Hello families,

Science Week: Last week we celebrated Science Week in style in the STEM room! Every lunchtime we had a different activity, and our wonderful students turned up in their hundreds to have fun and explore! We had slime making, lava lamps, robots, building challenges, coding challenges, Oobleck making and more! Hopefully some future scientists have been inspired!

School Savings Bonus (SSB): Just a reminder to families that the SSB cannot be used for voluntary contributions, including the building and library funds and curriculum contributions. Any remaining SSB can be allocated to excursions, camps, sport and activities. Please contact the office on 5255 1340 if you have any questions.

School Disco, Footy Colours & Hotdog Day: School Disco on the last day of term, Thursday 19th September! To add to the fun, students are encouraged to wear the colours of their favourite football team. It’s also Hotdog Day, and students will have the option to order a hotdog for lunch. To help make the day a success, we’re looking for a few volunteers to assist with cooking and serving the hotdogs. If you’re available to help, please sign up using the link below.

Link: https://volunteersignup.org/3FFLM

Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP): Staff have been working closely with Mrs H to identify the next wave of students to access the VHAP program. We are always excited to see the growth and development of all students and we enjoy providing enrichment programs for students when they are ready for the challenge. Other opportunities come via GATEways programs, PETTA writing sessions, extra high level sporting competition, Music bands, Art competitions and differentiated tasks and curriculum in the classrooms.

Year 5 Swimming: A reminder to our Year 5 kids to make sure you bring some warm clothes for after swimming. Please organise your swimwear, goggles, towels etc and more importantly don’t forget to unpack them when you get home!

BJ O’Toole: Last Friday we had BJ return to OGPS and work with some of our Indigenous students on the final piece of our City of Greater Geelong grant works. BJ helped the students paint the poles near the Yarning circle, adjacent to the library. This work compliments the Gordon Institutes efforts in constructing the space and provided time for the students to watch, learn, and engage with a famous Indigenous artist. Keep your eyes out later in the week as BJ may be back onsite to finish the poles.

Facilities: Again, I thank the community for their patience while the workers onsite manage their job in amongst us. We have opened a pathway from the top basketball court, adjacent to the library and out on to the lower court area. Over the next week or so, more handrailing will be installed which will enable us to open more paths of travel.

Trees: I have received notification that Powercor will be trimming trees away from powerlines on Draper St and Filed St North soon. Please let your children know so they can be safe and perhaps an alternate path of travel can be planned when Powercor arrive. Powercor have not confirmed a date or time at this stage.

Uniform: Last night at school council, it was agreed to stipulate a navy blue jacket to be added to the uniform options for students. Our current supplier does have a navy blue ‘puffer’ jacket available for around $60 and it can have the school logo added if you want. Alternatively, a warm dark navy jacket could be purchased more cheaply elsewhere. When our students are at school and in uniform, they look fantastic and are a part of a team. It also helps staff avoid the awkward reminders to wear the school uniform.

Book Week: The Giant book swap is on tomorrow! Please see information in this newsletter from Mrs McKeon - we can’t wait to see the costumes and characters on Friday morning for the annual Book Week Parade. We are planning to have it on the lower basketball court but if weather turns sour, we will move to the gym. It may be a bit noisy in the gym so please prepare your children for the excitement levels.

Bingo Night: Next Friday it is another P&F event to stimulate the brain, socialise and solidify great friendships at the Bingo Night. No doubt it will be a sell out like in previous years and a huge THANKS to all P&F volunteers involved.

Parking Fines: Please be aware that the COGG parking officers have been out in force in the neighbourhood and were nearby again this morning. PLEASE avoid a ticket by obeying the parking signs.

Bike riders: Please have a conversation with your child about safe riding to and from school. I have had several reports about students riding unsafely to and from school recently. As a community, let’s keep the kids safe.

Supervision: Even though the weather is warming up, playground supervision does not start until 8.45am. We appreciate families may need to head to work and that is why we have partnerships with care providers onsite. PLEASE use the provider so your kids are supervised, safe and will often be fed too!

Enjoy the rest of the week. Hard to believe we are halfway through term 3 today – already!

Scott McCumber

Principal

2025 Book Week