Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 3
13th February, 2026

“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” — Thomas Edison

It’s been a busy and exciting time at school with lots to celebrate and share!

On Tuesday, we recognised our Year 6 leaders at our whole school assembly. They proudly received their leadership badges and certificates. We wish them a fantastic year ahead as they step into their leadership roles. A big thank you to the parents and family members who were able to join us for this special occasion – it was lovely to have you there.

Our Parent Group is jumping straight back into action next Friday with a fun lunch day for students. Years 2 and 3 will enjoy a Popcorn Day, while Years 4 to 6 will have a Hot Chip Day. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who give their time to organise these special treats for our students – we really appreciate all that you do!

Have you seen the beautiful new gardens outside the Year 1 and 2 classrooms? The large rocks and established trees have created a lovely space for children to sit, chat and enjoy some quiet time together. Friendship Square is also looking fantastic, with its extended roofline and new ramp and landing making the space much more accessible for everyone.

Our junior bike shelter is now finished and already being used. You’ll find it between 1LB and 1NM on the south side of the building. The senior bike shelter is currently being built and will be ready very soon. Inside, the corridors outside the library and the Year 1 and 2 area have fresh new carpet, which has really brightened up those spaces.

There are plenty of other improvements happening around the school as well, so keep an eye out next time you’re visiting. It’s great to see our school continuing to grow and improve for our students!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School Photo Day is fast approaching. Official school photos will be taken by Elite School Photography on Thursday 5 March and Friday 6 March 2026.

All photo orders must be completed online prior to photo day via the Elite School Photography website using the school login code provided on the flyer. Please ensure all details are entered carefully, including your child’s full class information.

Students are required to wear full school uniform on their scheduled photo day. Please ensure hair is neat and tidy, and jumpers are clearly named.

If your child is absent on their allocated day, a catch-up session will be arranged.

For ordering enquiries, please contact Elite School Photography directly using the details on the flyer.

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/ 

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

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.

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!

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

SENIOR PERFORMING ARTS

YEAR 6 PRODUCTION – MARY POPPINS JR.

The Year 6 students have been getting acquainted with our 2026 production of Mary Poppins Jr. We have spent the first few weeks of this term listening to the soundtrack and reading through our scripts. Auditions for students interested in a main role will be starting in a few weeks during Performing Arts lessons.

PERFORMING ARTS CLUBS

SENIOR CHOIR
Thursday afternoons, 3.45–4.30pm

Senior Choir meets every Thursday in the Hall from 3.45pm to 4.30pm. We are beginning to learn new repertoire and revisiting favourite songs as we prepare for the School Fete in May. You will also see our choir performing at assemblies and music concerts throughout the year.

Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 are warmly invited to join.
For more information, please see Mrs Hall or Mr Mietzcke.

JUNIOR CHOIR
Tuesday lunchtime, 1.00–1.30pm

Junior Choir is open to students in Grades 2 and 3 who enjoy singing fun, engaging songs and performing at junior assemblies, and possibly at the School Fete.

If your child is interested, please see Mrs Barnard for more information. We look forward to welcoming many enthusiastic singers.

DANCE CLUB
Thursday lunchtime, 1.00–1.30pm

Dance Club runs on Thursday lunchtimes from 1.00pm in the School Hall and is open to students in Grades 4 to 6. Each week, students learn choreographed routines to perform at the School Fete, assemblies and concerts throughout the year.

Please see Ms Stevenson for further details. We look forward to seeing both new and returning dancers.

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