Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 15
23rd May, 2025
“Sky is not the limit. It is only the beginning.” — Donovan A Livingston
IMPORTANT DATES
Issue 15 – 23rd May 2025
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)
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Dear Parents & Carers,
Last Friday, we celebrated the incredible Education Support Staff at Oakleigh South. This day is dedicated to recognising the extraordinary contribution these staff make to public education. We are truly grateful for the amazing ES team at OSPS, who support our teachers and students each and every day — you are all truly amazing!
On Wednesday, we marked Education Week with our Biggest Cultural School Luncheon, held across all year levels — and what a feast it was! Students had the opportunity to sample a wide range of delicious dishes from many different cultures. It was a truly special celebration of diversity. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful parents who went above and beyond to provide such a rich culinary experience for our students.
Yesterday, we held our second-last school tour for the year. Due to high demand, we have added an extra tour on Tuesday 17 June at 9:30am.
A reminder that enrolment applications are due by Friday 25 July, and families will be notified of their outcome by Friday 8 August. We strongly encourage all families with siblings currently attending the school to submit their enrolment applications as soon as possible. This cut-off date applies to siblings as well and is essential for us to accurately determine available places for new families.
Lastly, we’d like to wish the students representing OSPS at the Beachside Division Cross Country next Tuesday the very best of luck! We are proud of your efforts and dedication. Thank you also to the staff who continue to support and guide our cross-country team.
Have a great weekend!
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal
SCHOOL MATTERS
YEAR 2 & 6 POPCORN DAY
The Year 2 and Year 6 classes will be celebrating a Popcorn Day on Friday, 30th May!
Freshly popped popcorn will be available for $4 each.
Orders close at 5pm on Wednesday, 28th May.
To allow enough time to purchase supplies, no late orders can be accepted.
Please check Compass for the booking link and full event details.
If you are available to assist on the day or have any questions, please contact the Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.
YEAR 4 ICE CREAM DAY
The Year 4 classes will be celebrating an Ice Cream Day on Friday, 30th May!
Chocolate ice cream in cones will be available for $3, with a vanilla soy option also offered.
Orders close at 5pm on Wednesday, 28th May.
To allow enough time to purchase supplies, no late orders can be accepted.
Please check Compass for the booking link and full event details.
If you are available to assist on the day or have any questions, please contact the Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.
YEAR 5 HOT DOG LUNCH
The Parent Group will be hosting a Hot Dog Lunch for the Year 5 classes on Friday, 6th June.
Hot dogs will be available for $5 with a vegan option also offered. A variety of juice boxes will be available for $2.
Orders close at 3pm on Wednesday, 4th June.
To allow enough time to purchase supplies, no late orders can be accepted.
Please check Compass for the booking link and full event details.
If you are available to assist on the day or have any questions, please contact the Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.
THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV: CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Cultural diversity represents the richness of different cultures, beliefs, and traditions across the world. It shapes the way we experience life and view the world around us. By recognising and valuing each child’s cultural background, we help them flourish in every aspect of their development.
Creating a culture of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect allows us to build inclusive environments where every student feels a strong sense of belonging. Inclusion goes beyond words — it’s about making sure every child is seen, heard, and valued. When young people feel accepted for who they are, they are more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Embracing cultural diversity not only enhances empathy and understanding, but also helps prepare our children for an interconnected, global society. As parents and carers, we play a crucial role in guiding young people to appreciate and celebrate difference. Through our actions and attitudes, we can teach them that kindness, respect, and understanding know no boundaries.
Together, we can shape a future where diversity is truly seen as a strength — one that enriches our communities and brings people together.
Here is the link to the Cultural Diversity edition of SchoolTV:
https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/online-gaming
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT
GEM AWARDS
Mila – PLM – Empathy: For showing wonderful empathy and inclusiveness towards her friends and peers. Mila is always kind, caring and thoughtful. She ensures everyone feels welcome, especially when someone needs a helping hand or a comforting word. Well done, Mila!
Chloe – 1NC – Mindfulness: For demonstrating great focus and attention, whilst learning and listening to others! You’re a GEM, Chloe!
Meera – 2ML – Empathy: For always demonstrating kindness, compassion and curiosity towards all of her peers and teachers! You are a superstar!
Kaavya – 3MW – Empathy: For caring for others in the class and always helping others.
Macy – 4AS – Empathy: Macy shows empathy by thoughtfully caring for her Prep buddy and supporting her friends with kindness, always making sure others feel included and valued.
Aadit – 5EW – Empathy: For his ability to work with others and be consistently inclusive towards others.
Daphne – 6NM – Empathy: For the support and joy she showed her friends during the announcement of the production cast.
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.
STUDENT SHOWCASE
PREP SHOWCASE
On Thursday 15th May, we celebrated our amazing mums and special people in the Prep area. The children had the chance to pamper their special person in the afternoon. We decorated biscuits, painted nails, applied make-up and took funny photos — oh what fun we had!
The mums were so happy to spend time with their child and loved all the special attention. We sang a song and presented them with a ‘Best MUM Ever’ badge! What an amazing experience we had — so many wonderful memories were created.
INTEGRATED STUDIES
We have started our new Integrated Unit for Term 2: Indigenous Culture.
The Preps have been learning about Indigenous Dreaming stories, artwork, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
We have learnt about the Aboriginal art symbol Gumbuya, meaning ‘Meeting Place’, and have created some beautiful watercolour artworks.
All the Preps have been very respectful when learning about such an important part of Australia’s history and culture, and we are excited to keep learning more.
LITERACY CORNER
PREP GEM
G – We are GRATEFUL for our mums and special people, and all the love, care, and support they give us.
E – We show EMPATHY for those who are feeling unwell by taking care of ourselves and others — including staying home when we’re sick.
M – We are MINDFUL of the cooler weather by dressing in warm layers and appreciating the sunny days we’ve had.
SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT
SCIENCE & STEM SHOWCASE
STEM CHALLENGE: BUILDING WITH TOOTHPICKS & MARSHMALLOWS!
Students embarked on an exciting STEM adventure — the Toothpick & Mini Marshmallow Challenge! Working in teams, they used just toothpicks and mini marshmallows to build the tallest or most creative freestanding structures they could imagine. This hands-on activity encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, all while introducing key engineering concepts in a fun and engaging way.
PREP STUDENTS EXPLORE THE WORLD OF MINIBEASTS
Our curious Prep students have been busy investigating the fascinating world of minibeasts! From wriggling worms to busy ants and fluttering butterflies, the children have explored where these tiny creatures live, what they eat, and how they move. Through hands-on activities, outdoor observations, and creative projects, our young scientists are building inquiry skills and discovering just how important these small critters are to our environment. What an exciting adventure in learning!
YEAR 1 STUDENTS DISCOVER NATURAL RESOURCES AND RECYCLE WITH PURPOSE
Our Year 1 students have been learning about natural resources and how we can care for our planet. As part of their inquiry, they explored how natural materials are used in daily life and discussed the importance of sustainability. To put their learning into action, students made their own recycled paper! This hands-on experience helped them understand how recycling reduces waste and protects our environment — a meaningful step towards lifelong environmental responsibility.
YEAR 3 STUDENTS TAKE ACTION ON FOOD WASTE
This term, our Year 3 students have been investigating the issue of food waste as part of their learning on sustainability. They examined how much food goes to waste and the environmental impact of this global issue. Using creativity and teamwork, students designed and prepared their own delicious recipes using leftover ingredients. This practical and purposeful activity showed them how small changes in the kitchen can make a big difference for our planet!
YEAR 5 STUDENTS INVESTIGATE ADAPTATIONS IN THE NATURAL WORLD
Year 5 students have been exploring the incredible world of biological adaptations, discovering how plants and animals survive and thrive in different environments. Through research, observations, experiments, and hands-on activities, they’ve learned about adaptations such as camouflaged fur, water-storing leaves, and seasonal migration. This unit has sparked rich discussions and a deeper appreciation for the complexity, resilience, and beauty of life on Earth.
PARENT GROUP
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.
PARENT CORNER
OSPS FACILITY USERS
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.
OSPS FETE SPONSORS
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.
