The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. – Sydney J. Harris

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

This week saw the start of our swimming programs for the year. Very excited year 1 and 2 students have been making their way to GESAC each day this week. Not only is this an opportunity for the children to take part in vital swim lessons, but it helps them to develop their independence skills with organising themselves at the pool in terms of looking after their belongings and getting themselves dried, dressed and ready to get on the bus to return to school. They absolutely love the social aspect of travelling on the bus, as well as learning and having fun in their lessons.

Yesterday, we held our first whole school assembly for the term. The noticeable difference was that we had Year 1, 3, 5 and 6 children as an audience, while the other year levels watched the assembly through the OSPStv livestream in their classrooms.

This week we will be having a whole school assembly, where the Mathletics certificates will be distributed. The following week there will be a Junior Assembly (Years Prep – 3) and the week after a Senior Assembly (Years 4-6) where the Valued Student Awards will be given out to the students.

Next week, at our junior assembly we will welcome parents back as an audience, the first time since the COVID restrictions were imposed 2 years ago. Information about this was sent out on Monday through Compass.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Ron
Principal

TERM DATES / QR CODE

Our high expectations of student behaviour and emphasis in the wellbeing, school values and student voice space is recognised as a contributing factor. We have a sensational parent community, Parent Group and School Council who continue to show their support and volunteerism. OSPS would not be so successful without that strong relationship between parents and the school.

Keep up the great work OSPS.

Herald Sun Article: Better Education analysis reveals LGA breakdown of Melbourne’s best primary schools

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/education-victoria/better-education-analysis-reveals-lga-breakdown-of-melbournes-best-primary-schools/news-story/63b41387aa048c7f2de4140da083e04f

SCHOOL MATTERS

SMILE SQUAD

Smile Squad is still at our school for a few weeks in Term 2!

All children deserve a healthy smile and Smile Squad are continuing with dental check-ups for students in Grade 1 and Prep during Term 2.

Smile Squad is a Victorian Government program that provides free dental care to all Victorian public primary and secondary school students.

The friendly Smile Squad dental team has been at Oakleigh South PS since 2021 conducting free oral health check ups for students who consented. The Smile Squad dental van will be coming in Term 2 to provide free follow up treatment as needed.

Many of you have already returned the consent forms that were sent home last year in 2021 and we ask that you advise us if:

–          you have changed your mind or no longer consent for any services;

–          there are any changes to your child’s medical history.

Please advise Smile Squad of any changes by calling Link Health Smile Squad on 0419 249 158.

Who is Smile Squad?

The bright orange Smile Squad vans are staffed by experienced oral health therapists, dental therapists, dental assistants and dentists. They all have lots of experience treating children and a passion for improving their oral health – for life.

Learn more about the Smile Squad by visiting www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au or contact the team at smilesquad@dhsv.org.au.

The Victorian Government offer a Sports, Camps and Excursions Fund for families who hold a valid means-tested concession card are eligible to apply. A special consideration category also exists.

A payment of $125 for eligible primary school students and $225 for eligible secondary school students will be paid directly to the school to be used toward camps, sports and excursion costs for the student’s benefit.

CSEF payments to schools will commence from 1 March onwards. Schools are able to continue processing applications until the end of Term 2.

Click here for further information CSEF Website

Please click here to apply – https://www.education.vic.gov.au/PAL/csef-application-form.pdf

STUDENT SHOWCASE

Oz Harvest FEAST Program

In Term 2, the Year 5 students will be participating in an exciting new program called FEAST. During this unit of work the students will learn about food waste, nutrition and develop basic cooking skills as they work together to write a school cookbook!

The program has been developed by Oz Harvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, to help raise awareness about reducing food waste, food insecurity and the importance of healthy eating. The program forms part of our STEM and English curriculum this term as students learn problem solving, design and production skills, collaboration, communication, procedural texts, and important life skills.

Our school is lucky to have been provided with a whole suite of resources for this program including cooking equipment and teaching resources through philanthropic donation to Oz Harvest valued at over $1500.

We are all so excited!!

Here are some delicious recipes that the students will be cooking!!

Banana Pikelets 

Chickpea and Lentil Kofta Pita Pockets

Fruit Skewers with Natural Yoghurt

Crunchy Noodle Salad and so many more!

Let’s all work together to save our planet!!

RESILIENCE PROJECT

MINDFUL IN MAY

Mindfulness is our ability to be calm and present at any given moment. We practice this by slowing down and concentrating on one thing at a time.

Thousands of studies have proven benefits include reduced stress, reduced rumination, increased memory, increased cognitive function and physical health benefits through improved immunity.

Mindfulness link –  https://theresilienceproject.com.au/parent-and-carer-hub-hugh/

Mindfulness can be practised through meditation, yoga and daily activities such as cooking, colouring in, walking, listening to music or a podcast, journal writing or in a more informal way by being mindfully engaged in your daily activities.

LIBRARY NEWS

OSPS SPORT

YEAR 6 INTERSCHOOL SPORT WINTER  RESULTS

GET ACTIVE VICTORIA

The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities. Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees. Families can now apply for vouchers for expenses incurred from January 1st 2022.

For more information on the Kids Voucher Program and how to apply for them please visit the website here – https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/

PARENT GROUP

MOTHER’S DAY STALL

Parent Group is pleased to have arranged a Mother’s Day Stall this Friday 6th May.

• Price range between 50c and $10.00.
• Kids to bring own shopping bags.
• Senior Performing Arts Room.
• Teachers will bring their classes throughout the day.

Thank you Parent Group!

PARENT CORNER

CAMP AUSTRALIA

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.