To all our families,
Congratulations on the completion of our first full year of uninterrupted learning since 2019. How wonderful it is to know that we have been able to teach, learn and connect with our students and families face-to-face over the entire year.
As the school year comes to an end, I want to acknowledge all our school staff for the commitment and teamwork displayed over a year that has had its challenges and successes. It is so difficult, impossible at times, to quantify all the learning, positive interactions, adjustments and decisions made across a day let alone a year. I want to deeply thank each staff member for their commitment to our students, their learning and wellbeing, and the difference they have made over 2022. Our vision is to create an inclusive and collaborative community who value the wellbeing of each individual and celebrate our diversity. Our reflective practices continue to drive student growth, in all its forms. I recognise the partnerships and relationships every staff member has developed with our families to ensure every student is known, valued and cared for.
It has been a year where schools have been able to venture outside our gates to provide even richer learning experiences for our students. Excursions to Riverside Theatre, Symbio Wildlife Park, Calmsley Hill City Farm, Centennial Parkland, Swim School, and many others was super exciting for our students and their teachers. Our excursions culminated with the overnight Year 6 camp to the Sydney Academy of Sport at Narrabeen. I was lucky enough to spend the day and evening onsite and there was so much laughter and fun as they experienced archer tag, kayaking and chariot building. Thank you to Mrs El Esh, Mr Potten, Miss Birgin, Miss Williams, Mr Noshie and Mrs Hanna for leaving their own families for the night and going above and beyond for these students. It was a huge success.
Kindergarten Orientation last week was testament to the openness and welcoming culture of our school. So wonderful to have our 2023 Kindergarten students and their families onsite, experiencing their classrooms and teachers as well as learning important information about our school and all that it has to offer. Thank you to Mrs Robinson and Miss Mantzavrakos and the kindergarten team, as well as to the teachers who supported the program by supervising our current Kindergarten classes.
Preschool Stay and Play and enrolment interviews also occurred last week. Another important milestone for our 2023 Preschoolers. The impact of these transition programs over the term cannot be underestimated and we look forward to building partnerships with our new families to ensure the learning progress of these students. Thank you to Mrs Jobling, Mrs Mareko and the preschool team.
To our Year 6 students who have one more event to be a part of this week, I wish all the best with their first steps into high school life. We had a wonderful Year 6 Farewell last week which was enjoyed by all. Especially our parents who joined us for a last dance on the dance floor. There will be much to navigate in the first weeks of 2023 for our Year 6 students and their families, but I know that the advice and values of our school will support your decision making over this time of change. All the staff look forward to hearing of your successes in this next phase of your education. Best of Luck.
All the teachers have been working on our classes for next year. There will be some changes to our teaching team.
Mrs Lia Gioulis has been successful in gaining a temporary position at Wiley Park Public School where she will be leading the School as Community Centre as Facilitator. We wish Ms Lia all the very best in this new position and thank her for her many years of service to the Preschool and PPS community.
Ms Koutsoufis will be taking a year away from PPS to complete a year as a Itinerent Teacher – Hearing. I wish her all the best as she begins this new challenge and I know she will be a wonderful addition to that very important team of teachers supporting students with hearing difficulties in our schools.
Mrs Park was successful in gaining a positing as a support class teacher of students with autism at Ryde Public School. I want to thank Mrs Park for her passion and commitment to the students of Owls and wish her all the best in her new role.
Mrs El Esh has been successful in gaining a position at Auburn Public School as Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs El Esh has made a large contribution to our school in many ways over her time here. I look forward to hearing about her successes at APS and I wish her all the best.
Ms Stojceska has been successful at gaining a teaching position at an Independent School closer to her home. We thank her for her contribution to the school and wish her all the very best for the future.
Mrs Rana has also been successful in gaining a position at Rydelmere Public School as Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs Rana has been a huge supporter of our students and families over many years here at PPS. Huge congratulations to her and we know she will do so well work just as diligently for her new students. Good Luck Mrs Rana.
Miss Crawford will be moving on to Cronulla Public School next year. Thank you, Miss Crawford for your work with our Stage 1 students and their families. We wish you all the best in your new role.
We are coming to the close of a monumental year, my first as the substantive Principal. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved this year as a school and community. I am looking forward to our Presentation Assemblies this Wednesday to recognise student achievement from K-6, as well as our Preschool Graduations on Tuesday and Friday. Term 4 ends for students on Friday 16 December and resumes for 2023 on Tuesday 31 January. Kindergarten 2023 parents will receive an email from the school with more information about Best Start assessment and start days.
I wish everyone a safe summer holiday and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year.
Donna McGeary
Principal
