PARED School Melbourne Update - Inaugural dinner, Mia Dineen on YouTube

Seminar on YouTube - Mia Dineen - former student, current parent, current teacher

We've now uploaded Mia's insightful presentation to YouTube: click here (and here for Trent's introduction).  Though of course many of you saw it first hand - we welcomed our largest crowd to date!

Mia was a student in the very first class of the very first PARED school in Australia.  She is now a mother of current students at Redfield and Tangara in Sydney, and is a teacher and curriculum advisor at Tangara.  Naturally, she has an intimate knowledge of the schools and how parents, teachers and students work together, from every possible perspective!  She and her friend, Lara Chee, another PARED parent, gave an excellent presentation about parental involvement at the schools, in all its aspects.

Inaugural PARED Victoria Foundation Dinner - sold out!

We are very excited about the approaching dinner this Saturday, 8 November.  Happily, we've received enough RSVPs to fill every seat in the restaurant, and then some more!  

We're looking forward to a great night, catching up with all of those attending, announcing the founding principal of our school and launching our fundraising appeal!

Master plan for the school buildings and facilities - well underway

We have appointed an excellent architect, Des Cullen, to work with us, our town planners and the local council to design a 20-year master plan for the school buildings and facilities.  We are delighted with the draft plan that we have created with Des, and all indications from council are positive thus far. 

We are looking forward to displaying the draft plan at the inaugural dinner.

And so, as momentum builds, both in terms of parent interest as well as infrastructure and logistics, please let us know if you have any questions, or if you have friends who are interested and would like to know more.  We are more than happy to run information sessions in your local area, or to catch up with families one-on-one.  

If you would like to know more about the PARED School Melbourne project or have any questions, please don't hesitate to email paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com.

PARED School Melbourne Update - Information Seminars and Architects

Upcoming information seminar - Mia Dineen - former student, current parent, current teacher

We are really looking forward to hearing from Mia Dineen - who is a mother of current students at Redfield and Tangara in Sydney, as well as being herself a former student in the very first class of the very first PARED school in Australia.  Mia is also a teacher and curriculum advisor at Tangara.

Mia will be speaking about parental involvement in the PARED schools and what is really required of you as parents.  Naturally, she has an intimate knowledge of the schools and how parents, teachers and students work together, from every possible perspective!

Everyone is welcome to attend this seminar.  The details are as follows.

When: Sunday 24 August, 2pm - 4:30pm

Where: Home of Damien & Tatiana Burger

RSVP: by 17 August - by reply to this email or by contact with any member of the steering committee.  Please advise if you are bringing children.

Information seminar with Frank Monagle on YouTube

Last month, we had the benefit of hearing from Frank Monagle, the former headmaster of both Redfield and Wollemi, and current teacher at Wollemi in Sydney's west.  Frank gave a fascinating explanation of the history and philosophy of the PARED model of education, in Australia and worldwide. Tatiana Burger, from the Melbourne steering committee, also gave a comprehensive update on the Melbourne project.  

We were pleased to welcome many grandparents of potential students to this seminar, as well as other interested guests and many new parents.

A recording of this presentation is available on YouTube here.

Appointing an architect for master plan

We are in the process of interviewing and appointing an architect, to assist us with developing a master plan for the school land and buildings, to guide us over the next 20 years and beyond, as we build this school from scratch!  Developing the master plan will be a collaborative effort, involving the local council and town planners.  

We will need to put in place appropriate temporary structures for the first years of the school, with a view to building permanent structures in time.  In keeping with the PARED philosophy, our aim is to build a school that will feel to the students like an extension of their own homes.

If you would like to know more about the Melbourne PARED school or have any questions about the project, please don't hesitate to email paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com.

PARED School Melbourne Update - Upcoming Information Sessions in July & August

Land - done deal!

We are so pleased to confirm that, following our last update, the contracts of sale have been signed and delivered for 420 Belgrave Hallam Road, Narre Warren North!  Settlement will occur mid-September.

If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to check it out on Google Earth or do a drive-by, to check out the patch and its surroundings.  Following settlement, we'll be planning a celebration onsite.

Preliminary meeting with Casey City Council

Together with our town planners, we have met with Casey City Council to begin formal discussions about the planning permit we will need from the Council in order to commence any buildings or improvements.  The Council's response to our proposed school has been very positive so far.

Upcoming information sessions

Over the next two months, we will be hosting two information sessions for interested parents - and we are also inviting grandparents and anyone else interested in learning more about the PARED philosophy and the Melbourne project.

We will be sending invitations in the mail to all the families for whom we have current postal addresses.  Please see the attached document for a soft copy of the invitation.

Here is a quick summary of the details of each session.

Sunday 20 July, 2pm - 4:30pm

Hosted by Maureen & Patrick 

Topic: Introduction to the PARED model of education and information about the Melbourne school.

Speaker: Frank Monagle - founding member of PARED, former principal of Redfield College and Wollemi College, and current teacher/tutor at Wollemi College.  Current member of Melbourne steering committee.

Sunday 24 August, 2pm - 4:30pm

Hosted by Tatiana & Damien

Topic: What is the expected of parents at a PARED school?  In practical terms, how does the school and the family work together for the holistic development of the children?
(Also, information about the progress of the Melbourne school.)

Speaker: Mia Dineen - past student and current teacher & curriculum advisor at Tangara School for Girls, and parent of students at Redfield College and Tangara.

Do you know any new families who may be interested?

We are increasingly coming across new couples who have heard of this new school and are interested, but haven't known who to contact or what steps to take.  If you know of any other families who are interested in knowing more, please don't hesitate to put them directly in contact with any member of the steering committee.  We are more than happy to meet families personally, to hold information sessions in different parts of Melbourne etc, 

The momentum is building!

If you would like to know more about the PARED School Melbourne project or have any questions, please don't hesitate to email paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com.

Warm regards,
The PARED School Melbourne Steering Committee

WE HAVE LAND!

We're overjoyed to give the news that we've secured a site for the school!  We'll be signing the contracts later today.

The address is 420-432 Belgrave-Hallam Road, Narre Warren North Vic 3804.

If you're quick, you might catch the online advertisement here: www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-vic-narre+warren+north-7641783 

It's in a fantastic location - 5 quick minutes from the Monash Fwy, and close to other major roads.  It's situated on a main road itself, and is right on the edge of housing developments in Narre Warren North. 

However, the land is actually part of the green wedge area that extends through Lysterfield, Harkaway, Upper Beaconsfield etc.  Our neighbours are the Campbelltown Miniature Passenger Railway and some market gardens, and we have lovely views of nearby green hills.

Feel free to have a squiz on a map, on Google Earth, or even go for a visit with the kids on the weekend!  

We're very grateful for all those people who've contributed to this huge achievement, with their efforts, advice and prayers.  This is a monumental step and we're so excited!

Warm regards,

The  PARED School Melbourne Steering Committee

PARED School Melbourne Update - Offer on land!

Here is the latest update on the PARED School Melbourne project.

Land 

We have been intently searching for a suitable piece of land for the school.  Here is a photo of future students enjoying an inspection at a promising property - and we're very excited to be putting an offer on it this week.  Please pray a lot, with us, for this intention!

Governance structure

We have also finalised the corporate structure for the school. We've registered a company limited by guarantee with ASIC today, which will own and operate the school as the trustee of a charitable trust.

The momentum is building!

We will continue to update you on the progress we are making on a monthly basis. Updates will also be sent by email.

If you would like to know more about the Melbourne PARED school or have any questions about the project, please don't hesitate to email paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com.

Warm regards,

The PARED School Melbourne Steering Committee

PARED School Melbourne Update - Marina Haines on YouTube

Here is the latest update on the PARED School Melbourne project.

Marina Haines - YouTube link

In March, Marina gave us a wonderful presentation on the beginnings of the third PARED school in Sydney, Montgrove College (originally Orchard Hills Preparatory School). Marina was the founding principal of this school, and retired from that position last year.

Orchard Hills Preparatory School

First class

She brought an entertaining set of photos showing the very first class of 15 boys, bright as buttons! And also the original small house and land that has become a beautiful school building and grounds. The original land featured the "grove", that served in those early years as a playground, performing arts and public speaking arena, tutorial space and anything else required at a moment's notice!  The final photo, very moving, was taken at Marina's retirement farewell dinner - attended by the vast majority of the students in that very first class.

It was inspiring to hear how well every single student's character and abilities can be developed with the care and attention given by staff members and parents in a PARED school, even in the very beginning when numbers are small and facilities are makeshift. With enthusiasm and creativity, the possibilities are endless!

Montgrove College (originally Orchard Hills Preparatory)

Marina's presentation can now be viewed on YouTube here.

Weekly "mottoes" and the human virtues program

Each month, the PARED schools bring a particular virtue into focus for different age groups.  This virtue is then explored through different mottoes circulated each week in the newsletter. Parents and staff members are encouraged to discuss the virtues and mottoes with the students in different circumstances, and to demonstrate through their own example how the virtues can be lived.

For example, last term, Redfield College in Sydney suggested these virtues and mottoes for the last week of term:

Primary school - up to year 3

Virtue - Friendship.  Motto - "I say please and thank you."

Primary school - years 4-6

Virtue - Study.  Motto - "I finish things well and on time."

Secondary school - years 7-9

Virtue - Good use of time

Motto - "I strive to start on time."

Reflection - Punctuality saves my time and other people’s time. It is a good habit which helps me grow out of laziness and self centredness.

Secondary school - years 10-12

Virtue - Personal presentation and bearings

Motto - "The eyes are the windows of the soul." (Shakespeare)

Reflection - Do I look at others when I talk to them? Do I give my full attention to the person I am talking to? Do I smile when I greet people? Do my eyes reflect happiness and peace in my heart?

New prospective families

We will be holding information sessions in different parts of Melbourne, and meeting with interested families individually, in order to explain the school model and answer each family's questions.  Please think seriously about friends and family you have who might be interested in hearing about the school - and pass their contact details onto us (or our details onto them) - we would love to hear about new families, and they might love to hear about us!

Of course, if you would like to know more about the Melbourne PARED school or have any questions about the project, please don't hesitate to email paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com.

Warm regards,
The PARED School Melbourne Steering Committee

PARED School Melbourne Update -Town Planner etc.

Marina Haines - what is it like to be part of a new, small school?

Marina Haines, former principal of Montgrove College in Sydney, addressed parents last Sunday about what it will be like to be part of a new, small school.

Town planner

We are considering quotes from town planners, who will assist us in the monumental task of identifying a suitable piece of land, liaising with council representatives and applying for council permits and approvals.

Acquiring a site is a key priority for the steering committee at present, and securing the assistance of a town planner will be an exciting development.

Registration

We recently attended a meeting with Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) to confirm the requirements for registration.  The VRQA also invited us to attend a very helpful information session on financial governance skills for schools.

Interested families

We have been delighted to find that interest in this particular model of education is growing month by month.  The word is spreading!

Also...

Please navigate through our blog for up-to-date information about the project, links to further information about the school model and philosophy, and footage of previous seminars.

We will continue  to update you on the progress we are making on a monthly basis.  Updates will be sent by email and posted on the blog.

If you would like to know more about the Melbourne PARED school or have any questions about the project, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com, or to personally contact any member of the steering committee.  We would love to hear from you.

For more information on the PARED Foundation please visit www.pared.edu.au

PARED School Melbourne Update - Marina Haines Invitation

Following on from our last update, we would like to invite you to our first information session of 2014.  We are hosting these sessions to give prospective parents of the new Melbourne PARED school the information they need to help them with their decision regarding the enrolment of their children.

We have invited Marina Haines to address parents on the topic: “The practicalities of sending your child to a new small school”.

Marina Haines has recently retired as principal of Montgrove College – a school in Sydney of the PARED (Parents for Education) Foundation. Marina was the first principal of the then called Orchard Hills Preparatory School, which opened in 1999 with 15 children in foundation (prep). Orchard Hills Prep has now grown into Montgrove College for Girls and Wollemi College for boys.

Her presentation will cover how parents and teachers worked together to have a fully functional school with a small number of students. The PARED school in Melbourne will be based on a similar model.  

Details:

Date: Sunday 23 March 2014

Time: 2pm

Place: Damien & Tatiana Burger’s home. 

Note:  Babysitting can be provided, but please advise the ages of children who will be attending.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could please RSVP by 16 March for catering purposes. 

For further enquiries please contact paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com

Kind regards,

The PARED School Melbourne Steering Committee

PARED School Melbourne - Donations!

We'd like to let you know a few things that have been going on over the last few months with the Melbourne PARED school project.

In short, we're very much on track for the school to open in 2016.  As you know, it will start with a foundation (prep) and grade 1 class.  It will be coeducational until the end of grade 2, at which point it will continue on as a girls school.

Donations
We're really excited to announce that, to date, we've received commitments totalling $205,000 in donations!  We hope to use this money to purchase land in the coming months.

We also have an ongoing commitment of $20,000 per year in donations for the first few years.

Location
We are avidly searching for a suitable piece of land.  We are expanding our sights to include not only Officer, but Beaconsfield, Pakenham, Upper Beaconsfield, Harkaway and Clyde.

Melbourne school principal
The search for a principal has begun!  The PARED board in Sydney is actively looking for a suitable appointment, hopefully by the start of next year.  

Once this appointment has been made, the formal enrolment process for the school can commence.

Support from Sydney
A PARED subcommittee has been formed in Sydney specifically to assist with the Melbourne project.  This committee consists of Frank Monagle, Elizabeth McKeown and Marina Haines.

Frank Monagle was the founding headmaster of both Redfield College, and Wollemi College, where he is currently a member of the Wollemi School Executive. Elizabeth McKeown was a founding parent as well as a teacher and tutor at Tangara School for Girls and has been a member of the PARED board for many years. Marina Haines was the founding principal of Montgrove College and served in that role until the end of 2013.

School registration
We have commenced the formal application process to register our school with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, and we are on track to make the submission later this year.


The PARED School Melbourne Steering Committee 

PARED School Melbourne - Family Picnic Invitation

The PARED Melbourne Steering Committee would like to invite parents, grandparents and friends to a FAMILY PICNIC!

Please find details below:

Date:       Monday 27 January 2014

Location:  Damien and Tatiana Burger's home

Time:       11am to 4pm.

Please bring a salad and/or dessert and your own drinks.

You are also welcome to bring swimming gear!

Meat, plates and cups etc will be supplied and we ask each family to contribute $20 to the costs.


RSVP: Essential via email paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com