Issue 9, Friday 8 April 2022
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Principal's Message
Dear parents and carers,
Unfortunately, due to COVID, my last week at Parkhill hasn’t been as I would have hoped, and I am disappointed that I could not be present to say goodbye to everyone. I have so thoroughly enjoyed the last 8 months. It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with the school community over this time. While I haven’t been able to be at school this week, I am grateful to have been able to finish with another successful working bee last Saturday and to see the beginning of the Indigenous Garden take shape. I look forward to seeing it when it is further established.
I want to thank the Parkhill staff for their professionalism and dedication, particularly throughout the challenges of a term impacted by ongoing COVID disruptions. I also would like to express my gratitude to Parkhill families for welcoming me so warmly. It has been a joy being immersed in such a caring and nurturing community. Finally, I would especially like to say a big thank you to the students at Parkhill for being so friendly and enthusiastic.
Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing term break and all the very best for the remainder of 2022 and beyond.
David Wells
Acting Principal
Calendar of Curriculum Events
Please note that these events are subject to Covid-19 restrictions and are subject to change and/or cancellation.
Have a fantastic school holiday break! See you in Term 2!
Bush Tucker Garden Working Bee
Through overcast clouds, rain and dirt-filled shoes, the amazing people of Parkhill Primary came together on Saturday to lay down the foundations of the Wurundjeri Bush Tucker Garden. Watching the garden paths being paved and created with seamless effort and smiles on faces was a true tribute of what the Parkhill community are capable of.
Our community was graced by the presence of Mark, the Koorie Engagement Support Officer, who shared his profound words when acknowledging the significance of Wurundjeri Country where we all gather, work and play on. Our thank you to Jane as well for sharing her heartfelt insights and perspectives of everyday changes needed for First Nations People moving forward.
You may have noticed that this space was put to use on Monday night for the Campfire Conversation. We had a motivating Welcome to Country by Elder Uncle Colin from the Wurundjeri Council, and some deep, searching discussions from all families involved. Some resolutions were made that will help increase cultural awareness in schools and kindergartens and to ensure that rights are implemented for First Nations Peoples self-determination in education.
Thank you to each and every one of you for your amazing display of community spirit.
Bella Crowe
Koorie Education Ambassador
Parkhill Shines at District Athletics
Last Friday saw Parkhill competing in the District Athletics at Bill Sewart Reserve. With a team of only 56, the students in Y4, 5 and 6 achieved some remarkable results with the squad coming 3rd in its division. Some notable achievements came during the relay events with the Under 10 and 12 boys placing first. Individually there were also some wonder achievements. One of those was Jasper’s high jump result of 1.43cm which saw him breaking a district record that had stood since 2010. Well done to everyone who competed on the day. So very proud!
Dean Sciacca
Sporting Events Coordinator
Backflips Against Bullying
On April 7th the show Backflips Against Bullying came to Parkhill to perform an amazing show to help kids identify and stop bullying.
There were lots of laughs, tips, flips and tricks. Many kids volunteered on stage. All together it was a great, funny and interactive show. It helped lots of kids to stand up to bullying and to realise bullying is not a game. Big thanks to Luca, Sarah and Noah for performing and signing many autographs for everyone to enjoy.
Written by Sara, Mali, Addi and Jayda
STEAM
Another great week in the STEAM room. This week we were inspired by the upcoming chocolate feast that is Easter. The Y6 students were inspired by Wassily Kandisky and produced some very impressive abstract eggs.
The Y4/5 students battled with the question, should Australians support the Easter Bunny or the Easter Bilby. Check out their awesome creations.
Andrea Crane
STEAM Teacher
Playtime Activities
Yesterday, our Art captains Addi and Ayesha (from 6B) assisted me to set up an Easter craft table which was a huge hit. Sticking, colouring, and drawing with much chatter and excitement for the school holidays.
Also, news for term 2 – Games/Lego club is returning!! Thanks to Oscar (6B) for his assistance to get this organised and ready to roll.
Happy holidays everyone 🙂
Kerry D’Arcy
Games Club Coordinator
Stargazing at Parkhill - Thursday 5 May
Volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Victoria will be setting up their telescopes in the school grounds so that we can gaze at the splendours of the Moon and some of the amazing objects visible in the night sky. You’ll get great views of craters and mountains on the Moon, and be able to see star clusters, and other distant astronomical objects. We will start at 6.30pm and finish at about 8.00pm. Wrap up warm, as May evenings can be quite chilly. If you want to bring along a torch, make sure that the lens is covered with something red, like cellophane. White light is bad for your night vision!
School Concert 2022
We are excited to begin preparations for our 2022 School Concert and warmly invite members of our school community to be involved.
Do you have special skills in
● script writing
● singing, song writing
● dancing, choreography
● costume design/sewing
● music tech/editing
● lighting
● set design/building
● art/painting/prop making?
School concerts are a confidence building and enriching experience for students and a wonderful shared creative project for the whole school community. We look forward to working together on this special event.
Please join us for our first planning meeting on Wednesday 4 May at 4pm in the library or email marindatanner@gmail.com with details of how you would like to contribute.
Parent Payments
Parent payments cover the costs of things like pens, paper, digital subscriptions for Reading Eggs, etc. These items are not covered by the government funding the school receives, so if you are able to make these contributions, please follow this link to access the information.
Currently, the school has only received parent payments from 42% of families at the school.
As a result of the change to the structure of parent payments, there will be no statements sent to families from this year onward and no reminders of these payments.
We understand that this year the changes to the payments by the Department have made the process more confusing, so if you have any questions about these voluntary payments, please contact Jo at the office (jo.ravida@education.vic.gov.au) or ask a School Council member. Importantly, there is also assistance available including payment plans and community assistance funds.
Melo Conti
Vice President – School Council
PFA News
Executive Committee:
President: Zoë Littlewood
Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Chris Fagan
Secretary/Communications: Vacant
General Members: Elle Delmee, Sumi Sundram, Vanessa Cowley, Jo Argaet, Iona Tsykalo, Lih-Shan Yam, Emma Gullan, Trish King, Marinda Tanner, Alex Cilsby, Emily Meagher, Nadine Philips
Parkhill will have a stall at the market, selling sausages and drinks. There are time slots for setting up, cooking, serving and pack-up. Any time that you can help will be greatly appreciated. Use the following link –https://signup.com/go/YTaFdfV – or scan the QR code above to sign up.
ENTERTAINMENT BOOK
They cost $70 and provide over $20,000 in discounts to all the things you love to do…dining, attractions, shopping, travel and more! They are filled with up to 50% off or 2-for-1 style offers, they are a great way to discover new favourites and enjoy the value at the same time. The proceeds of the books sold goes to Parkhill Primary School. Please order one now via this link
REMEMBER TO SAY ‘PARKHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL’ WHEN SHOPPING!
Rebel Community Kickbacks Program.
Under this program, Parkhill Primary School can earn 5% of your purchases at Rebel Sports as an in-store credit to spend on our school sports programs.
You can sign up in store or log into your rebel Active Member account when shopping online at www.rebelsport.com.au to attribute the expense to the school.
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
Lunch Orders
You can find the links to the lunch orders on the website under Quick Links.
FLEXISCHOOLS LUNCH ORDERS
community notices
