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The Oak Leaf |
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Address: Willett Avenue, Oak Park VIC 3046
T:(03) 9306 9182 E: William.Nolan@education.vic.gov.au |
Issue 8
March 25th 2021 |
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
One of my favourite words is ‘balance’. If I ever give advice to anyone I usually throw in something about the importance of having balance - in all things. We’re continually informed about the need for a balanced diet, we talk a lot about a balance between home and work and we all want to be able to balance our budgets. And we know what it’s like when any of those things are out of balance. Indigestion, stressed families and debt! I have a very balanced friend – got a chip on both shoulders. Ha ha. Balance is important at school too. I’ve always thought it was important that our kids get a broad curriculum – with a bit of everything, but a focus on the really important things. Kids should get a dose of reading, writing and mathematics every day but this should be balanced with some music, some laughing and some movement. At Oak Park, we have a very strong specialist program. I am fond of telling parents when we conduct tours about why we do. We know some of our kids are great at reading, wonderful writers and brilliant mathematicians. But some are not. So, part of the reason for our range of specialist subjects is to enable kids to have a range of experiences – so they can see what they like, what they might be interested in and what things they can do. What if we have another Picasso sitting there in Grade 2? Or the next Mozart? And maybe they didn’t know they have these wonderful abilities, simply because they have never been exposed to art or music? It must happen sometimes. I remember a very quiet student we had here a few years ago. Didn’t say much at all, but one day we got him to play the keyboard at assembly. Everyone was blown away – they didn’t know he had that skill. And why would they? It struck me that there must be a whole lot of hidden talents out there. And it’s part of our job as teachers and as parents to find the special gift that every single child has. Special Assembly
This Friday the 26th March, as part of our usual assembly, there will be an acknowledgement of our previous Business Manager Sandra Cooper. We will be dedicating the Amphitheatre and Outdoor Classroom area to the memory of Sandra with the unveiling of a plaque. The assembly will take place on the synthetic turf near the amphitheatre from about 2.45pm. For those who didn’t meet Sandra, she was the Business Manager at the school for well over 20 years. Sadly, she passed away a few years ago. Sandra was very funny, very kind-hearted and is very sadly missed by everyone who did know her. School Photos
School Photos will be taken on Monday 24th May. Students are to ensure they have full school uniform on for the photos. Further information will be sent out in the newsletter and on Compass closer to the date. Late Arrivals/Early Departures
The first bell at school rings at 8:50am, and students may take their bags inside the classroom at this time. At 9am, the bell rings for the start of school. It is hoped that all students are at school by this time to minimise class disruptions, which the late arrival of a student does. As restrictions are easing, the following will apply again from Term 2:
Bryan's Farewell- Morning Tea
On Thursday 1st April, we will be holding a special morning tea for families and staff. This is an opportunity to farewell Bryan as he pursues new adventures. The morning tea will be held in the library from 9.00am-10.30am. We would love to see you there! School Sport
Congratulations to the Girls’ softball, Mixed bat tennis and cricket teams for winning their semi finals on Friday 19th March. Results: Softball = OP 14 def. STM 9 Bat Tennis = OP def. Illim College after a tie breaker! (This is the fist time this has happened in recent memory) Cricket = OP 184 def. Illim College 181 (We were looking at defeat until Alex Taylor saved the day with a fantastic last over of bowling. Each of these teams will compete in their Grand Finals next Friday – Grand Final Update: It is with great honour that I can inform you that we will have 3 teams competing in their respective Grand Finals this coming Friday. Cricket will be playing against St. Thomas More (Away). Girls Softball will be playing against St. Francis (Away @ Oak Park Pool Oval) Mixed Bat Tennis will be playing against Westbreen (Away) Congratulations to everyone involved! If I could please ask for any parent helpers of students playing cricket or mixed bat tennis to assist with transport; it would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to assist with private transport, could you please email me Best of luck for next week! liam.sutawan@education.vic.gov.au Also, One of our students, Ruolan Wang from 5/6GC competed in regional swimming last Tuesday. She placed 1st in backstroke and 3rd in butterfly. What a superstar! 
PFA News
EASTER RAFFLE This week students will bring home a booklet of 12 raffle tickets for the PFA’s Easter raffle. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. 1st Prize – $100 Coles Myer Voucher and an Easter Egg 2nd Prize – $75 Coles Myer Voucher and an Easter Egg 3rd Prize – $50 Coles Myer Voucher and an Easter Egg Prizes also include dance and yoga class passes, café gift vouchers and more! All tickets and money need to be returned to the school by Friday 26 March. The raffle will be drawn at end-of-term assembly on Thursday 1 April. Additional tickets are available at the office. Congratulations
Congratulations to the Oak Park Cricket Club under 12s team who won the premiership on the weekend! The team included 7 of our students and we are very proud of them all. Well done to: Bailey, Ethan, Gabe, Kyle, Luke, Llewellyn and Sharkya. 
Grade 6 tops
With regard to the re-order of grade 6 tops, unfortunately we have been advised there is 6-8 week wait. We will advise as soon as we receive these. |
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News from the Grade 6 Fundraising Team
ZOOPER DOOPERS will be on sale tomorrow Friday 26th March. $1 each at lunchtime. Last chance for an icypole until summer months return in Term 4! CRAZY HAIR DAY Wednesday 31st March Gold coin donation Hats, wigs, hairspray, colour, ribbons, feathers… how crazy can you be?! Come to school on Wednesday with your crazy hair! Raising funds for the Grade 6 Graduation. |
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Maths
This week, Lacey-Rae and Marina presented at the Primary Maths and Science Specialists Conference (Department of Education Initiative). They participated in the program during 2019-2020, and were invited to share the progress Oak Park Primary School has made in Mathematics. Schools who are just starting their journey with the PMSS Initiative engaged with the presentation and had the opportunity to ask Lacey-Rae and Marina questions. One of the elements that Lacey-Rae and Marina shared, was the newly developed Vision for Mathematics that staff collaboratively produced at the end of 2020. Well done to Lacey-Rae and Marina for presenting, and for completing the program as Mathematics Specialists.
Chess Club Term 2
Chess Club will be returning in Term 2. Please complete the form and return to the Office with payment. Students are unable to attend chess Club unless form is completed. Chess Club Term 2 form 
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Team Kids School Holiday Program
If you want to keep your children engaged over the school holidays, Team Kids run a great program with lots of activities. Download the program via the scanning code on the poster and register by calling on 1300 035 000 or teamkids.com.au/register |
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Kelly Sports
All students were given Kelly Sports Flyers yesterday to take home. Please find details for after school Autumn Sports on offer through Kelly Sports
Community News
School Contacts
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