Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 35
7th November, 2025

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”  — Sir Edmund Hillary

IMPORTANT DATES

Issue 35 – 7th November 2025

WEEK 6

Tue 11 Nov
• Whole School Assembly – 2:45PM in the Hall

Thu 13 Nov
• Senior Choir – 3:45PM in the Hall

Fri 14 Nov
• Prep Transition – Group B – 1:30PM
• Whole School Transition – 2:15PM

Sat 15 Nov
• MISJ Fete: Nominochi

WEEK 7

Tue 18 Nov
• Year 4 to 6 Assembly – 2:45PM
• School Council Meeting – 6:00PM

Thu 20 Nov
• Senior Choir – 3:45PM in the Hall

WEEK 8

Mon 24 Nov
• Year 6 Camp Halls Gap 2025 – Day 1/5
• Prep Swimming Program – Day 1/5 – 11:00AM

Tue 25 Nov
• Year 6 Camp Halls Gap 2025 – Day 2/5
• Prep Swimming Program – Day 2/5 – 11:00AM
• Prep to Year 3 Assembly – 2:45PM in the Hall
• Year 2 Production 2GL 2AB 2RV & 1/2 2AP – 6:30PM in the Hall

Wed 26 Nov
• Year 6 Camp Halls Gap 2025 – Day 3/5
• Prep Swimming Program – Day 3/5 – 11:00AM
• Year 2 Production 2VO 2TM 2ML & 1/2 2AP – 6:30PM in the Hall

Thu 27 Nov
• Year 6 Camp Halls Gap 2025 – Day 4/5
• Prep Swimming Program – Day 4/5 – 11:00AM
• Senior Choir – 3:45PM in the Hall

Fri 28 Nov
• Year 6 Camp Halls Gap 2025 – Day 5/5
• Prep Swimming Program – Day 5/5 – 11:00AM

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

We had an absolute blast at the Colour Run – what a joy-filled day for everyone! A huge thank you to our amazing teachers who bravely volunteered to be slimed – definitely one of the biggest highlights of the day! And, of course, a very special thank you to our wonderful Parent Group and volunteers for organising yet another fantastic event that brought our whole school community together. It was a brilliant day for students and staff alike.

Rehearsals for our Year 2 Production, Rock Bottom, are now in full swing, and the excitement is building! The students are working hard and can’t wait to hit the stage. Performances will be held over two nights: Red Cast (2GL, 2AB, 2RV and ½ 2AP) will perform on Tuesday 25 November, and Orange Cast (2VO, 2TM, 2ML and ½ 2AP) will perform on Wednesday 26 November.

Tickets for Year 2 families are now open via TryBooking at OSPS Year 2 – Rock Bottom. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7.50 for children aged 4–12. Children under 4 may sit on an adult’s knee in the seated area. Please see the Compass notification for full details. We can’t wait to see our talented Year 2s shine on stage!

Today we held our second Prep Transition session, and it was wonderful to see so many happy, excited faces as our future preps joined us again. The excitement is certainly building as they prepare to start school next year. The program wraps up next Friday, when children will find out who their teacher and classmates will be for 2026 – a very exciting milestone indeed!

Next Friday will also be our Whole School Transition Afternoon, where all students will spend time in their 2026 year level for the afternoon. This session gives them a sneak peek at what’s ahead and the chance to hear about the exciting learning and activities to come. Please note that students will not be in their 2026 classes for this session.

Yesterday’s State Athletics Championships were held under perfect skies, and our OSPS athletes performed exceptionally well! Congratulations to all our competitors on their outstanding effort and sportsmanship. Drewin won gold in both the 100m and 200m events, breaking the state record in the 200m. The 11-Year Boys Relay team, consisting of Boyd, Drewin, Jack and Thomas, won silver, and Kosta placed sixth in the 200m final. We are incredibly proud of all your hard work and achievements.

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the term! There’s still plenty happening before the end of the year, and we’re looking forward to finishing 2025 on a high.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Warm regards,
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal

SCHOOL MATTERS

STATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS!

Under perfect skies, our OSPS athletes showcased their talent and determination at yesterday’s State Athletics Championships.

A special congratulations to Drewin, who won gold in both the 100m and 200m events, setting a new state record in the 200m! The 11-Year Boys Relay team (Boyd, Drewin, Jack and Thomas) secured silver, and Kosta achieved a commendable sixth place in the 200m final.

We are incredibly proud of all our competitors for their outstanding effort, sportsmanship and achievements. Well done, OSPS!

COLOUR RUN: A SPLASHING SUCCESS

After a wet start to last Friday, it was touch and go as to whether the Colour Run would go ahead. Luckily, the sun came out, and the afternoon turned into a warm, rainbow-filled celebration.

Around 850 students raced around the oval, doused in water and colour from bottles, moving through a whirlwind of activities and obstacles, climbing, sliding, jumping, and laughing at every turn. Students ran with friends, classmates, and even teachers, some racing ahead to dodge the colour while others paused to soak up every splash. The energy, colour, and laughter created a spectacularly messy and joyful scene, so much so that we completely ran out of powder.

The excitement continued after the run when our brave teachers got slimed. Mr Davey, Miss Gunning, Mrs Marsh, Mr Morrey, Miss Dunkley, Mr Huebner, and Miss Murphy, filling in for Mr Louey, were drawn from students who raised $50 or more, delighting everyone with their gooey antics.

A huge thank you to our Parent Group, who organised and ran the event, and to the parent volunteers who made it all possible. It was such a fun day full of smiles and colour for everyone involved! 

More photos and videos from the day will be shared soon.

SPECIAL REPORT: NEW SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATIONS

New Social Media Regulations: What you need to know

From 10 December 2025, new laws will take effect in Australia to protect young people online by restricting access to social media for those under the age of 16. This important change reflects growing community concern about the impact of early social media use on children’s mental health, wellbeing and development.

Research shows that social media can expose children to unrealistic comparisons, online pressure and harmful content long before they are emotionally ready to manage it. While regulation is a positive step forward, real safety begins at home. Families continue to play the most powerful role in helping children build confidence, resilience and awareness in the digital world.

These new regulations provide an opportunity to talk openly with your child about their online experiences and what these changes mean for them. It’s also a chance to review family technology habits, reinforce healthy routines, and explore age-appropriate ways for young people to connect, learn and express themselves.

This Special Report explains what the new laws mean in practice and offers practical guidance to help families prepare for the upcoming changes.

Here is the link to your Special Report: https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-new-social-media-regulations-what-you-need-know

INVITATION TO THE ANNUAL MISJ FETE: NOMINOICHI 2025

The Parents’ Association of the Melbourne International School of Japanese (MISJ) warmly invites the Oakleigh South Primary School community to their annual fete, held on the OSPS Hall and Basketball Courts, on Saturday, 15th November 2025, from 2:00pm – 4:30pm!

Highlights:

  • Games & activities: Haunted House, Lucky Dip, Snack Fishing, Mini Bowling & more

  • Food & drinks: Takoyaki, Karaage, Daifuku, ice creams, bubble tea & baked treats

  • Markets & auctions: Flea Market, Book Market, Silent Auction

  • Entertainment: Talent Show & Drawing Show

Scan the QR codes for full details, or see attached flyers for the schedule, map, and activities.

Come along for a fun afternoon filled with food, games, and festival magic!

YEAR 2 PRODUCTION – ROCK BOTTOM

Our talented Year 2 students have been working incredibly hard throughout the year to bring you this year’s production, Rock Bottom! We can’t wait to share their energy and creativity with our school community.

Tickets will go on sale for the school community next Wednesday, 12th November via TryBooking. Keep an eye out for the booking link and further information in next week’s updates.

Performance Dates:

  • Red Cast – 2GL, 2AB, 2RV & ½ 2AP
    Tuesday, 25th November 

  • Orange Cast – 2VO, 2TM, 2ML & ½ 2AP
    Wednesday, 26th November

All performances will be held in the School Hall, and will begin at 6:30pm sharp.

📸 Important Reminder:
For the safety and privacy of our students, and in line with copyright policies, filming and photography are not permitted during performances. Please ensure all guests are aware of this before attending.

We can’t wait to celebrate our Year 2 students’ efforts and see our community come together for this exciting event!

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.

STUDENT SHOWCASE

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 5?

The Year 5 students had an amazing time at camp in Week 3, embracing every moment of adventure at the beautiful Peninsula Outdoors campsite in Merricks. They threw themselves into a wide range of activities: canoeing, crate stacking, kite making, archery and, of course, the crowd favourite, surfing!

Despite a rainy start, the skies soon cleared, and students were able to enjoy the full program. The camp was a fantastic opportunity for them to strengthen their resilience, leadership and teamwork skills while creating lifelong memories with friends.
A huge thank you to Mrs Goudie for her exceptional organisation, ensuring everything ran seamlessly. We’d also like to acknowledge the dedicated Year 5 teachers, along with Miss Dunkley, Miss Lema, Ms Sakellaris, Ms Paroukas, Mr Eykman, Mr Mietzke, Miss Burgess, Charli and Tilly, for generously giving their time to make this unforgettable experience possible.

LITERACY CORNER

 

Our Year 5 students have been sharing their unforgettable experiences from Peninsula Outdoors Camp through lively, personal recounts. From balancing high on crates and mastering surfboards, to navigating challenging activities like Radio Rogaine and canoeing against the current, these stories capture courage, teamwork, and the sheer joy of adventure. The students’ vivid writing brings the sights, sounds, and even the icy chills of camp to life, showing their growing confidence as writers and storytellers.

At camp I did an activity at rotation 1 named “Radio Rogaine” , so basically we had to go around the camp searching for white and orange sticky notes. Each team was given a special alphabet, a map, a radio, and an answer sheet.  When we found a sticky note we told the teachers with the radio, what number and letter, and they would give us a puzzle to solve.
And my second favorite: Surfing. Even though I fell off the surf board multiple times, I still enjoyed my time in the salty waters. At first I was scared to stand up against the waves,
 but I was determined and stood on the surf board, it was the best feeling I had in a while, even though after I fell off the surf board my nose stung.
And I could not forget the beach activities. We had to dig a hole that fits all of us. At first it was difficult but after quite a while we got the hang of it and we used a stick saying it’s the “power of nature”.
And of course I couldn’t forget canoeing. It’s my absolute favorite even though my pants got wet, I still enjoyed playing gang up tag. Even though the current was pulling us away, with great teamwork we managed to get to shore. That’s all the activities I absolutely loved.

Although camp doesn’t last forever I at least had the best time of my life at Peninsula Outdoors Camp.
- Henry H, 5MJ

As the icy wind blew past our faces, making our our blue bodies shiver uncontrollably, I moaned in disgust and forced my reluctant body into the slimy torture suit provided. The suit was tight and unforgiving, forcing me to walk like a penguin. I stared at the surfboard, thinking about how heavy and uncomfortable it would be to have to carry it all the way to the beach. “Do we have to carry the surfboard?” I asked, praying the answer was no. The coach just gave me a look that screamed yes.
The unforgivable wind battered my face as we carefully trudged down the stairs, not wanting to have a sandy end. I glanced behind me, my friend, Clover, was struggling even more, being 20cm shorter than me. As clumps of seaweeds and rockpools entered my view, I let out a sigh of relief: finally, we had arrived.
The water was slightly brown and held many unwanted guests that looked dangerously trippable. I hesitantly dipped my toe into the water, only to find a numbing coldness to greet me. I gulped hesitantly as my friend Katherine and I eyed each other, clearly sharing the same thoughts. This was going to be torture.
It was my turn. I laid down forwards and reminded myself not to put my arms up. A big wave pushed me forwards and I carefully kneeled, then even more slowly crouched up until I stood up. The icy wind ruffled my hair, and the rushing of waves was just so energetic. I had never felt more alive than at that moment.
- Emma R, 5KM

I had the most sensational experience at camp and I highly recommend it and th–… let’s just talk about camp. So my favourite activity of all time was Crate Stacking! Basically, you’re tied to a harness that’s tied to a pulley mechanism, with 6 or 7 people suspending you in the air while you try to balance on very unstable crates.
At first I was astonished to see how high people were standing and I immediately said to myself, ‘Nope, not even in a million years (if I could live that long)’, but I slowly gained courage (while I was pulling the rope with six or seven people) and I finally agreed to stand on the crates.
I put on the harness and stood on the first two crates. Two other people helped stack them. Tension was building up but I realised, ‘I’M NOT GONNA DIE!’ Then, bam. I stood on all… all of the crates! Then the helper came to kick down the crates, but I had no fear – I knew what had to be done – and that was it.
I just want to say thank you to Peninsula Outdoors.
- Forbes W, 5LG

YEAR 5 GEM 

GRATITUDE

We are grateful for the opportunity to go to camp at Peninsula Outdoors and try so many exciting activities like surfing, canoeing and archery. We appreciate all the teachers and staff who made camp possible and supported us along the way.
 
EMPATHY

We have empathy for our classmates who found some activities challenging or were feeling homesick. We encouraged and supported each other, celebrating everyone’s efforts and achievements.

 
MINDFULNESS 
We were mindful of the beautiful natural surroundings at Peninsula Outdoors, which is located on the lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation. We took time to appreciate the coastline, bushland and wildlife, and to reflect with gratitude for being able to learn, play and connect on their Country.

 

SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT

Konnichiwa (Hello) everyone!

We kicked off Term 4 with our annual Matsuri Day, giving students the chance to participate in competitions and celebrate their love of Japanese culture. It was fantastic to see so many creative costumes in our Dress Up Competition. Choosing the winners was no easy task, but Japanese captains Ally, Advay, Emma, and Kemi carefully selected their favourites after some lively discussion.

Dress Up Winners

  • Prep: Harper B. (0LM)

  • Year 1: Katie H. (1SC)

  • Year 2: Leo M., Kabir C., Mia G. (2TM)

  • Year 3: Asha M. (3FT)

  • Year 4: Zoe R. (4ML)

  • Year 5: Oliver A. (5KM)

  • Year 6: Rutva P. (6FW)

  • Staff: Mrs Major

We also ran a Colouring Competition, receiving hundreds of entries across all year levels. After considering creativity, neatness, and originality, our winners were:

Colouring Winners

  • Prep: Teishania S. (0KL)

  • Year 1: Adalynn L. (1NC)

  • Year 2: Cindy H. (2AB)

  • Year 3: Zayda B. (3WC)

  • Year 4: Alina C. (4LD)

  • Year 5: Khaleesi G. (5EW)

  • Year 6: Rheanne S. (6NM)

Congratulations to everyone who participated – the Japanese Room has never looked more colourful!

WELCOME ADO SENSEI!

We are thrilled to welcome Ado Sensei, a volunteer from Tokyo, who will be joining our lessons this term. Students will have a unique chance to learn from a native speaker and experience authentic Japanese culture. If you see Ado Sensei around, don’t forget to say Konnichiwa!

We can’t wait for more fun, learning, and cultural adventures as Term 4 continues!

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.

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