Parkdale Secondary College

ACHIEVE // Class of 2025 alumni Max Fitzgerald recently performed in Top Class at the Melbourne Recital Centre and in regional Victoria.

Top Class is an annual concert series featuring outstanding performances by VCE students from across the state. Max is one of just 15 students selected to perform.

Photo by Gregory Lorenzutti, Courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

STRIVE // Our student representatives recently participated in the inaugural Bayside Youth Summit at Beaumaris Secondary College.

Joining over 100 student leaders from across the region, they collaborated on key issues, shared innovative ideas, and further developed their leadership capabilities.

Parky’s Big Give is back for 2026!

On Thursday 18 June, there are three ways to get involved:
• BIG BLUE — casual clothes day with a splash of blue, Big Freeze Beanies encouraged. Gold-coin donation to FightMND.
• BIG BBQ — sausage sizzle at lunch run by Performing Arts (funds support our school production).
• BIG FREEZE — Ice Bucket Challenge with student and staff sign-ups now open.

Want to support a student in the Big Freeze directly?

Visit support.fightmnd.org.au and search Parkdale Secondary College. Link in comments below.

ACHIEVE // Congratulations to our cross country athletes who competed in Wednesday's Kingston Division Championships.

Despite some very challenging weather conditions out on the course, our runners showed incredible grit and endurance.

Congratulations to our teams on their overall victories:
🥇 U12-23 Boys Team — CHAMPIONS!
🥇 U12-13 Girls Team — CHAMPIONS!
🥇 U16 Boys Team — CHAMPIONS!
🥇 U16 Girls Team — CHAMPIONS!

Several students achieved outstanding individual results, including:
🥇Kahsia L – 1st Place, 16 Years Girls
🥇Charlie M – 1st Place, 16 Years Boys
🥇Eliza A – 1st Place, 14 Years Girls
🥇Charles – 1st Place, 12–13 Years Boys
🥈Alex P – 2nd Place, 17–20 Years

These excellent performances, along with many other strong finishes from our team, have resulted in 30 Parkdale students qualifying for the Southern Metropolitan Region (SMR) Championships, which will be held in Hastings later this term.

COMMUNITY // Eight past students—from the class of 2014 right through to 2025—returned to the Parkdale SC theatre to support our current VCE Music students during their performance assessment. It was a beautiful reminder of the strong and lasting bonds formed through a shared passion for music.

This is the Parkdale community at its very best—students connected across year levels, supporting one another, and carrying those connections well beyond their school years. A heartfelt thank you to Corey, Noah, Alex, Brandon, Tom, Asher, Lola and Brad for coming back to share in this moment.

Congratulations to our current VCE Music students, who delivered truly outstanding performances—both solo and ensemble.

CHALLENGE // Our Year 9 camp at Forest Edge was all about building connections, testing limits, and most importantly, having a brilliant time.

Whether they were navigating challenging terrain or testing their nerves on the ropes courses, it was wonderful to see students stepping outside their comfort zones and offering words of encouragement to their peers.

Achieve // Earlier this year, 15 of our students took part in our very first Portrait of the Year Art Competition!
Students had just 3.5 hours to create a portrait of a member of the Principal Team, using observation and reference photos taken on the day. The creativity, talent, and technical skill on display was incredible, and the final artworks were absolutely amazing!

ACHIEVE // Year 10 student Cooper B. has recently won the Australian Kart Championship in Ipswich!

Cooper started the race on wets—a massive gamble that paid off beautifully when torrential rain engulfed the track mid-race. While others struggled, he seamlessly navigated the treacherous conditions to claim victory.

Dear Parents, Carers, and Members of our School Community,

The appointment of the Principal role is crucial to the success of our school. A Principal leads the school’s operation, vision, culture and academic standards that guide staff and students toward achievement.

Effective principals also build strong relationships with staff, students, families and the broader community, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Staff are not only supported but empowered in their work.

I am happy to advise that the Department of Education recruitment process has concluded, and a new substantive Principal has been (provisionally) appointed for Parkdale Secondary College.

I am pleased to announce and congratulate Mr Michael Tuck to the role of substantive Principal of Parkdale Secondary College.

During his time as Teacher, Assistant Principal and more recently Acting Principal (during uncertain times), Michael has led with dedication, a deep commitment to the school’s success and wellbeing of all students and staff at Parkdale. He has provided direction and stability to the school community. His ability to bring people with him on a journey with vision and focus on high quality teaching and learning have had a positive impact throughout the school.

We are very pleased that this appointment will provide continuity and stability for the school and that Michael will be able to continue the important work already underway. He is passionate about leading Parkdale into its next chapter.

Please join me in congratulating Michael on his well-deserved appointment and offering him your ongoing support as he continues to lead Parkdale Secondary College.

Yours Sincerely,

Steve Galjar
School Council President/ Panel Chair

ACHIEVE // Over four fantastic performances, our Year 11 Theatre Studies class brought the world of Narnia to life.

From the acting to the lighting and costume design, our students handled every single aspect of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support live theatre at our school.