, Finance and a Community Hub Establishment Group. There are also opportunities to participate in working bees and volunteer for fundraisers. In the next couple of weeks, we will send a survey to everyone asking for you to let us know how you could help. There are huge benefits to both the school and to you from being an active part of school life.
Dan Edwards
School Council President
Foundation Teddy Bear Picnic
We had a lovely time consolidating the letter T with our teddy bear picnic celebration. We also snuck in some maths when we ordered our teddies by size and counted the teddy bear biscuits in the pack to check if there was one for everyone. Luckily there was!
Anne McGregor
Foundation Teacher
Y4/5 Inquiry into Volcanoes
3, 2,1 BANG! Last week the Y4/5s inquired into volcanic eruptions. First we found out information about what volcanoes are, how they impact the environment and how people can respond to protect against volcanic eruptions. We sorted out this information by planning our own strategies to respond against an eruption through drawing a diagram and labelling it to explain our strategies. Then the fun began! In groups we decided on a strategy before we constructed a diorama of our town according to our strategy. Finally it was time to test our strategy by making the volcanic eruption. Thankfully our strategies were mostly successful and our towns were protected from the lava. We had a blast!
Des Schlack
4/5A Teacher
4/5B Poems
Y4/5 have been studying books by Jackie French that contain rhyming couplets. Students wrote their own rhyming couplet poems, structured in five couplets as follows: 1 – set the scene, 2 – small problem, 3 – big problem, 4 – resolution, 5 – end scene. Here are a few:
“The abandoned city was a wreck
If above we’d look like a speck.
Creepy noises from under the ground.
All of a sudden we thought we were found.
A monster burst out beneath our feet
and all of a sudden – a burst of heat!
Then in the distance there’s a whipping sound
and the monster retreated into the ground.
A helicopter flies over the town
slowly lowering an escape rope down.”
Harley G
“Stumbling through the dense trees
looking out for venomous bees.
Between the trunks I saw a bear
giving me a deadly stare.
Oh no, the bear is advancing on me!
I try to run but couldn’t flee.
I find a knife upon the ground.
I stab the bear and it goes down.
I go back home, standing tall
and fasten the bear’s head on my wall.”
Quin C
“Somewhere at the beach where the water is
where the ocean starts to fizz.
Little rumbles rumble the shallow water
As the water gets shorter and shorter…
The rumbles get bigger and bigger
as the beach got its trigger.
Alarms are ringing – we must evacuate!
We ask that no one should be late.
It’s okay, the tsunami is delayed.
At least we got an evacuation made.”
Saige Y
“I held back my tears
as I was gonna be facing my fears.
The knock at the roof
made my insides go swoosh!
A random person in front of me –
I try my hardest to successfully flee.
I don’t regret moving out
But now I get nightmares on my new couch.
Now the spirits have a grin
since there is someone new moving in.”
Ayesha S
“Running onto the championship game
It’s one step closer to the Hall of Fame.
You catch, you shoot, fouled and… airball!
Luckily the ref makes the fairest call.
Five minutes later you go to the ref and scowl.
Little do you know he calls a tech foul!
You hit a three to win your first ring!
Everyone’s happy – it’s so exciting!
When they announce finals MVP
You lose your breath and yell “That’s me!”
Patrick C
John Monash Science School
Parkhill was privileged to have the opportunity to send a number of students in Y5 to participate in Mini Mathematicians and Little Scientists programs at John Monash Science School on Wednesday. The Y5 students worked under the guidance of JMSS students and teachers who lead them through a variety of activities. The Little Scientists engaged in an exploration of flight, making paper planes and parachutes, while the Mini Mathematicians solved problems relating to card shuffles. How great it was to see Harley and Patrick up the front sharing their learning. I can’t wait to hear what they get up to in the three sessions to follow.
Andrea Crane
STEAM Teacher
PE at Parkhill
A lot has been happening in PE so far this term. We have already had two incursions for football and hockey from the AFL and Hockey Victoria. The students have learnt a lot about these sports and hopefully we will have some future stars proudly representing Parkhill. Along with that, our students have also been competing in the District swim trials held at Huntingtower with some terrific efforts seeing us going through to Regionals later in the year. Check out some photos from these events.
Well done, Parkhill!
Dean Sciacca
Health and Physical Education
Class Representatives 2023
Many thanks to those parents who have already completed the online form granting permission to share your contact details with your Class Reps this year. There are still are large number of families who have not yet done this. Please complete the form and allow us to share your details with your Class Rep.
All classes except 4/5A have a Class Rep for 2023. If you are a parent of a child in 4/5A who would like to help out and be a Class Rep this year, please get in contact with me.
Class Reps:
FA – Jacquie Elliott
1/2A – Katie Williamson
1/2B – Miranda Tanner
3A – Iona Tsykalo
4/5A – Vacant
4/5B – Monica Derum
6A – Wendy Douglas and Jodie Thatcher
Any questions regarding the Class Rep program can be sent to me on email – joanna.argaet@gmail.com or just catch me in the yard before or after school
Jo Argaet
Class Rep Co-ordinator
Second Hand Uniform Stall
There will be a Second Hand Uniform Stall before school on Monday 27th February. Head to the tables outside the administration building at 8:45am to pick up some uniforms for a gold coin donation. See you there!
PFA News
Twilight Sports BBQ – Volunteers Needed
If you are able to help on Wednesday 1st March with the Sausage during the evening please sign up here – https://signup.com/go/bxkDGZD
WHAT IS THE PFA?
Parent and Friends Association (PFA) is a group of parents and carers that want to help our school community thrive and enjoy being involved in events and fundraising.
What do I need to do, I hear you ask.
Simply put, anything you can help with, big or small, is really appreciated.
When we hold events like cupcake stalls, if you can bake or help sell on the day that’s perfect. You could help cook or serve at the Twilight Sports BBQ, or source items for the silent auction.
We welcome everyone’s contribution. Please consider joining as a general member or perhaps stepping into an office bearing role.
If you are interested in learning more about the PFA, please reach out to Zoe 0459 841 337 or parents.friends.secretary@gmail.com or come chat when it picks up.
Our Next Meeting – PFA AGM – 7th March
DON’T MISS A THING!
Join our Facebook page.
Search for us using the name “Parkhill Primary School Community Page”.
Then click the “join group” icon.
A group administrator will confirm your association with the school and approve your request.
If you would like to be on our email distribution list and receive communication and minutes from our meetings please email parents.friends.secretary@gmail.com
Contact us on WhatsApp – https://chat.whatsapp.com/DtYmFR9RjrZ7ayDpYAVy6L or email parkhillpiranhas@gmail.com
Thank you,
Zoë Littlewood
Lunch Orders
You can find the links to the lunch orders on the website under Quick Links.
FLEXISCHOOLS LUNCH ORDERS
