As 2025 draws to a close, we are proud to reflect on another wonderful year for the Parents of Parade (POP). The events and activities we’ve been part of have brought us closer together and strengthened our ties with the Parade College community.

We began the year with a warm welcome at the 2025 Open Day barbecue, setting the tone for a year of engagement and support. Our continued sponsorship of the Year 11 RYDA driving program gave students a valuable opportunity to build confidence and awareness as they prepare to take on the roads.

Welcoming our newest Year 7 families with a Games Night was a highlight, helping foster a sense of belonging from the very beginning. We also celebrated our amazing parents and carers with the Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast and Father’s Day events—two heartfelt occasions that reminded us of the strong support network behind our students.

A particularly special part of this year has been our Community Cooking events, where POP volunteers and students worked side by side to prepare meals for those in need. Thanks to their generosity and teamwork, we were able to support both the Exodus Community and Carenet, extending our care beyond the school gates and into the wider community.

We were also proud to raise funds for the two school gardens—Waterford Garden (Bundoora) and Curraghmore Garden (Preston)—projects that continue to make a positive impact on student wellbeing and learning.

We finished the year with our biggest fundraiser—the POP Mega Raffle. We are grateful to all the families who purchase tickets, as this support helps fund many of the initiatives POP contributes to throughout the year. All winners have been contacted, and for those interested, the winning ticket numbers are listed further on.

I would like to thank all members of POP, with a special mention to Trish Liddell (Secretary), Leesa Mercadante (Treasurer) and Anthony Mercadante (our all-rounder!) for their commitment, support, and efforts in 2025.

Save the Date

There are a few dates in 2026 that you can mark into your calendar now:

Friday 30 January	All Year 7 Families are invited to a Welcome Morning Tea from 8.30am in the Atrium (next to Moore Hall). This is a great opportunity for new families to meet others, connect with existing families and ask any questions in a friendly setting.
Thursday 12 February	Family Games Night and Meet the Tutor Evening – POP will be firing up the barbecue for all Year 7 families.
Wednesday 25 March	POP Trivia Night – Tickets will be on sale from the start of Term One, keep an eye out for details
Tuesday 12 May	Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast - Celebrating all those mums and carers. Tickets will be available closer to the date.
Wednesday 24 June	Community Cooking Night – Cooking to help those in the community that might need some extra help. If you would like to be involved, please email pop@parade.vic.edu.au for further details.
Wednesday 2 September	Community Cooking Night – Cooking to help those in the community that might need some extra help. If you would like to be involved, please email pop@parade.vic.edu.au for further details.
Tuesday 8 September	Father’s Day Breakfast – Celebrating all those dads and carers. Tickets will be available closer to the date.

POP are working on many other events and fundraisers for 2026, so keep you eye out for what is in store.

For those that would like to be involved with POP, we have two different ways you can be:

• Become a full member: Attend our meetings held once or twice a term. It is not a big commitment, but you will have the chance to share ideas and help shape what POP does.

Or

• Join the volunteer group: We will email you when we need a hand—for a barbecue or a meet-and-greet. You can choose what suits your time and interest. If you would like any further information about POP or would like to share some suggestions, simply email pop@parade.vic.edu.au and I can share further details or answer any questions.

POP wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you at the next event we hold!

Mega Raffle Winning Tickets

Prize Order	Prize Description	Value (Approx.)	Winner
1st Prize	School Fees (Tuition Only)	Up to $9,800	Ticket Number: #3307
2nd Prize	Yeti Camp Pack	$1200	Ticket Number: #2525
3rd Prize	Manchester City Playing Shirt	$1000	Ticket Number: #335
4th Prize	PS5 Slim Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle + Extra Controller	$948	Ticket Number: #489
5th Prize	Ninja Creami Deluxe Ice Cream Maker	$450	Ticket Number: #3744
6th Prize	Imbue Distillery – Whisky and Gin Pack	$400	Ticket Number: #1378
7th Prize	Nescafe Citiz & Milk Capsule Coffee Machine (Black)	$349	Ticket Number: #1861
8th Prize	Pierre Cardin Travel Set	$335	Ticket Number: #3223
9th Prize	Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker	$249	Ticket Number: #1148
10th Prize	CK Eau De Toilette 3-Piece Gift Set	$89	Ticket Number: #1584
11th Prize	Arthur Reed School Photo Voucher	$50	Ticket Number: #2054
12th Prize	Arthur Reed School Photo Voucher	$50	Ticket Number: #1459
13th Prize	Arthur Reed School Photo Voucher	$50	Ticket Number: #3551
14th Prize	Ampol Fuel Voucher	$50	Ticket Number: #1679
15th Prize	Ampol Fuel Voucher	$50	Ticket Number: #372
16th Prize	Ampol Fuel Voucher	$50	Ticket Number: #1360