There were no blaring sirens, no storming through the doors but there was lots
of dancing and laughter when the Victorian Police Band performed at Pender's
Grove this morning.

A great well done to all the great students and teachers who showed a little of their dance moves and to Jacob and Jason for their special Victorian Police badge for great learning at school.

Loretta led the band titled Code One. Make sure visit their website and leave them a message telling them what you thought of their wonderful performance.

A reminder that school photos will be taken tomorrow, Tuesday. All orders and money must be returned to school by tomorrow if you wish to purchase photographs. Please be aware that the school is unable to provide change on this day. All students must be in full school uniform school uniform. Please ensure your child arrives promptly at the start of school as the photographers like to start as close as possible to 9am.

Due to recent changes we have decided to postpone the planned Curriculum Day for Tuesday 6 August. School will operate as usual that day and students are expected to attend. A new date for the Curriculum Day will be discussed by staff and the School Council and parents will be notified through the newsletter and the website. 

Here is a reflection made by Jeff after 34J walked the school boundaries this week. Keep in touch with what is happening by visiting the 34 Blog!

We walked our school boundaries today, like Martin did in Jackie French's book titled 'Walking the Boundaries'.  We knew that Martin had begun his journey eager to finish it, knowing that at the end he would own Old Ted's farm. He was eager to be rich and knew what he wanted!

As we walked the school boundaries we discovered many things we didn't know about our school. A giant possum dray (home of a possum), plaques on the front fence, rubbish (that was quickly scooped up and deposited in the rubbish bins). As we walked the questions demanding where we were going disappeared and we simply kicked leaves, looked at old bricks and smelt the leaves of our peppercorn tree.
 
Upon our arrival at our starting point we thought about our brief journey.
We reflected on the way we changed. That while the boundary stayed the
same we changed, slowed down, and in a moment looked at the our place a
little differently.

Perhaps Martin will change too as he ventures around the boundaries of Old Ted's farm! Perhaps that what our life's journey is about, changing and being open to change.

What a great first few days it's been for me at Pender's Grove!  Such a terrific welcome from students, staff and parents has certainly made me feel at home.  I have spent this week visiting classrooms and meeting with teachers and parents.  It has been great to see the commitment that the staff show in their teaching and wonderful to see the interest and enthusiasm that students and their families have in the school.

To fill you all in on a little of my background prior to being at Pender's Grove -  I have just completed 5 years as  Assistant Principal at Preston North East Primary.  I worked at PNE for 10 years as, at various times, a classroom teacher, welfare coordinator, Music specialist and ICT specialist.  Many years ago now in 1990 I began my teaching career at Wales St. Primary as a music specialist.  In 2002 I had a year away from teaching working at an engineering firm as a training coordinator.  I live locally  in Darebin,  and have for many years, so have a good understanding of the community and local area.  My wife Trish works at Deakin University in the area of Children's Literature and I have two daughters, one that works as a social worker and one that attends a local high school.  

I really look forward to meeting everyone in the Pender's community over the
coming weeks and months. After being a parent member of the community for many years it is terrific to be back as a staff member and Principal.  I must
also say thank you to Glendy for the great job she did leading the community for many years and putting the school in such a terrific position to continue to
grow and develop.  We can only look forward to the great opportunities and
challenges ahead! 

Excited conversations detailing holiday adventures marked the start to a great day back at school. Thanks for all those who enabled such a smooth transition into learning today. For teachers who have spent a great deal of their holidays planning and preparing for the great learning experiences ahead and for the students who arrived refreshed, excited and asking questions.

Don't miss the assembly this Friday at 3:10pm as students grill Douglas, our new principal. He will be put under the spotlight as he answers a range of student questions and receives some special welcome gifts from classes. Take the chance to welcome him personally as he gets to know the ins and outs of Pender's Grove.

We've packed our bags and headed on holidays. We look forward to sharing many stories of adventure and fun on our return on
Monday 15th June