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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 6
March 13th 2026 |
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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
Term 1 March 2026
April 2026
Term 2 April 2026
May 2026
Principal's Column
Resilience and Focus: Well Done on NAPLAN Congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 students, who have successfully navigated their first few NAPLAN tests this week. It has been impressive to observe the calm and resilient manner in which students approached each session. Transitioning into a formal assessment environment can be challenging, but our students have truly put their best foot forward and demonstrated great focus. Even with a network outage that affected many schools for the first test. A significant amount of coordination goes on behind the scenes to ensure these assessments run smoothly. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our classroom teachers for their work in managing the assessments and maintaining a supportive environment for the students. I also want to acknowledge Sally, Amy, and David Lu for their vital administrative support and organisation. Their efforts ensured that the technical and logistical aspects of the testing remained seamless. For the majority of students, the testing schedule should be completed by next Tuesday. For any students who were absent or missed a session, we will be providing catch-up opportunities on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week. Well done again to our Year 3s and 5s for their fantastic efforts. Information Regarding Potential Industrial Action: March 24th As many of you may be aware through recent media coverage, the Australian Education Union (AEU) has called for a statewide 24-hour stop-work action on Tuesday, 24th March 2026. This action is part of the ongoing negotiations regarding the Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA). We would like to provide our school community with some initial information on how this may affect Oak Park Primary School. Key Information for Families
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these logistical requirements to ensure the continued safety of our students. Open Streets Active Travel 2026 – Join Us March 19th! 
Our Open Streets active travel initiative is back for 2026, and we are looking forward to keeping the momentum going. This program encourages students, families, and staff to walk, cycle, and scoot to school. All healthy, sustainable alternatives to driving, made possible with Merri-Bek Council’s support.
Please mark your calendars for our 2026 event dates:
Sadly our usual coffee van (Thanks a Latte) are no longer available to support on the Thursdays. If you do know of another similar business that might be keen to attend the dates and sell coffee – please ask them to contact the school on 9306 9182. We’d love to establish another ongoing relationship with a coffee van for school events. Our first event on March 19th is a perfect chance to get involved, enjoy the buzz, and promote active travel together. A massive shout-out to Prateek, Melanie, Gautam, Phil, and Wayne for your amazing work and dedication to this initiative. Volunteer Grounds Crew: 2026 Working Bees Join us for our upcoming working bees as we continue to spruce up our outdoor areas. Please save the following dates for 2026:
A sausage sizzle will be provided for all volunteers. Students are more than welcome to attend and help out, but they must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. To help us plan for catering and projects, please contact Chris at [email protected] to confirm your attendance and let us know which project best suits your skills. Kind regards, Michael Gill Principal WHAT'S HAPPENING @ OAK PARK
WHOLE SCHOOL
Assembly Timetable
School Tours 2027 Enrolments
Oak Park Primary School are offering school tours for prospective 2027 enrolments. Dates as follows: Thirsday23rd April – 9.30am Thursday 7th May – 9.30am Thursday 21st May – 9.30am Thursday 11th June – 9.30am Please book a school tour by calling the Office on 9306-9182 or via email: [email protected] Breakfast Club
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we offer a Breakfast Club for students in the staffroom. Breakfast Club runs from 8.30am to 8.45am, there is fruit, cereal and toast on offer. If your child would like to attend and have breakfast prior to school starting, you may drop them off at 8.30am to the staffroom, where they will be signed in. We ask that students are not to attend before this time, and breakfast Club will finish at 8.45am sharp Book Club Issue 2 Keep those orders coming! Last day for orders is Monday 16th March, no late orders can be accepted. Thank you to all who have placed an order already. Michelle PFA Pie Drive
Our 2026 PIE DRIVE is up and running! Our PFA are in partnership with Tony’s Pies, and this is a delicious way to support our school. Please see below to order ORDERS CLOSE SATURDAY 28th MARCH 
Harmony Week
On Friday 20th March, OPPS will be celebrating Harmony Day. Students will be participating in activities during class time and are encouraged to wear orange on the day. What is Harmony Week? Harmony Week runs from March 16th – 22nd. It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. The message of Harmony Week is everyone belongs. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Why orange? Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Students can choose to wear something orange on Harmony Day to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia. PLEASE NOTE- This day is not a casual clothes day, if your child does not have something orange to wear, they are to wear their school uniform. If you’re interested in discussing and celebrating Harmony Week in the home, the link below has some great DIY craft activities. https://www.harmony.gov.au/resources/hand-tree-diy/ 
Easter Raffle
Roblox – Information for Parents
Many students enjoy playing Roblox, an online gaming platform that allows users to create games and interact with other players. While it can be a fun and creative space, it is also a social platform where players may communicate with people they do not know through chat features. Recently, we have become aware that some students may be using Roblox without adult supervision and engaging in online chats. As with many online games, this can present safety risks if children are not aware of how to protect their personal information or manage interactions with others online. We encourage families to take some time to learn about the platform and discuss safe online behaviour with their children. The link below provides a helpful parent guide to Roblox, including information about safety settings and conversation starters to support these discussions at home. https://cybersafetyproject.com/a-parents-guide-to-roblox/ Oak Park Primary School - Recycling Fundraising Drive
CSEF Application
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) - 2026 The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families cover the cost of school camps, sports activities, excursions and incursions, so that financial circumstances are not a barrier to student participation. To Apply - Please complete click here to complete form. For further information, please contact the administration office. Smile Patrol Dental Service
Dental Week is just around the corner! No more juggling appointments or taking time off work. Smile Patrol is visiting OAK PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL on MONDAY 4th MAY 2026 to provide onsite dental care in our mobile dental van —super convenient! Smile Patrol offers free dental health education for all children. If your child qualifies under the Childcare Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), they may receive free treatments based on remaining benefits. If they don’t qualify we will still see them for a oral health check and education session for free. ******To sign up click here please return consent form by FRIDAY 27th MARCH. HARDCOPY FORMS AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE Contact information: For more information please feel free to contact us. Email: [email protected] 
TeamKids Newsletter
EARLY YEARS NEWS
Foundation
We are looking for parent volunteers to assist in the classroom and support our students in various activities throughout the school year. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the learning experience for all the children. If you would like to volunteer as a parent helper during our literacy block, please contact your classroom teacher. The literacy block runs daily for the first two morning sessions – you are not obligated to stay for the full two hours! We are looking to start the Parent Helpers schedule from Week 8, Monday 16th March. Parent helpers will assist with changing the home reader books every Monday morning and test students on their high frequency/tricky words. Parent helpers on Tuesday to Friday will assist students in small groups with their phonemic awareness and reading support. If you are unable to volunteer on a regular basis, we also require parent helpers for our excursions throughout the year, so please let us know if you can volunteer on an occasional basis too. All parent helpers are required to have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and have completed the Parent Helpers Course. Please ensure the office has a copy of your WWCC details. Thank you for volunteering your time and we look forward to having you help in our classroom! Jasmyn, Kate and Sarah Grade 1/2 - MCG Excursion
Year 1 & 2 BYO Device iPad Program
Our BYO iPad program has now commenced in Grades 1 & 2. If your child owns their own iPad, please ensure it is brought to school each day fully charged. Please note that every student will also need a set of clearly labelled headphones. Although we won’t always use the iPads daily, it’s important that students bring them to school each day so they’re available when needed. Students who are using a school iPad have been allocated one, which will stay safely at school. We would also like to reassure parents that iPads are not freely accessible throughout the day. All devices are stored securely in a lockable storage unit and are only taken out as directed by the classroom teacher. Student use is closely monitored through Apple Classroom, which allows teachers to ensure all students are using their devices appropriately. The iPads will be used intentionally to support and enhance our learning. They are simply one of many tools we use in the classroom and will complement important traditional learning experiences such as handwriting, reading physical books, hands-on tasks, and face-to-face teaching. Thank you for your continued support, Grade 1 Team - Kira, Kathy, Jo and Claudia. Grade 2 Team: - Demi, Jordan and Siarah SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Year 6-7 Secondary College Transition
On the 22nd April Year 6-7 Secondary College Applications will be distributed to families. We advise families to visit local Secondary Colleges, attend Open Days and Information sessions to make an informed decision regarding where you would like your child to attend Year 7 in 2027. As information is received from Secondary Colleges, we will keep families informed via the newsletter Please check www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au to find school zones for Secondary Colleges. Should you wish further information please see Fran in the Office or email [email protected] Year 6-7 TIMELINE: 22nd April: Year 6-7 Placement Application packs distributed to families 8th May: Year 6-7 Applications to be submitted to Oak Park Primary School 24th June: Parents advised of successful/unsuccessful outcomes 17th July: Appeals to Secondary Colleges to be submitted by this date PENOLA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
OPEN DAY: Saturday 14th March 10am – 2pm. Tour the College, meet staff and hear from student ambassadors 
GLADSTONE PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE
STUDENT TOURS: School Tours will run every Friday from now until the 15th May 2026. The tour will begin at 8.55am and run for approximately 1 hour OPEN DAY: Wednesday 29th April, starting at 9am. Parent Information session followed by student-led tours Please book your tour
ROSEHILL SECONDARY COLLEGE
OPEN DAY: Tuesday 28th April 2026. Rosehill will host an Open Day for prospective Year 7 2027 students. Open to students in Grade 5 & 6 this year. The school day will run from 9.15am to 2.15pm. Please book via their website OPEN EVENING: Thursday 30th April. Tours 4 – 6 pm. Last Tour departs @ 6pm. Principals address 6.45pm GUIDED TOURS: Tuesdays 9.30am Bookings essential. Please contact the college on 9337 2488 
BUCKLEY PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE
School Tour bookings are now open for prospective students and their carers/parents. These tours will be conducted by a member of the College leadership team and will provide an opportunity to see the school Please arrive at our Reception Lobby, 10 mins prior to tour start time as visitors are required to sign in.
SPECIALIST
Physical Education
Making Waves: Our First Ever School Swimming Team Shines at Divisionals
This year marked a special milestone for our school – we fielded our very first swimming team at the Division Swimming Championships. For many schools this event is a long-standing tradition, but for us it was the beginning of something new. What made it even more impressive was how strongly our students competed against some of the most experienced and talented swimmers in the division.
From the moment our team arrived at the pool, their determination and enthusiasm were clear. Competing at this level can feel daunting, especially when racing against swimmers who train and compete regularly in clubs. However, our students embraced the challenge and showed incredible resilience in the water. One of the most exciting highlights of the day was seeing swimmer after swimmer achieve personal best times. Every member of the team stepped up, giving their absolute best in each race. It was fantastic to see the results of their hard work and preparation paying off, and it was clear that their commitment to training had made a real difference. Beyond the times on the scoreboard, what stood out most was the way our swimmers represented the school. They demonstrated our school values through their encouragement of one another, their sportsmanship toward competitors, and their willingness to step up and compete wherever the team needed them. They supported each other between races, celebrated each other’s successes, and showed great pride in wearing the school colours. A special mention must go to our Under 12 Boys Medley Relay team, who delivered an outstanding performance to finish 3rd place. Their teamwork, determination and strong swimming across all four strokes made for a thrilling race and a fantastic achievement at this level of competition. Considering this was our first ever school swimming team, the results were remarkable. The students held their own against some of the strongest swimmers in the division and represented the school with pride. Their dedication to training, early mornings in the pool, and willingness to challenge themselves truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of all our swimmers and the way they supported one another throughout the day. Well done to all our swimmers for doing the school proud and making a splash at Divisionals! 
Japanese
Over the past few weeks in Japanese, students have been developing their confidence while introducing themselves and expressing simple opinions. Students began by learning how to greet someone politely and use the phrase ‘nice to meet you’, while also practicing respectful bowing as part of Japanese culture. They then learned how to introduce themselves including their name and explored how to write their names in Katakana. Students enjoyed researching how their names are written and practicing correct pronunciation. This week students have started expressing their opinions by expressing what they like. In the coming weeks, students will continue developing this skill by asking each other questions about their likes and dislikes. It has been wonderful to see students building confidence and enthusiasm while learning Japanese! COMMUNITY NEWS
Oak Park Football Club
Auskick
Penola Saints
Woolworths Net Set Go!
School Contacts
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