Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 09
27th March, 2025
“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” — Bethany Hamilton
IMPORTANT DATES
Issue 09 – 27th March 2025
Friday 28th March
– Year 3 Chesterfield Farm Excursion
– Year 2 Dinosaur Day
– Year 5 IMAX Excursion
Monday 31st March
– Year 4 MCG & Eureka Tower Excursion
Tuesday 1st April
– Prep to Year 3 Assembly – Hall (2:45PM)
– Parent Group AGM (6:30PM)
Wednesday 2nd April
– VSSS Mass Choir Hub Rehearsal – Hall
Thursday 3rd April
– Bentleigh District Summer Sport Finals
Friday 4th April
– End of Term 1 – Early Dismissal (2:30PM)
– Prep–Year 2 Easter Hat Parade (9:00AM)
– Whole School Assembly – Hall (1:50PM)
Monday 21st April
– Easter Monday Public Holiday – No School
Tuesday 22nd April
– Start of Term 2
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Last Tuesday, we held our first School Council meeting for the year and warmly welcomed our new members: Andrew Power, Natalie Lonel, Saurabh Azad, Evan Barrett, Nicole Stenton and Shyamen Wickramasinghe. They join continuing members Sri Reddy, Mel Clubb, Jon Couston and Nadia Beauchamp.
Our DET representatives are Ron Cantlon, Nikki Virtuoso, Erik Albers, Helen Paroukas and Nigel Hooley.
On behalf of OSPS, we extend our sincere gratitude to our outgoing School Council members for their service. We are incredibly thankful for their guidance, dedication, and the time and energy they’ve contributed to shaping the school community.
We acknowledge the service of: Rajkumar Karunanidhi, Jennie Kim-Ross and Nelsie Fernandez.
The new School Council office bearers for 2025 are:
-
President: Andrew Power
-
Vice President: Jon Couston
-
Treasurer: Mel Clubb
-
Secretary: Helen Paroukas
-
Minutes Secretary: Nigel Hooley
Thank you to all members for your ongoing support and commitment to OSPS.
On Monday 31 March, Ron will be undergoing knee surgery for the 2nd knee (his first knee was operated on in 2024), we wish him all the best with the surgery, recovery and rehab. I (Nikki Virtuoso) will again undertake the Acting Principal role in his absence and will continue organising our school Fete with support from school leaders. Nigel Hooley will assume the Assistant Principal Role in overseeing Years 2 and 3.
Please get around the OSPS Autumn Family Fete on Sat 10 May, the election has now been called for Sat 3 May so we are relieved that this will not impact our magnificent community day. Please read all the Fete correspondance and help / donate where you can!
Enjoy your weekend,
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal
SCHOOL MATTERS
HARMONY WEEK COOKIES
To wrap up Harmony Week last Friday, our wonderful Parent Group organised a sweet treat for our school community — vibrant orange fondant cookies, each featuring a hand-holding heart decal to reflect the message of unity and inclusion.
We’ve received plenty of positive feedback, with one common sentiment: “They were huge and delicious!”
A big thank you to our Parent Group for organising this thoughtful gesture, and to PT Bakery in Oakleigh for fulfilling the order on short notice.
SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERSHIP
The list of Year 6 Captains is now available in the Compass ‘Documentation’ section, under ‘School Handbook & Info’.
Our Year 6 Captains have been doing a fantastic job supporting the school across their elected roles, including regularly presenting at assembly.
They’ve proudly represented the school in a range of capacities so far this term, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and leadership throughout the year.
A special thank you to our dedicated Year 6 teachers and specialist staff for coordinating and supporting our student leaders in fulfilling their responsibilities.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND SCHOOL RECORDS
As we approach the end of Term 1, Oakleigh South Primary School is updating all student medical records to ensure we can support the health, safety, and wellbeing of every child.
If your child has a diagnosed medical condition (e.g. asthma, allergies, diabetes, nosebleeds, etc), or if their condition or care requirements have changed, please notify the school as soon as possible by contacting Isabella by email: isabella.vandeursen@education.vic.gov.au
We require the following, where applicable:
-
A completed Medical Information Form
-
A current Action Plan OR Medical Letter signed by a medical professional
-
Any necessary medication, clearly labelled and in-date
Please note: In accordance with Department of Education policy, students cannot attend camps, excursions, or off-site activities without current medical documentation and action plans on file.
If your child has been medically cleared and no longer requires support for a previously reported condition, a signed medical letter must be provided so we can amend or remove their record.
We appreciate your prompt attention to this important matter.
NETBALL IN TERM 2 – COME AND TRY!
Is your 8–9-year-old our next netball star? Come along and give it a go!
We’re inviting interested students to join us in Term 2 for a fun, friendly Friday after-school netball session held on the school’s netball/basketball courts. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends, build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the game in a supportive environment.
Last Friday, Ms Gunnings came along to cheer on our Oakleigh South Emeralds and Diamonds teams — made up of both current and former students — at Duncan McKinnon Reserve.
Our final Term 1 game will be held on Friday 28 March, and the Term 2 season kicks off Friday 2 May. We’d love to see some new faces on the court!
OSPS EASTER RAFFLE
The annual OSPS Easter Raffle is back!
Tickets are now on sale at $3 for 5 tickets.
To make this raffle a success, we kindly ask families to donate nut-free Easter eggs where possible (traces of nuts are fine) to help create our prize hampers.
Please drop off any donations at the office by 1 April 2025. Winners will be announced at our End of Term Assembly on 4 April and via Compass.
Last year, thanks to our generous school community, we had over 125 winners—let’s see if we can match or even exceed that this year!
How to Purchase Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased online—please check Compass for the link.
For any questions, please contact Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.
Please note: Some raffle prizes may contain nuts.
PREP – YEAR 2 EASTER HAT PARADE
Our much-loved Easter Hat Parade for Prep – Year 2 is back!
DATE: Friday 4th April
TIME: 9:00am
LOCATION: Junior Tiger Turf
Start designing and creating your hats at home—the bigger, brighter, and more creative, the better.
On the day, each grade will take to the ‘catwalk,’ showcasing their fabulous hats, singing songs, and celebrating a wonderful Term 1 before we head into the school holidays.
We look forward to seeing all the amazing Easter creations.
SMILE SQUAD 2025
We are pleased to announce that Smile Squad will be visiting Oakleigh South Primary School in Term 2, 2025.
Smile Squad is the Victorian Government’s free school dental program, providing all students with access to a free dental check-up, preventive services, and treatment—all conveniently conducted at school.
As part of this program, each student will soon receive a free dental pack to take home. This is a gift for every child, regardless of whether they participate in the program.
Please take the time to read the information provided on how to sign up for this fantastic service.
For any questions, please contact Sue Jackson at sue.jackson@education.vic.gov.au or Nigel Hooley at nigel.hooley@education.vic.gov.au.
CSEF (SPORTS, CAMPS AND EXCURSIONS FUND)
The Victorian Government provides the Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) to assist families with the cost of school activities. Families who hold a valid means-tested concession card are eligible to apply, and a special consideration category is also available.
Eligible primary school students will receive a $154 payment, which is paid directly to the school to help cover the cost of camps, sports, and excursions.
CSEF payments to schools will begin from 19th March. Schools can continue processing applications until the end of Term 2.
Apply now: CSEF Application Form
How to submit your application:
- Submit your completed application form with a copy of your concession card as soon as possible.
- Families who were eligible in 2024 will be automatically rolled over and do not need to reapply.
For any questions or assistance, please contact Carlyn at carlyn.backers@education.vic.gov.au.
VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
JUNIOR VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
YEAR 4 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Billy – 4ML
(Excellence)
For diligently working to complete his buddy book. Keep up the awesome work, Billy!
Zacc – 4ML
(Integrity)
For taking pride in his work and using excellent formatting and neat writing when completing tasks.
Evelyn – 4ML
(Excellence)
For excellent completion of homework tasks and having fabulous book presentation.
Angus – 4CG
(Excellence)
For creating a fantastic story for his prep buddy with amazing detail and drawings. Great job, Angus!
Atakan – 4CG
(Excellence)
For demonstrating fantastic computer skills to create a lovely Harmony Day poster about his culture!
Erina – 4CG
(Excellence)
For showing great enthusiasm and charisma in her performances at production rehearsals. Amazing job!
Aria – 4AS
(Excellence)
For exceeding her AR goal this term & demonstrating exceptional confidence and fluency in reading.
Lewis – 4AS
(Resilience)
For being a kind and respectful member of 4AS and always demonstrating GEM principles in class.
Pranil – 4LD
(Working Together)
For always caring about other students and helping them when they need assistance.
Edward – 4LD
(Excellence)
For always being engaged during our Guided Reading sessions and growing his leadership skills.
Diya – 4CR
(Excellence)
For the care and effort she displays in all her presentations. Keep up the beautiful work, Diya!
Bianca – 4CR
(Resilience)
For always showing great respect towards her teachers and peers. You are a valued member of 4CR!
Ava – 4WW
(Excellence)
For absolutely smashing her AR goal this term. 200 points is amazing!
Bometh – 4WW
(Working Together)
For your excellent collaborative skills when working in groups. We are so lucky to have you in 4WW!
YEAR 5 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Renee – 5LG
(Excellence)
For her impressive critical thinking skills and her ability to communicate her ideas.
Aaron – 5LG
(Excellence)
For his attentive listening and diligence when participating in brainstorming sessions.
Drewin – 5LG
(Respect)
For consistently demonstrating outstanding manners and respecting all those around him.
Boyd – 5MJ
(Working Together)
For being friendly to everyone, and showing initiative both in the classroom and in Student Voice.
Korina – 5MJ
(Excellence)
For doing an incredible job in her role as SRA monitor. Keep up the amazing work, Korina!
Rhiyaa – 5MJ
(Excellence)
For doing an incredible job in her role as SRA monitor. Keep up the amazing work, Rhiyaa!
Sam – 5JD
(Respect)
For always listening intently and giving his utmost effort. Keep it up, Sam!
Chloe – 5JD
(Excellence)
For consistently showing kindness and a readiness to assist in the classroom. You’re a star, Chloe!
Oliver – 5KM
(Resilience)
For giving it his all during NAPLAN and rising to the challenge. Well done, Oli!
Emma – 5KM
(Excellence)
For completing 36 SRA cards this term! Way to go, Emma!
Adithi – 5KM
(Working Together)
For always making sure others are included and valued during group work tasks.
Vivaan – 5MP
(Respect)
For treating all classmates and teachers with respect and kindness at all times. A great role model!
Ella – 5MP
(Excellence)
For demonstrating high standards in all her work, across all curriculum areas. Outstanding work!
Ajith – 5EW
(Working Together)
For being inclusive towards others and being a great team player. Well done, Ajith!
YEAR 6 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Nidhi – 6NM
(Excellence)
For producing an excellent brochure and 3D model for her Geography project.
Tommy – 6NM
(Respect)
For consistently contributing with thoughtful comments to classroom discussions.
Hanwen – 6NM
(Integrity)
For his high level of effort and work that he brings to 6NM every day.
Audrey – 6MH
(Excellence)
For your dedication and excellence in Mathematics. Your hard work and passion truly inspire us all!
Oliver – 6MH
(Excellence)
For your project on Japan—your creative model and brochure showcase skill and imagination.
Demi – 6SM
(Excellence)
For the incredible time and effort she put into her Geography project. Amazing work, Demi!
Elizabeth – 6SM
(Excellence)
For her great attitude & continually asking for feedback on her work during the Geography project.
Julian – 6SM
(Excellence)
For presenting his awesome Geography project with confidence & great detail. Incredible work, Julian!
Niall – 6CM
(Excellence)
For a brilliant geography project – the travel brochure, 3D model and presentation were terrific.
Ivy – 6CM
(Excellence)
For thoughtful and mature contributions to GEM chats and all class discussions. You’re awesome, Ivy!
SENIOR SPECIALIST AWARDS
4CG
Visual Arts
(Working Together)
For working together collaboratively so well!
Polina – 5MP
Visual Arts
(Integrity)
For being a hardworking and very helpful student!
Erika – 6CM
Visual Arts
(Excellence)
For the great work Erika has done with her Mona Lisa parody drawing!
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT
GEM CHATS
GEM Chats are daily conversation starters provided by TRP that encourage reflection on the GEM values: being grateful, empathetic, and mindful. We encourage parents to ask their child the prompt and engage in a discussion about these values. By making GEM Chats a part of your routine, you can help reinforce these positive habits and support your child’s ongoing wellbeing and emotional literacy.
STUDENT SHOWCASE
YEAR 6 SHOWCASE
During Term One, our Year 6 students have embarked on an exciting journey exploring the wonders of our world through their Geography projects. Armed with maps, curiosity, and a sprinkle of imagination, they ventured into the heart of geographical wonders, in the form of creating travel brochures. Their projects aren’t just about research; they also showcase incredible models crafted with care and creativity, bringing iconic structures and emblems into our classroom. Each model is a testament to the Year 6’s boundless curiosity and growing global awareness. Their enthusiasm and creativity has lit up our classrooms, reminding us of all the magic that happens when learning meets adventure!
LITERACY CORNER
YEAR 6 GEM
G – We are GRATEFUL for all the opportunities we are given to show our different talents and abilities in Year 6.
E – We are EMPATHETIC towards the Prep students as they have been settling in at OSPS.
M – We are MINDFUL of how we treat and speak to other people.
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.
TK TUCKSHOP EASTER TREAT!
To celebrate the end of term, TK Tuckshop will be running a special promotion next week! Every order placed between Monday 31st March and Friday 4th April will include a free Easter Egg – no extra steps required!
Simply place your order as usual via the app, and a sweet surprise will be added automatically.
Hop to it and enjoy a delicious end-of-term treat!
PARENT CORNER
OSPS FETE SPONSORS
COMMUNITY NEWS
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.
