Becoming a teacher was what I always wanted. From my first days at kindergarten I was hooked. I loved the stimulation that learning outside the home, from others, brought. Even my grumpy, elderly, Prep teacher could not dampen my enthusiasm. I have fond memories of my primary school years and can remember each of my teachers by name. I didn’t miss a day until Year 6 when I had to be sent home because I was unwell. It was photo day I had insisted on going to school. Looking back on that photo maybe I shouldn’t have!

Unlike many teachers I did not come from a family of teachers and was the first member of my family to advance onto tertiary education. This opportunity was made possible through a teaching studentship, free tertiary education and a part-time job. As a studentship recipient I was bonded to the department for 3 years on the completion of my training and could be sent anywhere in Victoria.

My first teaching appointment in 1977 was at Norris Bank PS in Bundoora, team teaching Year 5 and 6 students with two more experienced teachers. Half way through the year I was transferred to Lalor West PS where I remained for the following 2 and a half years. I successfully applied for a position at Montmorency South PS and spent more than 5 years teaching Art and Craft.
After the birth of our first child I returned to teaching working as a Casual Relief Teacher. With the arrival of our second child I was kept very busy and didn’t work, outside the home, for two years. At the beginning of 1990 I enquired about returning to teaching on a part time basis and was offered a position at Pender’s Grove PS where I taught Physical Education for 1 year and Art and Craft for 2.

In 1992 when my youngest child commenced school I returned to full-time teaching at Findon PS. I remained at Findon for 8 years teaching students in the Early Years. From 2000 to 2004 I taught Middle Years students at Wales Street PS.

In 2004 I was one of four Northern Metropolitan Region female teachers selected to participate in the Eleanor Davis School Leadership Program. As part of the program I was provided with a wonderful mentor, Kate Saunders, who not only generously shared her own leadership knowledge and skills but supported me in acknowledging my own leadership capabilities. It was in this year that I  successfully applied for the Assistant Principal position at Pender’s Grove PS and once again, I was supported by a wonderful mentor, Mary MacGregor, the then Principal.

In 2008, after Mary’s retirement, I successfully applied for the Principal position at Pender’s Grove. Before I was appointed as Principal I was asked what I believed the school would look like in five years’ time as a result of my leadership. At that time I believed that Pender’s Grove would become the school of choice for families in our area and this would be achieved through the promotion of:

• Improved student outcomes in Literacy and Numeracy

• Purposeful teaching that meets the needs of all students

• A stimulating and secure learning environment

• A diverse learning community that is representative of the wider community

• A commitment to supporting the learning opportunities of pre-school children

It has been through the efforts of our students and the commitment and hard work of teachers, education support staff, volunteers, parents and carers that my vision for Pender’s Grove Primary School has been realised. Pender’s Grove is, I believe, a very unique learning community and one that I have been very privileged and proud to lead. I can confidently retire knowing that the school will continue to grow and prosper.

Lastly I would like to thank my husband and children for their support and understanding of my moral purpose and commitment to education in Victoria.

Glendy Jakober
Principal

Appreciation has overflowed for Glendy's contribution to our school community in the last few days. Thursday's special farewell assembly highlighted themes of listening, equality and dedication and saw teachers, parents and students contribute in extraordinary ways.

The Prep students replicated a soundscape of a 'Day in the Life of Glendy'. Students in Years 5 and 6 shared their reflections on the significance of their educational experiences and the students in Years 3 and 4 used alliteration and very big letters to share their insights into Glendy's dedication. Students in Years 1 and 2 presented her with a colourful book about the importance of learning. Everyone loved her royal throne constructed by students in OSHC as well as the wonderful premier of 'Glendy' the movie!

Thanks to all those who participated and the staff and students who made the day happen. Their creative and energetic organisation was a gift of thanks in itself!

Just a brief reminder to ensure that all interview notes are returned to teachers by this Tuesday so that parent teacher meetings can be scheduled. This will leave time for saff to organise translators and coordinate interviews with families with a number of students at school. Your help in organising this important evening is greatly appreciated. Your scheduled interview time will be sent home on Thursday. We look forward to seeing parents on Tuesday 25 June when teachers will be working throughout the day and into the night to meet with parents.

Please join our school community as it unites to thank Glendy for her years of
service to public education and to our school. She will be retiring at the end
of the term and we would love to send her off with her knowing we are thankful
for her presence amidst us all.

Join us for a 2:30pm start in the hall next
Thursday 20th June.

Your presence will be a wonderful expression of appreciation for Glendy’s contribution to our school.

Today the students from 5/6 met their Prep buddies for the first time and it was excitement all round and not just from the Preps! The 5/6's had to lead the Preps in an activity answering questions about themselves and the Preps and putting the answers into a Venn diagram to see what they had in common. There was much conversation and laughter as common ground was found where it was unexpected. The Grade 5/6's showed fantastic enthusiasm and leadership when helping their Prep buddies and the Preps showed excellent independence and excitement for the activity. Congratulations is deserved by all!

Students in the Multiage class visited the planetarium on Tuesday. Many ideas about the way the solar system works were shared with Year 3 students during Bounce Back time. Chloe explained that the tilt of the planet effects the seasons and the length of daylight in the day. "It was great to share the passion and excitement students from across the school have for learning," Jeff reported.

Students read 'Jess Was The Brave One' by Jean Little and shared in an exploration of courage. Bounce Back is our school wide resilience program that resources students in their social skills.

Students in 56J wowed the assembly with the learning they have been experiencing around Roald Dahl. Some shared their reviews of his work while others recounted their favourite parts of his stories. The assembly was treated to a powerpoint by Brandon, Clare, Tara and Phoebe with a bit of history and even a quiz at the end of the show to ensure we were paying attention! Have a read and see how much you remember! 

A special thanks to those students and parents who have taken up the invitation to donate a picture book to help others out during the Writer's Festival this year. A wonderfully colourful collection was donated to a unique literacy program last week. This literacy program invites men to learn to read by reading picture books to their children. "Thanks for not only giving these men a chance to discover the richness of reading," said the organiser of the program this week, "but also for sharing the richness of reading with their whole family."

Stewart Our Class Pet

1/2F has a new student! Our class pet Stewart has been welcomed into our learning space with smiles, a few scratches, lots of cuddles and a lot of responsibility. His favourite spot is behind 0ur interactive whiteboard. He enjoys sleepovers at the student’s houses on the weekend. We clean his cage out, feed him, give him fresh water and play with him every day.

Mindful May

1/2F have spent May meditating to improve our
concentration, focus, resilience and our health and our mind and bodies. It is a great way to start our day and end our day. http://smilingmind.com.au/