Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 11
24th April, 2026

“I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.” — José N. Harris

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope all our families had a relaxing and enjoyable break and that students have returned refreshed and ready for another busy and exciting term ahead.

Our staff began the term with a very worthwhile professional learning day on Monday. Teachers worked collaboratively to deepen their understanding of key areas of the curriculum, with a particular focus on the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. They also explored how to use English data more effectively to support planning and improve teaching outcomes in literacy. It was a valuable opportunity for our team to learn together and continue strengthening our practice for the benefit of all students.

On Wednesday, the school was full of colour and creativity as students took part in Crazy Hair Day! It was wonderful to see so many imaginative styles on display, all in support of our upcoming Fete. Thank you to everyone who brought in donations for the Lucky Jar stall. If your child forgot their item, not to worry—donations can still be dropped off next week at the office or in the 1JG classroom.

With the Fete just around the corner, planning and preparations are well underway. There is a great sense of excitement building across the school community. We encourage all families to stay up to date by reading the Fete newsletters and notices, as they contain important information and plenty of opportunities to get involved. These can all be found on your COMPASS app.

Here are some of the ways you can help to support our 2026 Autumn Fete:

• Volunteer for 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—please get in touch to find out more.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school. We are looking forward to a fantastic term ahead and a wonderful Fete that brings our whole community together.

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!

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

FOODBANK HOME PACKS

Welcome back to Term 2. We currently have 2 home food packs available.

If you know of any families who may need extra support at this time, please reach out to organise a pack.

Contact Helen Paroukas at helen.paroukas@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

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