Dear Families,

Victoria Education Excellence Awards: Last Friday night, our Leadership team attended the Victorian Education Excellence Awards night in Melbourne. We were asked by regional office to nominate under the category of “Outstanding Provision for High Ability Students’ and finished as a finalist in the top three schools. Quite an achievement and one we should all be very proud of. While we didn’t win the overall category, we are grateful to be nominated and recognised for the work the staff do with the amazing OGPS kids. More information about the awards can be found at https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-education-excellence-awards-finalists

Next Monday & Tuesday are Student Free days: Many working families have the long weekend for the Melbourne Cup and our attendance data takes a massive hit on these days so we have aligned our Professional Practice Day (Monday) followed by a Curriculum Day (Tuesday) to enable families to have the long weekend, staff get heaps of work done and our attendance data does not take a hit! Please enjoy the 4-day break before we make the run to the end of the year.

World Teacher’s Day: This Friday is the day to celebrate our teachers and acknowledge their work in teaching, guiding and supporting your children. They are more than teachers – They are nurses, psychologists, counsellors, supporters, advocates and so much more. Please send your child’s teacher a little note (Seesaw or a handwritten message) and express your gratitude this week. A little acknowledgement goes a long way.

Phones & Wearable technology: We will be having a bit of a blitz on phones and wearable tech between now and the holidays. In line with DE policy and the Ministerial Order, our policy can be found here. Should your child need a phone prior to or after school, they can leave them at the admin office before school and collect after school. Wearable technology should be put on ‘school mode’ or turned off and only basic functions available while at school. We greatly appreciate your support in this space.

Swimming: We are nearly there, families! It’s been a big 2 weeks of swimming, organising bathers, towels, extra food, buses and somewhere in there, a bit of learning too! Thanks to all volunteers to have helped staff get the kids to their lessons, changed and back to school.

Indonesian or AUSLAN: The results are in…

Overall, AUSLAN was the preferred language. We have decided to give AUSLAN a trial in 2026 and will review the program towards the end of next year. Thanks to those who participated in the survey.

Basketball: Thanks to Mr Horbury and Courtney who coached the Year 6 Boys in Altona on Monday. The team made it all the way through to the Grand Final after winning 2 games quite convincingly, winning a close game against Montpellier PS and then a tough game against Penleigh & Essendon Grammar school. Congratulation to all involved. We are very proud of your achievements.

Art Show: We Need You! Volunteers to set up and pack up and help out on the night. Set up will begin on Thursday and Friday, then we have the show from 4-8pm… We will need a pack up crew too. PLEASE sign up and volunteer so we can support Lyn at her first Art Show and ensure we have a great night looking at the wonderful artwork by OGPS kids. Keep your eyes peeled for a volunteer signup sheet that will be sent out via Sentral shortly.

E-Scooters & E-Bikes: Please spend a moment and discuss the poster that is within the newsletter. Personally, I learnt a few new things about the legal aspect of e-Scooters and e-bikes. VicPol appear to be having a crack down on them so let’s ensure we are informed and know the laws and keep our kids safe.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Scott McCumber

Principal

2025 Art Show