It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of Week 4 – nearly halfway through what is a shorter Term 3! The students are well and truly settled into their learning routines, and the Principal Team has loved visiting classrooms and being a part of the exciting, busy learning happening across the school. There is a wonderful buzz around the school, and it's been a fantastic to witness the creativity, curiosity, and collaboration taking place.

Principal Appreciation Day – Thank You!

Friday, 1st August marked Principal Appreciation Day, and we were absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness and appreciation shown by our Oatlands students. From heartfelt cards and handmade certificates to thoughtful speeches, our Oatlands community truly filled our buckets! It is an honour and a privilege to be principals at this amazing school, and we are incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring and connected community.

Grandparents Afternoon

We are excited to announce our annual Grandparents Afternoon, taking place on Friday 5th September, from 2pm-3:20pm. This popular event has always been a wonderful opportunity for our students to spend quality time with their grandparents, and we are thrilled to continue this tradition. Grandparents are welcome to arrive at 2:00 PM, entering through the front gate and school office. From there, they will be accompanied to their grandchild’s classroom, where a variety of fun activities and games will be ready for them to enjoy together. Please note, parking near the school is limited, and we kindly ask everyone to observe the parking signs. The City of Casey enforces parking regulations, and we want to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day for all our visitors. We look forward to seeing you there!

Kitchen Adventures

Our Marguerite Jones Kitchen has been in full swing this year, thanks to Jodie, who has been teaching our students important cooking skills – all while keeping our bellies full! A group of selected students are taking part in our Kids In The Kitchen social skills program, where they take on different roles and work together to prepare delicious treats. Class groups have also been enjoying their time in the kitchen throughout the term, with hands-on learning quickly becoming a highlight. Selected Grade 5 and 6 students have now begun their extended cooking sessions and are developing some impressive culinary skills. Meanwhile, our Grade 6s have kicked off their Master Chef unit – the smells wafting down the corridors have been amazing! We can’t wait to see who will take out the title.

Foodbank and Breakfast Club

Foodbank continue to provide our students with fresh fruit each week. It’s always a hit with students, and the fruit selection never lasts long! Foodbank also generously supplies most of our Breakfast Club provisions. Breakfast Club is a wonderful way for students to enjoy a healthy meal while socialising with friends before school. If you’d like your child to attend, please register for the event on Compass.

Friendology in Action

The Friendology program continues to be a key part of our wellbeing program here at Oatlands. It has been fantastic to see students, teachers, and families all using the Friendology language to help students develop the skills needed to build and maintain positive friendships. This week, students took part in a Friendology Incursion, where they learned practical strategies to help them navigate friendships confidently and respectfully.

Attendance Matters

Student attendance remains a top priority for us here at Oatlands. The routines and habits developed during primary school lay a strong foundation for future education and life success. If your child has an unexplained absence, a note will be sent home for you to sign and return, ensuring our records are accurate. If you are facing challenges getting your child to school, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we are here to support you.

We’re so proud of everything our students have achieved already this term, and we’re excited to see what the rest of Term 3 brings. Thank you for your continued support and for being such a vital part of our school community.

Michelle White

Assistant Principal

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