IMPORTANT DATES

Issue 14 – 16th May 2025

Friday 16th May
• Karate Clinics 

Thursday 22nd May
• School Tour

Tuesday 27th May
• Beachside Division Cross Country
• Year 4–6 Assembly (2:45PM)

Thursday 29th May
• Interschool Winter Sport
• Senior Choir – Hall (3:45PM)

Tuesday 3rd June
• Prep–Year 3 Assembly (2:45PM)

Thursday 5th June
• Interschool Winter Sport (11:00AM–1:00PM)
• Senior Choir – Hall (3:45PM)

Monday 9th June
• King’s Birthday Public Holiday – No School

Tuesday 10th June
• Whole School Assembly (2:45PM)

Thursday 12th June
• Interschool Winter Sport (11:00AM–1:00PM)
• Senior Choir – Hall (3:45PM)

Tuesday 17th June
• Year 4–6 Assembly (2:45PM)

MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT

It was wonderful to witness the success of Saturday’s Fete — a true testament to the incredible generosity and spirit of our school community.

The funds raised through the Fete really do make a meaningful difference for our school.

On behalf of the School Council, I extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed — whether in the lead-up, on the day, or both!

A special thank you also goes to our dedicated OSPS staff, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing the event to life.

Finally, I’d like to commend Nikki Virtuoso and the OSPS leadership team for the outstanding job they did in coordinating this event. Not only was the Fete a resounding success, but it was also organised in just over seven weeks — an incredible achievement, especially considering the date couldn’t be confirmed until the Federal Election was called.

This is just another example of the exceptional leadership and commitment that makes OSPS such a special place.

Warm regards,
Andrew Power
OSPS School Council President

THIS MONTH ON SCHOOLTV – ONLINE GAMING

Games are an integral part of human behaviour. It is normal and healthy for young people to engage in play as a part of their daily lives, including playing games online. And like most activities, online gaming can have both positive and negative outcomes. It can be intimidating and confusing for carers trying to understand a young person’s online experiences with many considering that staring at a screen is an unhealthy habit. However, the World Health Organisation does believe that as well as the risks, there are also many positive benefits associated with online gaming and these could be key in nurturing bonds with others.

During the pandemic, there was an explosive growth of gaming as people sought much needed connection during isolation. In the media, gaming often gets bad publicity because most coverage tends to concentrate on the minority of gamers who play to such an extent that it compromises all other areas of their life. However, online gaming can teach young people many skills including teamwork, concentration, communication and problem-solving. It requires a level of interaction and skill from the player; unlike watching television, which is more passive.

Online communities provide opportunities for young people to feel socially connected and have a sense of belonging. At healthy levels, gaming can increase their self-esteem and social acceptance. However, any behaviour, when taken to extreme, can also have a negative impact on a young person’s everyday life. Understanding what your young person experiences online and knowing the warning signs if they are at risk, will help nurture a more positive relationship with online gaming and help your family find the right balance.

If you are concerned about your young person’s online gaming habits, it’s important to consider a number of factors. This edition will provide strategies in how to deal with any issues you may be experiencing.

Here is the link to the Online Gaming edition of SchoolTV:
https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/online-gaming

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 to the office or carlyn.backers@education.vic.gov.au as soon as possible.

Please note: 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.

YEAR 1 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

 
Aaron – Prep FB
(Excellence)
For his outstanding effort and beautifully presented work. Well done, Aaron!

Sashana – Prep FB
(Respect)
For consistently showing kindness, respect, and care towards others. You’re a star, Sashana!

Eli – Prep AM
(Excellence)
For his fabulous attitude to school, making a Super Star effort to complete all tasks.

Emily – Prep AM
(Excellence)
For her creative Show and Share presentations, detailed drawings and super writing ideas. Go Emily!

Arya – Prep KL
(Respect)
For always being a respectful listener and learner in Prep KL.

Jackson – Prep KL
(Excellence)
For always taking pride in his work and trying his best!

Grace – Prep LM
(Excellence)
For being a caring and compassionate student, who demonstrates a positive attitude to learning.

Sienna – Prep LM
(Respect)
For being a caring and compassionate class member of Prep LM, and always helping those in need.

Alexander – Prep AL
(Respect)
For always being kind and treating others with respect. Well done!

Dhyaana – Prep AL
(Excellence)
For always trying her best and being a kind classmate. Keep it up!

Amelia – Prep SJ
(Excellence)
For her kindness towards her peers and excellent display of the 5L’s whilst sitting on the floor.

Pranika – Prep SJ
(Resilience)
For always trying her best and never giving up. Great work!

Violet – Prep SJ
(Working Together)
For always being the first to help her peers in and outside the classroom.

Varun – Prep CD
(Excellence)
For showing a strong eagerness for learning. Keep it up!

Olivia – Prep CD
(Resilience)
For showing great independence when settling in each morning. Well done!

YEAR 1 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

Ilisha – 1AN
(Excellence)
For always giving her best effort. Ilisha is a fantastic student and a wonderful friend in 1AN.

Ken – 1AN
(Integrity)
For being an honest and trustworthy member of 1AN. Well done Ken!

Maya – 1MB
(Excellence)
For always trying her best and having a go, demonstrating a great ‘can do’ attitude! Go Maya!

Zahara – 1MB
(Working Together)
For always coming into the class with a smile on her face and looking out for her peers! What a star!

Vivaan – 1MB
(Excellence)
For always reading with great expression and fluency, and retelling the story from back to front!

Rushil – 1LC
(Excellence)
For starting Term 2 off with a bang by working hard and producing fantastic work! Go Rushil!

Avi – 1LC
(Resilience)
For working hard on his handwriting and being a cool, calm and collected learner. Go Avi!

Alice – 1NM
(Excellence)
For always reading beautifully during Morning Reading sessions and always helping others in need.

Tony – 1NM
(Resilience)
For always having grit and determination in tackling challenging math questions. Well done, Tony!

Katie – 1SC
(Excellence)
For her creatively convincing reasons for why dogs are better than cats.

Abhi – 1SC
(Respect)
For always showing beautiful manners when asking questions. Thank you, Abhi!

Kriti – 1JG
(Excellence)
For being a polite, thoughtful and responsible student who adds sunshine to our classroom!

Bella – 1JG
(Excellence)
For consistently working hard on Maths Invaders & Mathletics. I love seeing your proud smile, Bella!

YEAR 2 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

William – 2AB
(Resilience)
For maintaining his concentration skills by following instructions when completing tasks.

Cindy – 2AB
(Excellence)
For completing a detailed recount about her school holidays, including 2 brilliant truth statements.

Addie – 2VO
(Excellence)
For reading with fantastic fluency and great expression! Well done, Addie!

Chethas – 2VO
(Excellence)
For coming to school with a positive attitude and always willing to provide a helping hand!

Tessa – 2GL
(Excellence)
For listening beautifully to her teachers and putting 100% effort into her classwork.

Harvey – 2GL
(Excellence)
For the fantastic effort you have been putting into your reading. Well done Harvey!

Aiden – 2ML
(Excellence)
For demonstrating excellent listening on the floor. Well done Aiden, keep it up!

Sofia-Mae – 2ML
(Excellence)
For the fantastic effort you have been putting into your writing. Well done Sofia-Mae!!

Sky – 2TM
(Excellence)
For working exceptionally hard over the holidays in Mathletics and getting over 20,000 points!

Elle – 2TM
(Excellence)
Working super hard in reading and moving on to a new colour reading dot! Well done Elle!

Navika – 2AP
(Excellence)
For working hard to include more detail in her writing. Keep up the good work Navika!

Rana – 2AP
(Excellence)
For consistently striving to achieve his best and working well with others. Keep it up Rana!

YEAR 3 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

Eleni – 3NM
(Excellence)
For showing excellence in all areas by working hard, doing beautiful work, and using lovely manners!

Nathan – 3NM
(Working Together)
For working well with others by being kind, thoughtful, and inclusive with your friendly smile!

Daniel – 3WC
(Excellence)
For consistently working diligently and to the best of his ability in all areas of the curriculum.

Tobi – 3WC
(Working Together)
For consistently supporting and working cooperatively with his peers.

Karmel – 3FT
(Respect)
For consistently demonstrating respect towards her peers in and outside of the classroom.

Asha – 3FT
(Excellence)
For consistently completing her work to a high standard. We are so lucky to have you Asha!

Adhya – 3MW
(Respect)
For always being a respectful and polite class member.

Mikayla – 3MW
(Resilience)
For showing resilience to greatly improve your letter formation.

CONNECTED PARENTING WEBINAR RECORDING

We hope you enjoyed the Connected Parenting Webinar with Lael Stone on Tuesday, May 12th. We were thrilled that so many could join us!

Link to the Recording: Click here to view the webinar recording.

Please note: This link will expire on 12th June.

ART ROOM UPDATE: A JUNGLE OF CREATIVITY!

With rehearsals for the upcoming Year 4 production of The Jungle Book in full swing, the Art Room has transformed into a vibrant hive of creativity and colour!

Across the year levels, students have been busily creating themed artworks to support and celebrate this exciting event. Our goal is to present a Jungle Book-inspired Art Show during production week, turning the school hall foyer into a visual jungle wonderland that complements the magic happening on stage.

From bold jungle foliage to playful animal portraits, textured backgrounds, and Mowgli-inspired scenes, students have explored a wide range of materials and techniques. There’s been plenty of paint, collage, drawing, and mixed media at play — and of course, loads of imagination!

We can’t wait to showcase the students’ artistic efforts. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to celebrate both the performers and the creative talents of our young artists.

Keep an eye out for more details about when and where you can view the Art Show — it’s going to be a jungle out there (in the best way possible)!

YEAR ONE
Shere Khan Portraits

YEAR FOUR
Bear Study

YEAR SIX
Tiger Study Collage

ART ROOM GEM