Oakleigh South Primary School

NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 11

24th April, 2025

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X

IMPORTANT DATES

Issue 11 – 24th April 2025

Thursday 24th April
• House Cross Country 
• Senior Choir – Hall (3:45PM)

Friday 25th April
• ANZAC Day Public Holiday – No School

Monday 28th April
• Curriculum Day – Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 29th April
• School Tour (9:30AM)
• Whole School Assembly (2:45PM)

Thursday 1st May
• Senior Choir – Hall (3:45PM)

Friday 2nd May
• Parent Group Mother’s Day Stall

Tuesday 6th May
• Bentleigh District Cross Country
• Year 4–6 Assembly (2:45PM)

Thursday 8th May
• VSSS Dance Rehearsal – Hall 
• Interschool Winter Sport 
• Senior Choir – Hall (3:45PM)

Saturday 10th May
• OSPS Family Fete (10:00AM–4:00PM)

Monday 12th May
• Karate Clinics 
• TRP Connected Parenting Webinar with Lael Stone (6:30PM)

Tuesday 13th May
• Prep–Year 3 Assembly (2:45PM)

Wednesday 14th May
• Prep – Reptile Incursion

Thursday 15th May
• Interschool Winter Sport 
• Prep – Mother’s Day Afternoon (2:30PM)
• Senior Choir – Hall (3:45PM)

Friday 16th May
• Karate Clinics 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Welcome back to Term 2!

We hope you and your families had a restful holiday and a lovely Easter break.

This short three-day week has already been filled with exciting activities. Yesterday, students took part in Crazy Hair Day and brought in donations for the Lucky Jar stall at our upcoming Fete. If your child forgot their item, not to worry – donations can still be dropped off next week at the office or the 1SC classroom.

Our Prep students enjoyed a Responsible Pet Ownership incursion, part of a Victorian Government program designed to educate young children on how to interact safely and respectfully with animals. Led by presenter Naomi and her dog Raider, the session covered how to safely approach and greet a dog, recognise warning signs of stress or discomfort in animals, and understand the responsibilities of caring for pets. It was a fun, hands-on learning experience that helped build students’ confidence and awareness.

Today we held our House Cross Country event, with Years 3–6 students running a brand-new course within the school grounds. It was fantastic to see so many students proudly wearing their house colours, along with the new Indigenous-style house shirts representing Gould, Cuthbert, Landy, and Fraser. A big thank you to our PE department and the wonderful parent helpers who supported the event!

With the Fete just around the corner, planning and preparations are well underway. We encourage families to stay up to date by reading the Fete newsletters and notices—they contain all the key information and ways to get involved. Volunteering is the most valuable way you can help, and even one hour makes a big difference.

Here’s how you can support:

  • Volunteer just one hour on your child’s Fete stall – this is the most important and helpful contribution you can make.

  • Offer to assist your classroom teacher in the lead-up to the Fete.

  • Purchase your Early Bird Ride Wristbands before prices rise.

  • Join the Fete team to help gather business donations or sponsorships.

  • Donate excellent-condition pre-loved books and toys.

  • Contribute new items for prize hampers or the Silent Auction.

  • Drop off clean, washed glass or plastic jars for the Lucky Jar stall.

  • Donate pots, plants, produce, succulents, or cuttings for the Year 3 Village Market.

  • Pick and donate lemons or limes (with the stem attached).

  • Register your child to perform on stage for the Talent Quest.

  • Interested in becoming a Fete sponsor? Sponsorship is a fantastic way to support our school while promoting your business – get in touch to find out more.

Click here to view all Fete newsletters and notices.

Important Reminders:

  • Tomorrow, Friday 25th April, is the ANZAC Day public holiday – the school will be closed.

  • Next Monday 28th April is a Curriculum Day – there will be no school for students.

We look forward to seeing everyone next week.

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

SCHOOL MATTERS

MOTHER’S & SPECIAL PERSON DAY STALL

On Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd May, our Parent Group will be hosting the annual Mother’s & Special Person Day Stall.

Students will be able to choose from a selection of gifts to buy for their mum or special person at the stall. Please make sure your child brings cash in small denominations on their class’s day. Card payments are not available.

A class roster will be shared closer to the date so families know which day their child will visit the stall. On their allocated day, please ensure your child brings a shopping bag to carry their purchases.

As always, these events rely on the support of our wonderful volunteers. If you’re available to help on either day, please add your name to the roster via the link below:

Volunteer Sign-Up: Click here

If you have any questions, please contact Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support! 

OSPS ANNUAL REPORT 2024

 

The OSPS Annual Report has been endorsed by school council and full attested by the Department of Education.

It can be located and viewed by parents on the Compass by clicking on the ‘Community Tab’ (people icon) in the menu bar,  ‘School Documentation’ and in the folder ‘Parent Info & Handbook’.

We look forward to sharing this with the school community at a later date in the school year.

THIS MONTH ON SCHOOLTV – CYBERSAFETY

Today’s young people are growing up in a highly connected world where technology plays a central role in learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers incredible opportunities, it also brings a range of risks — including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, and challenges around screen time.

Cybersafety goes beyond simply restricting access. It’s about equipping children and teens with the tools and understanding they need to use technology safely and responsibly. This means learning to navigate privacy settings, spot scams, and build healthy digital habits. Just as importantly, it requires parents and caregivers to stay informed, model positive online behaviour, and create open, judgement-free conversations around technology use.

In today’s digital age, supporting a child’s wellbeing must also include protecting their online world.
This edition of SchoolTV offers practical insights and strategies to help families better understand the digital landscape and support young people in staying safe, empowered, and in control online.

Access the latest edition here: https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/cybersafety-au

SMILE SQUAD 2025

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.

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT

GEM AWARDS 


Maximus M. – Prep AM – Empathy: For treating his classmates with respect and understanding.

Samrat P. – 1SC – Empathy: For always being a kind and helpful friend, and for always looking out for his peers! You rock, Samrat!

Myra K. – 2AP – Empathy: For always caring about those around her and the environment. You’re a star, Myra!

Kelly L. – 3AN – Empathy: For always showing kindness, understanding, and care towards others. Keep shining, Kelly!

Bodhi H. – 4LD – Empathy: For demonstrating empathy by always being kind, understanding, and supportive of his peers. It is wonderful to have you in the classroom.

Caleb T. – 5JD – Gratitude: For demonstrating exceptional gratitude and kindness. Your ability to appreciate others and express thanks has made our classroom a better place.

Nikki N. – 6MH – Empathy: For the way she always looks out for others and demonstrates care and compassion.

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.

PARENT GROUP

PARENT GROUP AGM

The Parent Group held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 1st April, and are pleased to announce the appointment of the following parents to the available positions:

President: Nicole Stenton
Vice President: Jasmine Efthymiou
Secretary: Nelsie Fernandes
Treasurer: Koby Lacy

We wish our newly appointed members all the best in their roles and would like to thank Nigel Hooley for chairing the meeting.

If you would like to join the Parent Group or volunteer at events when available, please feel free to get in touch via osparentgroup67@gmail.com.

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.

SECONDARY SCHOOL & TRANSITION INFO

YEAR 6 TO YEAR 7: SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSITION

All Year 6 students in Victoria must complete a Year 7 placement form to enrol in a government secondary school for 2026. This process is managed by the Department of Education.

Families will receive the Application for Year 7 Placement form early in Term 2, which must be completed and returned by Friday 9 May 2025.

You can list up to three government secondary schools in order of preference, including your local zoned school. If you plan to send your child to a Catholic or independent (private) school, you will need to apply directly to that school through their own enrolment process.

STATEWIDE GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS TIMELINE – YEAR 7 IN 2026

• Early Term 2 – Placement forms sent home
• Friday 9 May – Forms due back to school
• Tuesday 1 July – Placement offers sent to families
• Tuesday 9 December – Year 6 Orientation Day at government secondary schools

Please see these links for more information:
🔗 findmyschool.vic.gov.au
🔗 vic.gov.au/moving-primary-secondary-school-information-parents-and-carers

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or our Enrolments Officer at enrolments@oakleighsouthps.vic.edu.au

CAMP AUSTRALIA

OSPS FETE SPONSORS

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS

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.

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