Principal's Message

School Philosophy

Orchard Grove Primary School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment that engages curiosity, promotes learning, personal growth and wellbeing for all students. We strive to develop adaptability and resilience so students can become valued members of the local and global communities and be prepared for future life experiences.

From the Principal

Hi, everyone. I am sure you are just as excited as we are to have the children returning to school next week. What a shame that we are not able to welcome you back on site, too; however, hopefully that is not too far off. We need to maintain the hope. I do want to acknowledge the outstanding job you have all done in supporting us with remote learning. What a rollercoaster ride this has been for you all and I know, at times, it must have been extremely stressful. I will always maintain that it is very hard to teach your own children, so a huge shout-out to all our mums, dads and carers, and a virtual hearty applause to you all!

We are all ready for the little ones to come on Monday and are expecting them to settle in quickly, followed by the senior students in Years Three to Six on Tuesday. We sent out the Parent Procedure document for the return to school on Thursday night. Please make sure you have familiarised yourself with it to help us have the smoothest transition we can for the kids. 

One very exciting piece of news is that, after more than ten years of agitation with the Whitehorse Council and VicRoads, we finally have a new supervised crossing on Orchard Grove, which will be up and going for Monday. Our new supervisor is Pacina and I am sure you will make her most welcome. This is great timing with the return to school and the extra pressure of drop-offs and pick-ups with staggered starts. I would like to acknowledge the work of our local Ward Councillor, Denise Massoud, who has continued to support us in our quest for the reinstatement of the crossing. Thank you, Denise!

Also, on another note, you may have seen the road drainage works that are going on just near the school entrance on Holland Road. It appears that this will still be going on into next week and may cause some issues with allowing entry into the school via your cars. 

It might be a good idea to park nearby and walk into the school area to drop your children at the gate.

Well, I will leave it at that for now and will keep you posted on what is happening at school and how we go next week. I know the levels have posted articles in the newsletter as they have been doing each week, so have a read; it may help to make you feel a bit more connected to what is going on here at school.

Take care everyone and stay safe.

Talk soon.

Glenda Harry

Principal