From Our Principals

Dear families,

We have a bumper newsletter today as we celebrate and acknowledge the many happenings around the school and within our community.

I want to say a huge thank you to our P&F for organising the spectacular Splash & Dash. The day wouldn't have run without the wonderful organisation of the team, especially Gaby and Kath, along with all the amazing volunteers. Thank you to the whole community for supporting the event and helping us raise $15,000, as well as sliming myself, Ms R, and Mr Jones. We look forward to sharing the equipment we purchase with the money raised. Look below for some great photos!

Thank you also for your response to our new grade structures for 2026. I greatly appreciate the supportive, open-minded and positive feedback. I acknowledge that this is a significant change for some, and recognise that time, support and ongoing communication will be vital to its success. Our Curriculum Team, along with our School Wide Positive Behaviour Team, have been working collaboratively to further cement supports, expectations and routines that will enhance our structures - with an emphasis on social and emotional development, which is essential for student connection and success. I understand you may have further questions. We are currently finalising additional communication to go out next week. If you have any questions or queries, please don't hesitate to email me at anna-marie.yelland@education.vic.gov.au.

We are well into the swing of planning for 2026, and our recruitment processes wrapped up this week. We look forward to sharing our staffing and teams with you soon.

Have a wonderful weekend.

With thanks,

 

Anna-Marie Yelland

Principal

Transition

Years 1-6

Our first transition session for Years 1–6 will be Thursday, 27 November. This means we will have some new faces in classes - students who will be joining our community in 2026.

The first session will involve the current team of teachers spending time with the level to share all the exciting elements of the year level and to answer questions. Students will then separate into different classes. Please note that these are not the finalised classes, but rather an opportunity for teachers to observe dynamics to help ensure everyone is set up for success.

Foundation

A huge well done to Kirsty and Emma for the first Foundation Transition Session on Thursday, 13 November. We had our second one on Tuesday, 18 November and it was wonderful to see the new students looking more comfortable in their new environment.

The sessions have been very positive, with happy students and parents alike.

Performing Arts Mini Concert

We are incredibly excited for our F–2 Mini Concert happening on Thursday, 27 November. Ms Roszbach has been working very hard on the concert organisation! Practices are going well, and I want to thank the classroom teachers for supporting with additional practice sessions in their classes.

We want to ensure all who wish to attend can do so. Please be mindful that seating will be limited, but we will have plenty of standing room and floor space. We very much look forward to a wonderful event and to our students showing off their performance skills.

Going the Distance!

Congratulations to Imogen L (Year 2) for setting a brand-new Chelsea Little Athletics Centre record in the Under 8s Discus. Her incredible throw measured 9.40 metres!

Opera Australia – Carmen

A huge congratulations to our very own Year 6 student, Isla, who is currently performing in the Opera Australia production of Carmen. Isla has been rehearsing and practising incredibly hard for this large-scale production. Ms Vallence and I had the privilege of seeing the performance last Wednesday evening and were absolutely wowed by Isla's stage presence. I have no doubt we will be seeing Isla's name in lights in the years to come.

Story Time

We had our final OPS Story Time session for the year la Thursday, with a special furry guest - Chewie! Each week we have seen more and more families attend, and this week was our biggest yet. We look forward to continuing these sessions in 2026 and welcoming our community to experience our wonderful school.

PE News

We are excited that Mr Pannam is back on deck tomorrow - Tuesday, 25 November. We thank both Ms Campbell and Ms Thanos for stepping into the role and doing a great job.

Due to staffing in the PE department, we will not be able to run the F-2 Sports morning as planned in Term 4. We look forward to lots of exciting PE events in 2026.

Splash & Dash News

We Got Slimed!

Chip Lunch Winners!

Effie Liarakos's class (12L) were the lucky winners of the chip lunch. They all congregated in the staff room at lunchtime on Wednesday (12 Nov) to devour their treat!

More Splashing & Dashing

Smile Squad

Smile Squad have now completed their time at OPS. Once again, it was fantastic and so convenient to have them on-site offering a free dental service.  We understand that they were unable to see all students. For those students, or anyone that missed out on registering for an on-site visit, please feel free to contact Smile Squad directly for a FREE check-up at their clinic at 2a Gardeners Road Bentleigh East. Call (03) 9575 5333 to schedule an appointment.

Social Stencil

For families who have a child/ren starting Foundation in 2026, here is a presentation designed to help prepare. It is a great warm-up for siblings who will be starting their school journey. It focuses mainly on practical aspects such as managing lunch boxes, using the toilet independently, and getting ready for the school routine.