From the AP
GETTING INVOLVED - VOLUNTEERING
We know that there is a direct correlation between parent/carer involvement and a child’s connectedness to school and learning outcomes. Equally, it also is a great way for parents/carers to feel connected to the school community as they get to know other adults. Furthermore, volunteering is a great way for parents/carers to see our programs in practice. Volunteers in turn also provide us with a vital human resource, as well as a breadth of experience and skills. Last month School Council nominations were open to the school community, as well as Expressions of Interest for the role of Parent Class Representatives. Both of these roles are pivotal in ensuring there is parent voice, transparency and partnerships within and throughout the school whilst also strengthening our communication chains between the parent community and Leadership, as well as class teachers and their students’ families.
Already this term, we have seen the valuable contribution Parent Helpers can make in helping to stage a successful event such as our recent Year 4-6 House Cross Country last week.
Next term, classroom teachers will put a call out for Classroom Helpers to assist with supporting aspects of our literacy and numeracy programs. In readiness for this role, whilst also developing and strengthening parents/carers’ understanding of how they can support their child’s learning at home, Michelle Di Giovanni and Cathy Wright, our Junior School Learning Specialist and Literacy Leader will be running an Information Forum for parents: Supporting Your Child’s Literacy at OPS (pre-course for Parent Helpers), on Thursday, 30th March from 6:30-8:00pm, in our Refurbished Heritage Hall. Please look out for further information.
POLICY PRATTLE
As part of the new Child Safe Standards last July, a number of our policies have been reviewed and consultation with the wider school community sought. This month I am highlighting our Complaints Policy. If you have any feedback please contact me. The Draft policy can be found Policies — Oakleigh Primary School & Kindergarten (oakleighps.vic.edu.au).
While you are on the website you may also like to read up on our Student Dress Code. It would be great to see students dressed in appropriate school uniform items tomorrow for School Photos! The link for this policy is Policies — Oakleigh Primary School & Kindergarten (oakleighps.vic.edu.au) .
BUILDING FAMILY RESILIENCE – SMILING MIND
This month Smiling Mind is highlighting their Resilient Families Program.
The Resilient Families Program supports the mental health and wellbeing of children and their families. Smiling Mind’s psychologists have developed the program through extensive consultation with children and their parents. It’s led by evidence and created to fit into everyday family life. Featuring a variety of modules—each packed with bite-sized activities—the Resilient Families Program is designed to bring families together through the development of a common language. It seeks to help kids develop key social and emotional skills and equips parents and carers with the tools to support them to build their mental fitness.
Resilient Families Program — Smiling Mind
Bron
Welfare
bronwyn.orr@education.vic.gov.au
Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser - Sunday, 2nd April
Oakleigh Primary School will be having a fundraising BBQ at Oakleigh Bunnings to raise money for Inter-school Sport uniforms. These OPS custom sport uniforms will be for both Winter and Summer sports. They will be returned at the end of each season to be re-used for the following season.
We are seeking help from our parent community for the following:
- To help with the BBQ on the day (eg. handling money/food preparation). If you can donate 2 hours of your time, please click the link and book in a time to help. https://volunteersignup.org/AYX7Y
- To help source food donations for the BBQ. This will include condiments (tomato, BBQ sauce, mustard), white bread, beef sausages, 30-Multipacks (Coke, Coke No Sugar, Solo, Sprite, Fanta, water) and onions.
Location: Oakleigh Bunnings - 1041 Centre Rd, Oakleigh South
Date: 2nd April 2023
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
If you have any questions regarding the sports uniforms or how to help, please email samuel.wood@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you,
Sam Wood