Natalie Hutchins (Minister for Local Government) — I recently participated in the principal for a day program at Parkwood Green Primary School, a fantastic primary school in my electorate which has 1241 students and is one of the biggest single-site primary schools in Victoria. I had big shoes to fill in shadowing Kerri Simpson as principal for the day. She has done a tremendous job in the last two and a half years as principal at the school.

The highlights of the day included visiting multiple classrooms and attending a professional development session for teachers. I also had the privilege of attending a morning with both teachers and teacher aides to celebrate R U OK? Day in supporting mental health. I also attended a grade 6 class that was working on a safe towns project, a fantastic initiative. I also had the opportunity to meet with the assistant principals and talk about the management of the school and dealing with children with special and high care needs.

I would like to acknowledge the great work done by the school in its establishment of a school garden and a new school kitchen, which is used in teaching grade 4 students to cook. Teachers at the school are thriving professionally, and the children are happy and engaged. I congratulate the teaching staff, the principal staff and one of the best principals in the state, Kerri Simpson, on the great work they are doing at this school.