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The Oak Leaf |
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Address: Willett Avenue, Oak Park VIC 3046
T:(03) 9306 9182 E: oak.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au |
Issue 06
March 9th 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
Professional Learning Communities Each term our teachers work in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to build the capacity and skills of school leaders and teachers to improve the learning and wellbeing outcomes for every student. This becomes the way of working' for all teachers to improve practice, knowledge and attitudes to collectively work together to improve student outcomes. Our Year 1, Year 2, Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 PLCs have all focused on Writing and learning more about the 6+1 Writing Traits. The Six Traits of writing are Voice, Ideas, Presentation, Conventions, Organization, Word Choice, and Sentence Fluency. It creates a common vocabulary and guidelines for teachers to use with students so that they become familiar with the terms used in writing. The Foundation PLC has looked closely at student writing and appropriate pencil grip to improve handwriting and writing stamina. The Specialist PLC is focussing on subject-specific vocabulary and furthering their teaching strategies to help student learn and retain these important words. If you’re interested in learning more about PLCs and the system wide approach please follow this link. 
NAPLAN Commences March 15th
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students are held in March each year. In 2023, the NAPLAN test window is between Wednesday 15 March and Monday 27 March. NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals and can be used to improve student achievement. NAPLAN tests are delivered in an online format. This delivers many benefits including: • a ‘tailored test’ design that adapts to correct and incorrect student responses providing a more precise understanding of student achievement; • innovative use of technology, including a more engaging test design and a wider range of item types; • an extended and more flexible test window, allowing schools greater opportunity to schedule the tests at times that suit them best and increasing student participation. A public demonstration site is available for schools, teachers, parents, carers and students to familiarise themselves with the online tests. Year 3 and Year 5 students are completing their practice online NAPLAN tests this week. Thanks to David Lu, Sally and teachers for their support and coordination. Year 5 students will be completing their writing component online. To assist with the use of iPads the school has purchased keyboards to support students with typing their responses on a physical keyboard. Year 3 students continue to complete their Writing assessment with physical pencil and paper. Further parent information here: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/f-10assessment/naplan/Pages/parents/index.aspx Parent Information (Turkish) https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/naplan/parentpamphlet/2023/NAPLANOnlineInformationForParentsAndCarersTurkish.pdf Kind regards, Michael Gill Principal Dogs Connect
Zoe Update: Our Wellbeing dog, Zoe, has been spending most of her days familiarising herself with grade 5/6M. This is giving her the opportunity to learn to relax in a classroom environment and get to know the students, teacher and regular noises in the 5/6 area. Once she has learnt to relax and settle more quickly, she will begin to spend time in other classrooms for longer periods of time. 5/6M and Maree have been extremely patient with Zoe when she displays her puppy behaviours, particularly when she gets a little over-excited to see them in the mornings. Zoe is nearly 7 months old now and weighs 7.5kg. This means for her breed, she’s close to reaching her adult size. Next Tuesday she is being spayed and will have a minimum, 2-week recovery period. She will be closely monitored and only return to school when she has fully recovered. We will keep you updated with her progress. Zoe has been walking around the school and visiting classrooms in the mornings. Students have been doing a fantastic job of only paying attention to Sally and not calling out to Zoe or making eye contact. This is helping Zoe feel relaxed and comfortable when she enters. One thing we could all improve on is picking up food and rubbish off floors. Below we have included a list of foods that might be found in schools that dogs should not eat. If you pack these snacks for your child, please have a conversation with them regarding the importance of picking up anything they may drop.
Interschool Sports
Assembly Schedule - Term 1
PFA AGM
The OPPS Parents and Friends Association (PFA) is a group of parents (extended family members are also welcome!) who work together to fundraise for the school while planning fun activities for students and families, such as the Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls. The PFA’s AGM will be held on Tuesday 14 March at 7.30 pm in the staffroom at the school. The meeting will include election of the committee and details of activities planned for the year ahead. All are welcome to attend. If you have any questions about the PFA, please feel free to email them to 4721-PFAOPPS@schools.vic.edu.au. Look forward to seeing you there! Jen, Bianca and Eugenie on behalf of the PFA 2023 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 frances.macdonough@education.vic.gov.au to request an enrolment form. You may also collect one from the Office for completion. If you have a child already attending our school, and will be enrolling a sibling in 2024, please also complete an enrolment form. We would request that enrolment forms are handed in by July 1st, so we may have an understanding of what our numbers will be for 2024. Rubbish Free Lunch of the Week
Matthew 1G Congratulations Matthew! That hot cross bun looks delicious. 
Harmony Day
Harmony Day- Tuesday 21st March Students to wear something orange! 
On Tuesday 21st 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 20th – 24th. 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/ 
Wellbeing
Fruit Break Our Wellbeing Leaders, Vihara, Amany and Adam have been hard at work putting together our fruit baskets. There is one for every classroom so no one misses out! We have mini carrots, pears, apples and limited fruit cups. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to access oranges this fortnight. However, we hope to provide them to the upper years in cycles to come. The cycles will run fortnightly. Thanks to the donation of fruit and vegetables a part of the Schools Breakfast Program sponsored by Food Bank. A wonderful organisation, that ensures vulnerable students have access to healthy and nutritious food. Having access to nutritious food is linked to improvements in concentration, behaviour and learning. Key outcomes that we can all get behind. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to contact Kirsty Finter through Compass. 
Foundation News
We are beary excited to announce that on Wednesday the 15th of March the Foundation students will be having a Teddy Bear Picnic with their Year 6 Buddies. We will be learning all about the letters t and p and have a day full of activities planned. Students will be having their faces painted as bears, making iced teddy bear biscuits, going on a 'bear hunt' obstacle course, and sharing a picnic with their buddies. We ask that each student please brings one teddy/soft toy each. If you have any concerns about your child eating or making the biscuits or having their face painted, please let your child's teacher know. The ingredients are below: - Arnott's Teddy Bear Biscuits - Icing Sugar - 100s and 1000s - Food colouring Kind regards, Lauren, Kate and Alex Specialist
Performing Arts The long weekend is great time to explore all the free performance events happening around Melbourne. There are plenty of family events to participate with your children. Click here to find ideas- https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ Below is a free dance event taking place in Federation Square this weekend. Have a great long weekend everyone! Us And All Of This: FREE In a once-in-a-lifetime event, 100 local participants will join award-winning choreographer and creator Liesel Zink to create a large-scale, meditative and sculptural public dance work. This eighth instalment by the Betty Amsden Participation Program will see Arts Centre Melbourne engage 100 people varying in age, ethnicity, gender and body type who love to move and are keen to be involved in a new dance performance. Renowned sound artist and composer Lawrence English will create the soundscape for this performance allowing the movers to explore togetherness and community. Dates and times Sat 11 Mar
Location Arts Centre Melbourne 100 St Kilda Rd Southbank 3004 Open in maps location for Arts Centre Melbourne Price and bookings This is a free event. Book online 
Physical Education
We all know that physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for young children. But did you know that developing physical literacy is just as important? Physical literacy refers to a child's ability to move confidently and competently, as well as their understanding and appreciation of the benefits of physical activity. Fortunately, there are many fun games and exercises you can do at home to help support your child's physical literacy. Here are a few examples:
Best regards, Liam Science
This term in science we have been exploring the natural world around us, in particular life cycles, different habitats and the survival needs of different animals. We have been comparing and contrasting different life cycles to find similarities and differences between them. Students have become familiar with some new terminology and have been building their vocabulary around this topic. This week in our learning we have been focusing on what animals need to survive in the wild. After exploring basic needs, students looked at different environments and the animals that thrive and survive there. Grade one and two students were able to identify, sort and group animals by their natural habitats. Foundation students had fun creating their own versions of different habitats using craft materials and toys. Their environments were artfully created and demonstrated a wonderful understanding of different habitats.
Japanese News
In Japanese students are always encouraged to show the school values of respect, resilience and responsibility. Learning a language gives students lots of opportunities to practice being resilient and show resilience. In Japanese lessons, students are continually exposed to new language and are learning to try their best when pronouncing new words and phrases. Students need to have a positive mindset to keep giving new words and phrases a go and persist when tasks are challenging. Students work together to practice new language and complete tasks. The students are doing an amazing job and it is wonderful to see their enthusiasm and persistence. Visual Arts
Visual Arts at OPPS is more than just learning how to paint or draw. It is an opportunity for children to explore their creativity, express themselves, and develop critical thinking skills. Below are only some of the benefits that visual arts lessons can provide for Primary School aged students:
At OPPS, we believe that Visual Arts is an essential component of a well-rounded primary school education. A variety of art lessons and activities that cater to different interests and skill levels is offered each and every week for all year levels, supported by David Flint (Specialist Art Teacher) and the Grade 6 Art Captains Bella and Diya. A big thank you to the Art Captains for assisting with the newsletter this week! We hope that you encourage your child to participate in Visual Arts (at home and school) and that you share an appreciation of the value that it brings to their education and personal growth. Kind regards, David, Bella and Diya 
Parent Hacks
REMINDER: We’d love to get your parent hacks to share with our community. Please forward to Fran at frances.macdonough@education.vic.gov.a Lost Property
We would ask parent to please check our lost property as we have many items of uniform, particularly bomber jackets. A watch and earring were handed in yesterday. If this belongs to you, please collect from the Office.
Year 6-7 Transition
The process for Year 6-7 Transition starts in Term 2. The placement information pack will be sent home to all families of current Grade 6 students at that time. The parent/carer pack contains:
Please keep an eye on the newsletter as Open Days and School Tour information will be posted as it is received. For those families wishing to enrol privately or at Catholic Schools, you will need to contact them directly as their transition process has already started. If your child has been accepted at a Catholic or Private school, you will still need to state this on the Application and return to the Office. 
Community News
AIRPORT WEST SWIMMING ACADEMY…. Saving Lives, LEARN TO SWIN
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ST.MARKS CALISTHENICS FREE TRIAL
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