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The Oak Leaf |
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Address: Willett Avenue, Oak Park VIC 3046
T:(03) 9306 9182 E: [email protected] |
Issue 10
June 11th 2020 |
Oak Park Primary School will work collaboratively to provide a stimulating, safe and challenging learning environment that promotes resilient, innovative thinkers.
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Calendar of Events
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Principal's Column
A friend of mine has a primary school-aged daughter and expressed some amusement in how her daughter goes through cycles of being best friends and worst enemies with another girl in her class. My friend knew that it was normal for kids to fall in and out of friendships several times – often on the same day. But we were talking and she mentioned that she was also a little concerned about the influence she had on her daughter’s friendships. She wanted her daughter to choose her own friends but was conscious that she (the mother) had some strong ideas on who she (the daughter) should be friendly with. And getting that balance between pushing your own ideas and allowing your kids to work things out for themselves isn’t easy. I think one of the hardest parts of being a parent is when you start to realise you are not the only influence in your child’s life. You know your kids are going to come across some things that you can’t fully protect them from. I guess the trick is to try and build the skills and the resilience our kids need when navigating the world and their relationships. When I was a kid, one Saturday morning I went to my friend’s house, as I often did. I didn’t tell my parents I was going there, I just went. Today, that would be seen as a big no-no, but back then it was relatively normal. Anyway, my family’s friend were heading off to the beach for the day and asked if I wanted to come and I said sure. It wasn’t a hot day and they weren’t planning on swimming; it was just an outing for the day organised quickly. So I got in the car with the others and off we went. Had a great day. And time passed, and we got back when it was dark. I walked home – a few blocks away. I casually sauntered in the front door and my mum went nuts. She had no idea where I had been and I hadn’t thought of letting her know. This was pre mobile phones of course. And my carrier pigeon had a sore wing. Anyway, my mum gave me the longest, and loudest, lecture ever received. And looking back, now as an adult, I don’t blame her. Except maybe for one thing. She banned me from ever playing with my friend again. Which was bad, because he was a good kid, we were good friends and I think I lost something as a result. But I was a good kid too and I did what my mum asked and a few days later, I went around to my friend’s house and told his mum that I wasn’t allowed to play with my friend any more. My friend’s mum thought that was sad too – she hadn’t realised that my mum didn’t know about my outing that day. I look back and I understand my mum being upset with me. But a really nice friendship ended and I always regretted that. I think the lesson I tried to learn from the episode is not to allow my emotions to dictate my reactions. Also, make sure to tell your mum when you go somewhere. Welcome Back from 2M
2M worked hard last week, learning all about how to write an effective narrative. They are planning their own versions of Hansel and Gretel, with a twist! The children changed the witch in the story to a villain of their choice. They were very imaginative. Here are some extracts of the different villains they created: My villain is a dark crow. He is black and he has purple eyes. His teeth are sharp and pointy like edges of a metal tin. He has claws like tips of a sword. He eats poisonous creatures and he never gets hurt. He lives in a dangerous forest. Georgia My villain has a fierce clown head and a lava sword. He also has black dark coloured hair. At the end of his tail, he has furry hair. He is one of the strongest villains. His fiery body is in flames. Nothing on his body is cold. Raymond My villain has eyes that are as red as fire. This bunny is very sneaky and likes to eat little children. This bunny’s fur has white hairs. This bunny has teeth as sharp as a pin. Eliza My villain is a blood thirsty guinea pig with fangs like a vampire. Its fur is ginger with white patches and it glows in the sun. Not even the fastest person can catch that little rascal and no one knows what danger that guinea pig can bring. Its claws are so sharp that it could break through gold. Its eyes are as red as fire flames. It could hear every movement a child does. Maisie My villain is a serpent that is strong enough to carry one hundred suns. All its teeth, claws and spikes are so sharp that if you touch them, you’ll die. The serpent is almost as long as the sea. He has shiny green scales which glimmer in the light. Kyle My villain is a hideous dragon. He is very sneaky. He is as sneaky as can be. He’s powerful because he can turn into a human. His scales are sharp and shiny in the sunlight. He steals things which is very cunning. He gets into terrifying trouble. Sheree My villain is a hideous magical man. He has a special stone. His teeth can break through bones. His hair grows like fire. He kills people and drains the life out of people. Ricky Great work, 2M. Keep up the hard work! Martha Mackenzie 2M class teacher Visual Arts News
During the Remote and Flexible Learning period of Term 2, there were some fabulous pieces of artwork created by students from all year levels. Grades F-2 posted their artwork on the Seesaw app and Grades 3-6 submitted their creations via the Google Classroom platform. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both parents and students, for their participation and support throughout the weeks of remote learning.
Overall, there was a good participation rate in the remote learning program for Visual Arts. I received some very supportive and thankful emails and messages from both parents and students, and I am extremely grateful for such positive feedback. Below is just a small collection of the wonderful pieces of artwork submitted by Oak Park Primary School’s creative students. Kind regards, David Flint Visual Arts Specialist Teacher 
Community News
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Moreland City Libraries Short Story Competition
Competition information:
Writers and reciters of all ages are welcome to enter Moreland City Libraries’ 2020 short story competition. Write or recite a story in either 500 words or 5 minutes or less in response to the artwork attached to this email. Entry forms can be downloaded from our website: https://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/libraries/library-events-and-activities/story-writing-competition/ Entries open: Monday 18 May 2020 Entries close: Friday 3 July 2020 Winners announced on the Moreland City Libraries’ Facebook page and website: Friday 28 August 2020 Categories and prizes: Up to 8 years old: Winner: Sphero BOLT robot Achievement award: $50 book voucher* 9 to 12 years old: Winner: Sphero BOLT robot Achievement award: $50 book voucher* 13 to 17 years old: Winner: $200 JB Hi-Fi voucher Achievement award: $50 book voucher* Adult: Winner: 1-year Membership to Writers’ Victoria + $100 book voucher* Achievement award: $100 book voucher* *Book vouchers are redeemable at most Australian book stores. Artwork: Copies of the original artwork can be viewed at each of our 5 libraries. Image citation: Marlene Gilson. Marngrook Football, 2015. Acrylic on canvas. 80 x 100 cm. Collection of Moreland City Council. Image courtesy of the artist More information about Marngrook football – the game:
For further information, contact your local library School Contacts - Please take note of new email address
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