Matilda The Musical is coming to OPPS!!

As shared with families late last year, OPPS is so excited to have secured the rights to Matilda the Musical for 2026. We have once more locked in Beaconhills College (Berwick Campus) as our venue, and planning is well and truly underway.

Our 2026 production will take a slightly different format. The show will be split into two performance groups, with two Houses performing each night, allowing more students to visibly shine on the stage each night and giving more family members the opportunity to attend.

We are now pleased to confirm that performance dates are:

Wednesday 17 June and Thursday 18 June 2026

For now, please pop these dates in your calendar. More information will be shared closer to the time outlining which evening your child/ren will be performing and processes around purchasing tickets.

Our classes have already hit the ground running, with rehearsals underway through our Performing Arts program. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and energy students are bringing to their roles.

Our lead performers, who will appear on both nights as part of our Student Excellence Program, have begun intensive rehearsals both at school and at home. Many of our leads are generously giving up lunch breaks to rehearse together and refine their performances. Earlier this week, our lead students and their parents attended an information session outlining expectations and the exciting opportunity ahead. We were fortunate to enjoy a sneak peek of some of their work — and we were absolutely blown away by how sharp, confident and polished their performances are already.

The Matilda Production Team will soon be seeking parent volunteers to assist with the creation of props and set pieces. If you are interested in supporting behind the scenes, please keep an eye on Compass for further information in the coming weeks.

We are incredibly excited about what is already shaping up to be a spectacular production and look forward to sharing more updates as rehearsals continue.

Wearing Our Uniform with Pride

It is wonderful to see our students wearing their school uniform with such pride and consistency each day. Our uniform plays an important role in supporting students to feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to our school community.

As a reminder to families, bike shorts and skin-fitting leggings are not part of our school uniform. There are a number of approved uniform options available for bottoms, including shorts, skorts and pants.

Please also remember that, in line with recent government updates, our uniform policy allows bottoms to be plain navy blue and they do not require a school logo.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain high expectations and in addressing this matter as soon as possible.

Car Parking - Let's all play our part

As we begin the new school year, we ask all families to please read the following reminders regarding parking at drop-off and pick-up times. These measures are in place to ensure all members of our school community arrive and depart safely. We appreciate everyone working together to follow these expectations.

Stop and Drop Zone (Pink Hill Boulevard)The closest six car parks at the front of the school on Pink Hill Boulevard are designated Stop and Drop spaces between 8:00–9:30am and 2:30–4:00pm. During these times, drivers must remain with their vehicle and move on promptly after drop-off or pick-up. These spaces are not for parking if you plan to walk into the school. Keeping traffic flowing in this area is essential during peak times.
No Parking on the Median Strip (Pink Hill Boulevard): Parking on the median strip is not permitted. It creates safety risks, particularly when students are tempted to cross at unsafe points rather than using the supervised crossing. Cardinia Council regularly issues fines for parking infringements in this area.
Staff Car Park: The staff car park is not to be accessed by parents, unless you are using a designated disabled parking space. Staff car parks can be high-risk areas due to vehicle movement and limited visibility. Student and community safety remains our priority.
Consider Alternative Entry and Exit Points: We are fortunate to have additional indented parking along our eastern and northern boundaries. While many families use Pink Hill Boulevard, we encourage you to consider accessing the school via Barnsley Road and Grant Parade, where parking is often more readily available.
Kurmboon Kindergarten Car Park: Please do not use the Kurmboon Kindergarten car park unless you are dropping off or collecting a kindergarten child, particularly as enrolments continue to grow.
Be Mindful of Surrounding Areas: Please avoid parking in private roads (such as Bisque Way behind IGA), across driveways, or in ways that inconvenience our residential neighbours.

Finally, please remember to observe the designated speed limits around the school at all times. By working together and modelling safe, respectful behaviour, we can ensure our students and families remain safe during these busy times.

Riding to and From School – Safety Reminder

It’s been fantastic to see so many of our students riding bikes and scooters to and from school. Active travel is a wonderful way for children to start and finish their day, supporting both their physical health and overall wellbeing.

To ensure everyone’s safety, we ask for your support in reinforcing the following expectations with your child:

Walk bikes and scooters once entering school grounds.There are many students, families and staff moving around at arrival and dismissal times. Walking bikes and scooters helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe. This includes the area outside the admin building before entering the main gates.
Travel safely to and from school.Please encourage your child to use traffic lights where available, slow down before crossing roads or courts, and always stop and check carefully before crossing.
Wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.Helmets are a legal requirement and play a critical role in preventing serious injury. Please ensure your child’s helmet fits correctly and is securely fastened before they ride.

Our priority is that every member of our community arrives at and leaves school safely each day. We have received a small number of reports from parents and neighbours regarding near misses involving students not slowing down or crossing safely. Your partnership in reinforcing safe habits makes a significant difference.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students ride responsibly and look out for one another.

Orchard Park News

Going Further Together

Issue 2 · 13 Feb 2026

In this issue