Save the Date - 150th birthday celebration

This month the 150th birthday committee met to plan and discuss our 150th birthday celebration. This will be held on Saturday 8 November 10.00am-3.00pm.

We will have the School’s Art Show on display on this day for the community to see.

We will release information about what is happening during the day in the coming months. We look forward to a fabulous day!

I have updated the school’s calendar of events which can be found here:

Welcome Dance

Get your boots on and your dance moves ready for our ‘Welcome Dance’ next week!

Students have been working hard learning the different dances and sharing these with their families.

There will be plenty of opportunities for families to join in the fun and connect with others in the school community.

We look forward to seeing you on the basketball court next week at 5.00pm!

Annual Implementation Plan

The Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) is a document which outlines the one-year goals and strategies of the school. It is created using the goals in the 4 Year Strategic Plan. Below is a summary of Oakleigh’s AIP for this year:

Learning - To maximise the learning growth and achievement of all students.
Key Improvement Strategies	Actions
Build capacity of staff to meet the learning needs of all our students including high achievers.	- Implement the Disability and Inclusion Process (DIPS) across the school. - Review and realign policies for student learning. - Implement tutoring and extension programs in the school and develop individual education plans for students who need them.
Build teacher capacity to consistently implement a shared pedagogical approach.	- Establish protocols, expectations and ways of working with staff and parents across the school. - Focus on 'planning' element in the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM). - Build consistent practice in the teaching of phonics and reading across each level of the school.
Enhance consistency and rigor in data literacy and assessment practices.	- Refresh PLC processes with teams, including learning walks. - Undertake the School Review.
Wellbeing - To improve the social and emotional wellbeing of all students.
Effectively mobilise available resources to support student wellbeing and mental health, especially the most vulnerable.	- Provide resources to support students' mental health and prepare for the introduction of the Mental Health Teacher (2026). - Build consistent processes in the school to monitor and promote improved attendance in the school.
Strengthen the capacity of teachers to support student social and emotional wellbeing.	- Document the student wellbeing programs and processes in the school, including implementing the updated Respectful Relationships Program. - Review consistent student expectations and management throughout whole school.

School Communication

At ‘Getting to Know You’ Interviews each family was given a copy of the ‘Communication Between Home and School’ and ‘Partnership in Learning’. A copy is here:

Just a reminder that teachers have meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and are not available after school from 3.30pm.

There are a number of students who are late in the morning, and we ask that parents please ensure your children are at school before 9.00am so learning can start on time.

Cultural Diversity Week

We look forward to celebrating Cultural Diversity Week with our school community.

If you have something you could share with your child’s class about your family cultural background - whether it’s a story, artefact, photo or memorabilia, please see your child’s teacher.

Celebrations

International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This day is commemorated in a variety of ways worldwide; it is a public holiday in several countries and observed socially or locally in others. Purple, White and Green are the colours of International Women’s Day. Purple denotes justice and dignity, and loyalty to the cause. Green is a symbol of hope and new life. White represents truth, equality, freedom and fairness.

I asked students on the day to reflect on the achievements of women in the world and to think about the women in their own lives that support us to grow and also inspire us - mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, teachers, doctors ……the list goes on!

On 17 March it was St Patrick’s Day. St Patrick's Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green! We wish all families who mark St Patrick’s Day a fabulous day of celebrations. Happy St Patrick’s Day to our families who celebrated this!

This year’s National Close the Gap Day falls on Thursday 20 March.

The day serves as an important reminder of the ongoing efforts to improve the life outcomes and health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This day raises awareness and advocating for change to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian population.

Close the Gap Day emphasises the importance of equality in health and education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young adults.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face significant disparities in health outcomes, with lower life expectancy, higher rates of chronic disease and limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare.

This National Close the Gap Day offers a chance to reflect, learn and take meaningful action to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

Annual General Meeting

Each year the school completes an annual report. Tonight at 7.00pm in the school staffroom, this is presented to the school council and any interested community members. If you would like to attend, please phone the office. The annual report will be available on the school website once it has been approved by the Department of Education.

Team Kids - Autumn Holiday Program

Team Kids will be running their Term 1 Holiday Program at Oakleigh PS!

Unique daily experiences
Value-packed program
Screen-free FUN!
Delicious and nutritious morning & afternoon snacks
CCS-approved care

📌 Check out what’s on at your school at https://downloads.teamkids.com.au/oakleigh-primary.pdf

🔗 Book NOW à www.teamkids.com.au/venues

Have a great month!

Ruth Biddle

Principal

Family Wellbeing