Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 16
29th May, 2026
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” — William James
Term 2, Week 7
National Reconciliation Week
Monday 1st June
- Year 3 Myuna Farm Excursion (3AP, 3JM, 3LM)
Tuesday 2nd June
- Year 3 Myuna Farm Excursion (3DH, 3MW, 3WC)
- VSSS Mass Choir Hub Rehearsal
Thursday 4th June
- Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
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Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall
Term 2, Week 8
Monday 8th June
- King’s Birthday Pulic Holiday – No School
Thursday 11th June
- Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
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Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall
Friday 12th June
- Basketball Victoria Hoop Time Competition
Congratulations to the OSPS Cross Country Team who competed at the Division Cross Country Championships! All of our runners performed at their absolute best, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts and sportsmanship throughout the event. A special congratulations to Kobie and Jack, who have qualified for the Regional Championships. This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish them all the very best for the next stage of competition. Well done to the whole team and to the staff and parents who have supported them!
On Tuesday, our Year 1 students had a wonderful time exploring Chemical Science during a fun and engaging incursion. Students participated in a range of hands-on activities that not only developed their understanding of chemical science concepts but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, collaboration and decision making. It was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day.
Next week, our Year 3 students are looking forward to their visit to Myuna Farm as part of their integrated studies unit, ‘Healthy Habitats,’ but also supports the whole year focus on sustainability, growing foods, native flora and fauna, caring for animals and rubbish & recycling. This exciting experience will provide students with valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding through real-world, hands-on learning experiences.
I have also noticed that our lost property collection is beginning to grow significantly. Unfortunately, many items do not have names on them, making it difficult for us to return belongings to their owners. Please ensure that all clothing, lunch boxes, drink bottles and other personal items brought to school are clearly named. We also encourage families to have a reminder conversation with children about taking care of their belongings and checking that they have everything with them before leaving school each day.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend.
Warm regards,
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OSPS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM!
Congratulations to our Cross Country runners who competed at the Division Cross Country event on Tuesday 26th May at Bald Hill Park. In true Melbourne style, the weather brought wind, overcast skies and sunshine, making every race a different challenge for our students.
Our OSPS students ran exceptionally well against some very tough competition, and we are incredibly proud of all 17 students who represented our school with determination and perseverance. We were also so proud of the teamwork, encouragement and support shown towards one another, truly reflecting our school values and what sport is all about!
A huge congratulations to Jack and Koby who have progressed through to the Regional Cross Country competition on Wednesday 17th June.
We wish you both all the very best!
FREE PARENT WEBINAR
Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part II)
Date: Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
This presentation forms part of a broader webinar series designed to strengthen mental health literacy across school communities.
Join international experts Dr Emma Woodward and Dr Joe Stammeijer as they share valuable insights into recognising early signs of concern and practical approaches to supporting the wellbeing of young people.
Topics in this session will include:
- Staying Calm and Connected
- Building Daily Routines
- Meeting the Needs of Neurodivergent Learners
Participants can register by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer, or click this link.
ICAS COMPETITION
We are pleased to advise that Oakleigh South Primary School will once again be participating in the ICAS competitions this year. ICAS is an optional online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills across several areas, including English, Mathematics, Science, Writing (Years 3–6 only), Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Every participating student will receive a printed certificate and an online results report, with top performers eligible for medals.
Entry and payment must be completed through the ICAS Parent Pay System by 11:59pm AEST on Monday 20 July. To participate, parents should visit the Parent Portal, enter the school’s access code QWY044, input their child’s details, select all the desired assessments, and proceed with payment. All payments are made directly to ICAS, not the school, and parents will receive a confirmation email which should be kept for their records.
The ICAS assessments will be held at school on the following dates: Digital Technologies and Writing (Years 3–6) from 3–7 August, English from 10–14 August, Science and Spelling Bee from 17–21 August, and Mathematics from 24–28 August. These dates are fixed by ICAS and cannot be changed.
For additional information please see the Compass News Feed post.
TK TUCKSHOP – DESIGN AND WIN COMPETITION
Hi everyone,
Our Design & Win competition is back for 2026 – and this year’s prizes are bigger than ever!
We’re giving students the chance to design our brand-new TK Tuckshop lunch bags, with the winning designer choosing between:
- a $500 TK Tuckshop voucher, or
- a Nintendo Switch 2!
Students can draw their design on the TK Tuckshop Template or on a blank sheet of paper. Once finished, simply take a clear photo and email it to support@tktuckshop.com.au.
A few important details:
- Entries close Thursday 19th June
- Students can enter as many times as they like
- Designs can only use 2 colours
- Bonus points for including the TK Tuckshop logo!
We’ve also included a photo below of last year’s winning design for some inspiration 🙂
HOST FAMILIES WANTED FOR JAPANESE STUDENTS VISTING OUR SCHOOL
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming 6 students from Japan as part of our cultural exchange program, from the 4th of August to the 12th of August 2026. This year, we are excited to welcome 2 girls and 4 boys, all aged between 10 and 12 years old (Year 5–6 students). We are looking for 3 families who are able to host two students each during their stay.
Host Family Requirements:
- Have space for two students to stay at your home
- Provide a bed or a comfortable mattress for each student
- Provide three meals a day
- Be available for one weekend to spend time with the students and ideally take them to explore some local attractions (e.g. Melbourne CBD, Chadstone, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Zoo, etc.)
As a token of appreciation, a small financial contribution will be provided to host families.
If your family is interested in this wonderful opportunity, please complete the Expression of Interest form by Friday 19th June.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Michelle Sensei at michelle.lee3@education.vic.gov.au or Ito Sensei at showji.ito@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you for your support in making this cultural exchange program a success!
SMILE SQUAD IS COMING BACK!
We are very excited to share with you that the SMILE SQUAD is returning to our school on the 15th June.
For new families, Smile Squad is the Victorian Government free school dental program.This means all students can get a free dental check-up, preventive services, and treatment at school.
All you have to do is scan the QR code on the attached notice and fill in the necessary details, or follow this link.
The Link Health and Community Smile Squad team look forward to seeing your child/children soon.
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
The Victorian Government provides the CSEF to help eligible families with the cost of school camps, sports and excursions.
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Eligible families hold a valid means-tested concession card (special consideration category also exists).
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Primary students receive $400, paid directly to the school to support activity costs.
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Applications are open until the end of Term 2, with payments commencing from 1 March.
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Families who were eligible in previous years may not need to reapply, unless you have a Prep student starting.
Apply here: CSEF Application Form 2026
For enquiries, contact Carlyn at carlyn.backers@education.vic.gov.au
STATE SCHOOLS’ RELIEF (SSR) – PREP UNIFORM SUPPORT
Families who are CSEF recipients may also be eligible for State Schools’ Relief Prep Uniform Package support.
Eligible Prep students can receive:
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2 uniform tops (polo shirt, shirt or summer dress)
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1 uniform bottom (pants, trackpants, trousers or shorts)
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1 outerwear item (puffer jacket)
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1 pair of school shoes
Please note: PE items (i.e. School House tops) are not included. If SSR cannot supply a logoed item, an $85 voucher will be provided for use at the school’s preferred uniform supplier. Half shoe sizes are not available – use the shoe size guide on the SSR website.
Order your Prep uniform here: 2026 Prep Uniform Packs For CSEF Recipients Order Form
SCHOOL CROSSING & PARKING SAFETY
The City of Monash has asked us to share the attached information about safety around school crossings.
Council parking officers regularly attend schools in the area to help ensure vehicles are parking safely and legally. Families are reminded to please follow all traffic and parking signage near the school, and to take extra care around crossings during drop-off and pick-up times.
Thank you for supporting safe travel to and from school for all members of our community.
Oakleigh South Primary School
LUNCH ORDER PROVIDERS
We are pleased to confirm the following lunch order options for our school community in 2025: TK Tuckshop and Classroom Cuisine will be available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while Subway will be available on Tuesday and Thursday.
CLASSROOM CUISINE: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Register and order at www.classroomcuisine.com.au
All orders must be placed by 8:30am the morning of delivery.
TK TUCKSHOP: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Register at https://app.spriggyschools.com.au/login
Download the Spriggy Schools app from your app store.
All orders need to be placed by 7pm for the full menu or 8:00am the morning of delivery for a restricted menu.
SUBWAY: Tuesday and Thursday
Register and place your order at https://app.canteenhub.com.au
All orders need to be placed by 8.00am the day of delivery.
SENIOR VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
YEAR 4 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Param – 4AS
(Excellence)
For demonstrating excellent listening skills, quietly staying focused and completing work to a high standard.
Bony – 4AS
(Respect)
For being a respectful and friendly member of 4AS and demonstrating our five school values in everything he does.
Daphne – 4AS
(Respect)
For always presenting her work beautifully and consistently showing respect to her teachers and peers.
Penelope – 4CG
(Excellence)
For showing a great knowledge of time and completing difficult equations well above the Year 4 curriculum.
Amelia – 4CG
(Working Together)
For showing great initiative and kindness by always assisting and supporting others when needed. Great work!
Persy – 4CG
(Excellence)
For the excellent effort he displays in completing his weekly Mathletics tasks, always going above and beyond!
Shaurya – 4CR
(Excellence)
For his very creative and extremely well-presented slideshow featuring a strange new animal. Impressive work!
Sasha – 4CR
(Integrity)
For consistently demonstrating humility and integrity in everything he does. You are a valued member of 4CR!
Myra – 4CR
(Respect)
For being respectful towards her teacher and peers and always acting on advice positively. You are a STAR, Myra!
Neera – 4ML
(Excellence)
For a well-planned and designed Buddy Book and her consistent conscientious work ethic.
Alicia – 4ML
(Excellence)
For her excellent completion of homework tasks and always taking great pride in her work.
Phoebe – 4WW
(Excellence)
For working hard this term on reaching her AR goal. You’re amazing, Phoebe!
Daniel – 4WW
(Integrity)
For demonstrating honesty, responsibility and integrity in his learning and interactions with others. Go Daniel!
Stephanie – 4ZB
(Excellence)
For trying her best in class and completing her SRA cards to the best of her ability.
Eliya – 4ZB
(Excellence)
For trying her best in class and completing her information reports to the best of her ability.
YEAR 5 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Rachel – 5KM
(Respect)
For consistently showing respect through kindness, positive choices, excellent manners and caring behaviour.
Jonah – 5KM
(Excellence)
For striving for excellence by challenging yourself, working hard and always aiming to achieve more.
Stacey – 5KM
(Excellence)
For striving for excellence by challenging yourself, working hard and always giving your best effort.
Ryan – 5KM
(Working Together)
For showing great leadership through Student Voice, supporting others and showing confidence at assembly.
Lewis – 5LG
(Respect)
For listening and focusing attentively in class and for pushing himself to take time and care with his work.
April – 5LG
(Working Together)
For consistently offering her help and assistance to anyone who may need it. You’re such a great help, April!
Maggie – 5LG
(Excellence)
For dedicating herself to reading and for being well ahead in her AR percentage for Term 2. Great work!
Kristoff – 5MJ
(Excellence)
For working really hard in the classroom and always having a good attitude towards learning. Good work, Kristoff!
Sam – 5MJ
(Excellence)
For working hard in class and making improvements in all subject areas. Keep up the great work, Sam!
Danial – 5MJ
(Respect)
For always being respectful to his peers and teachers. You are awesome, Dani!
Max – 5MS
(Working Together)
For always showing kindness, gratitude and respect to those around him. He’s a true leader!
Sehaj – 5MS
(Working Together)
For being a helpful, positive and courteous class member who leads by example. Super Star Sehaj!
Shaan – 5NH
(Resilience)
For demonstrating resilience and determination in SRA while improving comprehension skills at a new level.
Olivia – 5NH
(Resilience)
For showing resilience in SRA while strengthening comprehension skills at a new level.
Izaan – 5PR
(Excellence)
For showing initiative by checking and refining his work when collecting data for his fete investigation.
Quinn – 5PR
(Working Together)
For bringing such energy and kindness to 5PR, always giving her personal best with a smile.
YEAR 6 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Emma – 6CM
(Excellence)
For her astute listening in every lesson, asking thoughtful questions and generating new ideas.
Hanoch – 6CM
(Working Together)
For noticing when a job needs to be done and doing it without being asked. Thank you, Hanoch!
Amy – 6CM
(Excellence)
For consistently demonstrating neatness, impeccable bookwork and high-quality presentation skills.
Zehan – 6NM
(Working Together)
For his solid teamwork skills displayed during Business Expo preparation.
Tiana – 6NM
(Integrity)
For performing so well in all areas at the moment, Tiana. You have found your ‘flow state’ for sure!
Iniyan – 6SM
(Excellence)
For consistently striving for excellence in all he does. Your work ethic is inspiring, Iniyan!
Korina – 6SM
(Respect)
For being a calm and respectful presence in 6SM, always working with diligence and care. You’re a gem, Korina!
Ryan – 6SM
(Excellence)
For working hard to achieve his AR goal and approaching all tasks with positivity. Great work, Ryan!
Chloe – 6MH
(Excellence)
For outstanding effort and excellence in the Geography Project, especially the detailed model of Ales Stenar.
Bella – 6MH
(Excellence)
For the effort and creativity shown during the Geography Project, including an amazing model and brochure on Norway.
Caleb – 6MH
(Working Together)
For improved skills and teamwork in the boys’ soccer team, which has led to outstanding results on the pitch.
Rhea – 6MH
(Excellence)
For improved reading and comprehension skills and excellent SRA results through consistent focus.
SPECIALIST AWARDS
Mila – 4ZB
Japanese
(Resilience)
For pushing through and catching up in Japanese after being absent. Great resilience, Mila!
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT
Since 2022, OSPS has partnered with The Resilience Project to support student wellbeing from Foundation to Year 6 through the Inspire Program. The curriculum, designed by teachers for teachers, aligns with Victorian and Australian Curriculum standards in Personal and Social Capabilities and Health and Physical Education.
The program focuses on four key strategies to build resilience and happiness:
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- Gratitude: The act of being thankful and appreciating what you have in life.
- Empathy: The capacity to understand and feel what another person is feeling.
- Mindfulness: The practice of attention regulation.
- Emotional Literacy: The ability to understand and express our feelings.
Each week, students participate in formal lessons and complete entries in their Resilience Student Journals. Activities include gratitude posters, mindfulness colouring, and emotion-matching exercises. As a Partnership School, OSPS integrates The Resilience Project’s wellbeing curriculum across the whole school community.
There are many ways to support your child’s mental health at home.
For more information, visit: The Resilience Project – At Home
Introductory Parent Video: TRP Family Launch
Access the Parent Hub (no login required): Resilience Project Parent Hub
BE A GEM AT HOME
Practising mindfulness helps us slow down, focus on the present moment and become more aware of our thoughts, feelings and surroundings in a calm and balanced way. Rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future, mindfulness encourages us to pause and pay attention to what is happening right now.
Research shows that regularly practising mindfulness can help strengthen emotional regulation, focus and overall wellbeing. Even a few mindful moments each day can make a positive difference. Taking time to practise mindfulness can:
- improve focus and concentration
- support emotional regulation
- reduce stress and feelings of overwhelm
- promote calmness and relaxation
- encourage self-awareness and empathy
- support positive mental health and wellbeing.
Encouraging children to practise mindfulness at home is a simple and meaningful way to help build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Below is a wonderful mindfulness activity and a GEM Chats conversation prompt that you may like to try together at home.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 5?
In Year 5, students have begun their exciting Integrated Studies unit, Australian History: Gold, Growth and Rebellion. Throughout this cross-curricular unit, students are exploring the significant events and people who shaped Australia during the 1800s colonial era. In Humanities, students are investigating migration, bushrangers, the Australian gold rush, and the Eureka Stockade, while learning about how these events influenced Australia’s growth and identity. Students have been researching famous bushrangers and creating informative slideshows to present their findings to the class. They have also been discovering and developing their own opinions on Ned Kelly and his gang through class discussions and persuasive writing tasks, as well as designing creative “Wanted” posters inspired by the era. It has been fantastic to see students strengthening both their historical knowledge and literacy skills throughout this unit. In Maths, students have been collecting data related to the recent school fete, creating digital graphs, and analysing the information by developing and answering their own statistical questions. This has allowed students to strengthen their data interpretation and technology skills in a meaningful real-world context.
LITERACY CORNER
This term in Writing, students have been creating imaginative and descriptive narrative letters titled Dear Mr Oreo, where they apologise for eating an Oreo biscuit. Students have uniquely crafted their pieces using high-level descriptive language, humour, and creativity to bring their writing to life. Through this engaging task, students explored how to incorporate rich description into a narrative letter while developing their vocabulary and writing techniques. To make the experience even more memorable, students were also able to enjoy a real Oreo biscuit to inspire their ideas and fully immerse themselves in the activity!
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – LESSON OF THE WEEK:
In this week’s Resilience Project lesson, Year 5 students explored the importance of mindfulness and slowing down to focus on the present moment. Students participated in a fun “human camera” activity where they had to carefully observe and capture details of everyday objects and surroundings.
As part of the task, students also planned moments throughout their day to mindfully notice their surroundings with intention and curiosity. This practice helps deepen our connection to the present moment and encourages students to slow down and appreciate what is happening around them.
Students reflected on how busy life can sometimes prevent us from noticing the world around us and represented their observations through detailed sketches, linking the lesson with Visual Arts. It was wonderful to see students thoughtfully reflect on how mindfulness can help them feel calm, focused, and more connected to their environment.
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – GEM
Gratitude:
We are grateful for everything and everyone at our school. OSPS Rocks!
Mindfulness:
We are being mindful when we slow down, focus on the present moment, and notice the world around us with intention and curiosity.
Camp Australia offers independent before- and after-school care (7:00 AM–8:45 AM and 3:30 PM–6:00 PM) in a safe, fun, and engaging environment. We recommend families register and book to ensure support in case of emergencies or last minute change-of-plans. More info and enrolment: campaustralia.com.au
We host a range of after-school programs and activities run by external providers here at OSPS. These programs operate independently from the school and are offered directly to families by the providers. All advertisements for these activities can be found in the OSPS Facility User Group section of our notice board and newsletters.
For any enquiries or to enrol, please contact the program providers directly.
Disclaimer: The organisations advertised in this newsletter are not affiliated with and have no relationship to Oakleigh South Primary School. The publishing of these advertisements does not imply endorsement or recommendation of these products or services by the school. They are provided as a community service.
