Oakleigh South Primary School
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 8
22nd March
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”– Abraham Lincoln
IMPORTANT DATES
Issue 8 – 22nd March 2023
Wednesday 15th – Monday 27th March
– NAPLAN assessments – Years 3 & 5
Thursday 23rd March
– OSPS School Tour
– Year 6 inter school sport (away vs. Murrumbeena)
Friday 24th March
– National Ride2School Day
Wednesday 29th March
– The Resilience Project Parent Presentation (online)
2023 TERM DATES
Term 1
27th January – 6th April
(Students begin 30th January)
Term 2
24th April – 23rd June
Term 3
10th July – 15th September
Term 4
2nd October – 20th December
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Oh, what an assembly!!
Yesterday we celebrated Harmony Day in style with the students coming to school dressed in their traditional outfits of their country or dressed in the colour orange. The whole school assembly was alive with colour and performances. Thank you to the students who performed on stage and to Miss Paroukas for coordinating this wonderful spectacular!
Last night we welcomed our new School Council Members at their first meeting. On behalf of OSPS we express our sincere gratitude to our outgoing school council members for their service. We are grateful for their guidance, dedicated time, and energy to help map our past, present, and future. We acknowledge the service of the following OSPS School Council members: Tina Tzanopolous, Steph Cash, Anushi Rajapaksa, Alex Koulaouzos, Sarah Tilsley and Maria Gaitan.
The new school council office bearers are as follows:
President- Nadia Beauchamp
Vice President- Jon Couston
Treasurer- Melissa Clubb
Secretary- Helen Paroukas
Minutes Secretary- Nikki Virtuoso
This morning, before school, the OSPS Running Club was in full swing with a large group of enthusiastic children going through their training drills preparing for House Cross Country on Wednesday 3rd May. Training is held on Wednesday mornings and Monday lunchtimes. Thank you to the staff who are training these children twice a week.
Just a reminder, if you are dropping your child at school prior to 8.45am for anything other than pre-arranged school activities, you must book them into before school care.
Enjoy the rest of the week
Ron
Principal
SCHOOL MATTERS
NATIONAL RIDE2SCHOOL DAY
Oakleigh South Primary School is excited to be celebrating National Ride2School Day on Friday 24 March 2023.
National Ride2School Day is the perfect opportunity to establish new healthy habits and promote the many benefits of active travel.
On Friday 24 March, we encourage all students and their families to leave the car at home and give riding, walking, scooting or skating to school a go.
For more information about the day and its benefits, search National Ride2School Day.
OSPS EASTER RAFFLE
Tickets for our Easter Raffle are now on sale, at a cost of $3 for 5 ticket. Please check your Compass for ticket sale details.
For this raffle to be successful, we are asking families to donate eggs or chocolates (please donate eggs or chocolates that are nut free. Eggs or chocolate where the packaging says ‘may contain traces of nuts’ is fine to donate.) These donations will make up our prizes.
Please bring any donations to the office on or before 3 April 2023. Winners will be announced on 6 April 2023, at our final assembly.
There were 130 winners drawn at our last raffle, it would be amazing if this year’s raffle was even bigger!!
ROTARY COMMUNITY RAFFLE – 120 BOOKS STILL AVAILABLE
We are so excited to be bringing back the Rotary Community Raffle 2022—2023 to the OSPS community along side our Autumn Family Fete fundraising where the first prize is a HONDA CR-V VI SUV valued at $35,000 and second prize a $1000 Bunnings Voucher.
Families have received raffle books of 10 tickets to sell at $2 each!
Tickets are on sale and are due back at the office on Wednesday 5th April, before the Easter school holidays.
We have plenty of spare books at the office if you’d like to sell more!
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
The Victorian Government offer a Sports, Camps 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 and $225 for eligible secondary 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 here to apply – CSEF Application Form.
Those families that were eligible in 2022 will be rolled over, you do not need to reapply.
If you have any issues please contact Carlyn carlyn.backers@education.vic.gov.au
STUDENT SHOWCASE
YEAR 2 SHOWCASE
The Year 2 students have settled in very well to their classrooms and have been learning lots and having fun! Through our integrated studies unit ‘Hear Them Roar’ we have been learning about classifications, diet, characteristics and interesting facts about dinosaurs.
Next week the Year 2 area will be transformed into a world of dinosaurs and palaeontologists when we celebrate our very own Dinosaur Day! Lots of special activities are planned – we can’t wait to share more details soon!
Did you know…?
The teeth of a T-rex were about the same size as large bananas?
Some dinosaurs were the same size as a chickens?
The neck of a Brachiosaurus was as tall as two giraffes?
Dinosaur fossils have been found all over Australia, but not Tasmania?
When we interviewed a few Year 2’s, these were some of the funny dinosaur jokes that they shared:
Can a dinosaur jump higher than a house?
No, because houses can’t jump!
Joe 2AP
What type of dinosaur knows how to drive?
A Car-nivore!
Devam 2LW
What is a dinosaur that tries everything?
A Tri-ceratops!
Marcus 2LW
PREP STEM
In STEM Science, the Prep students are exploring, discussing and predicting what is a scientist? They drew their predictions of what they thought a scientists looks like and the materials that they may use.
They investigated questions like:
What does a scientist look like?
What materials do the use?
They also recognised and pronounced the sound and name of the letter ‘S’ for Science.
The students brainstormed and drew different pictures that was related to Science. They observed and participated making slime. They had the opportunity to explore its liquid and solid properties by applying different forces.
The students are developing their science skills through inquiry, prediction, observation, exploration, discussion and recording.
YEAR 1 STEM
In STEM Science, the Year 1 students are exploring Food Science and developing their science skills through inquiry, prediction, observation, exploration, discussion and recording.
The students are exploring the size / weight of different food, if they floats, how they taste, how many seeds are in side, what it looks like (shape /colour). Discussing and investigating if it’s a solid, liquid or gas, does it melt, if it can be reversible or irreversible and exploring the senses.
They are answering questions such as;
How does it look?
How does it feel?
How does it taste?
What happens after you wait for it to cool down?
YEAR 2 STEM
In STEM Science, the Year 2 students participated in a series of experiments, which focused on the characteristics of living things, such as recognising common features of animals and plants.
For example, describing the use of a mealworm’s body parts and the features of a bean plant.
Through experiments they investigated the lifecycles of a mealworm and a bean plant.
The students are learning the science inquiry skills through, responding to and posing questions and making predictions about the mealworms and the bean seeds.
Here are Year 2 scientists investigating their mealworms!
YEAR 4 STEM
This term the Year 4’s had the opportunity to participate in Design Thinking warm up activities to practise their listening skills with their peers and solve a problem. They conducted partner interviews by practising their brainstorming and questioning skills, to come up with a prototype for one of their ideas to solve a problem.
The focus question was: What kind of issues do you see day to day during school?
The first part of the term, the students generated questions to explore the properties of light and investigate them through hands-on activities.
The students explored and described how light travels and discuss how light enables our eyes to see. Using a mirror and a torch, the students explored the understanding of the angle of the light hitting the water effects how we see rainbows.
Through more investigation the students work out the speed of light using chocolate and a microwave and used the following formula to work it out; c =λf to work out the speed.
The second half of the term, the students are exploring our Earth and its natural and man-made influence changes. Also, explored how land-forms are made and a close look of the Earth’s surface. Researched the layers of the Earth and understand what soil is and how important it is.
They are exploring the science skills through inquiry, prediction, observation, exploration, discussion and recording.
YEAR 6 STEM
This term the Grade 6’s had the opportunity to participate in Design Thinking warm activities to practise their listening skills with their peers and solve a problem. They conducted partner interviews by practising their brainstorming and questioning skills, to come up with a prototype for one of their ideas to solve a problem.
The focus question was: What kind of issues do you see day to day during school?
The students are exploring chemical science and developing their science skills through inquiry, prediction, observation, exploration, discussion and recording.
Through investigations they classify objects as a solid, liquid or gas and begin to develop a shared understanding of the observable properties of each state.
Also, explore that when materials are combined the result is either a mixture or a new substance, for example: salt and water, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar.
Grasping their understanding of the difference between physical and chemical changes and recognise that physical changes are reversible, whereas chemical changes are irreversible.
YEAR 1 GRANDPARENTS DAY
Yesterday the Year 1’s were over-the-moon excited to welcome their grandparents and special friends into their classrooms. We had over 200 visitors attend!
After doing some fun activities, we all made our way to the school hall for a super cute singing performance and picnic lunch.
Pictured here are two of our Year 1 classes, 1CG and 1JG, with their visitors ❤ Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for a movie of our special day.
A big thank you to everyone who attended, we couldn’t wipe the smile of the students’ faces! A huge thank you to the Year 1 team and our amazing Parent Group as well for organising such a successful event.
RESILIENCE PROJECT
GEM AT OSPS
Congratulations to our GEM award recipients for this week.
| Mya | PAM | Empathy | For showing kindness and consideration to all of her classmates! Super job! |
| Kristian | 6JD | Empathy | For always showing kindness and assisting others when in need. Keep it up! |
| Hanna | 1AM | Empathy | For understanding how her classmates feel when they get stuck on a question and helping them as best as she can! You’re a shining star in our class Hanna! |
| Madeleine | 4DK | Empathy | For always showing kindness, understanding and empathy to every person and animal 🙂 Well done, Maddie! |
| Indigo | 5LG | Empathy | For always displaying kindness towards all classmates and teachers. |
| Kristian | 6JD | Empathy | For showing kindness to everyone and always being willing to assist his peers. Keep it up, champ! |
| Yioti | 2SC | Empathy | For displaying empathy and looking for ways to include his peers in soccer games during lunchtime. Keep it up Yioti! |
| Drewin | 3MW | Empathy | For always thinking of others by offering assistance. |
YEAR 2 TRP
The Year 2 students have been enjoying completing their lessons Resilience Project lessons. So far we have learnt about gratitude, role play to develop empathy and our favourite so far, was the mindfulness session!
We all enjoyed the opportunity to relax and reflect on how the guided meditation made us feel. Everyone noticed a difference in their bodies and mood before and after the guided meditation.
We are also learning to develop our emotional literacy by recognising different emotions from facial expressions and body language.
YEAR 2 GEM
G: Settling into our 2023 classes and making new friends.
E: For the Year 3 and 5 students completing NAPLAN testing.
M: Listen to a guided meditation once a week.
LITERACY CORNER
YEAR 2 LITERACY CORNER
The Year 2s have been improving their recount and narrative writing this term.
They have been working to improve their sizzling starts, detail included in their writing, and expanding the problem component in their narratives (pebble, rock & boulder).
Lots of our writing tasks have included and focused on dinosaurs and palaeontologists. We have loved seeing the excitement as the students have created their own stories and information reports based on their newly found knowledge from our integrated studies unit!
Here are some of the sizzling starts that have been written:
“Ouch!” I sat up, wiggled my toe and then flopped back on my bed. It was so boring.
Ella 2TM
Have you ever gone to a swimming pool? Well I have…
Zoe 2LW
OSPS SPORT
YEAR 6 INTER SCHOOL SPORT
Last Wednesday our Year 6 students participated in round 6 of inter school sport against Coatesville.
All games were played in good spirit, thank you to all the coaches who support the team each Tuesday and Wednesday at school during training sessions and games on Thursdays. Round 6 results are below.
SPORT RESULTS vs COATESVILLE
| Sport | Girls | Boys | Mixed |
| Flag Rugby | 7-1 | 6-6 | Flag White (bye) |
| Softball | 14-12 | 17-13 | No Game |
| Basketball | 14-16 | 38-16 | 21-16 |
| Volleyball | 2/63 vs. Coatesville 1/58 | 2/75 vs. Coatesville 1/66 | 2/30 vs. Coatesville 0/24 |
| Cricket | No Game | No Game | 48-41 |
CAMP AUSTRALIA
CAMP AUSTRALIA
Camp Australia use the OSPS facilities to deliver before and after school care to families. They also offer care on curriculum days and school holidays.
The building is situated adjacent to the staff car park and they have access to our junior school playground and junior oval for outside play.
Check out their flyer for information and head to their website to register.
PARENT CORNER
FREE FOOTY 4 FUN ‘COME AND TRY’
AFL Victoria will be running a FREE Footy 4 Fun ‘Come & Try’ clinic in conjunction with the Oakleigh Dragons JFC on Sunday March 26th from 9 – 10am at WA Scammell Reserve, Oakleigh South.
The program run by AFL Victoria offers an experience full of fun activities, modified games & memorable moments to take home with you and kickstart your footballing journey!
If you’d like to find more information or to register, simply follow the link below:
https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/7dda34
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT CONTINUES IN 2023
We are so excited to be working with The Resilience Project (TRP) this year again to support and foster the Mental Health and Wellbeing of our students and whole school community.
The Resilience Project is committed to teaching positive mental health strategies to prevent mental ill-health and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity and challenges in everyday life.
Check out the link below ‘Introducing TRP to Parents and School Community’
SUPPORTING SLEEP HEALTH
Dear families,
While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.
Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.
Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:
· low mood and irritability during social interactions
· reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
· falling asleep during the day
· difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
· changes to communicating or interacting at home.
You can help your child to improve their sleep by:
· establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
· supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
· encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
· encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.
If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.
For more information on sleep health, you can refer to: · Sleep tips for children and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff, from the Sleep Health Foundation · Why sleep is so important, from the Kids Helpline’s · Sleep explained, from the Better Health Channel
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.
