Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 24
4th September, 2026
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius
Our Year 2 students enjoyed a fantastic hands-on day of learning at LEGOLAND. It was wonderful to see our students engaged, curious and excited as they explored, created and learnt through practical experiences. A big thank you to the staff who supported the students and helped make this such a memorable day.
We also celebrated Book Week, with our junior students enjoying a special visit from author Katreen Cook. It was wonderful to see the students’ enthusiasm for books, stories and reading. We also celebrated Book Week as a whole school with a fabulous dress-up parade on Friday. Our students showcased so many creative and imaginative costumes, bringing their favourite book characters to life. It was wonderful to see the effort and enthusiasm from our students and families. Thank you to everyone for their efforts in making Book Week so memorable.
On Saturday, some of our Year 5 students represented OSPS at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. What an amazing experience it was for our students! Participating in such a large-scale event is a wonderful achievement and provides our students with memories and experiences they will treasure. A very special thank you to the staff who gave their time and parents who supported our students throughout this exciting opportunity.
Last Thursday was the District Athletics Carnival, and our students performed extremely well. We are incredibly proud of the effort, determination and sportsmanship demonstrated by all those who participated. We look forward to seeing a large number of our students representing OSPS at the Division Athletics Carnival next term. We wish them all the very best!
On Tuesday, our whole staff participated in a wonderful professional learning day presented by Brendan Lee. Brendan shared valuable insights into children’s stages of learning and strategies to support students in retrieving and retaining learned information. It was a very worthwhile day, and all staff gained valuable knowledge and practical strategies that will further support teaching and learning across our school.
Today, our Parent Group organised a fantastic Father’s Day Stall. Students had the opportunity to visit the stall and choose a special gift for their dad or another special person in their lives. This is always a much-appreciated activity, and it was wonderful to see the excitement on the students’ faces as they selected their gifts. A heartfelt thank you to our Parent Group for their time, organisation and commitment in making this special event possible.
Finally, I would like to wish our students who will be representing OSPS at the RoboCup Victorian State event at Genazzano FCJ College in Kew this Saturday the very best of luck!
Reaching the Victorian State event is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of the students who will be representing our school. Once again, thank you to the staff and parents who have supported our students and enabled them to participate in this wonderful opportunity.
It has certainly been a big two weeks at OSPS. Thank you to everyone who has played a part, big or small to bring all these events to fruition!
Well done, everyone!
Warm regards,
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal
R U OK DAY @ OSPS SUPERHERO DRESS UP DAY
On Thursday 10th September, OSPS will acknowledge R U OK? Day, a National Day of Action reminding us all of the importance of checking in with friends, family, and those around us.
We encourage all students to come dressed as:
- real-life superhero in their life (such as a parent, emergency services, or role model),
- A favourite comic-book superhero, or
- Simply wear the colour yellow to show support.
Throughout the day, students will take part in classroom activities that focus on kindness, inclusivity, and the power of being an Upstander. When we embrace who we are, respect differences we help create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong.
Let’s continue to encourage our students to speak up, connect with others, and help create a community where everyone feels respected and cared for.
So, remember: asking “R U OK?” is important every day – because a conversation could change a life ❤
WE’RE ON INSTAGRAM!
We’re excited to expand our school’s social media presence with the launch of our official Instagram account, alongside our existing Facebook page.
Our social media channels are a great way to stay connected with what’s happening across our school community, from learning in action and student achievements to special events, programs, celebrations and everyday moments that make Oakleigh South PS such a wonderful place to learn.
Follow us on Instagram @oakleighsouthps and keep up with the latest from around our school! 💚
You can also continue to follow us on Facebook for school news, updates and community highlights.
MARY POPPINS JR. — TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Our talented Year 6 students are taking to the stage for Mary Poppins Jr., and tickets are now on sale to the wider school community!
Join us for four magical evenings of music, dancing and plenty of Mary Poppins magic.
📅 Monday 14 – Thursday 17 September
📍 Oakleigh South Primary School Hall
🕖 7.00pm each night
🪄 Kites Cast: Monday 14 & Tuesday 15 September
☂️ Umbrellas Cast: Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 September
Come along and support our wonderful Year 6 students as they bring this much-loved production to life on stage. We can’t wait to see you there! ✨
NOW AVAILABLE ON SCHOOL TV – ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition that affects how children regulate attention, impulses and activity levels.
For families, understanding ADHD means recognising that these behaviours are not simply a matter of effort or discipline. ADHD is influenced by a combination of neurological, biological and environmental factors that affect how a child’s brain processes information and manages self-control. With the right support, structure and strategies, children with ADHD can develop the skills they need to succeed and thrive.
This edition of SchoolTV explores how families can better understand ADHD and support children to build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation and navigate everyday challenges more successfully.
Here is the link to this topic: http://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/adhd-au
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-pace speed zone ONLY 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.
THANK YOU – KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING
There are three ways you can recycle your cans, bottles, and containers to help us fundraise. OSPS receives 10c per item, with all funds going towards sustainability projects at the school:
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Oakleigh South Primary School – Purple Bins at the Year 3 Village
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Oakleigh Depot – 37–41 Oxford St, Oakleigh, in the OSPS bin onsite
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Any Return-It Depot or Kiosk – donate to OSPS by scanning the barcode (see image)
Thank you for helping us make a difference while caring for the environment!
LUNCH ORDER PROVIDERS
We are pleased to confirm the following lunch order options for our school community in 2026: 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:
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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
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 1?
In Week 5, we visited Scienceworks to develop our understanding of forces and how they work in the world around us. A big thank you to all of our wonderful parent helpers and volunteers who supported us on the day.
Our visit to Scienceworks has helped prepare us for our Creative Arcade unit, where students have been challenged to design and create an arcade game that can be used by a person with an impairment. Students have been using the design thinking process to develop, test and improve their ideas, while applying their understanding of forces.
Scienceworks was a fantastic day of exploring, experimenting and learning. Some of the students’ highlights included creating their own cars, learning about different forces in the Toy Show and moving, testing and challenging their bodies in Sportsworks.
LITERACY CORNER
This term, students have been further developing their skills in writing recounts and narratives. Following our Scienceworks excursion, students wrote a recount of their day, recalling and retelling the events in the order they happened. They focused on including important details about what they did, saw and learned during the excursion.
Students enjoyed using their own experiences as inspiration for their writing and were able to capture some of their favourite moments from the day. It was wonderful to see students reflect on their experiences and turn them into engaging recounts for others to read.
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – LESSON OF THE WEEK:
Throughout our Resilience Project program, our Year 1 students have been developing important skills and strategies to support their wellbeing, resilience, and positive relationships. Students have explored mindful yoga movements as a way to calm their bodies and focus their minds, while also learning how to express gratitude and appreciation for the people around them. They have recognised and celebrated our school heroes, practised being empathetic and kind friends, and explored the difference between things they can and cannot control in a variety of situations.
Students have also discussed who they can reach out to when experiencing overwhelming emotions and identified trusted adults who can support them. Through activities such as mindful origami, students have continued to practise mindfulness and concentration, while developing an understanding of how small acts of kindness, appreciation, and gratitude can make a positive difference in the lives of people in our school and wider community.
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – GEM
Gratitude:
We are grateful for being able to design and create an arcade game using all the knowledge we have learnt about forces and the world around us, both in the classroom as well as at Scienceworks.
We are learning to empathise with others and understand their needs in regards to creating an arcade game that particular users can enjoy.
Mindfulness:
We are learning how yoga can be used as a mindfulness strategy to promote relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN SENIOR PERFORMING ARTS?
Our Senior Performing Arts students have had an exciting year filled with opportunities to perform, collaborate, develop their skills and share their talents with our school community. From representing Oakleigh South Primary School on one of Victoria’s biggest performing arts stages to preparing for their very own school production, our Year 5 and Year 6 students have embraced every opportunity to shine.
VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR 2026
We are incredibly proud of our 41 Year 5 students who represented Oakleigh South Primary School in the 2026 Victorian State Schools Spectacular, participating in the Mass Choir and Mass Dance.
Each year, thousands of students from Victorian government schools come together for this incredible celebration of performing arts. Throughout the year, our students had the unique opportunity to work with industry professionals across a range of disciplines, building their skills and confidence while preparing for a professional live performance.
The experience culminated in a spectacular performance at John Cain Arena, where our students performed in front of an audience of thousands, as well as taking part in a television broadcast of the show.
WATCH THE BROADCAST
A special broadcast of the Victorian State Schools Spectacular 2026, featuring the show and behind-the-scenes highlights, will air on Friday 18th December on Channel Seven in Victoria and will be available to stream on 7plus for 60 days following the broadcast.
We are immensely proud of our students and their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work throughout this incredible experience!
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.
