Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 9
27th March, 2026

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman

Week 10

Monday 30th March
  • House Cross COuntry
Tuesday 31st March
  • Year 4 Excursion MCG and Eureka Tower
  • 3WC, 3JM, 3LM, 3DH Monash Sustainability Incursion
Wednesday 1st April
  • Regional Swimming Carnival
Thursday 2nd April
  • Casual Clothes Day  $2 gold donation
  • Easter Hat Parade: P-2
  • Easter Raffle Draw
  • Year 6 Interschool Sport 2026
  • Whole School Assembly @ 1:45PM
  • Last Day of Term Early Dismissal @ 2.30PM
Friday 3rd April
  • Good Friday Public Holiday – No School
  • Parent Payment 3rd Instalment due

 

Term 1 School Holidays

Friday 3rd April – Sunday 19th April

 

Term 2  Week 1

Monday 20th April 
  • Curriculum Day – Students not at School
Tuesday 21st April 
  • Classes Resume

 

A big congratulations to our OSPS swim team who competed at the Beachside Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. Our team swam incredibly well and gave their absolute best in every event. We were especially proud of the exemplary manners and outstanding sportsmanship shown by all students throughout the day. Thank you to the staff and parents who supported the team — your encouragement and help made the day such a success.

Our Prep students enjoyed a very engaging Responsible Pet Ownership incursion on Wednesday. They learnt about the importance of caring for pets properly and understanding the different needs of various animals. A highlight for many was meeting Flame the dog, with students practising the correct and safe way to approach and pat a dog.

Meanwhile, our Year 5 students took part in the Deadly Kultja incursion, spending a full day immersed in learning about Indigenous culture. Through a range of rotational activities including storytelling, songs, art, dance and games, students gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations peoples. It was a rich and worthwhile experience for all involved.

Today, our Year 2 students celebrated their integrated studies unit, “Hear Them Roar!”, with their much-anticipated Dino Day. Students have thoroughly enjoyed learning about prehistoric animals and today was a fun and engaging way to showcase their knowledge.

Also today, our Year 1 students hosted their very special Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Classrooms were buzzing with excitement as students shared activities with their visitors. The celebrations continued in the hall, where students performed songs before everyone enjoyed some light refreshments together. Lots of wonderful memories were made.

What an amazing week we’ve had at OSPS!

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

 

HARMONY DAY COOKIE SUCCESS!

On Wednesday, our Parent Group organised a special treat as part of our Harmony Day celebrations, with beautifully themed cookies available for students and families to enjoy. With over 500 orders received, the response from our school community was fantastic, and we hope everyone who ordered a cookie thoroughly enjoyed them.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Parent Group for their time, effort and organisation in coordinating this initiative. Their ongoing support helps to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for our students and school community.

SPECIAL REPORT: CELEBRATING HARMONY DAY

Harmony Week – March 16-22

Harmony Week is celebration held annually in March across Australia. It’s aimed at promoting diversity, respect and inclusiveness. This event is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about different cultures, traditions and customs. The goal is to encourage everyone to appreciate and celebrate differences and promote a sense of community and belonging for everyone.

During Harmony Week, there are a number of events and activities held to bring people from different cultures together. These activities include multicultural food festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions and workshops. Participating in these events helps children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make up Australia.

As a parent, you can engage your children in discussions about multiculturalism and encouraging them to ask questions. Promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, can help children grow up with a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Australia’s cultural landscape.

This Special Report hopes to instil positive values and create an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about understanding diversity and multiculturalism.

Here is the link to this Special Report: https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-harmony-week-au

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!

OSPS ANNUAL EASTER RAFFLE

The annual Easter Raffle is back at OSPS!
 
Tickets for our Easter Raffle are now on sale. Please see Compass for the link to order.
 
For this raffle to be successful, we are asking families to donate eggs (nut free preferable, however, traces of nuts are fine) which will make up our prizes. Please bring any donations to the office on or before 31 March 2026.
 
Winners will be announced on Thursday, 2 April at our end of term assembly.
 
Last year we had over 125 winners. It would be great to have the same number of prizes or even more this year! It was through the generosity of our families that made having so many winners possible.

EASTER HAT PARADE

Our much loved Prep to Year 2 Easter Hat Parade will be celebrated on Thursday 2nd April (last day of Term 1).

Please start designing and creating your hats at home – be as fun, creative or crazy as you like!

Our parade will be held at 9.00am on the Junior Tiger Turf area with each grade dancing around the ‘catwalk’, singing songs and capping off a fabulous Term 1 before we hop into the school holidays! Parents & carers are welcome to hop along and take photos.

If you have any questions, please speak to your classroom teacher.

We can’t wait to see every bunny’s masterpieces!

FOODBANK HOME PACKS

Home food packs for school holidays 
Remember to order home food packs in advance for the school holidays, for families who may need additional support over the school holiday period. 

Contact Helen Paroukas to ensure you receive your food pack in time for the holidays. Send an email to: helen.paroukas@education.vic.gov.au

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

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

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR FIVE?

Year 5 students recently took part in an exciting full-day cultural program, Deadly for a Day, delivered by Deadly Kultja. Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of interactive workshops that celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

The program offered a rich range of hands-on experiences, including learning about the meanings behind the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, exploring cultural artefacts, and gaining insight into history, language, and storytelling. Students were also captivated by a live Yidaki (didgeridoo) performance.

In addition, they participated in traditional-style games adapted for safety, expressed their creativity through art inspired by First Nations culture, and enjoyed an energetic dance session.

This immersive experience provided a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the rich traditions and cultures of Australia’s First Nations peoples.

LITERACY CORNER

For Harmony Day, students reflected on what makes their classroom a unique and harmonious place by writing thoughtful letters. They shared how kindness, respect, and inclusion help everyone feel valued and supported. Many students highlighted the diversity of cultures, ideas, and friendships within the class, and how these differences make their learning environment stronger and more vibrant. Through their writing, students celebrated the importance of working together and creating a space where everyone belongs.

Deadly Kultja Incursion 

On the 25th of March all the year fives had an incursion named Deadly Kultja. We did fun activities such as Dreamtime stories, Aboriginal games and Indigenous drawings.

First, we learned about Dreamtime stories, a Yidaki, which is a didgeridoo and we even learned how to sing a song in Aboriginal language.
Then we played some really fun Indigenous games. One of my favourite games was like a relay race but you had to walk or crawl like an Australian animal.
After, we drew our own Aboriginal story, using traditional symbols, which was very fun.
At the end of the day, we did some Aboriginal dancing. Then I gave a short speech to thank them all for coming. If I had to choose one thing that was my favourite it would be playing all the fun games. I personally loves learning about Indigenous culture and I hope I get to experience this again.
by Sofia M, 5KM

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – GEM

Gratitude:

We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Harmony Day and the diversity in our school community. The cultural lunch let us try foods from different cultures and helped us appreciate traditions while showing respect and understanding for everyone.

Empathy: 
We show empathy by celebrating Harmony Day and recognising the diverse backgrounds in our school community. By learning about and appreciating each other’s cultures and traditions, we build stronger connections and support one another.

Mindfulness: 

We are mindful of the learning we experienced during the Deadly for a Day incursion with the people at Deadly Kultja. It helped us reflect on and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

 

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN JUNIOR PERFORMING ARTS?

JUNIOR PERFORMING ARTS UPDATE

We have had a busy and enjoyable start to the year in Junior Performing Arts.

The Junior School students learned a Chinese New Year dance, which they performed at a whole-school assembly. The Junior Choir also performed Year of the Horse at Junior Assembly.

Students from Prep to Year Two have been learning their Fete songs and exploring beat and rhythm in music. Year One students have been practising their special songs for Grandparents’ Day, which will be celebrated later this week.

Mrs Barnard’s Year Three class has started learning the recorder, developing patience and discipline along the way. They have been practising careful breath control to avoid squeaky notes and ensuring they cover all the holes to play the correct notes. Mr Mietzcke’s Year Threes have been learning to play the ukulele during their music lessons.

Junior Choir has also commenced, and students in Years Two and Three are welcome to join. Rehearsals are held in the Junior Music Room on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 1:25 pm.

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

NOTICE FROM MCKINNON SECONDARY COLLEGE

Dear Parents and Carers,

For families considering McKinnon Secondary College for Year 7 in 2027, we have been advised of the following important information regarding applications.

  • Out-of-zone applications are not accepted, except for siblings of current students (this may change as the school approaches capacity).
  • Fee-paying international students are not accepted in Years 7 or 8. Families on international visas (e.g. 500 or 600) will need to make alternative arrangements for secondary school.
  • A statutory declaration is now required for all enrolments, confirming your intention to continue living within the school zone.

From 28th April, 2026, during School Tours, McKinnon SC will provide a cover sheet and pre-filled statutory declaration outlining the required documentation. For families not attending a tour, the 2 documents are attached to the notice in Compass.

When returning your Yr 6-7 Transition forms next term, applications for McKinnon SC must also include:

  • 100 points of proof of residence, including a recent electricity bill (unless applying under the sibling rule)
  • Birth certificate (translated if required)
  • Valid visa or proof of citizenship (if not born in Australia)
  • Witnessed statutory declaration

Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be accepted.

Thank you

 

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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