Address: Willett Avenue, Oak Park VIC 3046
T:(03) 9306 9182 E: [email protected] |
Issue 10
April 6th 2023 |
Oak Park Primary School will work collaboratively to provide a stimulating, safe and challenging learning environment that promotes resilient, innovative thinkers.
Calendar of Events
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Principal's Column
Dearest Families,
Apologies for my absence this week on-site. I’ve been working from home due to a positive COVID test and needed to isolate for the safety of others. Thanks to Sally and everyone that has assisted this week, it is truly appreciated by myself, staff and families. We extend our warmest wishes to all who celebrate the blessed occasion of Easter, whether it be for its religious significance or the delightful tradition hunting for chocolate eggs. May your long weekend be joy filled. As we gear up for an action-packed Term 2, brimming with exciting curriculum, thrilling extracurricular activities and school reports, we implore you to make the most of the upcoming school holidays. Use this precious time to rejuvenate your energy and unwind with your loved ones. We eagerly look forward to welcoming our beloved students back on Monday April 24th. And let us not forget the upcoming ANZAC Day public holiday on the 25th, as we come together to honour and pay tribute to our brave and heroic servicemen and women. With the warmest of regards, Michael Gill 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 Mental Health & Wellbeing
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. 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. Staff Car Park
We still have families dropping off their children to school and parking in the school car park. This is a dedicated staff car park, and as such there are not enough parks for the staff we have. Parents are taking up much needed car parks particularly in the mornings. This is also dangerous as students are then being walked through the car park whilst cars are driving in and out. An example this morning was a toddler being let out of their parents car and running through the car park! Please take note of the signs at the entrance of our car park, and also the dedicated Disabled Parking zone. Rubbish Free Lunch
Rubbish Free Lunch of the Week Saige from 2D! Keep up the fantastic lunches Saige. Foundation News
Happy Easter from the Foundation students and teacher. We had such a fun morning finding bunny footprints and hunting for chocolate eggs. Grade 3/4 News
To conclude our Inquiry topic about Identity, the Grade 3/4s have spent this week designing and creating their own t-shirts that reflect their personal identity. We have been exploring what makes us who we are and what makes up our identity (e.g.: cultural background, interests, hobbies, values etc). The students created their own symbolic representations of different things they believe make up their identity. Have a look at some of their fantastic creations! Specialist
Visual Arts What a great term of creativity and imagination shown by all students in the Visual Arts Program at OPPS during Term 1. There were many artworks completed by all year levels, with varying concepts, art principles and techniques being learned.
Below is a snapshot of some of the artworks produced by students in Visual Arts classes during Term 1 2023. Thank you to all students for a wonderfully creative and inspiring term. Be safe on the holidays and I look forward to working with you all in Term 2. David Flint PFA Mother's 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 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] COBURG HIGH SCHOOL have an Open Day on the 26th April for prospective Year 7/2024 families.
Please see attached flyer 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
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] |
ST.MARKS CALISTHENICS FREE TRIAL
PENOLA SAINTS NETBALL CLUB
HOLIDAY FOOTY FUN E.F.C
School Contacts
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