Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 26
23rd August, 2024
“Happiness can always be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”
– Dumbledore
IMPORTANT DATES
Issue 26 – 23rd August 2024
Thursday 29th August
– Father’s Day Stall
Friday 30th August
– Father’s Day Stall
– Prep Father’s Day Afternoon 2:30pm
Monday 2nd September
– Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 3rd September
– Book Fair
Wednesday 4th September
– Book Fair
Thursday 5th September
– Book Fair
– Bentleigh District Athletics
Monday 9th September
– Year 1 Scienceworks Excursion
Tuesday 10th September
– Year 2 LegoLand Excursion
Thursday 12th September
– R U OK? Day
Monday 16th September
– Year 6 Production Week Begins
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
The Year 6 students have been rehearsing extremely hard this year for our amazing production of Frozen!
The performances will be on the following times and dates in the school hall.
- Monday 7pm 16th September – Silver Cast (Choir Aqua Cast)
- Tuesday 7pm 17th September – Silver Cast (Choir Aqua Cast)
- Wednesday 4pm 18th September – Aqua Cast (Choir Silver Cast) *** Note Matinee time of 4pm
- Thursday 7pm 19th September – Aqua Cast (Choir Silver Cast)
Tickets go on sale to the whole school community on 10am Monday 26th August.
A Compass will be sent with the link on Monday morning.
The Year 5’s experienced the Wanyara Incursion this week, which is a Traditional Aboriginal experience of games, artwork, traditional storytelling and dance. Students learnt about Indigenous customs, beliefs, laws, creativity, culture, symbology and language.
Book Week Dress Up Day today was fantastic! All the students in their terrific costumes, celebrating book week and literacy activities is such a joy to see. The amazing characters brought to life in a sea of colour and cheer made the book week parades spectacular.
Have a great weekend.
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal
SCHOOL MATTERS
SCHOOLTV@OSPS
We are excited to announce that our school has invested in a new wellbeing resource to support the mental health and overall wellness of our students and their families. SchoolTV is designed to provide our parents and caregivers with the tools, strategies and community connections they need to foster their child’s social-emotional development and address any mental health concerns at home. Through educational workshops, access to mental health professional and connections to local resources, we aim to empower our families and equip them with proactive approaches to supporting student wellbeing and preventative measures.
Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource implemented at our school to help support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. Parenting is a learning journey and SchoolTV supports families by providing credible information from trusted sources with practical strategies to help alleviate some of the challenges being faced by young people today.
Watch video interviews with leading wellbeing specialists and browse a library of resources. Each topic is accompanied by factsheets, podcasts, books, articles, apps and other videos.
This award-winning resource helps families build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It will assist you in starting those conversations on topics that can sometimes be awkward or difficult to tackle.
Parents and caregivers are the greatest influence on a young person’s life and SchoolTV focuses on empowering confident parenting.
Explore SchoolTV today! Click on the link below:
https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/
PEP’S FITNESS ACADEMY
Pep’s Fitness Academy is excited to announce that due to high demand, will be adding a new day for Term 4!
This addition aims to provide more flexibility and accommodate the growing interest in our programs.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to stay active, meet new friends, and have a blast while doing so.
Term 4 Cost: 150 dollars
Some of the key topics will be:
* Speed
* Agility
* Endurance
* Sports
* Reflexes
Please note that there are limited spots available, with a maximum of 16 students So, if you’re interested, make sure to secure your spot early!. Simply ring or text Nicholas on the number in the flyer.
A SPECIAL REPORT: WELLBEING BAROMETER SURVEY 2024
The Wellbeing Barometer survey has proven to be an invaluable tool for schools, providing insights into the state of youth mental health and wellbeing.
Participating in this year’s survey, will assist in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention. Previously gathered information has helped support families as they navigate difficult conversations that enable understanding and foster connections to build relationships.
This survey is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study, with the results being instrumental in tailoring support for students and their families. Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students’ experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year. Its aim is to capture a comprehensive picture of young people’s lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.
We encourage you to take a few moments to complete a survey for each of your children. This will help us determine the nature and extent of your concerns and how best to support families in the months ahead. Responses remain anonymous and will only be reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in the last 12 months.
Acquiring the skills for future independence, taking healthy risks, and giving young people the opportunity to emancipate from parents, are key developmental tasks that are essential if we are to stave off the impact of mental illness in the future.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
Please refer to the link on Compass to complete the survey.
PREP 2025 ENROLMENT OFFERS RELEASED
We are pleased to announce that Prep Offers for the 2025 school year have been sent out to families. If you have applied for your child to join us next year, please be sure to check your email for your offer letter.
The email will include all the necessary information about the next steps, including how to accept your offer and details on upcoming orientation events. Please keep an eye on your inbox and follow the instructions provided to secure your child’s place for 2025.
We look forward to welcoming our new Preps to the school community!
BOOK WEEK 2024: CELEBRATE WITH US!
We are excited to announce that our annual whole school Dress Up Day for Book Week will be held on Friday, 23rd August. This year’s theme is ‘Reading is Magic’, and we encourage all students to embrace the magic of reading by dressing up as characters that embody this theme or as their favourite characters from any book.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to express their creativity and celebrate their love for reading. We kindly ask that students bring a gold coin donation on the day. The funds raised will go towards supporting our author guest speaker and purchasing new books for the library.
As in previous years, we will be holding two parades:
- Junior Parade (Prep – 2) : 9:00 AM in the hall
- Senior Parade (Years 3 – 6) : 9:50 AM in the hall
Parents are warmly invited to attend and enjoy these parades.
We’re also running a Book Cover Design Competition as part of our Book Week celebrations. Students are encouraged to design a cover for their favorite book or even create their own imaginary book cover. Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, 21st August. Each class will shortlist their top designs, which will then be judged by our team. Winners and runners-up from each year level will be announced soon after.
Throughout the week, there will be a variety of book-related activities for students to enjoy.
We can’t wait to see the magical and imaginative costumes our students come up with. Thank you for your support in making Book Week 2024 a memorable event for everyone!
BOOK WEEK AUTHOR VISITS
We are excited to announce that Book Week 2024 will feature visits from talented authors! These visits provide a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with professional writers, learn about their creative processes, and discover what it takes to craft the stories they enjoy.
Students will have the chance to ask questions, gain insights into the world of writing, and be inspired by the authors’ experiences. We can’t wait for our students to meet these incredible storytellers and enhance their love for reading!
ADAM WALLACE
We are thrilled to announce that on 26th August, renowned children’s author Adam Wallace will be visiting our school to engage with our students about the joys of reading and writing. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about the practices of a professional author and discover how he creates the interesting and engaging stories that captivate readers.
During his visit, Adam will share insights into his writing process and inspire students to explore their creativity. Students also have the chance to pre-purchase Adam’s books! To order, please visit Lamont Authors and select “Buy our Author’s Books.”
Please note that all orders must be completed by 12th August to ensure the books are signed during Adam’s visit. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet a beloved author and bring home a signed copy of his work!
ELLE LIKOPOULOS
We are thrilled to welcome author Elle Likopoulos to our school on Friday, 23rd August. Elle will be sharing her new book, I Want to Be Me When I Grow Up, with our Prep – 2 students.
I Want to Be Me When I Grow Up is a heartwarming children’s book that encourages young readers to embrace their unique selves. Through vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative, the story celebrates individuality, self-confidence, and the importance of being true to oneself. It inspires children to dream big and understand that they can achieve anything by being themselves.
They will have the opportunity to participate in a special session with her during sessions 3 and 4. It’s a fantastic chance for our young readers to meet an author and explore the joys of storytelling!
There will be a limited number of books available for purchase on the day. As an added bonus, those who purchase a book will receive a signed copy from Elle herself!
To secure a copy of the book, please click on the link below:
https://form.jotform.com/242307319336050
OSPS BOOK FAIR 2024
The OSPS Book Fair is back! The Book Fair will run from Tuesday, 3rd September to Thursday, 5th September, with books on display in the school library. Your children will have the opportunity to visit the library with their class and write a wish list of books they might like to purchase. Photos of the books will be available to view on our school Facebook page.
Once you have decided which books you want to purchase, please go online to scholastic.com.au/payment or you can scan the QR code on the pamphlet your child will bring home. After payment, complete the Payment Form on the pamphlet and record your receipt number, the amount paid, your child’s name and class, and the name of the book(s) you are purchasing. Return the form to school, and the books will be supplied from the display in the library and delivered to your child’s classroom.
If we run out of the books you have chosen, I can reorder them online, and they will be sent to our school and then delivered to your child. It is very important that the proof of payment is sent back to school by Thursday, 5th September, and all the details on the ‘Pre-Payment’ form are correct.
Please remember this is a Book Fair, not a Book Club.
The children really enjoy our Book Fair, and we look forward to your support.
THANK YOU – OSPS CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME
Thank you to our families and friends who continue to visit the Return It centres to deposit their containers and donate to OSPS. We can see the donations come in and doesn’t matter how small a contribution, it is always appreciated!
You can return containers the following 3 ways!
@ 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 and Donate to OSPS by using the Bar Code attached
All students who bring in containers to school receive house points! Bring in your 10c recyclable containers!
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT
GEM AWARDS
Reyaansh P. 0FG – Empathy: For always considering the thoughts and feelings of those around him.
Meera M. 1SC – Empathy: For always demonstrating consideration and kindness. Your big heart allows you to look out for peers and find ways to help your teachers.
Izzy S. 2GL – Empathy: For always showing empathy towards her teachers, friends and peers. Her kindness in 2GL does not go unnoticed. Well done Izzy!
Pranav P. 2MJ – Empathy: For always showing empathy and kindness to everyone around him. We are lucky to have such a genuinely caring and thoughtful student in our class.
Tali Z. 3MW – Empathy: For always caring for others and helping out.
Marcus T. 4CG – Empathy: For demonstrating a strong understanding of empathy to the needs of his peers; always looking out for others and being a helping hand.
Deylon F. 5MM – Empathy: For always showing kindness and empathy towards his classmates and teachers. Deylon is very thoughtful and caring, which is very appreciated by his teachers. It’s cool to be kind!
Paul M. 6LJ – Empathy: For building his social skills by active listening and taking on fresh challenges.
STUDENT SHOWCASE
YEAR 6 SHOWCASE
BUSINESS EXPO
On the afternoon of Friday the 26th July, the Year 6 Building was transformed into the Year 6 Business District. Our Business Expo afternoon was the result of months of hard work with students forming groups and using the design thinking approach to brainstorm unique business ideas. The target audience was Year 6 parents, so our students had to ensure they displayed empathy and developed ideas that would appeal to adults. Over the weeks our young entrepreneurs held business meetings and each business created a website, designed advertisements, produced merchandise and constructed games. They had to ensure they kept accurate records of their expenditure and communicated well.
On the day, students were overwhelmed with the support provided by their parents and OSPS staff. At times, they were forced to negotiate prices with stingy customers and spruiking was necessary to attract attention. The afternoon flew by with students busily recording every transaction to ensure they balanced the books. Overall, the Year 6 Business Expo was a triumph and everyone learnt so much from this amazing experience. Teamwork played a huge part in the success of this project with the biggest lesson being: BUSINESS IS TOUGH!
LITERACY CORNER
Green and Gold Narratives
This term our Year 6 writing program took a creative approach to the theme of Green and Gold. Students were asked to plan and write a narrative which incorporated the colours green and gold in some way. For example, students could apply green and gold features to a character, setting, weather pattern, animal, or significant item such as a magical spell or potion. It was fabulous to see the range of ideas and approaches taken, while learning key writing skills and techniques!
‘Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!’ whined the siren, as I lifted the large shiny emerald and tucked it carefully into the briefcase.
“Don’t get too excited yet” puffed Jordan, “we still need to get out of this place!”
I knew he was right. Securing the emerald was one thing but getting out was probably going to be way harder.
– Jarrah, 6CM
The Ford Territory glistened in the blaring sun, as little sparkles made the car a mesmerizing gold. The sweet scent of pinecones and the earthy smell of leaves joined in a euphony. A voice called out from behind the truck, “What did you say?”
– Tiyah, 6CM
There was a giant outside, and it was approaching quickly. Meanwhile, we ran through a normal assembly, Valued Student Awards and the works. My thoughts wandered aimlessly, until settling on the old oak tree. Yes, that one. It stood, humongous and ancient in front of our classroom. I had fond memories of playing underneath its big boughs, and lush green refreshing shade in the summer. Apparently, it was older than the school, and even by then it was old! Suddenly I realised that this tree would really stick out like a sore thumb for the lightning brought by the giant…
– Theo, 6CM
YEAR 6 GEM & RESILIENCE PROJECT
Gratitude: We are eternally GRATEFUL to our parent helpers who are busily sewing costumes and constructing sets for our Year 6 Production.
Empathy: We are EMPATHETIC towards those students who are feeling hesitant about moving on to secondary school.
Mindfulness: With the weather improving, we are practising being MINDFUL and living in the moment by getting out in nature.
SPECIALIST SHOWCASE
VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE
It’s been a busy semester so far in Visual Arts, with students finishing artworks for our upcoming production Frozen and learning various techniques and processes, allowing them to explore many ways of creating art.
PREP
Preps have been learning about the artist Mondrian and his use of primary colours in their own artworks. Using only five colours—red, yellow, blue, white, and black—they explored line, shape, colour, and space through a series of activities. I enjoyed seeing their different interpretations, which demonstrated various compositional effects. I’m looking forward to seeing what they produce for their Van Gogh-themed works, where we will explore a range of textures.
YEAR 1
Year 1 students have been exploring pattern, space, and movement in their ‘Worms in the Grass’ artworks while building on their fine motor skills. It was quite tricky wiggling those worms through the grass, but everyone did so well. Continuing with space and movement, they each gained an understanding of overlapping effects in their artworks through the ‘Fruit Bowl’ activity. They explored how things can become more realistic by creating 3D effects, resulting in more interesting compositions.
YEAR 2
students have been working on their mixed media reindeer artworks, which tie in with our Frozen production. They created effective landscapes by merging materials and techniques into balanced pieces of art. They are continuing with mixed media effects, focusing on the artworks of Paul Klee, particularly his portrait Senecio (Old Man). Through this, they are learning how colour, line, and shape can change the look of their artworks, making each one unique.
YEAR 3
Year 3 students have been introduced to printmaking, linked to sustainability and the school garden. They enjoyed using the printing process after investigating the tools needed to look after our garden. This process also taught them how simple shapes can form interesting artworks, which will be used to create a class collage. Continuing with our garden theme, they handmade different textured papers to use in our organic positive and negative shape collages.
YEAR 4
Year 4’s have been creating collaged artworks for the ‘Frozen’ production. Students created imaginary castles made from a cold colour scheme and then used Melbourne maps for their backgrounds. They highlighted certain areas to give an ‘icy’ effect.
They have now moved onto a new project overlaying imaginary glass bottle shapes. Using soft pastels, we are exploring colour, value, shadows and highlights and are seeing some amazing 3D effects in our compositions.
YEAR 5
Year 5 students have been busy finishing off their ‘Reindeer’ pompoms for the Frozen production, and we can’t wait to see them all hanging around on the night. These pompoms are a great textile addition to the art exhibition. In addition to this, we have been creating our own interpretation of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. We’ve been designing our own silhouette cities and using his unique line style to make foam plates, which will be used in the printmaking process.
YEAR 6
Year 6 students have been adding the finishing touches to their individual ice cream artworks in preparation for the Frozen production. This project was inspired by a visit from the artist Daniel Butterworth, who provided students with a real-life experience of using different techniques in creating artworks. After his visit, students embarked on creating their own artworks using dry brush techniques, appropriate blending of colours, and highlighting techniques, making them look good enough to eat! To complement this, they applied their skills by working in groups to design various posters portraying the characters and scenes from the Frozen storyline.
PARENT GROUP
FATHER’S DAY & SPECIAL PERSONS STALL
Dear OSPS families,
This is a reminder that our annual Father’s Day & Special Person stall will be held next week on Thursday, 29 August and Friday, 30 August. Classes will be attending on the following days:
Thursday: Prep & Year 5.
Friday: All other classes.
Please see the timetable below for the detailed schedule.
We also would like to remind families to pack a shopping bag for their child. If anyone has any spare shopping bags, we would appreciate it if they could please be left at the office for use during the stall.
We are asking for parent volunteers to assist with running the stall. For anyone that has availability to volunteer for an hour or more please click Volunteer Link to add your name. If you would like to volunteer during the time your child will be attending, or you have any questions please contact Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Parent Group
OSPS SCARVES AND BEANIES
The remaining OSPS branded scarves and beanies are again available for purchase online.
Please note these will no longer be available for purchase in the uniform shop. The scarves are $24, and the beanies are $18.50. We ask if you do order, that you please clearly label your items.
Please see Compass for the link to order.
If you have any questions, please contact Parent Group on osparentgroup67@gmail.com
CAMP AUSTRALIA
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.
