Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 12
1st May, 2026

“Mistakes should be examined, learned from, and discarded; not dwelled upon and stored.”  — Tim Fargo

Saturday 2nd May
  • Autumn Family Fete – 10AM-4PM
Term 2  Week 3
Tuesday 5th May
  • Bentleigh District Cross Country 2026
Thursday 7th May
  • Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
  • Mother’s Day Stall
  • Senior Choir @ 3:30PM in the Hall
Friday 8th May
  • Mother’s Day Stall
Term 2  Week 4
Thursday 14th May
  • Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
  • Senior Choir @ 3:30PM in the Hall

      Wow, what an incredible weather forecast for tomorrow’s Fete!!! Sunny skies and a top of 23 degrees 🌞 Perfect conditions for a fantastic day!

      We can’t wait for everyone to come along and enjoy the activities and sample the yummy food. It will be made extra special with such fantastic weather!! Don’t forget your hats and sunscreen.

      A reminder to purchase your Early Bird Ride Wristbands via trybooking.com.au by 6:00pm today (Friday). Simply search “OSPS” to secure your wristband for $45, which provides unlimited rides between 10:00am and 3:00pm. Please note, wristbands will not be available for purchase on the day, however individual ride tickets will be available.

      Looking ahead, the Bentleigh District Cross Country will be held on Tuesday. Our OSPS team has been training hard, and we wish all students the very best for the event!

      On Thursday and Friday, our Parent Group will host the annual Mother’s Day Stall. This is a lovely opportunity for students to select a special gift for their mum or a significant person in their life. Please keep an eye out as further details will be shared via Compass early next week.

      We’re looking forward to a fantastic week ahead and hope to see many of you at the Fete!

      Warm regards,

      Nikki Virtuoso
      Acting Principal

       

      PAST STUDENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE

      We are incredibly proud to share the efforts of past student Patrick P., who has taken a meaningful stand against blood cancer.

      Since 2020, Patrick had been growing his hair, and recently made the decision to cut it off. On Tuesday, he shaved his hair as part of the World’s Greatest Shave, supporting the work of the Leukaemia Foundation. In addition, Patrick has donated his hair to Wigs4Kids, helping to create wigs for children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.

      Through his fundraising, Patrick has raised an incredible $5,543, contributing to vital research and support services for patients and their families. With over 170,000 Australians currently affected by blood cancer, and 17 lives lost each day, Patrick’s efforts are making a real difference.

      We commend Patrick for his generosity and initiative in supporting such an important cause!

      MOTHER’S DAY STALL

      On Thursday 7th and Friday 8th May, Parent Group will be hosting our annual Mother’s Day & Special Person stall.

      A roster will be issued closer to the event so parents and carers know what day their child’s class will be attending. We would also like to ask that on their allocated day, all children are sent to school with a shopping bag for their purchases.

      As with all of our events, they would not be possible without volunteers. Therefore, we ask if you have availability to help on any day that you please add your name to the roster via the link below.   

      Volunteer Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zi85i0ag3DsiWpQPNYKzLMCdwqWHHv5SCbdCSNlJe50/edit?usp=sharing

      If you have any questions, please direct them to Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.

      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 or click this link 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!

      FOODBANK HOME PACKS

      Our school is fortunate to have access to a limited number of Foodbank Home Packs, designed to support families with essential pantry items. We currently have two packs still available.

      These packs typically include a variety of non-perishable food items to assist with everyday meals. They are offered confidentially and without judgement, and we encourage any family who may benefit to reach out.

      If you, or a family you know within our school community, would be interested in accessing a pack, please contact Helen Paroukas at 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

      THANK YOU – KEEP THE DONATIONS 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!

      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.

      STEM CHALLENGES IN SCIENCE

      As we kick off Term 2, students across the school have been diving into exciting hands-on STEM challenges that spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

      Our Grade 3 and Grade 5 students took on the Hoop Gliders Challenge, where the goal was simple but engaging: design a glider that can travel as far as possible.

      Working collaboratively in small groups, students constructed their gliders using straws and paper hoops. They explored how different variables affect flight by:

      • Experimenting with hoop sizes
      • Adjusting placement and spacing
      • Testing various throwing techniques

      Through trial and error, students discovered how design changes impact aerodynamics and distance. This activity encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts such as air resistance and balance.

      Toothpicks & Marshmallows Bridge Challenge (Prep & Grade 1)

      Our youngest learners in Prep and Grade 1 embraced the Toothpicks and Marshmallows Bridge Challenge with enthusiasm and imagination.

      Using simple materials, students were tasked with designing and building a bridge strong enough to support a small amount of weight. Along the way, they:

      • Explored basic engineering principles
      • Learned about stability and structure
      • Applied early math and physics skills

      Students quickly realised the importance of strong foundations and thoughtful design, testing and refining their creations to improve strength and balance.

      These engaging STEM challenges have been a fantastic way to begin Term 2, encouraging students to think like scientists and engineers while having fun. We look forward to seeing their curiosity and creativity continue to grow throughout the term!

      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.

      X