Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 40
12th December, 2025
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
IMPORTANT DATES
Issue 40 – 12th December 2025
WEEK 11
Tue 16 Dec
• Year 6 Graduation Lunch – Students & Staff ONLY
• Prep to Year 3 Assembly (02:45PM – 03:30PM)
• Year 6 Graduation Presentation Night (06:30PM)
Wed 17 Dec
• Year 4 Mission to Mars Expo in Hall
• Year 4 Party
• Year 3 Party
• Year 5 Paper Plane Competition
Thu 18 Dec
• End Term 4 (3:30pm dismissal)
Fri 19 Dec
• Curriculum Day – Student Free Day
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
In the last full week of the year, we held the House Swimming carnival. The Oakleigh South House Swimming Carnival is an annual event for students, this year held at Carnegie Memorial Pool and fosters house spirit with races (freestyle, backstroke, etc.) and novelty events, with recent carnivals seeing strong participation and success at District levels.
Most Year 6’s on Tuesday had their high school transition day for all government secondary schools, where Year 6 students visit their new school for tours, activities, and to meet teachers and peers, reducing anxiety and familiarizing them with the new environment. Year 6 students entering catholic, independent or private schools also experienced a transition day this week or last.
Craft Power was the buzz word amongst all the Year 4 students. With their integrated unit this term focusing on Design and Technology, energy and movement, this was the perfect program to provide students with valuable hands on skills and knowledge. The Craft Power incursion allows students to experience using saws, hammers, nails and workbenches to create a practical item. In our case students were able to build a “Billycart” that was powered by a friction gear box. The students had a fabulous time building their cars in just under 2 hours. Many of them had fun racing their billycarts at school before they got to take home their moving model.
Parent Group ran a successful Christmas Stall over the past two days and we are very thankful to all the parent helpers and volunteers. Thanks to Nicole Stenton for her organisation.
Our first inaugural Soiree was held to showcase our senior choir, dance and band performances as a celebration of the year’s work. The hall was packed with parents and friends. Particular thanks to our staff who dedicate their time, lunchtimes and afterschool to run these ‘clubs’ for our students.
Next Tuesday will be a very special milestone for our Year 6 students as they celebrate their graduation. The day will begin with a group lunch, where they can enjoy time together and reflect on their primary school journey. In the evening, families will join us for the formal graduation ceremony—a memorable moment marking the beginning of their next chapter. Well done, Class of 2025! We are incredibly proud of each one of you.
On Wednesday night, we invite all students to join us for our Annual OSPS School Disco! This much-loved event promises plenty of music, dancing, and fun.
Location: School Hall
Tickets: $5 each
- Purchase online via TryBooking
- Or buy at the door (cash only)
Disco Sessions:
- Junior Disco (Prep – Year 2): 5:00pm – 6:00pm
- Senior Disco (Year 3 – Year 6): 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Please see Compass for full details about all upcoming events. Thank you to our staff and parent volunteers who make events like these possible.
A reminder that our final assembly for the year will be held on Thursday 18th December from 1:50–2:40 pm.
The whole school will be dismissed for the end of year at 3:30 pm.
We look forward to celebrating with our students and families throughout this week.
Warm regards,
Nikki Virtuoso
Acting Principal
SCHOOL MATTERS
IN THIS EDITION OF SchoolTV: EMBRACING CHANGE & NEW BEGINNINGS
Periods of change are an inevitable part of growing up. Whether it’s the start of a new school year, moving between year levels, or stepping beyond the school gates for the final time, each transition presents both opportunities and challenges. These moments often require young people to use and strengthen the skills needed to manage uncertainty, adjust to new environments and build resilience. While some may embrace change with enthusiasm, others can find it unsettling and disruptive to their sense of routine and security.
Research consistently shows that transitions can be stress points, often linked to heightened anxiety, reduced academic engagement and changes in peer connections. For families, these times can also place additional pressure on communication, expectations and emotional regulation. Understanding the psychological and emotional impact of change allows parents, caregivers and educators to better support young people as they adjust.
The ability to manage change is closely tied to resilience. Developing this capacity doesn’t happen overnight; it is built over time through consistent guidance, clear boundaries and access to supportive adults. When we work together to create a shared understanding of how to support transitions, students are more likely to feel confident, connected and capable.
Change can be challenging, but it also offers valuable opportunities for growth. By normalising these experiences and keeping the lines of communication open, young people can feel more secure during times of transition. When schools and families work together to provide encouragement, reassurance and structure, it creates a strong foundation that helps students not only adapt to new beginnings but approach them with confidence and curiosity.
Here is the link to the Embracing Change & New Beginnings edition of SchoolTV: https://oakleighsouthps.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-embracing-change-new-beginnings-au
GET READY TO DANCE – THE OSPS DISCO IS BACK!
Get your dancing shoes on because the OSPS Disco is back!
Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
Location: School Hall
Tickets: $5 each
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Purchase online via TryBooking, see the Compass newsfeed for the link
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Or purchase at the door, cash only
Disco Sessions:
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Junior Disco (Prep to Year 2): 5.00pm to 6.00pm
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Senior Disco (Year 3 to Year 6): 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Please note: Only current OSPS students may attend.
GLOW PRODUCTS
Glow products will be available for purchase online only via TryBooking. See the Compass newsfeed for the link.
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Online sales close Tuesday, 16 December at 4.00pm
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Wristbands and glow items will be delivered to classrooms on the day
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No glow products will be sold at the disco
VOLUNTEERS
As this is a parent and carer free event, we are seeking volunteers to help on the night.
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Volunteers must hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
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To assist, email osparentgroup67@gmail.com with your preferred session and a copy of your WWCC
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Don’t have a WWCC? Apply for free as a volunteer here: WWCC Application
LOST PROPERTY CLEAR-OUT
We’ll be clearing out all lost property opposite the library between now and the last day of term, Thursday 18th December. This is your chance to check for any missing items, including uniforms, hats, lunch boxes, and personal belongings.
Anything not claimed by this date will either be donated to the school’s second-hand uniform shop or thrown out.
A quick look now means your child goes into the holidays with everything they need — and you avoid buying replacements for lost uniforms, hats, or lunchboxes.
Thank you,
Parent Group
OUR CHRISTMAS STALL SHINES AGAIN!
STUDENT HEALTH & MEDICAL INFORMATION
As the school year comes to a close, we ask all parents and carers of students who are finishing, leaving early, or moving to another school, including families going on holiday early, to arrange collection of any medications currently held at the school:
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Arrange collection of any medications currently held at school by contacting Bella at isabella.vandeursen@education.vic.gov.au
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Add an attendance note in Compass from the day after your child’s last day until 18th December (students’ official last day) and notify your child’s teacher if your child will be leaving early.
Any medications and action plans currently provided to the school will need to go home over the holidays and be provided again on the first day of next year’s school.
If your child has a new, updated, or changed medical condition, or takes any medications at home, please provide this information to the school so we have accurate records in case of an emergency.
Information about updating medications, medical records, and action plans for next year will be sent via Compass next week.
For any questions, queries, or updates, please email isabella.vandeursen@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and well.
OSPS CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
This festive season, our school community has the wonderful opportunity to bring joy and comfort to children spending Christmas in hospital at Monash Children’s Hospital. For many of these children, the holidays can feel a little lonely or uncertain, but with a gift from our community, we can light up their day and sprinkle a little festive magic.
We’re inviting all families, students, and staff to join in this special effort. Every gift, big or small, is a spark of kindness that can brighten a child’s Christmas and remind them they are thought of and cared for.
By giving together, we show the incredible power of a community united in generosity and joy.
HOW TO HELP:
Simply drop your gifts in the collection tubs in the school office by 15th December. Your generosity will go directly to the children, and hospital staff will lovingly wrap each gift so that every child receives a touch of Christmas wonder.
Let’s come together to share laughter, joy, and the spirit of giving. By contributing, we can help make this festive season a little brighter, a little warmer, and a lot more magical for the children at Monash Children’s Hospital.
PEPS FITNESS CLINIC – CHRISTMAS EDITION!
Get ready for a high-energy day filled with festive fitness and fun.
Date: Monday 22 December
Time: 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
Cost: $75 per child
Location: 1535 Centre Road, Clayton
Activities include:
• Dodgeball battles
• Obstacle courses
• Christmas hunt
• Games and prizes
This is a great way for children to stay active and entertained during the holidays. Places are limited.
For enquiries or bookings, please contact Coach Nick on 0403 676 866.
THANK YOU – KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING
A wonderful community member recently visited the Keysborough Depot and returned 119 cans and bottles, requesting that the funds go to OSPS! We often receive notifications about deposits made to our school, so keep them 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:
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Oakleigh South Primary School – Purple Bins at the Year 3 Village
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Oakleigh Depot – 37–41 Oxford St, Oakleigh, in the OSPS bin onsite
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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!
PARENT GROUP
PARENT GROUP 2025 – BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THIS!
Think the Parent Group just does stalls and food days? Think again! This year, our team has been everywhere, making school life a lot more fun for students and families alike. Here’s just a taste of what we got up to:
- Prep Welcome BBQ & Meet the Teacher: giving our newest students the warmest, most welcoming start possible
- Mother’s Day, Father’s Day & Christmas Stalls: helping kids find the perfect gifts for the people they love
- Special Food Days & Fete Canteen: serving up favourites and adding a bit of extra excitement to ordinary school days
- Colour Run, Movie Night and the School Disco: bringing the whole school together for big, joy-filled events that become the unforgettable moments kids talk about all year
- Grade 1 Grandparents Day & Year 6 Graduation Lunch: celebrating milestones in style and making them feel truly special
- Share the Dignity Drive, Christmas Toy Drive & Community Donations: spreading kindness to those who need it most
- Lolly bags for all school productions: because every performer deserves a little extra sparkle
There’s a lot of work behind the scenes, but we do it all for the kids and the school community. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up on their year level’s special food day or watching families rally together to make a difference in the wider community.
None of this would be possible without our amazing Parent Group team and volunteers. A huge thank-you to everyone who gave their time – your energy, enthusiasm, and laughs make it all happen!
A special farewell to Koby Lacy, one of our longest-serving members, and this year’s Treasurer. Your dedication, laughter, and legendary banana bread will be sorely missed!
So next time you see a stall, a food day, lolly bags, or a happy kid, remember it’s planning, laughing, coordinating, and doing whatever it takes to turn ordinary school days into something extraordinary.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’d love new volunteers to join the fun. Whether you’re a planner, a last-minute helper or simply someone who enjoys making kids smile, there’s a place for you in the Parent Group. Keep an eye on the newsletter and Compass for updates, or contact Parent Group at osparentgroup67@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved!
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.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
A MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT
As we head into the final week of the year, I want to thank our wonderful Oakleigh South Primary School community for what has been a fantastic year. The support, involvement and generosity of families has been outstanding, and has been matched by the tireless efforts of our staff and leadership team, led recently by our Acting Principal, Nikki Virtuoso in Ron’s current absence.
We are very proud that OSPS has been ranked number one for Victorian government schools in the NAPLAN results this year. Equally pleasing, however, are the many other aspects of school life that our community values so highly – from the outstanding yr 2, 4, and 6 drama productions, to our strong sports and athletics programs and results, including the school soccer team making it through to the regional finals.
Thanks to monumental fundraising efforts of the community and Parent Group, School Council has been able to approve a significant number of projects that will be completed over the school holidays. These include major landscaping works, a new playground near the oval, weatherproof bike sheds, a giant junior sandpit, upgraded fencing and further landscaping initiatives to add shade and amenity across the grounds. This is unrivalled!
Finally, my sincere thanks to my fellow School Councillors for their commitment and hard work throughout 2025, and to all families for your ongoing support of our amazing school.
Andrew Power
OSPS School Council President
VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
JUNIOR VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
PREP VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Audrey X – 0SJ
(Excellence)
For exceptional achievement across all areas of learning and a dedication to always doing her best.
Hamish K – 0FB
(Excellence)
For his wonderful growth in his reading this semester. Well done, Hamish!
Alice X – 0FB
(Excellence)
For writing wonderful stories and always presenting her work beautifully. You’re a star, Alice!
Yashna P – 0FB
(Respect)
For settling in beautifully at OSPS and always using such lovely manners in the classroom.
Liam T – 0AM
(Working Together)
For sharing kindness in the classroom by including others. Wonderful Liam!
Zoe O – 0AM
(Resilience)
For learning to keep trying when something is tricky for her. Super Star Zoe!
Adeel A – 0CD
(Excellence)
For always pushing yourself to do your best work and for displaying great behaviour. You are a star!
Ava G – 0CD
(Excellence)
For working hard with your nightly reading all year. Keep it up!
Sia T – 0CD
(Respect)
For being a compassionate and friendly classmate to all. Prep CD has been lucky to have you!
Dhruv V – 0CD
(Working Together)
For being cooperative with your classmates during our Little Einsteins lessons. Well done!
Zara A – 0LM
(Excellence)
For her insightful comments and thoughtful contributions to class discussions. Well done Zara!
Claire G – 0LM
(Excellence)
For approaching every day with enthusiasm, cheerfulness and a willingness to do her best!
Misha S – 0LM
(Excellence)
For always being polite, courteous and kind to her peers. Amazing Misha!
Max X – 0LM
(Excellence)
For being a motivated and independent student with a great love of learning. Well done, Max!
Xavier N – 0KL
(Excellence)
For using his clever, creative ideas to design amazing Little Einsteins projects.
Rajiv C – 0KL
(Respect)
For being a kind and caring friend to everyone in Prep KL.
Owen Z – 0KL
(Excellence)
For giving your best effort with your work, especially your writing! Well done Owen!
James L – 0AL
(Working Together)
For always being helpful around the classroom and to his classmates. Great job, James!
Sanay Basu – 0AL
(Excellence)
For always trying his best and asking lots of questions to extend his learning. Well done, Sanay!
Olivia L – 0AL
(Excellence)
For striving to achieve her personal best in Literacy and Numeracy. Well done, Olivia!
YEAR 1 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Mila Y – 1MB
(Excellence)
For working very hard to complete tasks on time. Keep up the amazing effort, Mila!
Lee P – 1NC
(Working Together)
For contributing to our class discussions with wonderful ideas and humour that make us smile.
Finn S – 1NC
(Resilience)
For all your hard work and growth this year. Your confidence is shining!
Itai K – 1MB
(Excellence)
For taking on feedback with a smile and using this to improve his work. Keep up the brilliant effort, Itai!
YEAR 2 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Devin F – 2AP
(Excellence)
For his creative ideas in his persuasive writing. Well done, Devin!
Vraj S – 2AP
(Resilience)
For always trying his best and never giving up, even when something is tricky. Keep it up, Vraj!
Yuven S – 2RV
(Excellence)
For showing integrity throughout the year, always being honest and willing to help others in need!
Hayley R – 2RV
(Respect)
For always being a respectful, considerate member of 2RV. Well done Hayley!
Henry C – 2AB
(Excellence)
For excellent handwriting and taking great pride in how he presents his work. You rock, Henry!
Harvey H – 2AB
(Excellence)
For working hard in maths and becoming super speedy with multiplication. Amazing effort, Harvey!
Arjun R – 2AB
(Working Together)
For his beautiful manners and for always showing kindness to everyone around him. You are Amazing!
Xander V – 2AB
(Excellence)
For always trying his best and for giving great reasons in persuasive writing. Keep it up!
Yanni P – 2ML
(Respect)
For listening politely and waiting his turn to share during whole class discussions!
Aston T – 2ML
(Excellence)
For completing tasks with care and pride. Keep it up Aston!
YEAR 2 VALUED STUDENT AWARDS
Sia D – 3NM
(Respect)
For consistently showing kindness, using good manners, and treat others with respect. Good job Sia!
Stella M – 3NM
(Resilience)
For staying calm, trying again, and working through big feelings. Good job Stella!
Tommy G – 3NM
(Respect)
For showing respect by using polite words, kind actions, and treating your friends with care.
Luther G – 3NM
(Excellence)
For being kind to your friends and waiting your turn to speak. Good job Luther!
Ethan S – 3NM
(Excellence)
For being a responsible learner by completing your work without reminders. Good job Ethan!
Eugene W – 3NM
(Excellence)
For giving your best effort to stay focused during independent work. Good job Eugene!
Aarya J – 3NM
(Working Together)
For brightening the classroom with your smile and cheerful attitude. Well done Aayra!
Jashvith K – 3NM
(Excellence)
For being a friendly, cooperative classmate who helps make 3NM a happy place. Excellent work Jash!
Tom W – 3NM
(Working Together)
For supporting your classmates on the farm and keeping everyone cheerful with your sense of humour!
Alvin D – 3NM
(Resilience)
For staying determined and giving your best effort to complete work on time. Fantastic work Alvin!
Luca Z – 3MW
(Working Together)
For always caring for other class members.
Clarion H – 3MW
(Working Together)
For producing excellent work and being a truly empathetic class member.
Daphne F – 3MW
(Excellence)
For being a dedicated student always producing work of a high standard.
Olivia T – 3MW
(Excellence)
For always trying your best and producing quality work.
Nysa G – 3MW
(Excellence)
For completing work at a high standard. Well done Nysa.
Ari W – 3AN
(Excellence)
For consistently showing excellence through your hard work, positive attitude, and learning.
Bella Y – 3AN
(Resilience)
For always trying your best, working hard on every task, and never giving up. Well done Bella!
Chonald L – 3AN
(Excellence)
For showing excellence by always trying your hardest and giving your best effort every day.
Phoebe I – 3AN
(Resilience)
For always trying your best, working hard on every task, and never giving up. Well done, Phoebe!
Zivin K – 3AN
(Resilience)
For showing outstanding resilience by facing challenges with determination and never giving up!
Atharva S – 3AN
(Working Together)
For always working well with others, showing cooperation and teamwork in everything you do.
Alex S – 3AN
(Resilience)
For being resilient and always trying your best, even when things are challenging.
Evan S – 3AN
(Resilience)
For keeping going and trying your hardest, no matter what.
Izzy S – 3AN
(Excellence)
For always giving your best effort and achieving great things.
Howard Z – 3AN
(Resilience)
For showing courage and determination by facing challenges with a positive attitude.
Naaz N – 3WC
(Resilience)
For all your dedication this year and always approaching learning tasks with a growth mindset!
Adrian S – 3WC
(Respect)
For consistently trying your best across all areas of the curriculum.
Cooper C – 3WC
(Working Together)
For working productively and respectfully with a range of your peers. Well done Cooper!
STUDENT SHOWCASE
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 6?
Our Year 6 camp to Halls Gap was an unforgettable adventure packed with challenge and excitement. Students tested themselves on the high ropes course and abseiling, learned new skills through bush cooking, enjoyed archery, and worked brilliantly together in team challenges such as orienteering and catapult building. Exploring the stunning Grampians was a highlight, from hiking to the Pinnacle and visiting the refreshing Venus Baths to taking in the breathtaking views at MacKenzie Falls. Of course, no trip to Halls Gap would be complete without a stop at the famous ice creamery, where everyone enjoyed a well-earned treat after busy days.
It was a fantastic camp that allowed students to grow, connect, and create lasting memories. A huge thank you to all the teachers and staff who joined, making this one of the most memorable experiences of Year 6!
YEAR 6 DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
The annual Year 6 dodgeball tournament has once again been a huge success. Over the past few weeks, students formed teams of 10 and played high-energy dodgeball on the undercover and outdoor courts. On Thursday, the grand final came down to two teams: The Nonchalant Capybaras and The Ball Throwing Bananas.
In what will go down as one of the greatest dodgeball games in history, the Capybaras held a 1-0 lead heading into the final minutes. Just as time expired, the Bananas managed to knock over their final cone, tying the game. For the first time in the tournament’s illustrious history, the grand final ended in a draw. The combined teams will now take on Mr Mooney’s selected teachers next Wednesday, 17 December at lunchtime. Students versus staff promises to be a showdown not to miss!
Congratulations to Patrick Pantelidis for winning the McMahon/Mooney Medal as the player judged best afield in the grand final!
A big thank you to Mr McMahon, Mr Mooney, Tilly, and Charli for organising such a fantastic competition!
LITERACY CORNER
In Term 4, the Year 6 students strengthened their persuasive writing, explored a range of social and political issues, and examined the style and effectiveness of political speeches. They investigated the features of a strong campaign speech and applied this learning by crafting their own, written as candidates for a new leader of their class government.
As part of this unit, students were also introduced to the structure and expectations of formal debating, supporting the speaking and listening component of the Year 6 curriculum.
Below are the elected Premiers for Year 6:
6CM: Deylon F.
6FW: Ryan R.
6MH: Benja L.
6NM: Albert Z.
6SM: Catherine P.
6SS: Pippa R.
YEAR 6 GEM
GRATITUDE
EMPATHY
We are empathetic towards those who are experiencing challenging times around the festive period.
MINDFULNESS
YEAR 6 FAREWELL
The Year 6 teachers would like to wish all graduating students every success as they step into the next exciting chapter of their journey. We hope Year 6 has been everything they imagined and more, and that the memories they have created will be cherished for years to come. May your futures be full of learning, laughter, and wonderful adventures.
We will miss each and every one of you, and you are always welcome to return and visit anytime. We are so proud of everything you have achieved and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do!
CAMP AUSTRALIA
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.
