‘A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it.’ – Ray Davis

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is with much excitement that I can announce, I received the amazing news today that our school will receive $8.847 million to upgrade and modernize the administration and classroom building.

Member for Clarinda Heang Tak and Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos delivered the good news to me.

They acknowledge that families in Oakleigh South have done a phenomenal job in supporting students to learn from home and as the kids get back into the classrooms, they want to make sure they have the fantastic new classrooms they deserve. Not only will the children have beautiful new learning spaces to work in but the construction will create much needed new local construction jobs.

I will keep you informed as more news comes to hand about this exciting development, but for now I’m so happy for what lies ahead for our fantastic school.

Enjoy your week.

Ron
Principal

TERM DATES

COVID SAFE REMINDERS

REMINDER LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY PICK UPS

Late Arrivals: If your child is a Late Arrival, please bring your child to Gate 1 and call the Office so they can let the teacher know the child is on their way to the classroom.

Early pickups: Parents must fill in the google form and follow the instructions regarding collection –

https://oakleighsouthps.vic.edu.au/  and click on the ‘Early Pick Up Form’ link https://forms.gle/TZvthWXKEkg9eBnc8

Please note parents are NOT to park in the staff car park for early pick up, please park in the parent car park or on Riley Street.

The following pictures show GATE 1 and where the ‘Early Pick Up From School Meeting Point’ sign is.

SCHOOL MATTERS

THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is the phenomenon where a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time. It is thought to be triggered by an uncommon combination of high pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm.

This occurs when pollen grains from grasses get swept up in the wind and carried for long distances. Just before the storm, some burst open and release tiny particles that are concentrated in the wind, and get blown down to the ground, where people can breathe them in. They are small enough to go deep into the lungs and can trigger asthma.

These thunderstorm asthma events don’t occur every year but when they do, they can happen during the grass pollen season in south-east Australia. This is typically from October through December.

Who is at risk of thunderstorm asthma?

Those at increased risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma include:

• • People with asthma
  • People with a past history of asthma
  • Those with undiagnosed asthma
  • People with seasonal hay fever who are allergic to grass pollens who have not ever had asthma

Having both hay fever and asthma that is poorly controlled increases the risk further.

We saw this happen on November 21st 2016 during spring with record numbers of people requiring treatment for thunderstorm asthma. As a result the following apps have been developed to help you manage asthma.

The Asthma First Aid app covers first aid in the event of an asthma emergency and ability to review each of the four first aid steps in training mode.

https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/sa/about-asthma/resources/onair/2017/august/asthma-first-aid-app

The Melbourne Pollen Count App provides real-world pollen count data during the Melbourne grass pollen season (October 1 to December 31)

http://www.melbournepollen.com.au/mobile-app/

What can you do to help your child manage their asthma or hay fever?

• • Notify the school via email if your child has asthma or hay fever
  • Make sure you have given the school an up to date Asthma Action Plan or Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) Treatment Plan for your child, and uploaded it to Operoo. Plans are available here Insert link to school website
  • Ensure your child has their reliever medication and spacer at school.
  • Ensure prevention medication is taken at home, as prescribed.
  • Ensure your child has regular check-ups with your doctor.
  • If asthma or hay fever gets worse during thunderstorms, parents may choose to keep their children at home indoors.

Need more help?

If you would like further support with managing your asthma during the high pollen season please ask your pharmacist, doctor or contact the Asthma Info Line on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or visit  www.asthmaaustralia.org.au

SCHOOL BANKING

With the current COVID restrictions, school banking will not be resuming this term. If this changes, we will let the school community know.

For families interesting in school banking next year, there is information at the bottom of the newsletter to help you prepare for 2021.

PREP PORTRAITS 2020

The gorgeous Prep portraits have been completed in term 4 by our prep students that usually are sold at the school Fete in May.

STUDENT SHOWCASE

VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

VALUED STUDENTS AWARDS WEEK 7

Congratulations to all our ‘Valued Student Award’ recipients for Week 7.

YEAR 3-6

VALUED CLASS AWARDS WEEK 7

Congratulations to all our ‘Valued Class Awards’ recipients for Week 7.

YEAR 3 – YEAR 6

3JP 
Resilience
For welcoming Mrs T in 3JP and for demonstrating resilience and determination adjusting to the new routine. Well done 3JP!

4NM
Excellence
For an increase in focus, determination and effort from all members of the class. Keep up the great work!

5NH
Resllience
For showing resilience throughout 2020. Whether it was learning to use new software during remote learning, maintaining focus whilst onsite during lockdown, adapting to the return to school or completing all of their assessments with great results, 5NH have always given their best efforts. Well done 5NH!

6SM
Working Together
For displaying teamwork and co-operation during our Government unit when developing policies in the race to become Premier of the state of Marsden. Happy campaigning 6SM!

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.