Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 14
15th May, 2026
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
Term 2 Week 5
Monday 18th May
- Education Support Staff Appreciation Day
- Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program (Day 1/5)
Tuesday 19th May
- Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program (Day 2/5)
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Whole School Assembly with Harmony Day Performances @ 2:30PM in the Hall
- School Council Metting @6:15PM
Wednesday 20th May
- Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program (Day 3/5)
Thursday 21st May
- School Tour @ 9:30AM
- Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program (Day 4/5)
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Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
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Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall
Friday 22nd May
- Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program (Day 5/5)
- Year 6 Sex Ed Program
Term 2 Week 6
Tuesday 26th May
- Year 1 Chemical Science Incursion
- Beachside Division Cross Country
- Year 4 to 6 Assembly @ 2:45PM in the Hall
Thursday 28th May
- VSSS Mass Dance Rehersals – Round 3
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Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
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Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall
Friday 29th May
- Dance Curriculum Incursion – Years 5 & 6
- Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program
After another busy week at OSPS, things just seem to get busier!
The Year 4 student are busy rehearsing their production of Finding Nemo Jr. This will be held during the last week of term 2. We are all very excited for this colourful production to be performed.
Next week we will be celebrating Education Week, with this year’s theme being “Showcase Your School.” Education Week provides a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the great work happening in schools every day. Throughout the week, we look forward to highlighting the many learning opportunities, achievements and experiences that make our school special. We are proud of our students and the way they represent our values both inside and outside the classroom.
A reminder that our Year 3 and 4 students will be participating in the Swimming Program at GESAC over five days next week. This program is always a valuable experience, helping students build confidence, develop water safety skills and enjoy physical activity in a supportive environment. Thank you to the staff and families who help make opportunities like this possible. We hope all students have an enjoyable and rewarding week.
We will also be holding a School Tour on Thursday at 9:30am. School tours are a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to visit our classrooms, meet staff and students, and experience firsthand the welcoming environment we are so proud of. If you know of families interested in joining our school community, please encourage them to attend.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support. I look forward to another great week of learning and celebration across our school.
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 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!
SCHOOLTV: DEALING WITH CONFLICT
Conflict is a natural and unavoidable part of family life. As children grow, differences in opinions, emotions and expectations can sometimes lead to tension at home, at school or with peers. While these moments can feel challenging, they also present valuable opportunities to teach young people important life skills. How conflict is managed within the family plays a key role in shaping a child’s ability to communicate, regulate emotions and navigate relationships.
For adult carers, supporting children through conflict means staying calm, listening with empathy and modelling respectful problem-solving. When handled constructively, conflict can strengthen relationships, build resilience and help children develop the confidence to manage disagreements in healthy and productive ways.
This edition of SchoolTV explores practical strategies to help families approach conflict with greater understanding and confidence.
Here is the link to this topic: http://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/dealing-conflict-au
HARMONY WEEK STUDENT PERFORMANCES AT ASSEMBLY
Tuesday 19th May @ 2:45pm
Please note that our postponed whole school cultural performance assembly will take place on Tuesday 19th May at 2:45pm in our school hall.
Some of our students have been rehearsing both at home and at school for many weeks and are very excited to showcase their performances to our school community.
We look forward to celebrating this special event together!
HOST FAMILIES WANTED FOR JAPANESE STUDENTS VISTING OUR SCHOOL
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming 6 students from Japan as part of our cultural exchange program, from the 4th of August to the 12th of August 2026. This year, we are excited to welcome 2 girls and 4 boys, all aged between 10 and 12 years old (Year 5–6 students). We are looking for 3 families who are able to host two students each during their stay.
Host Family Requirements:
- Have space for two students to stay at your home
- Provide a bed or a comfortable mattress for each student
- Provide three meals a day
- Be available for one weekend to spend time with the students and ideally take them to explore some local attractions (e.g. Melbourne CBD, Chadstone, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Zoo, etc.)
As a token of appreciation, a small financial contribution will be provided to host families.
If your family is interested in this wonderful opportunity, please complete the Expression of Interest form by Friday 19th June.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Michelle Sensei at michelle.lee3@education.vic.gov.au or Ito Sensei at showji.ito@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you for your support in making this cultural exchange program a success!
SMILE SQUAD IS COMING BACK!
We are very excited to share with you that the SMILE SQUAD is returning to our school on the 15th June.
For new families, Smile Squad is the Victorian Government free school dental program.This means all students can get a free dental check-up, preventive services, and treatment at school.
All you have to do is scan the QR code on the attached notice and fill in the necessary details, or follow this link.
The Link Health and Community Smile Squad team look forward to seeing your child/children soon.
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
The Victorian Government provides the CSEF to help eligible families with the cost of school camps, sports and excursions.
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Eligible families hold a valid means-tested concession card (special consideration category also exists).
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Primary students receive $400, paid directly to the school to support activity costs.
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Applications are open until the end of Term 2, with payments commencing from 1 March.
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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
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:
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2 uniform tops (polo shirt, shirt or summer dress)
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1 uniform bottom (pants, trackpants, trousers or shorts)
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1 outerwear item (puffer jacket)
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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
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.
SENIOR VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
PREP VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Evan – Prep AL
(Working Together)
For always trying his hardest and helping his peers without being asked. Well done, Evan!
Shree – Prep AL
(Excellence)
For always producing neat and thoughtful work. You’re a star, Shree!
Ariana – Prep BG
(Excellence)
For always demonstrating excellence in her behaviour and learning. Well done, Ariana!
Kaira – Prep BG
(Respect)
For always helping others and using beautiful manners in the classroom.
Mila – Prep CD
(Excellence)
For always demonstrating terrific listening skills by consistently showing the 5Ls. You are a star!
Angelo – Prep CD
(Excellence)
For working hard to improve his writing skills. Keep up the hard work, Angelo!
Jayden – Prep FT
(Excellence)
For demonstrating fantastic listening during learning time. Keep shining, Jayden!
Kelly – Prep FT
(Respect)
For consistently showing respect towards her teacher during learning time. You are a star!
Ralph – Prep KL
(Excellence)
For showing great determination in Maths Invaders until he reached the highest score!
Nicolas – Prep KL
(Resilience)
For working so hard on his pencil grip. Great persistence, Nicolas!
George – Prep LM
(Excellence)
For being a polite and responsible member of our school who is a role model to others.
Shevon – Prep LM
(Excellence)
For always trying her best and being a thoughtful and caring class member of PLM!
Monica – Prep NM
(Excellence)
For always working quietly and with excellent manners. Well done, Monica!
Austin – Prep NM
(Working Together)
For working well with others in class and including others in the playground.
YEAR 1 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Katia – 1AN
(Excellence)
For always giving her best in everything she does. She always demonstrates the school values!
Naksh – 1AN
(Resilience)
For always giving his best during class tasks and never giving up. What a star!
Valentina – 1JG
(Respect)
For spreading smiles and kindness and being a friend who makes everyone feel valued and included!
Hamish – 1JG
(Excellence)
For the epic effort he has been putting into his reading and word lists. Keep it up, Hame!
Violet – 1LC
(Resilience)
For never giving up when it comes to Maths Invaders. You are on a roll now, Violet!
Cayden – 1LC
(Excellence)
For working hard on improving his handwriting and always having a ‘can do’ attitude. Keep it up!
Mila – 1NC
(Integrity)
For being a trustworthy friend and student who consistently makes honest and thoughtful choices.
Jaxon – 1NC
(Resilience)
For always having a positive attitude and tackling every challenge with grit and determination.
Alisha – 1NM
(Excellence)
For working hard in class and producing an excellent fact family cookie display. Well done!
Harry – 1NM
(Excellence)
For concentrating and creating amazing fete writing to persuade and inform others to come.
Dhruv – 1SD
(Working Together)
For helping others in the classroom and in the schoolyard.
Claire – 1SD
(Resilience)
For trying her best in her schoolwork and always being happy, no matter the circumstances.
YEAR 2 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Leo – 2BB
(Excellence)
For always working his hardest in every task. Well done, Leo, your hard work is paying off!
Tony – 2BB
(Excellence)
For always trying his best in every task and never giving up. Fantastic work, Tony!
Aaliyah – 2GL
(Excellence)
For amazing writing this term. Your recounts have truly impressed us. Well done!
Ari – 2GL
(Excellence)
For his excellent listening on the mat. Ari is always keen and eager to learn. Well done!
Leo – 2LD
(Respect)
For coming back in Term 2 trying his best and always following instructions. Great job, Leo!
Mahathi – 2LD
(Excellence)
For always completing work to the best of her ability and staying on task. Awesome work, Mahathi!
Adalynn – 2ML
(Excellence)
For always pushing yourself to your best and going above expectations in writing and maths!
Zoe – 2ML
(Integrity)
For working independently and using class time wisely to show her best learning!
Paul – 2ML
(Resilience)
For trying his best when faced with difficult tasks and never giving up!
Lucius – 2MV
(Excellence)
For your fantastic participation and dedication to your learning. Your knowledge inspires everyone!
Eunice – 2MV
(Working Together)
For being such a kind and helpful friend who always looks for ways to support classmates!
Mila – 2OC
(Resilience)
For giving challenging tasks a go and not giving up. You’re a star, Mila!
Avi – 2OC
(Working Together)
For being a helpful classmate to his peers. Keep it up, Avi!
Eva – 2OC
(Working Together)
For being a kind and caring friend to all of her peers. Thank you, Eva!
Anirudh – 2OC
(Excellence)
For working hard to complete his best work in all areas of the curriculum. Keep up the great work!
Ethan – 2VF
(Respect)
For showing respect to teachers and peers and always striving to do the right thing. You’re a star!
Kriti – 2VF
(Excellence)
For always demonstrating excellence in all her work. We love having you in 2VF, Kriti!
YEAR 3 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Hayley – 3DH
(Excellence)
For always working hard to achieve your best in everything you do. You are an inspiration to us all!
Saanvi – 3DH
(Respect)
For always having a positive attitude and treating others with care and respect. Well done, Saanvi!
Finley – 3JM
(Excellence)
For putting 100% into all your tasks.
Lori – 3JM
(Integrity)
For being an honest and trustworthy class member.
Annanya – 3LM
(Excellence)
For consistently showing excellence through your hard work, positive attitude, and learning.
John – 3LM
(Resilience)
For always trying your best, working hard on every task, and never giving up. Well done, John!
Arham – 3MW
(Excellence)
For always working to the best of his ability to produce excellent results.
Mae – 3MW
(Working Together)
For always being willing to assist others and contributing to class discussions.
Rachael – 3MW
(Respect)
For always being a respectful class member with an excellent work ethic.
Arjun – 3WC
(Resilience)
For demonstrating a never-give-up attitude in all areas of your learning!
Chloe – 3WC
(Working Together)
For consistently showing kindness to your classmates and working with a range of peers.
SPECIALIST AWARDS
Prep NM
Sport
(Excellence)
For a fantastic start to Prep PE, showing excellent listening skills right from the beginning!
Anika – Prep FT
Japanese
(Excellence)
For your amazing start to the year in Japanese. You always try your best and create beautiful work!
Zoe – 1LC
Japanese
(Excellence)
For always bringing a positive learning attitude to Japanese. Your enthusiasm is inspiring!
Mirai – 2LD
Japanese
(Excellence)
For being an excellent role model in our Japanese lessons. You always focus and do your best!
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:
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- 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
BE A GEM AT HOME
Practising gratitude helps us focus on the positive things in our lives and appreciate the people, experiences and opportunities around us, rather than concentrating on what we may be missing or wanting.
Research shows that when we regularly practise gratitude, our brains begin to naturally notice more positives in everyday life. In fact, building a new positive habit can start to happen in as little as 21 days! Taking time each day to be grateful can:
- boost energy levels
- improve mood and focus
- increase optimism and resilience
- support better sleep
- reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
- strengthen relationships and wellbeing.
Encouraging children to practise gratitude at home is a simple but powerful way to support positive mental health and emotional development.
Below is a wonderful gratitude activity and a GEM Chats conversation prompt that you may like to try together at home.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN PREP?
LITERACY CORNER
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – LESSON OF THE WEEK:
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – GEM
Gratitude:
We are grateful for our amazing mums, grandmas and aunties that take care of us
Mindfulness:
We show mindfulness by taking a moment to think about and notice everything that our mums, grandmas, and aunties, do for us.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN JUNIOR MUSIC?
This term has been a busy and exciting one for the Junior Grades (Prep to Grade 3). Our Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students proudly performed their medleys of songs during the Autumn Fete. The Junior Choir also performed at the Fete and has continued to showcase their talents during Junior Assemblies.
This semester, Mr Mietzcke and I have been teaching three Grade 3 classes. Next semester, the classes will rotate so that all students have the opportunity to learn a range of instruments, including recorder, percussion and drumming basics, ukulele, guitar and keyboard.
Throughout the semester, the Grade 3 students have been developing their understanding of beat, rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics while learning to play these instruments.
Our Prep and Grade 1 students have continued exploring the musical concepts of pitch and tempo. Students have demonstrated their understanding of higher and lower pitch through singing, movement, instruments and Curwen hand signs (solfa). They have also enjoyed dancing and moving at different speeds to explore changes in tempo.
In Term 2, the Grade 2 students have been learning about pitch, tempo and dynamics. They have demonstrated their understanding through singing, movement activities and playing percussion instruments. Students have especially enjoyed singing karaoke songs in preparation for our future production, as well as learning Japanese songs and Australian First Nations songs during Performing Arts classes.
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
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.
