Dear Parents and carers,
We are already halfway through Term 4 and what a busy term it has been. I would like to highlight firstly the wonderful Centenary celebrations. The school was a buzz with performances, a classroom in the SaCC which took us on a journey from 1922 through to 2022. The Museum and photo gallery proved very popular with all our ex-students who loved reminiscing and sharing their memories of PPS.
From the school’s research through Trove, there is evidence of a strong community push for a school in Punchbowl from as early as 1916, with public meetings being held to push the establishment of the school and even protests against delays.
Turn the clocks forward 100 years and our families are still our biggest supporters both of PPS and public education. As Punchbowl and our families have changed over the years, the school has met those changes. Always putting the student at the heart of what we do. The relationship between home and school has always been strong and that is what makes Punchbowl so special.
In 2022 we have over 30 language groups represented in our school, and we champion the diversity of our community every day.
Thanks to the hard-working Centenary Committee made up of staff and parents. Eleni Kontakos, Deborah Doolan, Asenati Mareko, Fay El-Esh, Analise Alkiviardou, Cris Brisigotti, Abeer Arja, Midori Jobling, Helen Iriarte and Amal Farhat.
To all the teachers who prepared performances and created artworks, many thanks. Thanks you to the dedicated team of parents and community members who also worked hard behind the scenes with our performances and helping out on the day.
Secondly, our choir and dance ensembles were again centre stage at the Combined Public Schools Music Festival at Bankstown Sports. Again, I was a very proud Principal, being part of the audience who were blown away by the enthusiasm and smiles that shone from the stage. Congratulations to Mr Potten, Mrs Robinson, Miss Mantzavrakos, Miss Crawford, Ms Stojecska and Mrs El Esh who supported, encouraged, rehearsed and cheered these ensembles along. I look forward to another performance at the Presentation Day assemblies.
Thirdly, it was my privilege again to be on hand at the Network Awards Ceremony where our entire team of School Learning Support Officers were recognised for their dedication and work across many setting in our school. At Punchbowl Public School we acknowledge the significant role our School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) team play in helping to facilitate teaching and learning for every child so they can be safe, learn, grow and achieve.
The team from Preschool, the Support Unit and our Mainstream go above and beyond to support everyone in our school from the teaching staff to the students and families, as well as each other. Their knowledge and understanding of diverse learning needs is testament to their ongoing commitment to professional and personal learning, and it is supported by their individual and collective passions and strengths.
Their hard work and dedication make a difference in the lives of students and teachers, and we thank them for the valuable work they perform and the contribution to supporting great teaching and learning in our school. Congratulations to the SLSO team.
We are looking forward to all our end of year events in the second half of the term, including Presentation Day. Our Year 6 students are involved in transition to high school activities, and our Kindergarten Orientation for new students in 2023 will also get underway in Week 9. Keep an eye out for all information on Skoolbag and through School Bytes.
Donna McGeary
Principal
