Oak Park Primary School
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The Oak Leaf

Address: Willett Avenue, Oak Park VIC 3046
T:(03) 9306 9182 E: [email protected]
Issue 3
February 20th 2026
Oak Park Primary School will work collaboratively to provide a stimulating, safe and challenging learning environment that promotes resilient, innovative thinkers.
Calendar of Events​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 
Term 1
February 2026​​​
  • Monday 23rd - Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony - 10am

March 2026
  • Monday 2nd - Foundation Students - 1st Full week of School

April 2026
  • Thursday 2nd - Whole School Assembly - 2:00pm
  • Thursday 2nd - Last day of Term 1 - 2.30pm dismissal
Principal's Column
Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country
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We would like to extend a warm invitation to our upcoming Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country. This is a significant event for our school as we come together to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and play.
 
We are incredibly fortunate to once again welcome a representative from the Djirri Djirri group to lead this ceremony. We are honoured to have Uncle John join us to share his knowledge and support our community in starting the school year with a grounded and respectful connection to Country.
Event Details:
  • Date: Monday 23rd February, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Location: Out the front of the Multi-Purpose Room (Weather permitting)
 
Parents and community members are very welcome to attend.
 
Meet the Teacher – Thanks for attending
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended our Meet the Teacher sessions this past Wednesday.
It was wonderful to see our hallways and classrooms buzzing with conversation. These sessions are such a vital part of the school year—not only as a way to hear about the learning and routines planned for 2026 but, more importantly, as a way to build the rapport and partnerships between home and school that help our students thrive.
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I also want to specifically acknowledge and thank our dedicated staff. Our teachers put a significant amount of preparation into these sessions and made themselves available well outside their usual work schedules to accommodate families.

Finally, a big thanks to Melanie and the Specialist Team for arranging the special assembly and talent show, so meetings could commence at 2:30PM.
 
Kind regards,

Michael Gill
Principal 
WHAT'S HAPPENING @ OAK PARK
WHOLE SCHOOL
Assembly Timetable
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Homework Expectations
Homework will begin today for students in Grades 1 - 6. Regular homework helps reinforce classroom learning, build independence, and develop positive study habits. 
Foundation students will begin home reading once they have completed Stage 1 of Little Learners Love Literacy.
Homework expectations for Foundation - Grade 2, Grades 3 - 4 and Grades 5 - 6 are noted in the Compass post dated the 16th Feb.
Thank you for your support in helping students establish consistent homework routines at home.
School Parking
Could we please ask families to be aware of where they are parking around the school grounds. We have families who live nearby and are constantly seeing cars parked across their driveways.
Please note also at the drive through in Summit Ave, it is a left hand turn only out of the drive through once you have dropped your child off.

Please do not park there to wait to pick up your child, this is a drive through only.
Head Lice
We have been advised of a few case of head lice across the school.
We would ask all families to please check your childs hair thoroughly.  If you see eggs (white) or live lice (brown) in your childs hair you will need to treat them.
If your child has long hair, it is important they you tie their hair back to limit the spread.

Thank you for those parents who have informed us, it helps us keep on top of the issue across the school

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.

What is CSEF?
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Department of Education to support eligible families at both government and non-government schools. Payments are made directly to schools, not to families.
New payment amounts
Payment amounts for eligible families have increased this year:
  • $400 for primary school students
This is an increase from the previous amounts in previous years.

Applying for CSEF
  • Families who received CSEF last year do not need to complete a new application form, These families only need to provide the school with a copy of their current Health Care Card.
  • Families applying for the first time will need to complete a CSEF application form (attached to this post or via school office)
  • Application forms and information sheets (available in many languages) can be accessed through the school.
How schools support families
  • Schools must let families know that CSEF is available.
  • Schools are responsible for processing all applications by 3 July 2026.
  • Schools must use CSEF funds only for the benefit of eligible students.
  • Families must agree before the school allocates CSEF funds. The funds remain as a credit on the family account until families advise how they want them used.
How CSEF can be used
CSEF payments can be used for school-organised activities such as:
  • School camps and trips
  • Sporting programs (including swimming and outdoor education)
  • Excursions and incursions (as defined in the Parent Payments policy)
  • Graduation or valedictory events
 
Families with more than one child at the same school can combine (pool) their CSEF to use for one child or a specific activity (such as a camp).

How CSEF funds are managed
  • Funds can be used for the eligible student or their siblings at the same school.
  • For students over 16, funds can only be used for that student.
  • If a student leaves the Victorian school system (for example, to attend TAFE or university) and funds remain, they may be used for a sibling at the same school.
  • If there are no siblings at the school, remaining funds may be used to support other students at the school.

Important eligibility notes
  • Home-schooled students are not eligible for CSEF.
  • Schools must hold CSEF funds for 12 months if a student begins home-schooling or leaves school before completing Year 12, in case they return.
  • If the student does not return after 12 months, the school may use the funds to assist other students.

Additional support
  • Prep and Year 7 students in government schools who receive CSEF may also be eligible for help with school uniforms through State Schools’ Relief.

What CSEF cannot be used for
CSEF cannot be used to pay for:
  • Books or stationery
  • School uniforms
  • Before or after school care
  • Classroom or homework materials
  • Social events (such as formals, discos, debutant balls or end-of-year functions)
  • Any costs not related to camps, sports or excursions
 
Need more information?
For any further information or assistance, families can contact the school administration team, who will be happy to help.
 
To complete form, please click here.
Confidential Student Information Details
Dear Parents and Carers,
 
This notice is to ensure the school has the most up-to-date information for your child.
 
Please notify the school of any changes to your child’s medical conditions, home address, phone numbers, occupation/work arrangements, or emergency contact details.
 
If there have been any changes, please complete and return the attached Confidential Student Information Form to the administration office either:
  • via email at [email protected], or
  • in person

By 23 February 2026.
 
If there are no changes to your child’s details, this form does not need to be completed or returned.
 
It is important that the school is informed as soon as possible should any details change throughout the year, to ensure we can support your child’s health, safety and wellbeing.
 
To complete form, please click here
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 8.30 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 8.45 sharp
School volunteers
Thank you to all parents and carers who attended the Oak Park Volunteer Course last week.
 
If you have completed the course (this year or in previous years) and have applied for and/or hold a current Working With Children Check, please email your child’s classroom teacher to organise volunteer arrangements.
The Oak Park Volunteer Induction Policy is attached and volunteers are encouraged to read this before commencing at our school. We look forward to welcoming you into the school and having you support our students.    
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School Crossing Supervisor of the Year
School Crossing Supervisor of the Year Award
 
As part of our commitment to the ongoing safety of our students, School Crossing’s Victoria, together with your local council, is looking for the ‘Supervisor of the Year’ 2025/2026. 

There are seven regions across the state. A winner will be selected in each region, and the overall winner, will be selected from the regional winners. The winner of the 2023/2024 Supervisor of the Year is Ian Hook from Maroondah City Council in Ringwood Victoria. School Crossing’s Victoria would like to enlist your help to boost this year’s nominations.
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It is our goal to reach as many parents, residents and school staff as possible and by involving them in the nomination process encourage all road users to think about, and reward, the active role the Supervisors play in the safety of their children.
 
Nominations are open now, and close on Thursday 30th April 2026. Go to the School Crossings Victoria website www.schoolcrossingsvictoria.com.au and complete an online nomination.
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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 hop online https://smilepatrol.com.au/consent-form/ and complete the consent form by the deadline FRIDAY 6th MARCH
 DON'T MISS OUT!
 
Contact information:
For more information please feel free to contact us.
Email: [email protected]
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Zooper Doopers
Zooper Doopers are on sale at lunchtime each Tuesday & Thursday for $1 each.  We expect the wrappers to be placed into the rubbish bins.
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TeamKids
Get ready to POUNCE, SPLASH, and SOAR!
TeamKids is celebrating World Wildlife Day on March 3rd with jungle adventures, roaring games, and wild fun for everyone.
Book now - https://www.teamkids.com.au/venues/ to join the WILD side and make a roar-some day to remember! 
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SPECIALIST
Physical Education
Over the past few weeks in Physical Education, students across all year levels have been building strong foundations in safety, movement and teamwork.
Our Foundation students have been learning how to move safely within the gym space, identifying boundaries and developing confidence through fun movement games.
In Years 1–4, students have been refining their fundamental motor skills, including throwing, catching and spatial awareness activities.
In Years 5–6, students have begun applying these skills in modified games that focus on communication, decision-making and teamwork. It has been fantastic to see students demonstrating safe practices, positive sportsmanship and enthusiasm in every lesson.
 
Liam Sutawan
Visual Arts
Meet Ken and Emily, the Visual Arts Captains for 2026. Ken says this about why he is a good choice for this year’s Art Captain – “In my opinion being an art captain is my thing. I have a passion for art and I love it too! I’m creative, smart and happy. I also have a good attitude which makes this role fit me best.”
Emily says – “I’m a really good artist and I never miss an art class. I usually have some spare time at lunchtime so I can help out. I’m kind and outgoing and I love to help people with art activities.”
Emily and Ken have been a welcomed addition to the Visual Arts Program. They have eagerly arrived each lunchtime to assist with getting organised for a creative and fun filled year. I look forward to working with our new captains to provide an enjoyable experience for all students at the school.
 
David Flint
OPPS Visual Arts Teacher
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Penola Saints
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Woolworths Net Set Go!
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School Contacts
​Principal
Michael Gill
[email protected]​​
Office Manager
Fran MacDonough
[email protected] ​
Business Manager
Naomi Di Pasquale
[email protected]
School Council President ​
​Lola Grech​
​​[email protected]
​​​PFA President​​​
Sue Carruthers
​​[email protected]
School Email
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[email protected]
Team Kids
Ramneet Kaur
[email protected]
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Copyright ©2026 Oak Park Primary School - Creating The Future together
  • Home
  • About Us
    • School Profile
    • Principals Welcome
    • Enrolment
    • School Values
    • OPPS Staff
    • Before & After School Care
    • Annual Implementation Plan & Strategic Plan
    • Annual Report
  • Curriculum
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Inquiry
    • Science
    • Performing Arts
    • Physical Education
    • Japanese
    • Visual Arts
    • Technology
  • Students
    • Foundation Transition
    • Foundation
    • Junior School
    • Middle School
    • Senior School
    • International Students Program
    • Report Bullying
  • Parent Information
    • General Information
    • BYO 1-1 iPad Program
    • OPPS Policies
    • OPPS Forms
    • Child Safe
    • School Council
    • School Uniform
    • Lunch Orders
    • Parent Friends Association
    • Helpful Links
    • Music Program
    • Facilities Plan
    • Respectful Relationships
    • School Wide Positive Behaviours
    • TeamKids
    • Voluntary Contributions and Family Assistance
  • School Virtual Tours
  • Compass
  • Newsletter
  • Contact