Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 25
15th August, 2025
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” — Albert Einstein
IMPORTANT DATES
Issue 25 – 15th August 2025
Week 5
Tuesday 19th August
• Whole School Assembly – 2:45 PM in the Hall
• School Council Meeting – 6:00 PM
Thursday 21st August
• Senior Choir – 3:45 PM in the Hall
Friday 22nd August
• Book Week Celebration
Week 6
Monday 25th August
• Year 2 Legoland Excursion
Tuesday 26th August
• Year 4 to 6 Assembly – 2:45 PM in the Hall
Thursday 28th August
• Bentleigh District Athletics
• Senior Choir – 3:45 PM in the Hall
Week 7
Tuesday 2nd September
• Prep to Year 3 Assembly – 2:45 PM in the Hall
Thursday 4th September
• Senior Choir – 3:45 PM in the Hall
Friday 5th September
• Parent Group Father’s Day Stall
Week 8
Tuesday 9th September
• Dress Rehearsal – Matilda – Hall
• Whole School Assembly – 2:45 PM in the Hall
Wednesday 10th September
• Prep Melbourne Zoo Excursion 2025
• Dress Rehearsal – Matilda – Hall
Thursday 11th September
• VSSS 2025 Choir and Dance Arena Rehearsal 1
• R U OK? National Day of Action
• Superhero Dress Up Day
Friday 12th September
• VSSS 2025 Choir and Dance Arena Rehearsal 2
Saturday 13th September
• Robocup – Victorian State Event
• VSSS Performance Day – John Cain Arena
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
On Tuesday, we held our House Athletics Day, with students showcasing their skills, determination, and teamwork. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm, energy, and sportsmanship throughout the day. The event also served as the selection trial for our school athletics team, who will represent OSPS at the Bentleigh District Athletics Day on Thursday 28th August. We wish all participating students the very best of luck!
The students and staff from Tamba Higashi Primary School in Japan enjoyed a wonderful weekend with their host families, followed by a busy few days at OSPS before flying home on Wednesday night. During their visit, they explored Melbourne and experienced school life here by joining activities across various year levels. This cultural exchange was an enriching experience for both our students and staff. A heartfelt thank you to our host families and staff for your generosity and support in making this program such a success.
This week was The National Week of Action Against Bullying and Violence. At OSPS, we remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. All classes participated in discussions and activities based on this year’s theme: “BE BOLD. BE KIND. SPEAK UP.” Each class also made a pledge to uphold these values throughout the year.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate Book Week next Friday with our whole-school dress-up day. We can’t wait to see students and staff dressed as their favourite book characters – always a highlight of the year!
Finally, thank you to everyone who supported our Book Fair, which wrapped up yesterday. Your contributions help foster a love of reading across the school. A special thanks to Mrs Bahnsen, Mrs Charles, and their wonderful helpers for organising and running such a successful event.
Enjoy the weekend!
Warm regards,
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal
SCHOOL MATTERS
BULLYING – SCHOOLTV
Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying.
Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour.
In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it.
Here is the link to the Bullying edition of SchoolTV: https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying
NATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE
This week, Prep–Year 6 students took part in the National Week of Action Against Bullying and Violence. While our school is always committed to creating a safe and respectful environment, this annual event shines a spotlight on bullying prevention and unites schools across Australia in taking action.
The 2025 theme, “Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.”, encouraged students to stand up for others, show kindness, and use their voices to make a difference. Classes created pledges, discussed daily messages, and joined quick activities such as making “Upstander” posters, completing a Kindness Challenge Bingo, and building a whole-school “Pledge for Change” chain.
A family guide with tips, conversation starters, and support contacts is attached to help keep the conversation going at home.
UPDATED SCHOOL POLICIES
We’ve recently updated three key school policies to reflect our ongoing commitment to student safety, wellbeing and inclusion.
We encourage all families to read the updated documents linked below:
To explore all current school policies, visit our OSPS Parents Page (scroll to the Policies section).
These policies guide our everyday practice and help ensure that all students feel safe, supported and respected at school.
YEAR 5 HOT FOOD DAY
Dear Parents and Carers,
Parent Group will be hosting a Hot Food Day for all Year 5 classes on Friday 22nd August.
Available items include:
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Bucket of chips
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Potato cakes
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Lunch packs with chips and 5 nuggets or spring rolls
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Juice boxes and a limited number of soft drinks
Please see the Compass Newsfeed post to place your order.
Orders close at 5.00 pm on Tuesday 19th August. Late orders cannot be accepted as supplies must be finalised in advance.
If you’re available to help on the day or have any questions, please contact Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Parent Group
VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOL SPECTACULAR TICKETS
This year 41 of our Year 5 students are performing in the 2025 Victorian State Schools Spectacular show ‘On Air’. These students have been working hard throughout the year in both dance and choir and are looking forward to their performances in September. If you would like to come along and see the incredible performances, tickets will go on sale Thursday 31st July at 11am via Ticketek or search “2025 Victorian State Schools Spectacular tickets” on the Ticketek website.
Performance Date: Saturday 13th September
Performance Times: Matinee at 1:00pm & Evening at 6:30pm
Performance Venue: John Cain Arena
Ticket Prices: Adult – $40 Concession – $30 Child (U15) – $20
Best seating sections to see our OSPS choir: 9, 10, 31, 32, 33, 56, 57 & 58
BOOK WEEK AT OSPS: BOOK AN ADVENTURE!
We’re excited to celebrate Book Week at Oakleigh South Primary School with a Dress-Up and Parade on Friday 22nd August. This year’s theme is Book an Adventure!
To celebrate the magic of books, students are invited to come to school dressed up as their favourite book character or in a costume inspired by the ‘Book an Adventure!’ theme.
Parade times in the school hall:
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Prep – Year 2: 9:00am
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Year 3 – Year 6: 9:50am
Parents are invited to join us in the hall for the parade. A gold coin donation on the day would be greatly appreciated to support literacy initiatives. For more details, please refer to the flyer.
We can’t wait to see the amazing costumes and enjoy the adventures that books bring to life!
PARKING AND TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDER
Student safety is our highest priority. With over 1000 students, 800 families, and 100 staff, our community relies on everyone driving and parking safely — especially during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
Staff Car Park Use
The staff car park is for staff use only during school hours.
Parents and carers are not permitted to enter, park, or drive through the car park for school drop-off, pick-up, or daytime access.
The only exceptions are:
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Before and After School Care drop-off and pick-up
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Families with a valid disability parking permit or a school-approved exemption
If a vehicle is parked or blocked in, staff cannot assist. Our legal responsibility is to supervise students — we cannot leave children unattended to manage avoidable issues caused by misuse of the staff car park.
Road Safety Expectations
We remind all families that the following behaviours are unsafe and breach Victorian road laws:
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All students riding bikes or scooters must wear a helmet, as required by law.
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U-turns near the school are often illegal and extremely dangerous, especially in high-traffic or low-visibility areas
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The speed limit is 40km/h during school hours and is enforceable by law
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Drivers must stop at pedestrian crossings and obey all road signage
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Parking across driveways, footpaths or crossings is prohibited and reduces visibility
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Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal and significantly increases risk near children
Seemingly minor choices can have major safety and legal consequences. We ask all families to model safe, calm, and respectful behaviour around the school.
The school is not authorised to enforce traffic or parking violations. To report concerns, please contact Monash Council or Victoria Police.
Thank you for supporting the safety of our school community.
SHARE THE DIGNITY
The Oakleigh South Parent Group is proud to support Share the Dignity this August, a campaign helping to provide essential sanitary items to women and girls in need, including those experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence.
A collection bin will be placed at Reception from August 1st, and we welcome donations of:
- Pads & tampons
- Period underwear
- Incontinence pads
- Menstrual cups
Donations will be accepted throughout August. Let’s work together to help restore dignity to those who need it most.
Thank you for your support!
OSPS Parent Group
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – SOUTH OAKLEIGH COLLEGE PRODUCTION
South Oakleigh College invites families to attend their 2025 production of Beauty and the Beast — a classic story of love, courage and transformation.
The tale follows Belle, a curious and compassionate young woman, and the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved in return, the curse will be broken. But time is running out. If he fails, he and his household will be doomed forever.
With timeless songs including “Belle”, “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast”, this much-loved musical will be a delight for all ages.
Dates: Wednesday 27th August to Friday 29th August 2025
Time: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Location: Christine Strachan Theatre, Oakleigh South Secondary College
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1397356
Families are warmly encouraged to attend and support the talented students of South Oakleigh College.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD VOTE FOR OAKLEIGH SOUTH NETBALL CLUB
From Woolies cart to the school court – Oakleigh South Netball Club and Oakleigh South Primary School are proud Woolworths Round 2 Winners with $2K in the bag, yippee! This grant will go towards continuing to grow grassroots netball with the school for 25 years+, thank you!
But now WE NEED YOU, the school community, to vote for us in the People’s Choice Award and help us score $20K for better facilities.
It’s SUPER easy, FREE, takes a FEW SECONDS and no subscription – just two simple clicks. Click the Oakleigh South Netball Club link below and tap the ❤️ “Vote Now” button to vote. Back the green club and green school to win gold!
Voting closes Friday 29th August.
Vote here now: https://woolworthsnetballgrants.com.au/grant-application/oakleigh-south-netball-club/
VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
JUNIOR VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
PREP VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Eric – Prep FB
(Working Together)
For sharing great ideas in class discussions and being a thoughtful friend. Well done Eric!
Kalia – Prep FB
(Excellence)
For demonstrating terrific reading skills and strategies during Literacy Groups. Well done Kalia!!
Willow – Prep FB
(Excellence)
For always trying her best in all areas of the curriculum and taking great pride in her work.
Josh – Prep SJ
(Resilience)
For his enthusiasm during class discussions and willingness to give things a go.
Zen – Prep SJ
(Excellence)
For the great progress he’s made in his reading — well done on all your hard work!
Molly – Prep SJ
(Excellence)
For her neat, careful handwriting and the pride she shows in her work.
Valentina – Prep AM
(Resilience)
For displaying great courage by trying new things. Woo Hoo Valentina!
Jayde – Prep AM
(Working Together)
For working hard at home to learn her sight words! Keep it up Jayde!
Maximus – Prep AM
(Integrity)
For making excellent choices even if no-one is watching. Super attitude Maxi!!
Krishiv – Prep KL
(Resilience)
For always having a go, keep up the good work Krishiv!
Eva – Prep KL
(Excellence)
For always working hard to improve and extend her amazing writing.
Jaxon – Prep CD
(Excellence)
For always working to the best of your ability and for following instructions straight away.
Eva – Prep CD
(Excellence)
For working hard on your handwriting skills. Keep up the great improvement!
Elly – Prep CD
(Excellence)
For always putting in a high level of effort and care into your work. Well done!
Alex – Prep AL
(Excellence)
For trying his best and being a fantastic listener when learning. Well done, Alex!
Alisha – Prep AL
(Excellence)
For always trying her best and taking great pride in the presentation of her work. Well done!
Aeyansh – Prep LM
(Excellence)
For being a happy and enthusiastic student who shows a great attitude towards his learning.
Harper – Prep LM
(Excellence)
For always trying her best and being a thoughtful and caring class member.
Eamon – Prep LM
(Excellence)
For always trying his best and taking great pride in his work
YEAR 1 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Elora – 1AN
(Excellence)
For showing kindness and being a fantastic helper in 1AN. You are a star!
Kiaan – 1AN
(Excellence)
For trying his best in writing and keeping his book in beautiful condition. Well done Kiaan!
Arina – 1NM
(Excellence)
For always showing amazing handwriting and focused on her given task during Reading Groups!
Ryan – 1NM
(Excellence)
For trying his best in his journal writing and carrying a positive attitude everyday to class.
Levi – 1LC
(Excellence)
For settling back into school, working hard and having a ‘can do’ attitude. Go Levi!
Aria – 1LC
(Excellence)
For the fantastic effort you have been putting into your reading and writing. Well done Aria!
Hali – 1MB
(Excellence)
For always trying his best and having a ‘can do’ attitude! Keep up the hard work, Hali!
Hrishan – 1MB
(Excellence)
For working hard to improve his handwriting! You keep getting better and better, Hrishan! Well done!
Eva – 1JG
(Excellence)
For showing epic creativity and enthusiasm for our new topic by making her own arcade game at home!
Ayaan – 1JG
(Excellence)
For sharing his clever maths thinking and having such a smiley attitude throughout each school day!
Arnavi – 1SC
(Excellence)
For her developing reading skills which allowed her to move up a reading level. Well done, Arnavi!
Jayden – 1SC
(Excellence)
For blitzing his way through Mathletics tasks and always trying his best. Well done, Jayden!
Adalynn – 1NC
(Excellence)
For consistently displaying all the OSPS values and being a fantastic role model. You are a star!
Eddie – 1NC
(Integrity)
For bringing your bright, bubbly and best self to school everyday. You make 1NC a happier place!
YEAR 2 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Arjun – 2TM
(Excellence)
For working incredibly hard in his Mathematics over the holidays. Well done Arjun!
Leo – 2TM
(Excellence)
For making excellent progress in his reading and moving onto Brown dot! Well done Leo!
Sophia – 2TM
(Excellence)
For putting in a lot of effort at home and over the holidays to practise her spelling. Well done!
Krishna – 2ML
(Resilience)
For his resilience and determination in overcoming the challenges of learning with a broken finger!
Ashal – 2ML
(Excellence)
For completing all tasks with great care and taking pride in the presentation of his work.
Sophie – 2GL
(Excellence)
For her amazing writing this term. Your recounts have truly impressed us! Well done Sophie.
Vian – 2GL
(Excellence)
For the fantastic effort you have been putting into your reading. Well done Vian!
Henry – 2VO
(Excellence)
For working hard to progress onto Accelerated Reader Program. You’re a rockstar Henry!
Stevie – 2VO
(Respect)
For writing wonderful recounts about football, your writing has improved tremendously! Well done!
Jesal – 2AP
(Excellence)
For working hard to include sizzling starts in every piece of writing. Keep it up Jesal!
Jayden – 2AP
(Excellence)
For trying hard to include lots of detail in his writing. Well done Jayden!
Gautham – 2AB
(Excellence)
For working extremely hard on his narrative writing, creating lots of exciting stories.
Shanaya – 2AB
(Working Together)
For always being kind to everyone and demonstrating great teamwork skills.
YEAR 3 SPECIALIST AWARDS
Shae – 3FT
(Resilience)
For demonstrating resilience in all areas of learning and trying her very best. Keep shining bright!
Rishon – 3FT
(Excellence)
For consistently completing his work to a high standard and being a great friend! You’re awesome!
Sia – 3AN
(Respect)
For being a fantastic student, who works hard, is kind to others and always uses excellent manners!
Minas – 3AN
(Integrity)
For always working to the best of your ability and being a role model student to your peers!
Penelope – 3AN
(Respect)
For always being polite and respectful towards her peers and staff at OSPS.
Catrina – 3WC
(Working Together)
For always working collaboratively with her classmates!
Ryan – 3WC
(Excellence)
For showing a high level of enthusiasm and eagerness in all areas of his learning.
JUNIOR SPECIALIST AWARDS
Prep KL
Visual Arts
(Working Together)
For creating wonderful mark-making works in a quiet and conscientious way!
Kylee – Prep SJ
Japanese
(Excellence)
For always participating and completing your work to the best of your ability. Well done Kylee!
Rian – Prep AL
Performing Arts
(Respect)
For showing respect, by listening and participating well in your music lessons.
1JG
Visual Arts
(Working Together)
For working so well as a team in the Art room!
Ethan – 1NM
Japanese
(Excellence)
For your excellent work in learning our new body words. Keep up the great work!
2TM
Visual Arts
(Working Together)
For working so wonderfully well in a collaborative manner!
Wen Li – 2GL
Japanese
(Excellence)
For your excellent work in practising the days of the week in Japanese. Great work!
Janice – 3WC
Performing Arts
(Excellence)
For your excellence and enthusiasm in Band and Performing Arts classes.
3MW
Visual Arts
(Respect)
For working in a quiet and productive way in the Art room.
STUDENT SHOWCASE
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 4
This term, as part of our Integrated Studies unit, Year 4 students have been learning about the history and culture of First Nations Australians. They read a Dreaming story explaining how kangaroos got their tails: a tale of clever thinking and creative problem-solving that helped them survive.
Inspired by the story’s themes and imagery, students created stunning sunset animal silhouettes. These activities were completed alongside students from our Japanese exchange program, making it a truly collaborative and cultural experience.
LITERACY CORNER
In Literacy, our Year 4s are reading The One and Only Ivan as part of our Term 3 reading program. Through this text, they are exploring themes of friendship, kindness, courage, empathy, and speaking up for what is right.
In writing, students are focusing on persuasive texts. They are drafting letters to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, advocating for a national ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. Here are some of their opening paragraphs:
Dear Ms. Collins,
I am a Year 4 student at Oakleigh South Primary School in Melbourne, Victoria. I am writing to respectfully ask for a national ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. These unfortunate animals face many problems such as not being able to use their natural instincts, not living in their natural habitat and there is a risk putting them back into the wild because they mightn’t know how to survive. I know you will agree that we must act now to protect these helpless, but beautiful animals.
Dear Ms. Collins,
I am a Year 4 student at Oakleigh South Primary School in Melbourne, Victoria. I am writing to respectfully ask for a national ban on the use of animals in circuses. These poor suffering animals face many problems, like not being able to live in their natural habitat, their lifespan decreases and if they escape their domain, they might not know how to live in their habitat. I know you will agree we definitely need to act now to protect these vulnerable animals.
Dear Ms. Collins,
I am a year 4 student at Oakleigh South Primary School Melbourne, Victoria. I am writing to respectfully ask for a national ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. These poor threatened and helpless animals face many problems, such as, not being able to live in their natural habitat, abusive trainers mistreating them and not being able to be with their own species. I know you will agree we definitely need to act now to protect this suffering, helpless animals.
YEAR 4 GEM
Gratitude
We are grateful for the opportunity to attend a wonderful swimming program at GESAC. We are also thankful for the dedicated swimming teachers who taught us a variety of water safety skills. We thoroughly enjoyed our week of swimming.
Empathy
We empathise with the Japanese students who left their homes and travelled all the way to Australia to spend time at our school. We hope they have enjoyed their time learning about and exploring our culture.
Mindfulness
We are being mindful of our behaviour. We are learning to move together through the school quietly, so we don’t disturb other classes and to walk in a way that is both safe and respectful.
SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT
TERM THREE IN THE ART ROOM
This term, students across all year levels have been exploring the exciting world of sculpture and paper construction – from our youngest artists just starting their creative journeys to our older students refining and sharing technical skills.
Across all grades, it’s been wonderful to see skills, confidence, and creativity grow. From monsters to bold 3D forms to helpful technique guides, every student has contributed something unique to our vibrant gallery of sculptural work.
Siouxsan-Claire Major
Visual Arts Specialist
In Prep, students have been developing their mark-making skills by experimenting with lines, shapes, and scribbles – then transforming them into playful scribble monsters! Using cut paper, glue, googly eyes, and imagination, they’ve learned key skills like cutting, sticking, layering, and building.
Grade 2 students have taken paper into the third dimension, experimenting with curling, fringing, folding, twisting, and layering to create sculptural works that leap off the page – from abstract architecture to wild paper gardens.
In Grade 5, students have stepped into the role of technique experts, creating Paper Sculpture Technique Posters that showcase and explain different paper-shaping methods. These will become valuable classroom references for future sculpture projects.
SPORT REPORT
YEAR 6 DIVISION SOCCER CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to our Year 6 Division Soccer Team, who claimed the Division Championship today with a 3–0 win in the final against Galilee!
A huge well done to all the boys for their outstanding effort, teamwork, and dedication throughout the competition.
We also extend a big thank you to the families who came along to cheer and support — your encouragement made all the difference.
PARENT GROUP
PARENT GROUP UPDATE
It’s only August, but 2025 has already been a huge year for the OSPS Parent Group!
From fun food days to big fundraising goals, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes – all thanks to the incredible support from our school community.
So far this year, the funds raised have helped make some exciting improvements around the school, including:
- Repair of the Green Playground on the Senior Oval
- Creation of an Outdoor Classroom near the Robotics Lab
- Repairs to Friendship Square
And we’re not done yet! Semester 2 is shaping up to be just as busy, with even more fun (and fundraising) on the way. Keep an eye out for upcoming events like the Father’s Day Stall, the Colour Run, Disco and more food days!
We’re always looking for extra helping hands and fresh ideas – we’d love to have you involved. Every little bit makes a big difference! Please email ospsparentgroup67@gmail.com for more information.
Thank you for your continued support – together we’re making OSPS even better for our kids!
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.
CAMP AUSTRALIA
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.
