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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 5
March 6th 2026 |
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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
Term 1 March 2026
April 2026
Term 2 April 2026
May 2026
Principal's Column
Student Representative Council 
Our newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) officially kicked off their duties this week with an energising and productive first meeting.
The session began with a presentation where each student representative received their official SRC hat. These hats serve as a visible symbol of their leadership roles and make them easily identifiable to their peers in the yard as the go-to people for student voice. The council began brainstorming and outlining project plans for the year ahead. We discussed several exciting ideas, ranging from sustainability initiatives to peer support roles in the playground. We look forward to seeing these projects develop and watching our SRC members grow as they represent the voices of their classmates. Welcoming Our New School Council Members We are thrilled to officially welcome Nick Karolidis, Anna Whitley, and Kynan Barker to the Oak Park Primary School Council. As we received three nominations for the three available parent member spaces, an election was not required for this term. Each of our new members brings a unique set of professional experiences and strengths that will greatly benefit our school's governance:
We are fortunate to have such a diverse and skilled group of parents willing to contribute their time. We look forward to the fresh perspectives they will bring to our upcoming meetings as we work together to further improve Oak Park Primary School. Excess Furniture: Looking for a New Home! 
We currently have a variety of excess school furniture available that would be perfect for a local sporting club, a home workshop, or even a garage storage setup. These items are no longer required by the school and are ready for immediate collection.
Our available stock includes:
How to Secure an Item: If you are interested in any of these pieces, please contact the school office at 9306 9182 to lock in your item and arrange a suitable pick-up time. All items are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Kind regards, Michael Gill Principal WHAT'S HAPPENING @ OAK PARK
WHOLE SCHOOL
Assembly Timetable
Harmony Week
On Friday 20th March, OPPS will be celebrating Harmony Day. Students will be participating in activities during class time and are encouraged to wear orange on the day. What is Harmony Week? Harmony Week runs from March 16th – 22nd. It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. The message of Harmony Week is everyone belongs. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Why orange? Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Students can choose to wear something orange on Harmony Day to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia. PLEASE NOTE- This day is not a casual clothes day, if your child does not have something orange to wear, they are to wear their school uniform. If you’re interested in discussing and celebrating Harmony Week in the home, the link below has some great DIY craft activities. https://www.harmony.gov.au/resources/hand-tree-diy/ 
Easter Raffle
Roblox – Information for Parents
Many students enjoy playing Roblox, an online gaming platform that allows users to create games and interact with other players. While it can be a fun and creative space, it is also a social platform where players may communicate with people they do not know through chat features. Recently, we have become aware that some students may be using Roblox without adult supervision and engaging in online chats. As with many online games, this can present safety risks if children are not aware of how to protect their personal information or manage interactions with others online. We encourage families to take some time to learn about the platform and discuss safe online behaviour with their children. The link below provides a helpful parent guide to Roblox, including information about safety settings and conversation starters to support these discussions at home. https://cybersafetyproject.com/a-parents-guide-to-roblox/ School Tours 2027 Enrolments
Oak Park Primary School are offering school tours for prospective 2027 enrolments. Dates as follows: Thursday 26th March – 9.30am Thirsday23rd April – 9.30am Thursday 7th May – 9.30am Thursday 21st May – 9.30am Thursday 11th June – 9.30am Please book a school tour by calling the Office on 9306-9182 or via email: [email protected] Smoking Ceremony
We would like to sincerely thank Elder John Terrick for visiting Oak Park Primary School to lead our Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony for all students. Elder John spoke beautifully about connection to Country and the importance of caring for Country, sharing knowledge that was both meaningful and inspiring for our school community. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and feel very lucky to have welcomed him to our school. Our students gained so much from the experience. Stella (5/6D) reflected, “I learnt that we need to keep our waterway clean and care for our land. During the Smoking Ceremony Eucalyptus leaves were burning and I could smell it in the smoke. The Smoking Ceremony made me think about what it would have been like to be an Indigenous person in Australia before colonisation.” Charlie (2J) shared, “I learnt that you have to get rid of the fuel (like grass) from underneath trees to stop the bushfires. My favourite part of the Smoking Ceremony was walking through the smoke because it reminded me of camping.” We are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to learn from Elder John and feel very fortunate to have welcomed him to our school. 
Oak Park Primary School - Recycling Fundraising Drive
Juicies!
From next week we will be selling Juicies, a healthier alternative to Zooper Doopers. They cost $2 each, which is a little more, but the great taste and higher juice content make them well worth it! For anyone who feels left out because they’re not allowed Zooper Doopers or prefer a healthier option on a hot day, these Icy poles are delicious and nutritious! 
New Chickens
Hi, our names are Mikael and Elliot and we have been looking after the chickens in Term One. A few weeks ago, we spoke at assembly about the new school chickens and we said that the 3/4 classes would get to name them. It has taken us three weeks to name them and their names are Chocolate, Chuckles Snowflake Junior (named after Snowflake) and Lucy. We hope you like the names because we definitely do! Come say hello to Snowflake, Snowflake Junior, Chocolate and Chuckles and Lucy next week! Mikael and Elliot Chicken Monitors 
Breakfast Club
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we offer a Breakfast Club for students in the staffroom. Breakfast Club runs from 8.30am to 8.45am, there is fruit, cereal and toast on offer. If your child would like to attend and have breakfast prior to school starting, you may drop them off at 8.30 to the staffroom, where they will be signed in. We ask that students are not to attend before this time, and breakfast Club will finish at 8.45 sharp CSEF Application
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) - 2026 The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families cover the cost of school camps, sports activities, excursions and incursions, so that financial circumstances are not a barrier to student participation. What is CSEF? CSEF is provided by the Victorian Department of Education to support eligible families at both government and non-government schools. Payments are made directly to schools, not to families. New payment amounts Payment amounts for eligible families have increased this year:
Applying for CSEF
CSEF payments can be used for school-organised activities such as:
Families with more than one child at the same school can combine (pool) their CSEF to use for one child or a specific activity (such as a camp). How CSEF funds are managed
Important eligibility notes
CSEF cannot be used to pay for:
Need more information? For any further information or assistance, families can contact the school administration team, who will be happy to help. To complete form, please click here. School volunteers
Thank you to all parents and carers who attended the Oak Park Volunteer Course last week. If you have completed the course (this year or in previous years) and have applied for and/or hold a current Working With Children Check, please email your child’s classroom teacher to organise volunteer arrangements. The Oak Park Volunteer Induction Policy is attached and volunteers are encouraged to read this before commencing at our school. We look forward to welcoming you into the school and having you support our students. 
Smile Patrol Dental Service
Dental Week is just around the corner! No more juggling appointments or taking time off work. Smile Patrol is visiting OAK PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL on MONDAY 4th MAY 2026 to provide onsite dental care in our mobile dental van —super convenient! Smile Patrol offers free dental health education for all children. If your child qualifies under the Childcare Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), they may receive free treatments based on remaining benefits. If they don’t qualify we will still see them for a oral health check and education session for free. ******To sign up hop online https://smilepatrol.com.au/consent-form/ and complete the consent form by the deadline FRIDAY 6th MARCH DON'T MISS OUT! Contact information: For more information please feel free to contact us. Email: [email protected] 
TeamKids Newsletter
EARLY YEARS NEWS
Foundation
This week is the first full week of school for your child. The entry assessments have all been conducted, thank you to everyone for turning up to your allocated appointment on time. We really did enjoy having that one-to-one time with your child and getting to know their families. We now look forward to regular Monday to Friday teaching at school and concluding the term with lots of new learning. Foundation - Parent Helpers
We are looking for parent volunteers to assist in the classroom and support our students in various activities throughout the school year. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the learning experience for all the children. If you would like to volunteer as a parent helper during our literacy block, please contact your classroom teacher. The literacy block runs daily for the first two morning sessions – you are not obligated to stay for the full two hours! We are looking to start the Parent Helpers schedule from Week 8, Monday 16th March. Parent helpers will assist with changing the home reader books every Monday morning and test students on their high frequency/tricky words. Parent helpers on Tuesday to Friday will assist students in small groups with their phonemic awareness and reading support. If you are unable to volunteer on a regular basis, we also require parent helpers for our excursions throughout the year, so please let us know if you can volunteer on an occasional basis too. All parent helpers are required to have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and have completed the Parent Helpers Course. Please ensure the office has a copy of your WWCC details. Thank you for volunteering your time and we look forward to having you help in our classroom! Jasmyn, Kate and Sarah Foundation Teddy Bear Picnic
If you go down to Oak Park today, you're sure of a big surprise If you go down to the school today, you'd better go in disguise For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain because Wednesday was the day the teddy bears had their picnic! And what a wonderful day we had! It was so exciting to see everyone with their well loved teddy bears. The Grade 6 Buddies joined in on the fun and we started the day with lots of crafts including making Teddy Bear Certificates, build a bears and decorating teddy bear biscuits. Our expert crew of face painters transformed our Foundation students into life size teddy bears, and outside, the rain held off enough for the students to enjoy an obstacle course. A highlight of the day was sitting down after lunch and enjoying the deliciously sweet, 100s and 1000s topped teddy bear biscuits. A massive shout out to Ali German and all the wonderful mums who volunteered for the award-winning face painting. Such a great day enjoyed by all. 
Year 1 & 2 BYO Device iPad Program
Our BYO iPad program has now commenced in Grades 1 & 2. If your child owns their own iPad, please ensure it is brought to school each day fully charged. Please note that every student will also need a set of clearly labelled headphones. Although we won’t always use the iPads daily, it’s important that students bring them to school each day so they’re available when needed. Students who are using a school iPad have been allocated one, which will stay safely at school. We would also like to reassure parents that iPads are not freely accessible throughout the day. All devices are stored securely in a lockable storage unit and are only taken out as directed by the classroom teacher. Student use is closely monitored through Apple Classroom, which allows teachers to ensure all students are using their devices appropriately. The iPads will be used intentionally to support and enhance our learning. They are simply one of many tools we use in the classroom and will complement important traditional learning experiences such as handwriting, reading physical books, hands-on tasks, and face-to-face teaching. Thank you for your continued support, Grade 1 Team - Kira, Kathy, Jo and Claudia. Grade 2 Team: - Demi, Jordan and Siarah SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Grade 6 Polos
Year 6 We have had some interest in a second print of our beautiful Year 6 polos. (Polos ONLY not hoodies) At this stage we are simply trying to assess numbers and see how many families would be interested in ordering a polo if they missed out last year OR if you would like to order another one to allow your child to wear a polo multiple days throughout the week. If you would like to place an order for the second print, please email Kate [email protected] by NO LATER than this Friday the 6th of March, with your name and how many polos you would like to order. Once we get a clear idea of how many people are interested, we will engage with Lowes to reopen the ordering portal for secondary orders. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected] Year 6-7 Secondary College Transition
On the 22nd April Year 6-7 Secondary College Applications will be distributed to families. We advise families to visit local Secondary Colleges, attend Open Days and Information sessions to make an informed decision regarding where you would like your child to attend Year 7 in 2027. As information is received from Secondary Colleges, we will keep families informed via the newsletter Please check www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au to find school zones for Secondary Colleges. Should you wish further information please see Fran in the Office or email [email protected] Year 6-7 TIMELINE: 22nd April: Year 6-7 Placement Application packs distributed to families 8th May: Year 6-7 Applications to be submitted to Oak Park Primary School 24th June: Parents advised of successful/unsuccessful outcomes 17th July: Appeals to Secondary Colleges to be submitted by this date PENOLA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
OPEN DAY: Saturday 14th March 10am – 2pm. Tour the College, meet staff and hear from student ambassadors 
GLADSTONE PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE
STUDENT TOURS: School Tours will run every Friday from now until the 15th May 2026. The tour will begin at 8.55am and run for approximately 1 hour OPEN DAY: Wednesday 29th April, starting at 9am. Parent Information session followed by student-led tours Please book your tour
ROSEHILL SECONDARY COLLEGE
OPEN DAY: Tuesday 28th April 2026. Rosehill will host an Open Day for prospective Year 7 2027 students. The school day will run from 9.15am to 2.15pm. Please book via their website BUCKLEY PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE School Tour bookings are now open for prospective students and their carers/parents. These tours will be conducted by a member of the College leadership team and will provide an opportunity to see the school Please arrive at our Reception Lobby, 10 mins prior to tour start time as visitors are required to sign in.
SPECIALIST
Physical Education
Science
It has been an exciting time in Science for our junior scientists! Our Grade 1 and 2 students have been busy exploring the eight fascinating planets in our Solar System. They have been discovering interesting facts about their size, temperature, features and position from the Sun. From the rocky surface of Mars to the giant storms on Jupiter, students have enjoyed building their knowledge of space. To celebrate their learning, students have created a special folding Planet Fact Book, which has now come home. We encourage families to read through it together and let your child share some of their favourite planet facts! Your junior scientist might have also come home excited about the Blood Moon on March 3rd! The total lunar eclipse was hard to spot between the clouds (and probably only visible after students’ bedtimes) but provided an exciting real life space event to learn about. 
Blood Moon March 3rd 2026
Our Foundation students have begun learning about the seasons and how different seasons bring different types of weather. They have been discussing how the weather changes throughout the year and what we might notice in each season. Their learning has been especially timely as we have just moved into March – the beginning of autumn here in Australia. Students are starting to observe signs of seasonal change in their everyday lives, making wonderful real-world connections to their classroom learning. Japanese
Over the past few weeks in Japanese, students have been developing their confidence while introducing themselves and expressing simple opinions. Students began by learning how to greet someone politely and use the phrase ‘nice to meet you’, while also practicing respectful bowing as part of Japanese culture. They then learned how to introduce themselves including their name and explored how to write their names in Katakana. Students enjoyed researching how their names are written and practicing correct pronunciation. This week students have started expressing their opinions by expressing what they like. In the coming weeks, students will continue developing this skill by asking each other questions about their likes and dislikes. It has been wonderful to see students building confidence and enthusiasm while learning Japanese! COMMUNITY NEWS
Penola Saints
Woolworths Net Set Go!
School Contacts
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