Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 10
2nd April, 2026

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” — Buddha

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 required at School
Tuesday 21st April 
  • Term 2 Begins

 

And in the blink of an eye, the first term is over!

What a busy and productive start to the year it has been. Our Prep children have settled beautifully into school life, NAPLAN has been successfully administered, and many year levels have enjoyed engaging excursions. Our Year 1 and 2 students have participated enthusiastically in their swimming program, Running Club is in full swing, and our wonderful Parent Group has organised several special events for students. Thank you to all staff and families for your support in making the start of 2026 such a success.

This morning, we held our annual Easter Hat Parade on the junior running track. The track was filled with our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students proudly wearing their carefully created Easter hats. The creativity on display was fantastic, with bright and colourful designs showcased as each class paraded around the track. It was lovely to see so many parents and grandparents in attendance to support the children — thank you for being part of this special event.

On Monday our house Cross Country event saw the students from years 3-6 compete for the chance to make the OSPS Cross-country team. The first 8 students from each age group will now go through to compete next term in the Bentleigh District Cross Country.

Preparations for our upcoming Autumn Fete are well underway. Please keep an eye on COMPASS for updates, and we encourage families to volunteer for a timeslot at your child’s class stall. You can sign up online via your class or year level helpers list — many hands truly do make light work!

As we head into the holiday break, I encourage all students to spend some time on Mathletics, Reading Eggs and myON, and to continue reading regularly. Maintaining these learning habits, alongside enjoying some well-earned rest and fun activities, will help ensure a smooth return to Term 2.

We concluded the term this afternoon with our final assembly, where the Parent Group announced the winners of the Easter raffle. Thank you to all families for your generous donations and support.

A reminder that Monday 20th April is a Curriculum Day, and students are not required at school. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday 21st April.

Wishing all our families a safe, happy and relaxing holiday break!

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

 

ROTARY COMMUNITY RAFFLE

 

Together with our Fete fundraising efforts, we take part in the Rotary Community Raffle. The total prize pool is $ 55,766.00 with the first prize being a Mazda CX 5 MAXX Sport.

Tickets are $5 and tickets are on sale until 11.59pm on 15th May. Raffle drawn 23rd May.

Last year an OSPS family won the car!

Scan the QR code to purchase!

OSPS receive 70c for every dollar spent on the raffle so the fundraising returns are fantastic!

Please share this with your family, friends, neighbours and on your social media!

We thank you so much for your support!

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!

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

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

EASTER RAFFLE

The Oakleigh South Parent Group would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful school community for your generosity in supporting our Easter donation drive.

Thanks to your kind contributions, we have been able to create a fantastic collection of Easter items, which were used as prizes in our Easter raffle. Your support has helped make the raffle extra special, and we are so grateful for the enthusiasm shown by our families.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Woolworths at The Links for their generous support, and to Clare O’Neil, our local Federal Member for Hotham, for her contribution to our school community.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed, your kindness and community spirit are truly appreciated.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter.

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.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR SIX?

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!

HALOGEN YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

 
Last Friday, our Year 6 School & House Captains had an inspiring day at the Halogen Youth Leadership Conference. We listened to a range of influential leaders share their stories and leadership journeys, challenged our thinking, and even got up and moving—learning through dance and interactive activities! 

We heard from:

  • Catherine Laga’aia (The Arts), who will star as the titular character in the live-action Moana film.

  • Nick Hudson (Community Service), founder of the Push-Up Challenge and mental health advocate

  • Adrian Beck (The Arts), best-selling author of VillAIn and Fox Kid

  • Jacqui Bell (Adventurer), the youngest person in history to run an ultramarathon on all 7 continents

A highlight was the opportunity to meet, ask questions and engage directly with the speakers. We can’t wait to bring our new ideas and inspiration back to Oakleigh South! 

LITERACY CORNER

Our Year 6 students have developed their narrative writing skills in Term 1, by practising their sizzling starts, understanding how to build a character care factor, developing tension and experimenting with different endings. Throughout this process our writers have discovered the importance of planning! Here are some excerpts from two incredible Cold Writes this term, written to the prompt: Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes:

Sick to the stomach. Panting for breath. It was all hollowness. Hollowness of heart. Hollowness of soul. Now, looking at the glass, I realised I was becoming exactly what the world was, and is, and will be.

Maybe I did have something to lose – me.

Maybe being in reality, a cracked society, was crucial to finding myself.

by Gwen, 6FW

Stability isn’t about staying the same. It’s about not letting one mistake define you.

When I was six, I watched my mum sell her wedding ring after my dad lost his job.

Suddenly, all the harm I had inflicted on Lisa, my lifelong rival, felt despicable. We had both wanted this prize, not for fame and glory, but for survival. I had needed it to cure the deathly illness destabilising my mum, slowly killing her, and Lisa needed it for her financial issues.

by Emma, 6CM

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – GEM

Gratitude:
As Year 6s, we are grateful for the opportunity to play interschool sport against a variety of other schools every Thursday. 

Empathy: 
We have empathy for those students who may have missed out on finals, despite giving 100% in every game.

Mindfulness: 

We are mindful of our parents and guardians who may still have work during the upcoming holidays. We will be a help not a hindrance around the house over the next couple of weeks! 

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN PE & SPORT?

PE & SPORT UPDATE

It has been a busy and active start to the year for the PE and Sport program at Oakleigh South Primary School.

From our Prep students participating in their very first PE lessons, to our senior students demonstrating perseverance and sportsmanship at the House Cross Country, it has been fantastic to see such enthusiasm and involvement across all year levels.

Highlights from Term 1 include:

  • Prep – Year 2: Participation in engaging basketball and football clinics, building fundamental movement skills and confidence
  • Year 3 – 6: House Cross Country, held at school, with students showing great determination and resilience
  • Year 5: House Tee-ball Competition, showcasing teamwork and skill development
  • Year 6: Weekly Inter School Sport, culminating in finals on the last day of term
  • Selected students: Representation at District and Division Swimming events

We are incredibly proud of all students for their effort, participation, and positive sportsmanship throughout the term.

We look forward to another exciting term ahead, with upcoming events including District Cross Country and our House Athletics Carnival in Term 2.

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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