Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 2
6th February, 2026

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” — Albert Einstein

Week 3
Tuesday 10th February
  • OSPS Swimming Squad Training @ 7:30AM
  • Whole School Assembly (except Prep) @ 2:45PM
Wednesday 11th February
  • OSPS Swimming Squad Training @ 7:30AM
Thursday 12th February
  • Senior Choir @ 3:45pm
Week 4
Tuesday 17th February
  • OSPS Swimming Squad Training @ 7:30AM
  • Year 4-6 Assembly @ 2:45PM
Wednesday 18th February
  • OSPS Swimming Squad Training @ 7:30AM
Thursday 19th February
  • Senior Choir @ 3:45pm

 

It has been wonderful to complete our first full week of the school year, with all classes settled and working well. There is a calm and positive atmosphere across the school as students settle back into routines and engage enthusiastically in their learning.

Our Prep students have made a fantastic start to school life. They are quickly learning the daily routines and are enjoying their specialist lessons. The Wednesday testing day has been working well, providing most Preps with a well-earned rest day, while some students meet with their teachers for individual testing sessions.

This week also saw the OSPS Swim Squad commence their training sessions at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre in preparation for the Bentleigh District Swimming Carnival, to be held on March 4th. A big thank you to the staff who support our students at the pool before school – we really appreciate your time and commitment.

Looking ahead, on Tuesday we will hold our first whole-school assembly for 2026. At this assembly, our school leaders will be presented with their leadership badges. All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and celebrate this important occasion with us.

We’re looking forward to another great week ahead.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

 

SchoolTV @ OSPS

SchoolTV is an evidence-based wellbeing resource designed to support parents and carers with the challenges of raising children and adolescents. Our school has partnered  once again with SchoolTV  to provide this resource to our families. SchoolTV offers clear, expert-led guidance on a wide range of topics affecting young people today.

It is designed to be a first point of reference for families seeking reliable information, practical strategies and reassurance when questions or concerns arise. Each topic features interviews with leading specialists, along with links to carefully curated resources from trusted organisations. The content is easy to access, can be viewed privately and is designed to build understanding, confidence and constructive conversations at home.

Written content can be translated into more than 60 languages using built-in tools, and video interviews are available to view in Hindi, Chinese and Arabic, with additional languages planned for release soon. Throughout the year, SchoolTV also offers free webinars featuring global experts who provide families with practical, evidence-informed guidance on key mental health and wellbeing concerns.

SchoolTV recognises that every family’s situation is different. By building knowledge and awareness over time, the platform supports early understanding, timely support and a more proactive approach to the wellbeing of students. SchoolTV can be accessed via our school’s website, or via this link: https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/ 

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:

  • 2 uniform tops (polo shirt, shirt or summer dress)

  • 1 uniform bottom (pants, trackpants, trousers or shorts)

  • 1 outerwear item (puffer jacket)

  • 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

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)

The Victorian Government provides the CSEF to help eligible families with the cost of school camps, sports and excursions.

  • Eligible families hold a valid means-tested concession card (special consideration category also exists).

  • Primary students receive $400, paid directly to the school to support activity costs.

  • Applications are open until the end of Term 2, with payments commencing from 1 March.

  • 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

PREP BBQ

Parent Group along with our leadership team and prep teachers would like to invite you to the OSPS Welcome BBQ for our 2026 prep students and their immediate families. This has always been a great event for our families to meet in a casual environment while the kids can enjoy the playground and entertainment.

The BBQ will be held on Wednesday, 18 February from 5 – 7pm.

Please RSVP via the TryBooking link below so we can ensure there is adequate catering. The RSVP link will expire at 3pm on Thursday, 12 February.

If you have any questions with regards to this event or would like to volunteer at the event, please email Parent Group on osparentgroup67@gmail.com or alternatively you can speak with your class teacher.

We look forward to seeing you there!

SCHOOL SUPERVISION HOURS

Please note that our school grounds are supervised by staff at the following times:

  • Before school: 8:35am – 8:50am

  • Recess and lunch: throughout

  • After school: 3:30pm – 3:45pm

We’ve noticed some students arriving early or staying late and playing without supervision, which can pose a safety risk. Parents and guardians must stay with their children outside of supervised times, as staff are not available to oversee students before or after these hours.

Students arriving before 8:35am must be enrolled in Before School Care, hosted on-site by Camp Australia.

Similarly, students remaining on school grounds after 3:45pm must be collected promptly or booked into After School Care.

If you need care outside supervision times, we recommend enrolling with Camp Australia. Same-day bookings are possible, though having an account set up in advance makes the process quicker and easier.

Thank you for helping us keep all students safe.

STUDENT HEALTH & MEDICAL INFORMATION

If your child has a medical condition or functional learning need (including asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis, ASD, ADHD, or any diagnosed blood, organ, genetic, or other medical condition), please ensure the school has current information on file.

If you have not yet provided your child’s 2026 Medical Action Plan and any required medication, this must be done as soon as possible. This is a Department of Education legal requirement for all students with medical conditions.

If your child takes regular medication or receives treatment outside school hours, the school must also have a record of this information for emergency purposes, even if medication is not required at school.

If your child does not have any medical or learning support needs, no action is required. If a condition is no longer ongoing, the school must receive written confirmation from a medical professional before it can be removed from school records.

For any questions, queries, or updates, please email Bella at isabella.vandeursen@education.vic.gov.au

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and well.

SAFETY REMINDER: NO PARENT ACCESS TO STAFF CARPARK

Student safety is our highest priority. With over 1,000 students, 800 families, and 100 staff, there are more staff than car spaces available, and parents entering or exiting during school hours is extremely unsafe.

We have received a number of complaints about unsafe drop-offs, speeding, and risky driving in the school driveway, especially during busy periods. Teachers enter the car park at off-peak times, but when the driveway is highly populated, the risk to students and families increases significantly.

Please remember:

  • The staff car park is for staff only during school hours.

  • Parents and carers must not enter, drive through, or park in the staff car park, unless:

    • Using Before/After School Care drop-off or pick-up

    • You have a valid disability parking permit or school-approved exemption

  • Staff cannot move or assist blocked vehicles – our priority is supervising students.

  • Please use street or oval parking for drop-off and pick-up, and follow all road safety rules.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and organised.

ATTENDANCE NOTES & SIGN-IN/OUT PROCEDURE

All absences, late arrivals, and early departures must be entered in Compass. This ensures your child is accounted for and helps staff respond quickly to any changes during the day.

Attendance Reasons:
Select the reason that best fits your child’s absence. If unsure, choose “Parent Choice” or contact the office.

Please Note: “Sorry Business” is ONLY only for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students attending legitimate cultural ceremonies.

Entering Notes in Compass:

  • Please add attendance notes before 9:00am to help teachers and staff manage morning rolls and pickups.

  • If adding a note after 9:00am, also call the office to ensure staff are informed.

  • Emails to teachers do not replace an official Compass note.

Late Arrivals & Early Departures:

  • Enter accurate times in Compass and sign your child in/out at the office.

  • Do not park in the staff carpark; please use street or oval parking.

Collection by Someone Else:

  • Include the collector’s full name and relationship in Compass.

  • Collectors must be at least 16 years old.

Visitors and Volunteers: 

  • All visitors must sign in/out at the office and wear a visitor badge.

  • Meetings with staff should be pre-arranged.

  • Parent volunteers are welcome to support classrooms, excursions, or school events.

  • Working with Children Check (WWCC) required for all volunteers.

  • Staff will provide guidance and support for volunteer activities.

Thank you for helping us keep attendance accurate and your children safe

THANK YOU – KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING

A wonderful community member recently visited the Keysborough Depot and returned 119 cans and bottles, requesting that the funds go to OSPS! We often receive notifications about deposits made to our school, so keep them 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:

  • Oakleigh South Primary School – Purple Bins at the Year 3 Village

  • Oakleigh Depot – 37–41 Oxford St, Oakleigh, in the OSPS bin onsite

  • 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!

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

We remind all families that the following behaviours are unsafe and breach Victorian road laws:

  • All students riding bikes or scooters must wear a helmet,as required by law.

  • The speed limit is 40km/h during school hours and is enforceable by law

  • Drivers must stop at pedestrian crossings and obey all road signage

  • Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal and significantly increases risk near children

  • U-turns near the school are often illegal and extremely dangerous, especially in high-traffic or low-visibility areas
  • Parking across driveways, footpaths or crossings is prohibited and reduces visibility

Seemingly minor choices can have major safety and legal consequences. We ask all families to model safe, calm, and respectful behaviour around the school.

The school is not authorised to enforce traffic or parking violations. To report concerns, please contact Monash Council or Victoria Police.

Thank you for supporting the safety of our school community.

UNIFORM SHOP – VOLUNTEER REQUEST

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are seeking volunteers to assist in our second-hand uniform shop. The shop operates on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.00 am to 9.15 am. Depending on volunteer numbers, each volunteer is usually rostered for 2 to 3 shifts per term.

The uniform shop will reopen on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.

Please note that all school volunteers must hold a valid Working with Children Check. Volunteer applications are free and can be completed online at https://service.vic.gov.au/services/working-with-children

If you are available or would like further information, please contact the Parent Group at: osparentgroup67@gmail.com

Thank you,
Parent Group

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.

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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