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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 09
March 30th 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
A huge thanks to everyone that walked, rode, skated or scooted to school today for Ride2School day!
We had 86 riders, 131 walkers and 3 students use public transport to arrive safely at school. Attached is a picture of our bike shed - well beyond capacity! Good thing our Ride and Stride program includes plans to enhance and improve this space for even more bikes. Special thanks to Sarah (Bicycle Network), Rory (Ride and Stride Champion), Evie (Hands Up Data) and all the staff and students that took part in the day. World Autism Day - Sunday April 2nd Oak Park is committed to supporting students on the autism spectrum and promoting inclusion. World Autism Day is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and understanding about autism and its impact on individuals and families. Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is a fantastic resource for information and support related to autism. They provide a range of services, including education and training, therapy and support, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families. The Aspect website provides a range of resources and information for teachers, educators, and parents. You can find tips for supporting students with autism in the classroom, strategies for managing behaviours, and advice for developing effective communication and social skills. By utilizing these resources, your school can continue to create an inclusive and supportive environment for students on the autism spectrum, not just on World Autism Day, but every day. https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/about-autism/fact-sheets
Interschool Sports
Assembly Schedule - Term 1
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 
Parent Helper Course
Thank you to all those parents who have RSVP already! A final reminder to register for our parent helper courses running next Monday. If you would like to be a parent helper on a regular basis or occasionally for school events, it is mandatory that you attend one of our parent helper courses. We will be hosting two parent helper courses on Monday 3rd April between 9:00-10:00am and 5:00-6:00pm in the Library. If you have previously completed a parent helper course, you do not need to attend again. Please RSVP to Amy Devlin [email protected] by Thursday 30th March to reserve a spot. Amy Devlin Head Lice
Occasionally at school, there are classes which have an outbreak of head lice. Head lice do not transmit infectious diseases – they are transmitted by having head to head contact with someone who has head lice. Head lice are common in school-aged children and are the most adaptable of creatures. They have survived living solely on humans for 10,000 years! What can you do? I seek your cooperation in checking your child’s hair and in those instances where head lice or eggs are found, treating your child’s hair. Please visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au and search for “head lice (nits)” for advice on finding, treating and preventing head lice. If head lice or eggs are found on your child’s hair you need to inform:
Health regulations requires that where a child has head lice, that child should not return to school until the day after appropriate treatment has started. Please note, this refers only to those children who have live head lice and does not refer to head lice eggs. More information about exclusion requirements can be found by searching for “school exclusion table” at www.health.vic.gov.au. Congratulations
Indigo – State Champion! Congratulations to Indigo Maddicks in 3/4K who competed in the Victorian Kyokushin Karate Championships on Sunday and came away with double gold! Indigo won 1st place in under 10’s continuous fighting and 1st place in under 10’s kata! Well done Indigo, we’re so proud of you! 
Term 2 Chess Club
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. 
Term 1 Chess Report
The winner of our Term 1 chess tournament was Charvi 1G. Not only did Charvi win the tournament with a perfect score of 7/7, but she has now won back to back tournaments (Term 4 last year and this one). Finishing in equal second place were Henry 5/6C, Marlo 2D and Showa 1G all with 5 points. The Most Improved Player medal went to Alfie 2F who scored a strong 4 points, while the Best New Player medal for Year 3+ went to Curtis 5/6S and Anwita 3/4C (=1st, both 4 points) while the equivalent for Year 2 and under went to Ari 2F (3.5 points). Several other players who didn't win medals have also shown significant improvement and have given themselves every chance to win a prize in our Term 2 tournament. I'm looking forward to working with the class again in Term 2. Full results (7 rounds): 7.0 Charvi 1G 5.0 Henry 5/6C, Marlo 2D, Showa 1G 4.5 Santiago 2F 4.0 Roman 3/4C, Stephanie 3/4C, Alfie 2F, Curtis 5/6S, Anwita 3/4C 3.5 Eva 3/4K, Ari 2F 3.0 Rishi 2A, Andrew 2A 2.5 Eleni 3/4C, Wren 1H, Bora 1G 2.0 Maggie 2A, August 2D 1.5 Aryahi 1H 1.0 Gabriel 1H Thanks, Grant Rubbish Free Lunch
Rubbish free lunch award goes to Sampanna from 2D. 😊 
Foundation News
In Mathematics, we have been learning to make and continue patterns. We have made pattern paper chains, nature patterns and on Tuesday we made the most delicious patterns yet – fruit skewer patterns. Check out some of our creations: 
Specialist
Performing Arts This week has been very exciting in Performing Arts with Foundation, Grade One and Grade Two students being visited by Drama Toolbox. What a fun way to complete Term One! 
The Foundation incursion focussed on fractured fairy-tales, all characters were mixed up in their story! Students had to work together to get the characters back to normal. Students enjoyed dressing up as different characters and everyone was involved in the storytelling.
Grade One and Two students learnt the indigenous story of Tiddalick the Frog. The session started with an Acknowledgement to Country and students dressed up as the native animals from the book. Students participated throughout the story and performed creative ways to try and make Tiddalick laugh. They all enjoyed being the famous eel who was able to make Tiddalick laugh at the end of this traditional Dreamtime story.
It was fun because we got to retell the story- Leah
I had a good time because it was fun doing the dress ups and it was a funny time because Maisie (teacher) kept on saying funny things- Louis My favourite part was when I was a wombat and I rolled on the ground- Gus My favourite part was when we got to dress up and I liked the teachers- Vivienne My liked acting out the emus, they were puppets- Saige My favourite part was being the animals- Audrey I liked the costumes- Arya Tiddalick was very funny when we had to wake him up- Jayde Physical Education
I am excited to announce that Oak Park Primary School will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart in term 2 this year-a fantastic fundraising and physical activity program by the Heart Foundation. By participating in Jump Rope for Heart this term, I’m expecting to get our students moving. We’ll have ropes available on the school grounds and encouraging everyone to help raise funds for lifesaving research and support programs. Over the coming weeks your child will learn new skills, increase their physical activity, and learn about heart health. And the program will end with our school wide ‘Jump Off Day’ on (Date TBD) where your child gets to show off their new skipping skills to their friends. When you register your child online you’ll get access to additional skipping resources to help give your child a great reason to get away from the screens and get outdoors. Register and create your own secure webpage at jumprope.org.au/parents By signing up online, you and your child can:
Please visit jumprope.org.au/parents for all the information that you need. Thank you for getting involved in Jump Rope for Heart! Jump rope for heart prizes Liam Science
As we head into the school holidays there has never been a better time to get into some science at home, and the best place to start is in the kitchen! Kitchen science is an easy way to engage your young scientists with some fun and low-cost experiments. KiwiCo.com has collated some excellent ideas for experiments to try at home. “Unlock the mysteries lurking in your pantry with science! Make a gummy bear double in size, toast marshmallows using solar power! These wacky food science experiments will reveal the hidden world of weird physics and strange chemical reactions involved in everything we eat.” https://www.kiwico.com/diy/lists/10-food-science-experiments-for-kids Below is my favourite (and most delicious) kitchen science experiment to try… Magic Mug Cake Normally, a cake would take an hour or more to make in an oven, but with a microwave oven, you can make one in minutes! Microwave ovens use waves of energy called – you guessed it – microwaves to cook food quickly. The microwaves go into the food and make water molecules inside move around really fast. The movement creates heat which cooks the food. But the microwave is just one part of this scientific process. First, you need to mix up ingredients. Two of the ingredients are key to making a tasty mug cake! Baking powder will make your cake spongy because it produces gas bubbles that get trapped in the batter as it cooks. The egg will help your cake rise because it has proteins that create a strong structure. Without these ingredients, your cake will look like soup! Experiment with the other ingredients to customize your mug cake. What will you add to give it a whole new flavour?! Enjoy the holidays and remember… Science is like magic, but it’s real! Stephanie Japanese News
In Japanese we have been learning lots of greetings and phrases we can use everyday and in the classroom. Students have been learning which greetings to use throughout the day as well as which greetings to use with friends and which greetings are more formal. A great way for students to practice these is at home with their family. Please encourage your children to share the greetings they have been practising in class and ask them if they would use them with friends or teachers and what time of the day would they say them. Students have also really enjoyed making origami. There are so many wonderful things you can make and an abundance of instructions on the internet. This is a wonderful activity to do together at home. You can even ask your children to teach you how to make Hinamatsuri dolls! Visual Arts
How important is Visual Arts in our community? Visual Arts has always played an important role in society, providing a unique perspective on the world around us and a means of creative expression. The value of having Visual Arts in the community is immeasurable, offering benefits that extend beyond mere aesthetic pleasure. One of the primary benefits of visual arts in the community is the sense of cultural identity and heritage that it can provide. By showcasing the work of local artists, a community can celebrate its unique history and traditions while also promoting a sense of pride and belonging. Visual Arts can also help to preserve and promote cultural diversity, as artists from different backgrounds and cultures bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the creative process. Visual Arts can also play a significant role in education, particularly in developing children's creativity and critical thinking skills. Exposure to Visual Arts can help children develop their ability to analyse, interpret, and communicate complex ideas and emotions. It can also provide a means of self-expression and encourage children to explore their own creativity, possibly leading students to a career path in the Arts in the years ahead of them. Another benefit of having visual arts in the community is the potential for economic development. Art galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions can attract tourists and visitors, providing a boost to the local economy. Additionally, the sale of artwork and related merchandise can generate revenue for local artists and businesses. Visual Arts can also have a positive impact on public spaces, transforming dull and uninviting areas into vibrant and engaging places. Public art installations and murals can enhance the beauty and character of a community, while also promoting a sense of civic pride and ownership. In conclusion, I think it’s pretty safe to say that Visual Arts is and should be, an integral part of our community. David Flint Visual Arts Teacher Lost Property
If this belongs to you, please come and pick up from the office. The key was found in school yard this week.
Year 6-7 Transition
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. Information regarding the Application for Year 7 will be sent to all Year 6 families during Term 2, along with FAQ’s and Application timeline. Should you require any information once this is received, please don’t hesitate to contact Fran at [email protected] AITKEN COLLEGE
COBURG HIGH SCHOOL have an Open Day on the 26th April for prospective Year 7/2024 families.
Please see attached flyer 
ESSENDON KEILOR COLLEGE have an Open Day on 28th March for prospective Year 7/2024 families.
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. State School Relief
What you need to know. Who is SSR? State Schools’ Relief is a not-for-profit organisation that works closely with all government schools across Victoria. Each year State Schools’ Relief provides assistance to families experiencing financial disadvantage with school uniforms and footwear. Introduction to Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund Through government funding the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) was established to provide payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports days and excursions. To find out more, or to apply for assistance, please ref er to the Department of Education and Training website. SSR provides a uniform package each year to all Prep families/carers eligible for CSEF funding. 2023 Prep Uniform Package for CSEF recipients Prep students for 2023 that are recipients of the Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF) automatically qualify for the uniform package and/or voucher. What's in the package? The 2023 package contains the following items: 1 x Rugby Top or Hooded / Windcheater or Jacket (Bomber/Polar Fleece) or Long Sleeve Polo 1 x Track Pants or Trousers or Pants 1 x Pair of Shoes (Lace Ups or T-Bars or Sneakers Skate or Sneakers Velcro) Please note the following: a) PE items are not included as part of this package b) Shoes must be requested in UK sizes (please see our shoe size conversion chart here) Cost to families Where State Schools’ Relief is unable to provide a uniform item directly (due to contractual agreements with uniform retailers) you will receive a voucher that subsidises the cost of the items. The voucher can be redeemed at your child’s school uniform shop, or independent uniform retailer, which will be listed on the voucher. Families receiving vouchers may be required to make a contribution towards the cost of these items. The amount a parent has to pay will depend on the retail purchase price and the State Schools’ Relief subsidy. The voucher provided by State Schools’ Relief lists every approved item, and the maximum purchase value, that State Schools’ Relief will cover. Please check your school’s uniform price list to work out how much extra may be required to contribute towards the uniform item. Please note: vouchers do have an expiry date and must be used before this date. How do I apply for the CSEF Uniform Package? Applications are made through your child’s school. Order Form is attached or can be collected from administration office. Please refrain from contacting State Schools’ Relief directly as staff are unable to accept applications directly from parents or families. Should you have any questions, please contact Fran or Naomi in the administration office. 
Community News
AIRPORT WEST SWIMMING ACADEMY…. Saving Lives, LEARN TO SWIN
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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ST.MARKS CALISTHENICS FREE TRIAL
PENOLA SAINTS NETBALL CLUB
School Contacts
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