From the Principal

We’ve had an incredible start to the school year! It’s been wonderful to see students settling in, forming friendships, and engaging in meaningful learning.

At POPS, our culture is built on inclusion, respect for diversity, and kindness. This year, we’re emphasing belonging and support for every student, celebrating their unique backgrounds and strengths while fostering a safe, respectful environment.

We are reinforcing the school values of kindness, respect, integrity and excellence through school wide positive behavior expectations. With classroom discussions, assemblies, and initiatives, we aim for students to understand and demonstrate these values in everything they do. We encourage families to review the POPS Matrix of Expected Behaviour together. These efforts help students build strong character and a sense of responsibility to our POPS community.

PRESENTATION ASSEMBLY

Our Presentation Assembly is scheduled for Monday, February 10, kicking off at 9:10 am in the gymnasium. This special occasion will introduce the Foundation students to our school community, with their year five buddies standing proudly by their side. Additionally, Leadership Badges will be presented to our Year Six students.

VOLUNTEERS@ POPS

At POPS, we’re fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers, and we deeply value their contributions. To support them, each family will receive an induction booklet outlining essential policies and procedures on child safety. This ensures all volunteers understand their role in maintaining a safe environment for our students.

All POPS volunteers must: 

1.  Read the Volunteer Induction Handbook and related policies

2.  Must give consent to the Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement through Compass prior to volunteering

3. To comply with the Working With Children Act 2005 (Vic)and Child Safe Standards, POPS conducts suitability checks, including a Working With Children Check, identity verification, work history review, and/or reference checks.

4.  All volunteers must sign in and sign out through the Compass kiosk 

For any questions about the volunteer school induction process, contact us via email or call 9876 1249.

 bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au

 cornelia.bullen@education.vic.gov.au

HEAT HEALTH

Due to this week's extreme heat, we’ve activated our Heat Health policy to protect the well-being of students and staff. The following measures will be in place on hot days:

• Using air conditioners. 

• Closing blinds to keep rooms cool. 

• Modifying or rescheduling vigorous activities in direct sunlight. 

• Reducing break times outside. 

• When outside, ensuring sunscreen is applied, hats are worn and students play in shaded areas. 

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

School Values Award: Kai H (6I) and Ollie T (6D) for demonstrating the school values of Excellence and Integrity.

Ollie C (FA): This year Ollie is the face of the Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital. In the coming weeks, he and his family will bring in a box of special socks to help raise funds.

Go to the From the Classroom page to read about the Survivor Challenge.

Have a great weekend,

Ms Garrity

SAVE THE DATE

School Photos

SchoolPix is coming to photograph on Tuesday 18th February. See flyer below for ordering information.

Welcome Back Evening

Join us for our annual Welcome Back Evening on Friday, Feb 21, from 5–7 pm, hosted by the Parents' Association! Connect with families, enjoy food trucks, and explore activities from local sports clubs. Mark your calendars!

Key Dates Week 3:

Mon Feb 10- Assembly 9:10 am (Foundation/ Yr 5 Buddies and Yr 6 Badges presented)/ Yr 1- 6 Parent/Teacher Getting to Know You converstions 3:45 - 5:30 pm

Tues Feb 12-  Yr 1- 6 Parent/Teacher Getting to Know You converstions 3:45 - 7:00 pm

Wed Feb 13- Foundation Interview Day (No Foundation students)