Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 18
12th June, 2026

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”  — Christian D. Larson

Term 2, Week 9
Monday 15th June
  • Toys Over Time Incursion – Year 2
Tuesday 16th June
  • School Tour @ 9:30AM
  • Year 4 to 6 Assembly @ 2:45PM in the Hall
Wednesday 17th June
  • Regional Cross Country Carnival
  • Grade 4 Production Dress Rehersal
Thursday 18th June
  • Year 6 Winter Interschool Sport Finals 2026
  • Grade 4 Production Dress Rehersal
  • Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall
Term 2, Week 10
Tuesday 23rd June
  • House Athletics

  • Prep to Year 3 Assembly @ 2:45PM in the Hall

Wednesday 24th June
  • Grade 4 Production 
Thursday 25th June
  • Grade 4 Production 
  • Senior Choir @ 3:45PM in the Hall
Friday 26th June
  • Whole School Assembly @ 1:50PM in the Hall

  • End of Term 2 – Early Dismissal @ 2:30PM 

As we approach the end of Term 2, it is hard to believe how quickly the semester has flown by. It has been a busy and productive term, with students engaging in a wide range of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

At the end of term, families will receive their child’s Mid-Year Report, providing a snapshot of their progress and achievements so far this year. Parent-Teacher Meetings will be held on the first Wednesday back in Term 3, offering an opportunity to discuss your child’s learning and goals for the remainder of the year. Further details and booking information will be available soon via Compass.

On Monday, our Year 2 students will participate in an exciting incursion exploring the development of Toys Over Time. Students will learn about the history of toys, discover how they have changed over the years, and compare them with the toys they enjoy playing with today. We are sure this will be a fun and engaging learning experience.

Our talented Year 4 students will be busy next week with their full-dress rehearsals for Finding Nemo Kids on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of their performances the following week. We would love to fill the hall and give our students the opportunity to perform to a full house. Tickets are now available and can be purchased via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1589900

We wish Koby and Jack all the very best as they represent our school at the Regional Cross Country Carnival on Wednesday. We know you will do OSPS proud, and we look forward to hearing about your achievements.

A reminder that our final School Tour for 2026 enrolments will be held on Tuesday 16 June at 9:30am. If you have friends, family members, or neighbours considering enrolling their child at OSPS in 2026, please encourage them to attend and see all the wonderful opportunities our school has to offer.

Wishing all our families a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

 

FINDING NEMO KIDS

The countdown is on!

Just keep swimming! 🐠🐢🌊

Our Year 4 students have been working incredibly hard over the past two terms as they prepare to bring Finding Nemo Kids to the stage. From learning lines and perfecting dance routines to rehearsing their songs, the cast has shown fantastic dedication and enthusiasm.

Tickets are now available to the wider school community and can be booked via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1589900

Performance Dates
🐠 Cast 1: Wednesday 24 June, 6.30pm
🐠 Cast 2: Thursday 25 June, 6.30pm

We would love to see our school community come along and support our talented Year 4 performers. Be sure to secure your tickets and join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment, laughter and adventure under the sea!

ICAS COMPETITION

We are pleased to advise that Oakleigh South Primary School will once again be participating in the ICAS competitions this year. ICAS is an optional online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills across several areas, including English, Mathematics, Science, Writing (Years 3–6 only), Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Every participating student will receive a printed certificate and an online results report, with top performers eligible for medals.

Entry and payment must be completed through the ICAS Parent Pay System by 11:59pm AEST on Monday 20 July. To participate, parents should visit the Parent Portal, enter the school’s access code QWY044, input their child’s details, select all the desired assessments, and proceed with payment. All payments are made directly to ICAS, not the school, and parents will receive a confirmation email which should be kept for their records.

The ICAS assessments will be held at school on the following dates: Digital Technologies and Writing (Years 3–6) from 3–7 August, English from 10–14 August, Science and Spelling Bee from 17–21 August, and Mathematics from 24–28 August. These dates are fixed by ICAS and cannot be changed.

For additional information please see the Compass News Feed post.

TK TUCKSHOP – DESIGN AND WIN COMPETITION

Hi everyone,

Our Design & Win competition is back for 2026 – and this year’s prizes are bigger than ever!

We’re giving students the chance to design our brand-new TK Tuckshop lunch bags, with the winning designer choosing between:

  • a $500 TK Tuckshop voucher, or
  • a Nintendo Switch 2!

Students can draw their design on the TK Tuckshop Template or on a blank sheet of paper. Once finished, simply take a clear photo and email it to support@tktuckshop.com.au.

A few important details:

  • Entries close Thursday 19th June
  • Students can enter as many times as they like
  • Designs can only use 2 colours
  • Bonus points for including the TK Tuckshop logo!

We’ve also included a photo below of last year’s winning design for some inspiration 🙂

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

SMILE SQUAD IS COMING BACK!

We are very excited to share with you that the SMILE SQUAD is returning to our school from next week!

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.

SCHOOL CROSSING, PARKING & ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

The City of Monash has asked us to share the attached information about safety around school crossings.

Council parking officers regularly attend schools in the area to help ensure vehicles are parking safely and legally. Families are reminded to please follow all traffic and parking signage near the school, and to take extra care around crossings during drop-off and pick-up times.

Thank you for supporting safe travel to and from school for all members of our community.

THANK YOU – KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING

There are three ways you can recycle your cans, bottles, and containers to help us fundraise. OSPS receives 10c per item, with all funds going towards sustainability projects at the school:

  • Oakleigh South Primary School – Purple Bins at the Year 3 Village

  • Oakleigh Depot – 37–41 Oxford St, Oakleigh, in the OSPS bin onsite

  • Any Return-It Depot or Kiosk – donate to OSPS by scanning the barcode (see image)

Thank you for helping us make a difference while caring for the environment!

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.

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

Max Z. – 0LM – Empathy:For consistently showing kindness and care towards others. Your thoughtful, supportive nature and willingness to help whenever needed make a positive difference to everyone around you. You are a wonderful friend and role model Max!

Liana L. – 1JG – Empathy:For being a caring classmate who always considers the feelings of others. Liana uses kind words and actions to make a positive difference to those around her. We appreciate your thoughtfulness, Liana!

Tony V. – 2BB – Empathy: For consistently showing empathy, kindness, and genuine care for others, always making those around them feel supported, included, and valued. 2BB are lucky to have you!

Summer L. – 3WC – Empathy: For always showing kindness and understanding to others, helping classmates when they are upset, and making everyone feel included and valued. Well done, Summer!

Amelia B. – 4CG – Empathy: For being an understanding and inclusive member of 4CG and always being the first to help her friends with any task!

Devan N. – 5PR – Empathy:Always kindly looking out for others and including his classmates in group activities, particularly Matball matches during Year 5 sport.

Peter M. – 6MH – Gratitude: For showing gratitude to all by engaging with teachers and classmates with constant enthusiasm and effort. Thank you for making us all feel valued, Peter!

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 3?

This term has seen every class begin their cooking journey!

We began with a visit from OzHarvest who made us aware of the incredible amount of food that is wasted every year in Australia… 7.6 million tonnes! We learnt that 70% of this wasted food is perfectly edible and that we need to do more to ensure we don’t waste our food – even if it doesn’t look perfect.

Each week, a different class participates in the cooking program with Miss Philipsen. This term has seen the students learn how to be hygienic in the kitchen and chop, mash, mix, roll and measure ingredients.

We can’t wait to see what they will cook next term!

MYUNA FARM – A RECOUNT FROM MISHY & SAYON

Myuna Farm was so much fun!

Firstly, we went on a mini-bus to Myuna Farm and we were so excited when we got there because there were chickens and roosters walking across the farm.

Then, we sat on a deck close to some cute ponies and did a water experiment. As we were doing the water experiment, we got to mix bad things that can affect your water and wetlands.

The best part was when we went on the mini train! It took us all around the farm and across the cute animals. We stopped at the wetlands and the first thing we saw were the grey-headed flying foxes!

After, we went on a bridge and did fishing for creatures that live in the water. We fished out mosquito fish, glass shrimp, bugs and back-swimmers.

Afterwards, we went to the animal nursery to see all the baby animals that were just born and were a couple of months old. Sayon’s favourite animal was the baby goat wearing the Richmond jumper. Mishy favourite animal was the soft bunnies. The best part was that we got to pat them!

Lastly, we learnt how to compost and felt how warm the compost is when it is breaking down. Sadly, our day was done, but we had the time of our lives!

LITERACY CORNER

In Writing this term, students have been exploring Information report writing in depth. Students learnt how to construct an engaging introduction and paragraphs and have researched a habitat of their choice. Students will have the opportunity publish their information reports over the coming weeks. 

In narrative writing, students have used the storybook ‘The Truck Cat’ to identify aspects of narrative writing and how they engage the reader. Students are now developing their own narratives that they will create good copies before the end of term.

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – LESSON OF THE WEEK:

In our Resilience Project (TRP) lessons, students have been exploring emotional literacy by learning about the different parts of the brain that influence our emotions and reactions. We discovered that the ‘thinking’ part of the brain is called the prefrontal cortex, which helps us make decisions, solve problems, and consider helpful choices.

The ‘feelings’ part of the brain is called the amygdala, which responds quickly to emotions and can sometimes lead us towards unhelpful thoughts when we are feeling overwhelmed.

Through hands-on activities, movement, and group discussions, students explored how our thoughts can strongly influence how we feel, and how we can shift unhelpful thinking into more helpful and balanced perspectives.

We also introduced the concept of positive self-talk, learning that the words we use in our minds can help us manage big emotions and build resilience.

By practising positive self-talk statements, students are developing strategies to reframe unhelpful thoughts and support their emotional wellbeing in everyday situations.

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT – GEM

Gratitude:
We are grateful for the wonderful weather on our Year 3 excursion days!

Empathy: 

We are empathetic towards people who don’t have heaters on these chilly Winter nights.


Mindfulness: 

We are being mindful by making the most of the sunny weather and spending some time outside playing instead of inside!

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN SENIOR PERFORMING ARTS?

FINDING NEMO KIDS – YEAR 4 PRODUCTION

Our Year 4 students have been working incredibly hard over the past two terms as they prepare to bring Finding Nemo Kids to the stage. From learning lines and perfecting dance routines to rehearsing their songs, the cast has shown fantastic dedication and enthusiasm.

Tickets are now available to the wider school community and can be booked via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1589900

Performance Dates
🐠 Cast 1: Wednesday 24 June, 6.30pm
🐠 Cast 2: Thursday 25 June, 6.30pm

We would love to see our school community come along and support our talented Year 4 performers. Be sure to secure your tickets and join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment, laughter and adventure under the sea!

MARY POPPINS

The long-awaited cast announcement for Mary Poppins took place earlier this term, and rehearsals are already well underway. Students have been busy learning choreography, rehearsing scenes on stage, developing vocal harmonies and preparing for what promises to be a spectacular production. Even tap shoes are being fitted as our cast begins bringing this beloved story to life!

Our Year 6 production of Mary Poppins will be performed in Term 3 from Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September. We look forward to sharing more details with our school community as we continue preparing for this exciting event.

VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR

Excitement is building as our students continue preparing for the 2026 Victorian State Schools Spectacular. With performances at John Cain Arena taking place next term, rehearsals have been ramping up as students work hard to develop their skills and prepare for this incredible opportunity.

Mass Dance

This year, 16 Year 5 students were selected to participate in the Mass Dance ensemble. The dancers have already completed three large-scale rehearsals, including hosting several local schools at Oakleigh South for a full-day rehearsal experience. We have been fortunate to welcome Hara from the Victorian State Schools Spectacular team, who has taught students their choreography and helped bring the performance to life. Our dancers have shown fantastic commitment during weekly rehearsals as they learn and memorise their routines.

Mass Choir

Twenty-five Year 5 students were selected to join the Mass Choir this year. Each Wednesday lunchtime, these dedicated students have been working hard to learn their vocal parts and support the principal vocalists in this year’s production. Last week, students participated in a special rehearsal with Claire from the Victorian State Schools Spectacular team, where they learnt engaging vocal warm-ups and refined the finer details of their performance. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and dedication as they prepare to take part in this extraordinary event.

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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