Dear Families,

Welcome to this week’s newsletter edition. It has been a bustling and highly productive period across all year levels, and we are incredibly proud of how our students continue to engage with their learning, demonstrate our school values, and support one another both inside and outside the classroom.

PARENT/CARER SURVEY:

Please continue to read into the newsletter for details about the survey. It officially opens next Monday 17th August, and an email will be sent to all families with the school’s PIN. The more families that complete the survey, the better the data we can reflect on. Thanks in advance for having input into the direction of your child’s education. The Survey is open until the end of the term.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Thank You, Mrs H

I would like to extend a special acknowledgement to Mrs H for her exceptional leadership and dedication over the past few weeks. Mrs H has gone above and beyond to support our recent Movie Night, support students across multiple year levels with extra-curricular opportunities in GATEWAYS and kept the school running while I have been on leave. Her passion, endless energy, and warm approach make a profound difference to our school culture every single day. If you see her around the grounds, please join us in thanking her for everything she does for our students!

GORDON INSTITUE BACK ON SITE:

Keep your eyes open for more works on the retaining walls near the Art Room ramp and stairs as the Gordon Institute students add more value to the school grounds and learn from their teachers. This is a great relationship we have where we receive their workmanship while they learn ‘on the job’ with their teachers.

2027 ENROLMENTS:

Thanks to the 2027 Prep (Foundation) families who have responded to the enrolment information. Please have some conversations with your peers to ensure they have enrolled the next child! Or if you have new neighbours etc, please remind them to let us know ASAP! We will begin planning 2027 VERY soon!

GATEWAYS SCIENCE PROGRAM SUCCESS:

Our young innovators had a spectacular time participating in the recent GATEWAYS Science experience! Designed to challenge and extend high-ability learners, the program saw our selected students dive deep into complex scientific inquiries, hands-on experiments, and advanced problem-solving challenges.

Our students represented the school beautifully, showcasing remarkable teamwork, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for discovery. Seeing them collaborate with peers to tackle authentic scientific dilemmas was incredibly inspiring. Congratulations to all students involved, and a big thank you to Mrs H for organising this extension opportunity.

LONG SERVICE LEAVE:

We wish to inform families that several of our valued staff members will be taking well-deserved periods of Long Service Leave over the block ahead. We look forward to hearing about Andy McNeilly’s and Cindy Murphy’s adventures. Taking leave is a wonderful opportunity for our long-standing educators to refresh and recharge. We also welcome back Fi Amer from her leave too.

FINN - What an achievement:

When you hear of students excelling, it is quite often in academic interests or mainstream sports. Some of the community may not know, but we have a student about to embark on representing us (OGPS!) and Australia in China very soon. Finn Bradbury, in Year 2 (yes Year 2) is off to China with his family, to represent Australia at the upcoming Ohvale Guangzhou Supercup next week. He will get the chance to ride with over 80 competitors from 20 different countries. What an achievement! Congrats Finn and we wish you all the best. Ride hard – but be safe!

INDUSTRIAL ACTION:

For those following the AEU – Government VSGA/EBA negotiations, you will be aware that an offer was tabled late yesterday and the AEU have acted swiftly to put the offer to vote. If the vote is a YES and the agreement accepted, the Industrial Action will cease. If not, there is likely to be another strike on Wednesday August 19th. In preparation for a NO and to help me staff the day like previous strike days, please complete the following Google Form to assist us with planning.

FOUNDATION FAMILIES:

Please keep an eye out for an email about this Friday, and some changes to regular routine for our Preps.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Scott McCumber

Principal

Sustainability