|
The Oak Leaf |
|
Address: Willett Avenue, Oak Park VIC 3046
T:(03) 9306 9182 E: [email protected] |
Issue 11
April 26th 2024 |
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 2 Events:
Term 3 Events:
Term 4 Events:
Principal's Column
Maths Learning Dispositions This term, we are excited to introduce a new initiative aimed at enhancing our students' attitudes towards mathematics. To kick things off, our students will be participating in a brief survey to gauge their current feelings and attitudes towards maths. Our dedicated teachers will then be launching our 5 positive learning dispositions throughout the term. These dispositions have been carefully crafted by our staff after completing additional training through the 'Leading Mathematics' course offered by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. These statements embody the qualities of a great maths learner here at Oak Park. They emphasise positive attitudes, perseverance, and a growth mindset crucial for success in mathematics and beyond. We are excited to engage the entire school community in this initiative. Look out for updates in our school newsletter and during assemblies as each disposition is introduced into classrooms. We invite parents and caregivers to join us in fostering a love for maths and a positive learning environment for all our students. This could be easily supported by chatting with students at home, as each disposition launches in classrooms. Let's work together to cultivate confident and enthusiastic mathematicians at Oak Park. Changes to our Newsletter and Compass posts Thanks for feedback from our recent communication survey, with 81 respondents it was helpful to promote discussion and plan some changes to improve our school newsletter and Compass posts. Working with our School Council President, Lola Grech to distil the messages and feedback from the survey, some highlights from the data suggest that readers are most interested our Annual Implementation Plan, Wellbeing, Student Leadership, Specialist classes and updates from the Parents and Friends Association. With this feedback, we’ll aim to ensure more content around these topics this year. Other positive changes to further improve communication will include:
We also noted that perhaps the intent of these platforms might be unclear to our community. A reminder of the difference between newsletter and Compass. Our newsletter celebrates achievements, promotes events, shares community news and offers insight into classrooms and changes within the educational environment. Compass serves as a communication reminder tool, prompts payments for relevant events, sends messages to smaller audiences (e.g. a single class) and will often seek a response via survey or call out for volunteers. There is inevitably some crossover between the messaging, and respectfully – with experience, the school receives greater response and reply to a Compass newsfeed. As such, there will be items that appear in both, often to reach a wider audience as not every parent reads our newsletter. Hopefully with the changes above will increase readership and make the newsletter more accessible and readable for families. After implementing these changes, we’ll also engage in a short survey to the community specifically asking about the improvements and their impacts. Oak Park Primary School's 70th Anniversary! Ideas Welcome Another second reminder for feedback. We are thrilled to announce that this year marks a significant milestone for our school as we celebrate our 70th anniversary! Over the decades, Oak Park Primary School has been a cornerstone of our community, nurturing generations of learners and fostering a spirit of achievement and inclusion. To commemorate this special occasion, we are planning a memorable community event and we need your ideas! We invite all students, parents, alumni, and staff to contribute their thoughts on how we can best celebrate this milestone together. Please share your creative ideas using the short Google Form linked below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZTQdt1d1ZJKQInm8OTThBLTAEwUhq_0b-7muAdGeFSY011A/viewform?usp=sf_link Your input is valuable in shaping this event and making it a memorable experience for everyone. Let's come together as a community to honour our school's rich history and celebrate 70 years of OPPS! |
|
Kind regards,
Michael Gill Principal ANZAC Excursion
Melbourne Legacy’s 92nd Commemoration Ceremony for Students Last Friday, a group of Grade 5/6 students attended the Melbourne Legacy Shrine of Remembrance Shrine Memorial for Students. Students from all over the state attended, including Her Excellency, Professor Margaret Gardner, Governor General of Victoria. The service started with a Welcome to Country by the Traditional Owner of Bunorong Land, followed by a Guard of Honour to welcome distinguished guests. We listened to the choir from the Mac. Robertson Girls’ High School and Melbourne High School lead the singing of I am Australian. We were entertained by Legacy’s winner of public speaker of year, from Portland Secondary College and he showed us exactly why he won. He shared his own personal connection to ANZAC day and had us laughing with his clever humour, a little bit like our Vice Captain, Curtis. Two students from each school had the opportunity to lay a wreath in front of the eternal flame and you can see from the images of the day, Evie and Sarah lay ours on behalf of the Oak Park School Community. Thank you to Fabia and Sally for the opportunity that we will remember.
ANZAC Day Special Assembly
On Wednesday afternoon, the student leaders ran and special ANZAC Assembly for the whole school. They did a fantastic job of explaining the significance of the day, they read In Flanders Fields and The Ode before we stood for The Last Post. We followed it with a minute silence as a sign respect and a time to reflect on the sacrifice of those who fought in the Great War. The timing of the assembly was to ensure students understood the importance of ANZAC Day before the public holiday. 
Anzac Day Poem
Written by Mac 5/6A
ENROLMENT & TRANSITION INFORMATION
School Tours
School Tours for prospective 2025 families are happening on the following dates, starting at 10am. 24th May, 7th Jun, & 21st Jun. April 26th and May 10th Tours are fully booked We ask parents to register to attend a school tour by emailing Fran at [email protected] 
2025 Enrolments
2025 Enrolments are now open. Please email Fran at [email protected] for enrolment information. For new families to the school, please check your designated neighbourhood school at www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au School tours are available and families who have given an enrolment form will be contacted via email once dates are confirmed. Information will also be in our weekly newsletter as well on our website. All enrolments must be submitted by Friday 26th July. Year 6-7 Transition
Parents/Guardians:
Information from Secondary Colleges regarding school tours and information days/nights will be placed in our newsletter as they become available. We would advise families to make the most of these opportunities so you may make an informed decision regarding your preferred school After forms are distributed, should you require any further information please contact Fran at [email protected]
WHAT'S COMING UP - Whole School
Wellbeing- Lunchtime Clubs
Our school runs daily lunchtime clubs for students who would like to attend. Clubs vary from quiet relaxing activities, to full energy sports clubs. Students can start in a club any week and there is no pressure to attend the club regularly. Your child can change clubs each week until they find one that suits them! Please discuss the Lunchtime Club timetable with your child. Daily announcements are made so students know which clubs are running every day. 
School Dental Van
The Smile Patrol Team will be coming to Oak Park Primary School to provide free dental health checks the week starting Tuesday 11th June. Information has been sent home and all bookings for your child to attend are to be made online. 
School Photo Day
School Photo day is Monday 13th May. Orders can now be made through the Compass Portal via your email link under the Community tab. Family/sibling photos are also available, and orders must be placed by 11.59pm the day before photo day. Students must wear full school uniform for photos. ORDERS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED ON THE DAY OR VIA THE OFFICE 
Mother's Day Stall
PFA News: Call-out for volunteers and donations for Mother’s Day Stall This year the PFA’s Mother’s Day Stall will be held on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th May, and we are seeking volunteers to help out with sales at the stall between 8.40 am and 11 am. If you are able to lend a hand, please email us at [email protected] indicating which day and time you are available. Even if you are only able to come along for an hour, it will be a big help! All volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check. They are free for volunteers – apply at https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Thank you for your support! Assembly Timetable
Term 2 Chess
Term 2 chess enrolments are now open. If you would like your child to attend Chess Class every Wednesday lunchtime please complete the attached chess form and send along with proof of payment to [email protected] 
Chess Tournament
SPECIALISTS NEWS
Performing Arts
All the students are so excited to finally find out what the concert theme will be this year! Everyone will find out midterm when the teachers will reveal the theme during assembly. Last concert we were so lucky to perform The Lion King Jnr, and the only hint we can give is that Disney will be here again at Oak Park Primary! Before rehearsals begin students will be focussing on their drama skills and practise performing in front of their peers to give all students ample time to feel ready for the big show. Foundation Students will be learning new drama skills while acting out familiar characters from traditional stories. Halfway through the term student will begin rehearsing for the Term 3 school concert to ensure all students will be confident with their routine to perform in front of a large audience at Clocktower Theatre. Grade 1/2 Drama games and theatre sports focus on team building and creating a positive atmosphere in the Performing Arts space. Students are free to experiment with new and familiar drama practices and are explicitly taught phrases to encourage others. Students build confidence while speaking and miming in front of a small audience. Students will also begin to learn their concert item mid term. Grade 3/4 Students will be introduced to new Drama games and devices and build up their drama vocabulary. The drama assessment piece will focus on students selecting a script, completing the end of the script and performing the script with a partner to their peers. Students will provide feedback to each other about their performances. Students will also begin to learn their concert item mid term. Grade 5/6 During Term 2 students will be focussing on preparing for concert auditions and will be given scripts to perform using the assessment that will be used during auditions. Students will understand how voice projection, facial expressions and body gestures enhance performances and will build confidence while performing a variety of scripts. Grades will also begin to learn their concert item mid term. Physical Education
CRICKET CHAMPIONS Congratulations to our Interschool Sport Cricket Team on winning the Grand Final against Westbreen today. It was such a close game that the scores were triple checked! It was an amazing effort by all team members, but it’s safe to say Jesse finished the game with a stellar innings, winning the game for Oak Park. It was wonderful to see families there supporting the team and a big thank you to Liam for his coaching. We have now reached a 10-year winning streak. No pressure on next year’s team 😉. 
CROSS COUNTRY
We are excited to get stuck into our first cross-country event for 2024! I need some parent helpers in the morning to assist with some roles including track supervision and line judges. If you are keen to get involved, please get in touch with me :) Next Thursday 2nd May will be race day. Please see the attached document for further information regarding the event. If you have any further questions regarding the event, please also get in touch. Kind regards Liam Cross Country Thursday 2nd May - 9am - 11am 
Japanese
The senior students have returned in term 2 eager to build on their Japanese language skills. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm after returning from the holidays. Grades 3/4 This term the grade 3/4’s have begun by continuing to build on their knowledge of Japanese numbers. Students have been practicing reading, writing and saying Kanji numbers to 999. Throughout term 2 students will be using their kanji number knowledge to learn about time. Students will learn how to read, write and say the time in Japanese. This will give students lots of opportunities to showcase their kanji character writing skills. Students will also build on their vocabulary of daily life activities and make connections between daily activities and time. Grade 5/6 Term 2 has begun with students using their Japanese food vocabulary and knowledge of common phrases to create a short role play. Students have worked in groups of 2-3 to write a cohesive script including 5 key phrases. It has been wonderful watching students share their ideas and work together creatively and I look forward to watching all the finished products over the coming weeks. Science Our junior scientists have returned from the holidays full of excitement and enthusiasm for a new science topic. In term 2 we are exploring the area of physical sciences to build our understanding of the nature of forces and motion, and matter and energy. Foundation – On The Move! This term our foundation students will develop an understanding of how things move. They will explore the push and pull forces they can use to move objects in ways such as sliding, bouncing and spinning. Our smallest scientists will complete investigations, observing and gathering evidence about rolling objects and exploring the idea of fair testing. Grades 1 and 2 - Machine Makers! In grades 1 and 2 we are investigating machines! These junior scientists will be participating in hands-on activities to explore both simple and complex machines. They will identify the different strengths of pushes and pulls required to manipulate and control the movement of objects. At the end of the term, they will be challenged to create their own amazing machine. Visual Arts What’s on this Term in Visual Arts? Foundation Students will embark on a journey of self-expression and imagination through a variety of engaging activities. Week 1-2: Mother’s Day (that’s a secret!) Week 3-4: Squiggles – Let your imagination run wild as we delve into the world of squiggles! Students will transform ordinary squiggles into extraordinary works of art, exploring shape, form, and colour in innovative ways. Week 5-6: Blot Painting Creatures – Get ready to bring your imagination to life as we dive into blot painting! Using paint and Sharpie markers, students will create whimsical creatures inspired by random paint blotches. Week 7-8: Aboriginal Art (Dot Painting Australian Animals) – Explore the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal art as we learn about traditional dot painting techniques. Week 9-10: Rubbing Texture Prints in Traced Shapes – Get hands on with texture as students experiment with rubbing techniques to create unique prints. Year 1 & 2 This term promises to be filled with a variety of engaging activities that will inspire and ignite our young artists’ imaginations. Weeks 1-2: Mother’s Day (that’s a secret!) Weeks 3-6: Natural Found Object Collage (Animals) – During this four-week period, students will venture outdoors to gather natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark and other naturally occurring objects. Using these found objects, they will create stunning collages depicting various animals. Weeks 7-10: Koi Fish Lanterns/Windsocks – In the final four weeks of the term, students will dive into the world of Japanese culture as they design and construct Koi fish lanterns or windsocks. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese art and symbolism, students will use colourful materials to bring these beautiful creations to life. This project will not only enhance students’ understanding of cultural diversity but also foster teamwork and collaboration as they work together to create a vibrant display. Year 3 & 4 This term, get ready for an exciting journey exploring different mediums and techniques to express creativity. Weeks 1-2: Mother’s Day (that’s a secret!). Week 3: Music and Art – Students will draw whatever they imagine listening to classical and modern music. In this activity, we'll explore the connection between music and art as we listen to music and let our imaginations run wild. This exercise is not just about creating art; it's also about nurturing wellbeing and expressing oneself through the harmonious blend of sound and colour. Weeks 4-7: Watercolour Shell Drawing/Painting - Dive into the mesmerizing world of watercolours as we explore the beauty of seashells. Over the course of four weeks, students will learn various watercolour techniques to bring these intricate treasures from the ocean to life on paper. Weeks 8-11: 2024 Concert Advertising/Poster Artwork Competition. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents as they create eye catching posters to promote the upcoming 2024 school concert. From bold typography to vibrant illustrations, students can let their imaginations run wild as they design what could be the winning poster that captures the essence of the event (theme to be announced in Performing Arts classes later this term). *Please note that students do not have to enter the competition but will need to complete the poster as a part of their assessment in Visual Arts. More information about the competition will be posted in the school newsletter in the coming weeks. Year 5 & 6 Students will be creating artworks using a variety of mediums during Term 2. Weeks 1-2: Mother’s Day (that’s a secret!). Week 3: Music and Art – Students will draw whatever they imagine listening to classical and modern music. In this activity, we'll explore the connection between music and art as we listen to music and let our imaginations run wild. This exercise is not just about creating art; it's also about nurturing wellbeing and expressing oneself through the harmonious blend of sound and colour. Weeks 4-7: Weaving - Mesh & various fibre picture or abstract design. Students will delve into the world of textiles art by creating mesh and fibre pictures or abstract designs through using weaving techniques. They will have the freedom to choose their design, allowing for individual expression and creativity. Introducing students to textile art forms, developing fine motor skills through weaving, encouraging decision-making and artistic autonomy. Weeks 8-11: 2024 Concert Advertising/Poster Artwork Competition. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents as they create eye catching posters to promote the upcoming 2024 school concert. From bold typography to vibrant illustrations, students can let their imaginations run wild as they design what could be the winning poster that captures the essence of the event (theme to be announced in Performing Arts classes later this term). *Please note that students do not have to enter the competition but will need to complete the poster as a part of their assessment in Visual Arts. More information about the competition will be posted in the school newsletter in the coming weeks. JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Foundation News
Discovery Learning You may have seen the amazing Discovery Learning play space in the Early Years Building. The students explore here twice a week to take on the role of and learn more about community helpers. They also build collaboration and oral language skills. The Foundation teachers have loved getting a hairstyle at the salon and a check-up at the doctors. Have a look at some of our learning:
Foundation Imagination Club
Every Wednesday, during the second half of lunchtime, Foundation students are invited to attend Imagination Club in Kate’s room. Students go wild dressing up as their favourite animals, superheroes, fairytale characters and dinosaurs! Acting out and moving to music the kids build their imagination, develop new friendships and have a blast! Hope to see you there next week 
Zoe, our Wellbeing Dog
Zoe has had a busy week visiting all the Foundation classrooms. We talked about how to make Zoe feel safe when she comes into our classrooms and the teachers were so proud of how gentle and calm the Foundation students were. Thank you Sally for showing us some of Zoe’s tricks!
We wrote about the experience – check out some of our writing below:
|
|
Community News
ROTARY Free Vision & Hearing tests
The Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale, in conjunction with The University of Melbourne Departments of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Optometry and Vision Sciences, will be running Free children's Hearing and Vision tests for children between the ages of 3.5 - 7 years. A project that we have run successfully over many years. When: Saturday 4th. May 2024 9.00am till 4.00pm *Due to continued COVID concerns only one family member to accompany the child please* Where: Pascoe Vale Primary School 411-429 Reynard St, Pascoe Vale South Off-street parking available. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CRGPW Bookings open 9.00am Thursday 25th. April 2024 On average, one third of children tested required further consultation or treatment. Early intervention and identification can have a significant positive impact on a child’s education. Sussex Neighbourhood House
Digital Age: Understanding Language & Tech. This FREE in-person course combines English language learning with essential digital skills training. Participants will be involved in enhancing their English proficiency while gaining the digital literacy skills needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. Whether you're looking to improve your communication skills, navigate the digital landscape with confidence, or harness the power of technology for everyday tasks, this program is for you! 
Local Sport News
Kelly Sports
School Contacts
|
