Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 5
27th February, 2026

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind,
not with it.” — Henry Ford

Week 6
Tuesday 3rd March
  • Whole School Assembly @ 2:45PM
Thursday 5th March
  • School Photos – Day 1/2
  • Year 6 Interschool Sport
  • Senior Choir @ 3:45pm
Friday 6th March
  • School Photos – Day 2/2
Week 7
Monday 9th March
  • Labour Day Public Holiday
    – No school
Tuesday 10th March
  • Year 4-6 Assembly @ 2:45PM

Wednesday 11th March

  •  Year 3 & 5 NAPLAN Begins

Thursday 12th March

  • Year 6 Interschool Sport

  • Senior Choir @ 3:45pm 

 

 

It’s been another busy and positive week at school, with lots happening.

Congratulations to the successful parents who nominated to be on School Council. I’d also like to sincerely thank all the parents who showed interest and put their names forward. We really value your willingness to be involved. Congratulations to our newly elected councillors – Li Wan, Tanya Shroff, Sabrina Teodorowski and Gavin Mandrelle. We’re looking forward to working with you over the next two years and continuing to build strong partnerships across our school.

Today we held our Clean Up OSPS Day in support of Clean Up Australia Day. A big thank you to all the students who got involved and helped make our school a whole lot cleaner. It was wonderful to see so many students taking pride in our grounds and working together to look after our environment. As rubbish continues to be an ongoing issue at school, we’ll be introducing a new regular clean-up initiative soon — stay tuned for more details.

The first week of our Foodbank Victoria program was a great success, with lots of apples and carrots being enjoyed by our happy students. A fresh supply has been delivered this week, and the quality of the fruit is exceptional! This week it’s Year 1’s turn to receive milk if they would like it. What a terrific program to help promote healthy eating and support our students’ wellbeing.

Best of luck to our OSPS Swim Squad as they compete at the Bentleigh District Swimming Carnival on Wednesday. Your commitment to the early morning training sessions has been fantastic to see, and we’re so proud of the effort you’ve put in. We can’t wait to see you do your best in your events. A big thank you as well to the staff and parents who have supported the program and helped make it such a success.

A reminder that school photos will be held on Thursday and Friday. Please check the newsletter for information about how to place your order. A Compass notification has sent out to let you know which day your child’s class will be having their photo taken.

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.

Link: https://eliteschoolphotography.com.au/

Login code: ESP202515

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

SchoolTV WELLBEING BAROMETER SURVEY 2026 

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an important annual check-in that helps our school better understand the wellbeing of our students. Each year, the survey provides valuable insights into young people’s experiences, highlighting areas of concern, recognising strengths and resilience and reinforcing the importance of early, preventative support.

Your participation is strongly encouraged. We ask that you take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children, based on your observations from the past 12 months. All responses remain anonymous and are reported only in aggregate.

By capturing a broad picture of students’ emotional, social and mental wellbeing, the survey helps us respond more effectively to the evolving needs of our school community. The insights gathered assist in identifying emerging trends, areas of strength, and opportunities for early intervention, ensuring support can be targeted where it is needed most.

Here is the link to this Special Report: http://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-survey-2026-au

OSPS JOINS THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUBS PROGRAM!

Hi Everyone,

We’re excited to share that our school is now part of the School Breakfast Clubs Program, an initiative delivered by Foodbank Victoria in partnership with the Victorian Government.

This program provides our school with a variety of free, healthy, and nutritious food to support students during their time at school. Every classroom will have a bowl of fruit or vegetables, (apples, carrots, pears, bananas) depending on supply, to ensure every students day is filled with the energy they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Once a week, a Year Level will also have a supply of a 200ml milk box per student to consume in the classroom. (Please notify your childs teacher if you do not want them to receive the milk)

Why It Matters

  • Boost concentration and learning
  • Enhance student behaviour
  • Strengthen relationships within the school community
  • Promote healthy eating

What’s Available

🏠 Home Food Packs

  • These packs include a variety of food items and are available to families needing additional support at home.
  • If you are interested in receiving a Home Food Pack, contact helen.paroukas@education.vic.gov.au

We’re proud to partner with Foodbank Victoria to bring this valuable program to our school community.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Helen Paroukas (Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Learning Specialist) at helen.paroukas@education.vic.gov.au

OAKLEIGH EDUCATION PRECINCT

The Oakleigh Education Plan has evolved into the Oakleigh Education Precinct!

After 4 years under an Oakleigh Education Plan, which was a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes for children and young people in the Oakleigh community, the four schools involved – South Oakleigh College, Oakleigh South Primary School,  Huntingdale Primary School and the newly joined Oakleigh Primary School, are continuing this initiative under the banner of the Oakleigh Education Precinct.

Bringing together our collective knowledge and experiences, our future precinct focuses on creating seamless transitions through each stage of learning — from primary years to secondary education. By fostering innovation, inclusion, and community engagement, the Oakleigh Education Precinct aims to ensure that every learner is supported to reach their full potential in a connected, collaborative and high-quality local education network.

Watch this space for further updates to our school communities.

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

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB

Welcome to another year of OSPS Book Club!

Book Club makes it easy to buy books, games and learning resources for your child. There are 8 issues a year (two per term) and catalogues will be sent home with students.

Books start from $3 and cover a wide range of ages, reading levels and interests, including award-winning titles and favourites.

Orders are online only via Scholastic’s LOOP system at www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP or the LOOP app. Orders must be prepaid. We do not accept cash or cheques. Items are delivered straight to your child’s classroom. Cut-off dates will be in the school newsletter. The cut off date for Issue 1 is Friday February 20.

Encouraging your child to read is a great way to support their learning.

Jade Freeman & Anthony Savva

OSPS Literacy Learning Specialists

 

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

The Oakleigh South Primary School Council Election has been declared.

There were 4 vacant positions and 8 nominations received.

Congratulations to the following parents who have been elected to school council for the 2026 – 2028 year.

  • Gavin Mandrelle
  • Tanya Shroff
  • Sabrina Teodorowski
  • Li Wan

In the DET category there were 2 vacant positions and 2 nominations received.

Congratulations to Leon Davey and Mairead Judge who have been elected to school council for the 2026 – 2028 year.

 

 

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.

SENIOR VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

YEAR 1 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

 

Olivia – 1AN
(Excellence)
For being a responsible learner and making such a fantastic start to Grade One.

Murphy – 1AN
(Respect)
For always showing respect during listening time. You are a superstar, Murphy!

Molly – 1JG
(Respect)
For being a kind, caring and funny classmate who adds sunshine and smiles to our classroom. Yay, Molly!

Jackson – 1JG
(Working Together)
For being a superstar learner who tries his best and cooperates with others. What a fabulous start to Year 1!

Eva – 1LB
(Excellence)
For always working hard and producing neat bookwork. You should be so proud of yourself. Keep it up!

James – 1LB
(Excellence)
For starting Year One with a hop, skip and a jump. You always have a go and try your best. Go, James!

Joanne – 1LC
(Excellence)
For settling into Year 1 like a superstar and being an awesome role model for her peers. Go, Joanne!

Zoe – 1LC
(Excellence)
For working super hard and helping to make 1LC a fun place to learn with her kindness. Go, Zoe!

Arya – 1NC
(Excellence)
For being a superstar learner with a positive attitude and the motivation to challenge herself.

Zayn – 1NC
(Excellence)
For transitioning into Year 1 with confidence while consistently showing our school values.

Tahlia – 1NM
(Excellence)
For writing a great introduction for her narrative and contributing thoughtfully to class discussions.

Shivansh – 1NM
(Excellence)
For always helping others in class and working to your very best in literacy groups.

Alice – 1SD
(Respect)
For being respectful and kind throughout the whole day, always helping and ready to learn.

Sashana – 1SD
(Working Together)
For working well with everyone and contributing positively in group exercises.

YEAR 2 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

 

Lexi – 2BB
(Excellence)
For always working so hard in every task. Excellent work, Lexi!

Vivaan – 2BB
(Respect)
For always displaying beautiful manners and showing respect to everyone. Well done!

Peta – 2GL
(Excellence)
For listening beautifully to her teachers and putting 100 percent effort into her classwork. Well done!

Sheldon – 2GL
(Excellence)
For his excellent listening on the mat. Sheldon is always keen and eager to learn. Well done!

Rushil – 2LD
(Excellence)
For showing a positive attitude towards learning from day one. You are a superstar!

Kyra – 2LD
(Working Together)
For being a supportive and welcoming classmate. We are lucky to have you in 2LD.

Faaris – 2MV
(Excellence)
For your enthusiastic dedication to creating imaginative and thoughtful writing. Keep it up, Faaris!

Chloe – 2MV
(Resilience)
For setting an example with your outstanding bookwork, neat handwriting and beautiful illustrations.

Rocky – 2OC
(Respect)
For being a respectful student and friend to his classmates. You are a wonderful role model, Rocky!

Ava – 2OC
(Excellence)
For always striving for excellence in all learning areas. You are a star student, Ava!

Kiran – 2VF
(Excellence)
For demonstrating excellence in narrative writing through his creative and engaging sizzling starts.

Eleni – 2VF
(Respect)
For consistently showing respect and manners to both her peers and teachers. You are a star!

YEAR 3 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

 

Henry – 3AP
(Excellence)
For his incredible effort towards sustainability and feeding the worms. Keep it up, Henry!

Wen Li – 3AP
(Excellence)
For her fabulous start to Year 3 and caring for the Year 3 Village. Well done, Wen Li!

Summer – 3DH
(Excellence)
For always trying your best, working hard and never giving up. Well done, Summer!

Felix – 3DH
(Resilience)
For always having a positive attitude and settling into the new classroom so well. Well done, Felix!

Sebastian – 3JM
(Respect)
For your daily kindness and helping with the worm food.

Cindy – 3JM
(Excellence)
For showing a focused attitude and outstanding effort across classroom tasks.

Anna – 3LM
(Working Together)
For showing wonderful resilience, working hard and settling into our new classroom so positively.

Gursirat – 3LM
(Respect)
For showing respect to others and contributing positively to our classroom community. Well done!

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

WELCOME TO THE ART ROOM, 2026!

The Art Room has been buzzing with excitement as we warmly welcome our new Prep students to their very first art classes at school. It has been wonderful to see their curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to explore a wide range of materials and creative processes.

Our Prep artists have been focusing on mark-making, which is an important early skill in Visual Arts. Students have been experimenting with different tools and techniques to create a variety of lines, patterns and textures. Using pencils, markers, crayons and paint, they have explored how artists use marks to communicate ideas, feelings and observations. The students have shown great confidence in trying new techniques and expressing themselves creatively.

In recent weeks, our Prep students have also begun practising self-portrait drawing. Through careful observation, students have been learning to identify and draw key facial features such as eyes, noses, mouths and hair, while also celebrating what makes them unique. It has been delightful to watch their confidence grow as they develop their drawing skills and personal artistic style.

These self-portraits are being created in preparation for our upcoming School Fete, where Prep Portraits will be proudly displayed and available for purchase. Each artwork captures the personality and individuality of our young artists and will make a very special keepsake for families.

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, focus and joy the Prep students have shown in the Art Room. We look forward to sharing more of their artistic journey with our school community throughout the year.

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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