“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”—Derek Jeter

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

On Tuesday, the school began the first day of the review process. Every four years, all Victorian Government schools are required to review their performance from the past four years. The review is conducted by an independent reviewer, the Senior Education Improvement Leader from the department and various other panel members, including staff from other schools, our school council president and leadership team.

We have been working on the review process since the middle of last year, collecting data and analysing the school’s performance in readiness to go through the review process. At Oakleigh South Primary School, we have so much to celebrate and are looking forward to setting our goals for the next four years in the form of the school’s new Strategic Plan.

Last night we welcomed the new Prep families to our school with a wonderful evening of food, entertainment, fun and friendship. The Parent Group put on a fantastic spread of salads and a scrumptious barbecue. The children were entertained by Charlie Silly Pants, whilst the parents chatted and got to know each other. Thank you to the Parent Group for another great event to bring our school community together.

Next week, our year one and two students begin their 5-day swimming program at GESAC. We have had a very positive response to this extremely important program. For those students who are not attending, they will participate in a water safety program back at school. Look out for more information from your year level about what is required to bring each day.

On Tuesday 27th February, the OSPS swimming Squad with be competing at the Bentleigh District Swimming Carnival at Oakleigh Recreation Centre. The squad is made up of students from years 3 – 6 and they have been training twice a week to prepare for this event. Thank you to the staff and parents for your continued support of our students and I wish them all the best for next week’s carnival.

Enjoy the warm weather this week.

Ron

Principal

SCHOOL MATTERS

URGENT REMINDER: ROAD SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR FAMILIES

Dear Parents & Carers,

OSPS would like to remind parents and students of the critical importance of road safety, particularly during their journey to and from school. Inattention when crossing roads can result in a serious accident.  We stress the dangers of being distracted by devices, such as phones and headphones while walking to and from school.

 Please remember the following:

Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, including traffic and pedestrian crossings.

Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using electronic devices such as smartphones or headphones while walking near roads.

Look Both Ways: Before crossing any road, ensure you look left, right and left again to check for oncoming vehicles.

Use Designated Crossings: Whenever possible, use marked crossings and obey traffic lights.

Walk with Caution: Walk, don’t run, cross streets with care and be mindful of your speed.

Take care everyone.

CAMP SPORTS AND EXCURSIONS FUND

The Victorian Government offer a Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund for families who hold a valid means-tested concession card are eligible to apply. A special consideration category also exists.

A payment of $125 for eligible primary school students will be paid directly to the school to be used toward camps, sports and excursion costs for the student’s benefit.
CSEF payments to schools will commence from 1 March onwards. Schools are able to continue processing applications until the end of Term 2

Please click below for the form  https://www.education.vic.gov.au/PAL/CSEF-application-form.docx

Please email or send in your application form and a copy of your concession card as soon as possible.
Those families that were eligible in 2023 will be rolled over, you do not need to reapply.
If you have any issues please contact Carlyn carlyn.backers@education.vic.gov.au

NAB AFL AUSKICK IS COMING!

AFL Victoria will be running a 5-week Auskick and Superkick program at the school!

Auskick (Ages 4-8): An intro to Australian Football and invaluable life skills. With game-based activities kids love, learning is disguised as playing. You don’t need Aussie Rules experience — children can start Auskick in the calendar year they turn 5!

The total price for this program is $50. You will receive a size 1 football and pump as part of your Auskick registration.

REGISTER HERE – https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/0ff7f6 or scan the QR code in the flyer

Oakleigh South Primary School Auskick & Superkick Centre will run from Wednesday 28th of February from 3:45pm – 4:45pm on the school oval. For more information, please contact Aslyn at aslyn.witney@afl.com.au or Sam sam.howell@afl.com.au

MOBILE PHONES – STUDENT USE

As you may be aware, the Mobile Phones – Student Use policy for Victorian government schools came into effect in Term 1 2020. This policy requires students to switch their phones off and securely store them during the school day.

The policy is designed to support teaching and learning, promoting learning environments that are free from unnecessary distractions. The policy also aims to increase physical activity and socialisation at recess and lunch times. A Review of the policy found that it has reduced the use of mobile phones during school hours, with a range of benefits noted by principals and teachers.

The Department of Education has also published a parent/carer support page on mobile phones in schools on its website. This website includes links to supports for parents/carers on safe and responsible technology use at home.

Our school has its own, local mobile phone policy, which implements the government’s mobile policy in line with our local context. A copy of our policy is available at: https://oakleighsouthps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mobile-Phones-Policy.pdf 

I encourage new members of our school community to read our policy, as it outlines the school’s expectations of staff, parents/carers, and students regarding the use of mobile phones by students at school.

If you have further questions about our local policy, please contact the administration office.

VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

YEAR 1 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

YEAR 3 & SPECIALIST VALUED STUDENT AWARDS

STUDENT SHOWCASE

JAPANESE SHOWCASE

We are thrilled to share some exciting news as we commence the new school term.

First and foremost, we are delighted to welcome back Asami to our team as an assistant teacher for Terms 1 to 3. Asami brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our school, and we are thrilled to have her with us once again.

Additionally, we are excited to announce that we will have volunteers joining us from the 19th of February. Please extend a warm welcome to Yuki, Sumire, and Himari as they assist us in delivering our Japanese program for the next 4 weeks. Their contributions will undoubtedly enhance the learning experiences of our students.

A big thank you to Pauline K Sensei for looking after the Japanese class for the first two weeks of the term. Your dedication and support are greatly appreciated.

Moreover, Nakamura University students and professors are visiting OSPS on the 4th and 5th of March. After 2 long years of planning, we are welcoming them to our school. All students are studying to become teachers, and they are coming to our school to gain valuable experience. They will also be teaching our students, making it a great exchange program between the university in Japan and our school.

We are always looking for families willing to host Japanese volunteers, so if you are interested, please let us know. Here is the Google Form link for interested families to submit their expression of interest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEDSkvD5wn2QpHG9qaSXMHLVaogy3YHMbLG2YYGg1dChd-nA/viewform?usp=sf_link

With our new team in place, we are eager and committed to delivering a dynamic and comprehensive Japanese program for the year ahead. We look forward to working closely with you and your children to ensure a successful and fulfilling academic term.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your continued support, and we cannot wait to embark on this exciting journey together!

Warm regards,

Sumiko Ranjitkumar

Japanese Teacher

Oakleigh South Primary School

JAPANESE SHOWCASE

In Japanese class, students have been learning about Japanese culture and traditions. They started by finding out how people in Japan celebrate the New Year, exploring Japanese Zodiac signs, and understanding the Year of the Dragon. Recently, they learned about Setsubun, a fun festival where people throw beans for good luck and fresh starts.

All the classes are enjoying these topics, but Grade 6 is especially excited this term. They’re writing letters to our sister school, Tampa Higashi Primary School in Japan. They’re really looking forward to sharing their thoughts and making friends overseas.

Aside from learning about Japanese culture, students are getting ready for Taiko drumming performances. Grade 6 students are especially thrilled about a Taiko drumming event happening on the 5th of March. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

SPORT AT OAKLEIGH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

SPORT AT OAKLEIGH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Year 5 Sport

Year 5 students have enjoyed participating with their house learning the skills and rules of Tee Ball.

This week they will begin their Tee Ball tournament against other house, weather permitting of course! 

Year 6 Sport

Our Year 6 students have been busy training with their summer team on Tuesday and Wednesdays. They have been learning skills, rules and teamwork.

This week our Year 6 students travel to Oakleigh Grammar for round three (our second game) of interschool sport. 

PARENT GROUP

CAMP AUSTRALIA

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.