Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 15
22nd May, 2026

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”  — William James

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
  • Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
  • Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall
Friday 29th May
  • Dance Curriculum Incursion – Years 5 & 6
  • Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program

Term 2, Week 7

National Reconciliation Week
Monday 1st June
  • Year 3 Myuna Farm Excursion (3AP, 3JM, 3LM)
Tuesday 2nd June
  • Year 3 Myuna Farm Excursion (3DH, 3MW, 3WC)
  • VSSS Mass Choir Hub Rehearsal 
Thursday 4th June
  • Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport 2026
  • Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall

After a full and lively week at OSPS, it’s been wonderful to see our students embracing learning, community and celebration in so many different ways.

This week we acknowledged Education Week and as part of that, we celebrated Education Support Staff Appreciation Day, recognising the incredible team who keep our school running smoothly. Their care, expertise and dedication support every student and staff member, and we are truly grateful for the work they do behind the scenes.

Our assembly was a highlight, featuring multicultural performances from students across the school. These performances reflected the rich diversity of our community and the confidence with which our students share their cultures. A big thank you to Mr Mietzcke and Ms Paroukas for helping pull this all together.

Year 3 and 4 students participated in their GESAC swimming program. Their enthusiasm has been fantastic to see, and the skills they are developing in water safety and confidence will stay with them well beyond primary school.

Looking ahead to next week, our school will begin observing Reconciliation Week. Students will take part in thoughtful classroom activities designed to deepen understanding, build respect and strengthen connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

We also wish the very best to the students representing OSPS at the Beachside Cross Country Carnival. Their commitment to training has been impressive, and we know they will give their best next Tuesday at Bald Hill Park. We would like to thank Mr Mooney, Miss Gunning, Miss Bonham and Mr Savva for supporting all of the students with their training.

Our Year 1 students are eagerly awaiting their MiniBOSS science incursion, which promises hands on exploration and plenty of excitement as they dive into scientific thinking. And for our Year 5 cohort, next week brings a much anticipated treat, Hot Dog Day. We hope they enjoy every bite.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in school life. I look forward to another positive and engaging week ahead at OSPS!

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

 

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

On Tuesday, to recognise Harmony Week, during our whole school assembly we celebrated the many diverse cultures within our school community through a range of student performances. Students from Prep to Year 6 proudly shared special dances and songs, and some even played traditional musical instruments representing their nationality and cultural background.

What a colourful and exciting showcase of student talent and cultural pride during Education Week!

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.

  • 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

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

SCHOOL COUNCIL TERM 2 UPDATE

Term 2 has been another busy, positive and productive period for Oakleigh South Primary School.

First, I want to acknowledge the outstanding success of the School Fete. It was a fantastic community event and, importantly, raised significant funds for the school. That does not happen without an enormous amount of work behind the scenes, so I want to sincerely thank the parents, teachers, staff, sponsors and broader school community who gave up their time to make it such a success. A special shout out to Nicole Stenton (head of Parent Group) as well as Nikki Virtuoso for their leadership, organisation and tireless work on the Fete.

The benefit of that fundraising is visible across the school. Significant works continue to progress, including the new playgrounds, landscaping, bike storage, garden beds and other beautification works. The recently completed junior sandpit area, in particular, looks outstanding. These sorts of improvements simply would not be possible without the fete and other fundraising efforts.

It has also been pleasing to see how engaged the children have been throughout Term 2, with a broad range of activities taking place across the school.  We are particularly looking forward to the Year 4 production of Finding Nemo Kids in June, which should be a real highlight for the students, staff and families involved.

It is always pleasing to witness the OSPS community willing to contribute its time and energy to improving the school for everyone – well done everyone!

Andrew Power

President
OSPS School Council

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.

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:

    • 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 mindfulness helps us slow down, focus on the present moment and become more aware of our thoughts, feelings and surroundings in a calm and balanced way. Rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future, mindfulness encourages us to pause and pay attention to what is happening right now.

Research shows that regularly practising mindfulness can help strengthen emotional regulation, focus and overall wellbeing. Even a few mindful moments each day can make a positive difference. Taking time to practise mindfulness can:

  • improve focus and concentration
  • support emotional regulation
  • reduce stress and feelings of overwhelm
  • promote calmness and relaxation
  • encourage self-awareness and empathy
  • support positive mental health and wellbeing.

Encouraging children to practise mindfulness at home is a simple and meaningful way to help build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Below is a wonderful mindfulness activity and a GEM Chats conversation prompt that you may like to try together at home.

GEM AWARDS 

Aadi A. – 0FT – Empathy: For always being caring towards his teachers and peers. Keep shining, Aadi!

Anika M. – 1NM – Mindfulness: For being a kind and caring friend who is always mindful of others and quick to help her peers when they need support.

Janice W. – 2VO – Mindfulness: For practising mindfulness through meditation whist avoiding all distractions.

Yesali D. – 3WC – Mindfulness:: For being present and for making the most of each moment. You’re an excellent role model, Yesali!

Alexandra N. – 4ML – Mindfulness: For being caring, helpful and sincere when working with the Prep buddies. You are a great role model, Alexandra!

Leah G. – 5MS – Empathy: For Leah, kindness comes naturally – she is an inclusive, positive friend who notices when others are feeling left out; offers genuine support, and always makes an effort to include her classmates, so everyone feels valued and connected.

Kenit S. – 6MH – Mindfulness: For continually supporting his peers in 6MH with a growth mindset.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 1?

Integrated Studies has been full of excitement and discovery this term as students explore our science unit, “Flash! Bang! Fizz!” Throughout the unit, students are learning that everyday materials can be physically changed in a variety of ways through hands-on experiments and investigations. They have practised making predictions about what might happen, carefully following instructions, and explaining their observations using scientific language. Students have especially enjoyed engaging experiments such as Magic Milk, Elephant Toothpaste, and Exploding Lunch Bags, which sparked curiosity and encouraged thoughtful discussion about why different reactions occurred. It has been wonderful to see students developing their confidence in scientific thinking, teamwork, and inquiry skills while having fun learning through experimentation.

LITERACY CORNER

This term, Year One has been learning all about persuasive writing. We have been using the OREO structure to help organise our ideas and support our opinions with strong reasons and examples. Throughout the term, students have explored fun and engaging topics such as beach vs pool, burgers vs pizza, cats vs dogs, and watching movies at the cinema vs at home.

For our Big Write task, students shared their opinions on the topic “Should recess be longer?” It was fantastic to see the students confidently express their ideas, use persuasive language, and give reasons to support their thinking. We are very proud of the progress everyone has made in their writing this term.

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – LESSON OF THE WEEK:

Through our Resilience Project program, the Year 1 students have continued to build important social and emotional skills that support their wellbeing both at school and at home.

This term, students explored the connection between laughter and gratitude, discussing the many things they are grateful for in their everyday lives, including friendships, family, learning opportunities, and special moments at school.

Students also further developed their understanding of mindfulness by participating in mindful colouring activities, helping them practise calmness, focus, and being present in the moment.

In addition, students learnt about the importance of recognising and naming emotions as they arise, developing strategies to better understand their own feelings and support others with empathy and care.

It has been wonderful to see the Year 1 students growing in confidence, self-awareness, and kindness towards one another!

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – GEM

Gratitude:
We are grateful for all the exciting experiments our teachers have planned as we learn about how everyday materials can be physically changed.

Empathy: 
We are learning to recognise how others are feeling and are learning to understand that others have different feelings and views.

Mindfulness: 

We are being mindful by slowing down, noticing new things in each activity, and appreciating what each other brings to our classrooms.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN ART?

The Art Room has been swimming with creativity this term as students across the school have been busy creating exciting underwater-inspired artworks to support the Year 4 production of Finding Nemo! From colourful tropical fish to much-loved movie characters, every year level has embraced the “fishy” theme with enthusiasm, imagination, and wonderful artistic skill.

PREP

Our Prep students have been learning the foundations of drawing by exploring simple shapes and lines to create their own unique fish designs, transforming their drawings into bright and cheerful stuffed paper fish, developing both their fine motor skills and creativity along the way.

YEAR 1

Year 1 students have been diving into the world of printmaking, experimenting with texture, colour, and pattern to produce vibrant under-the-sea artworks. Students loved discovering how different materials and techniques could be used to create ocean-inspired images full of movement and imagination.

YEAR 3

In Year 3, students have thoroughly enjoyed drawing Bruce the shark from Finding Nemo. They focused on proportion, detail, and expression while learning how cartoon characters can be created using simple shapes and careful observation. Their confident shark drawings have brought plenty of personality into the Art Room!

YEAR 4

Year 4 students have been studying colour theory and pattern through the creation of stunning tropical fish collages. They explored warm and cool colours, repeated patterns, and layered textures to create eye-catching artworks inspired by the beauty of marine life.

YEAR 5

Year 5 students have been developing their observational drawing skills through detailed fish studies. They carefully examined shape, texture, shading, and pattern to create realistic and thoughtful artworks, demonstrating excellent focus and persistence throughout the process.

YEAR 6

Our Year 6 students have been extending their artistic skills through expressive character studies based on the much-loved Finding Nemo characters. Students explored facial expression, movement, and colour while experimenting with different drawing and colouring techniques to bring their characters to life.

It has been wonderful to see students across the school so engaged and excited in the Art Room this term. The creativity, effort, and enthusiasm shown by all year levels has been outstanding, and the Art Room has certainly been filled with colour, imagination, and plenty of ocean magic! We look forward to sharing and celebrating these fantastic artworks with our school community during the upcoming production festivities.

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.

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