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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 11
April 27th 2023 |
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
Welcome back to an exciting Term 2, a short nine term full of learning, inquiry and of course assessment and reporting. We hope you’ve enjoyed a wonderful break and for those celebrating Eid al-Fitr you enjoyed a joyous feast and connection with family.
We have an upcoming curriculum day on Friday May 12th, where our teachers will learn and work together to further enhance their knowledge around Mathematics instruction with our ongoing consultant Pete Sanders from the Love Maths organisation. Students are not required to attend school on this day. We had hoped to offer support via our Outside Hours School Care for the curriculum day, but unfortunately staff shortages have made this impossible. Looking forward to a productive and enjoyable Term 2. Kind regards, Michael Gill Principal Special Assembly
At school, we are commemorating ANZAC day at tomorrows Friday assembly. If any students attended a dawn service on Tuesday and are interested in sharing their reflections at assembly please email Melanie, [email protected]. 2024 Enrolments
If you are enrolling your child next year at Oak Park Primary School, or you know of someone wanting to enrol their child, please email Fran at [email protected] to request an enrolment form. SCHOOL TOURS 
Mental Health & Wellbeing
For those who missed this information in the newsletter of the 6th April: My name is Kirsty Finter, some of you may already know me. You may have seen my roles change over the last few years from classroom teacher to CRT, to wellbeing coordinator. This year, I have a new role at Oak Park Primary School, it is called the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL). A very broad role, I agree. This item will outline my role further, where it originated from and why or how you can contact me. The MHWL ("m-hall") role is a government funded position that has come out of the Royal Commission into Mental Health and further in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a pilot program, that has now been so successful, it will be rolled out all over the state by 2026. This means I (and thereby the school) will be trained, well-resourced and build connections (internally and externally) to help support the mental health and wellbeing of the Oak Park school community. In fact, myself, and two members of Wellbeing Communities of Practice, Jane Cheng and Kate Ducie, went to two days of face-to-face training at the University of Melbourne (see pictures below). It was a great two days where we worked with other schools, shared ideas and reflected on the great wellbeing initiatives we have at OPPS such as the Zoe (our wellbeing dog), wellbeing captains, staff wellbeing teams, reach out boxes, Bounce Back and Respectful Relationships curriculum to name a few. We also found out more about the MHWL role and how the role is to help build the capacity of the whole school. Kate Ducie (2D), Jane Cheng (5/6C) and Kirsty Finter (MHWL) at the MHiPS training, reflecting on OPPS’s great wellbeing initiatives. 
Sharing knowledge
The MHWL role is multifaceted, as can be seen by the picture below. However, my aim ultimately is help build on the school’s already excellent and present approach to wellbeing. Ultimately, we want to refine and sustain our approach to wellbeing. But this takes time. So this year, we aim to understand the needs of our school community. We hope to build the capacity of students and staff to understand mental health, relevant strategies and where to go when you need support. We want to work with students, parents and staff to understand what supports are needed to help our school community thrive and flourish.
So watch this space, as I will be in regular contact to discuss wellbeing and showcase the great wellbeing initiatives at OPPS. In the meantime, if you would like to share any knowledge, ideas or have any questions please feel free to email me on [email protected]. At present, I only work on Mondays, so I will respond to emails as able or on return to work. You can learn more about the program and my role via this link https://www.mhips.org.au/training-program/the-mhwl-role/ COVID-19 Reminder
We are writing to bring to your attention an important matter related to COVID-19, particularly in light of the recent increase in cases within the school community. We would like to remind you that if your child tests positive for COVID-19:
There are staff at our school who are highly compromised, therefore your attention to this matter would be appreciated. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter and urge you to continue to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols recommended by the relevant health authorities. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. School Photos
School photos will be taken on Monday 15th May. Photos may only be ordered via Compass. Online ordering has now been activated. Orders must be placed by 11:59pm the day before photo day. Orders cannot be placed at school or on the day. We remind students to please wear the correct uniform on the day. We would also ask families to not bring your child to school just for the school photos if they are unwell and absent on the day. 
PFA Mothers Day Stall
This year the PFA’s Mother’s Day Stall is scheduled for Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th May, and we are asking for donations from the school community to augment the stock for the stall. Gifts are usually sold for between $1 and $5, so items such as bath salts, candles or other small, simple handmade goodies are ideal. If you are able to make or otherwise have something to donate, please email us at [email protected] to let us know what you would like to give and to organise drop-off details. We will need to receive donations by Friday 5 May. Thank you for your support! The PFA Specialist
Visual Arts Welcome back to Term 2! All year levels are gearing up for a very busy and short nine week term in the Visual Arts Program. Below is an outline of what each year level will be doing during their weekly art lessons.
Foundation students will continue to experiment with painting, construction and drawing techniques. ANZAC day will be acknowledged by making blot painted poppies. Mother’s Day will see the Foundation students crating a piece of artwork to assist in celebrating all f the Mums at OPPS. Mr Squiggle will be introduced to the students and they will create their very own squiggles to create an artwork combining continuous lines and use complimentary colours to complete it. A focus on Aboriginal art will take place with a dreamtime story viewed and some Aboriginal themed artworks created. The first celebration of the King’s birthday will be acknowledged and the students will make and design their very own crown. Grade 1/2 students will create a construction paper poppies artwork to acknowledge ANZAC Day. To help celebrate Mother’s Day, an artwork will be created to give to student mums on this special day. May the 4th (be with you) will also be acknowledged by learning to draw a Stormtrooper. Some construction/modelling will take place where the students will create a figure of a person using foil, with an accompanying shadow. Finally a Chinese style dragon will be created using drawing and watercolour painting techniques. Grade 3/4 students will create a silhouette/outline free expression based artwork to acknowledge ANZAC Day. To help celebrate Mother’s Day, a watercolour based artwork will be created to give to student mums on this special day. May the 4th (be with you) will also be acknowledged by learning to draw R2D2 for a bit of droid fun. Students will also be learning to create an artwork using wool to weave a design, where a paper plate is utilised to assist with the weaving process. Grade 5/6 students will create an acrylic poppy painting to acknowledge ANZAC Day. To help celebrate Mother’s Day, a Vincent Van Gogh inspired artwork will be created to give to student mums on this special day. May the 4th (be with you) will also be acknowledged by the students learning to draw one of the villains (Kylo Ren). For the remainder of the term, the students will be working on creating some stop motion (Claymation) short animations. Characters will be created and a short script used to create an entertaining short animation using the Stop Motion app on student iPads (please ensure this is downloaded no later than the 21st of May). Physical Education This term in Physical Education class, we will be focusing on gymnastics, invasion games, and cross country. During the gymnastics unit, students will be learning fundamental movements such as balances, rolls, jumps, and swings. They will also be working on developing their coordination, strength, and flexibility. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and create their own sequences. Invasion games, such as soccer, netball, and basketball, will also be introduced this term. These games will help students develop teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking skills. We will focus on the basic skills required for each game, and students will participate in modified games to build their confidence and enjoyment. Lastly, we will be preparing for our school cross country event. Students will develop their endurance and stamina through regular running sessions, as well as learning about pacing, breathing techniques, and hydration. The event will be a chance for students to showcase their hard work and dedication in a fun and supportive environment. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing our students thrive in these areas throughout the term. Chess Club - Term 2
Please find attached Term 2 Chess club form. Chess happens every Wednesday, first half lunch break in the Multi Purpose Room, and is run by FIDE Master, Grant Szuveges. Signed forms and proof of payment may be emailed to [email protected]. Chess rules are available in the Office, feel free to pick up a copy. 
Year 6-7 Transition
Year 6-7 Placement Information Pack & Applications for Secondary College 2023-2024 were sent home with your Grade 6 child yesterday. We ask that you read the information pack thoroughly with regards to applying at local Secondary Colleges, particularly in regards to school zones. If your child will be attending a Catholic or Private College you will still need to return the completed form as there is a section where you can advise which College your child has been accepted at. Timeline is also included: FRIDAY 12TH May: Parents/Carers to return forms to Oak Park Primary School WEDNESDAY 19th July: Oak Park Primary will notify parents/carers of placement outcomes Should you require any information once this is received, please don’t hesitate to contact Fran at [email protected] Local Secondary Colleges are now advertising their Open Days, Information Nights and School Tours. We suggest that families make the most of these availabilities. Please go to www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au to check if you are within their school zone. Many Secondary Colleges are strictly zoned. ROSEHILL SECONDARY COLLEGE have an Open Day on Thursday 4th May from 9.15am – 2.15pm.
Open Evening Tuesday 9th May. Tours 4-6pm, Principals address 6.45pm. Guided Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9.30am. Bookings are essential. Rosehill Secondary College have a STEP Program, which is a Selective Talent Enrichment Program. The STEP 2024 Information Evening is Tuesday 28th March from 6.30-7.30pm in the Library. There are information booklets about Rosehill on the table outside our Office. 
PENOLA CATHOLIC COLLEGE: Applications for Year 5 students starting Year 7 in 2025 are now open. Applications for Year 7 in 2025 will close on the 18th August. Offers will be posted to prospective Year 7 applicants on October 20th
Limited places are available for Year 7 in 2024. Visit penola.vic.edu.au to book a Principals tour or to complete an enrolment form. Community News
AIRPORT WEST SWIMMING ACADEMY…. Saving Lives, LEARN TO SWIN
Kelly Sports
In TERM 2 Kelly Sports will be focusing on Soccer, AFL & Hockey. Each Friday after school from 3.30pm to 4.40pm, Kelly Sports will be running their Autumn Program at Oak Park Primary School for students in Foundation to Grade 3. Further details in attached flyer
OAK PARK SAINTS BASKETBALL
Keep active, have fun and learn about basketball. For enquiries or interest for the upcoming season, please contact Bron at [email protected] 
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Oak Park Football Club
PENOLA SAINTS NETBALL CLUB
ACE FUN TENNIS SCHOOL
School Contacts
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