Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 22
7th August, 2026

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach the stars to change the world.”  — Harriet Tubman

What an exciting fortnight it has been at OSPS. From international visitors to major student programs, our community has once again shown its enthusiasm for learning, collaboration and school pride.

This week, we were delighted to welcome our visitors from Tamba Higashi Primary School in Japan. Their group of two teachers and six students arrived early on Tuesday and have settled beautifully into life at OSPS. Throughout the week, they have joined classes across the school, engaging in robotics, science and a range of learning experiences alongside our students. On Thursday, they enjoyed a visit to the city, exploring Melbourne’s landmarks and culture.

Our guests will remain with us until next Wednesday, when we will bid them farewell. We are extremely grateful to Ito Sensei, Michelle Sensei and Mr Albers for coordinating this visit, and we sincerely appreciate the OSPS families who have generously billeted students during their stay. Their support has helped make this international exchange possible.

This afternoon, students from Prep to Year 5 will bring home an A4 envelope containing important student information for families to check and confirm. Please carefully review all details, write any changes directly on the form, and sign and return it even if there are no changes. In particular, please ensure all medical and health information, medications and action plans are current. If a new condition has been diagnosed, please provide the relevant GP documentation or action plan. If a condition is no longer current, please provide a GP letter confirming this so we can update our records. Please also check that your employment code is correct, using the A, B, C and D code sheets on the final two pages. Further information will also be shared via Compass.

Last week, our Year 5 and 6 students participated in their swimming program. Their enthusiasm and effort were wonderful to see, and we thank the teachers who supported and supervised the program so effectively.

Finally, today we also acknowledge National Principal’s Day. I would like to express my deep appreciation for our Assistant Principals, Sue Jackson, Erik Albers and Evert Eykman. Their leadership, care and commitment underpin so much of what makes OSPS a strong and thriving school community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in school life. I look forward to another positive fortnight ahead at OSPS.

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

HAPPY PRINCIPALS’ DAY 2026

Friday 7 August marks Principals’ Day 2026, a special opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding contribution principals and assistant principals make to public education.

School leaders play a vital role in shaping positive learning environments where students, staff, and families can thrive. Their work extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing educational leadership, student wellbeing, community engagement, staff support, and the ongoing improvement of schools.

Today we recognise the dedication, resilience, compassion, and leadership demonstrated by principals across Victorian government primary schools.

We extend our sincere thanks to our school leadership team for their commitment to our students, staff, and wider community!

BULLYING NO WAY WEEK, 17 TO 21 AUGUST

From 17 to 21 August, our school will be taking part in Bullying No Way Week, Australia’s national week of action to prevent bullying.

This year’s theme, Small Acts, Big Impact, reminds us that simple everyday actions can make a big difference. Including others, showing kindness, speaking up when something isn’t right, and treating everyone with respect all help create a school where every child feels safe, valued and included.

Throughout the week, students will participate in age-appropriate classroom activities that promote:

  • Respect and kindness
  • Inclusion and belonging
  • Positive friendships
  • Speaking up and seeking help
  • Safe and responsible behaviour, both at school and online.

Working together, we can help create a school community where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported.

SHARE THE DIGNITY

Oakleigh South Parent Group is proud to support Share the Dignity this August, a campaign dedicated to providing essential sanitary items to women and girls in need, including those experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence.

A collection bin will be located at the Office from the beginning of Term 3, and we warmly welcome donations of the following items:

  • Pads & tampons
  • Period underwear
  • Incontinence pads
  • Menstrual cups

Donations will be accepted throughout August. Together, we can help restore dignity to those who need it most.

Thank you for your support!

DRIVING AND CARPARK SAFETY REMINDER

For the safety of all students, families and staff, we kindly remind families that the school driveway is a walking-speed zone at all times.

Families using the driveway for before and after school care drop-off and pick-up are asked to please be mindful of their speed when entering and exiting the driveway. Please drive slowly, remain alert and be prepared for students and families moving through the area.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for our whole school community.

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.

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:

    • 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

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.

KEYBOARD LESSON AVAILABILITY

A small number of vacancies are now available:

  • Wednesday: 4 PM
  • Friday: 3:30 PM or 4 PM

Please email perryvlahos33@gmail.com to book your preferred time.

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.

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