From the Principal 

Dear families,

Colour Run: What a day Friday was! The colour run was a huge success and enjoyed by kids and staff too! Megan King and her team did an extraordinary job planning and making this event so good. No doubt there were a few tired bodies on Friday afternoon, and can I also say a huge thank you to those who also did fundraising for the event. We have raised over $15,700.00 and still counting the final tallies as more comes in. This money goes directly into the playgrounds that I have been mentioning in previous newsletter and work on these will ramp up before the holidays and over the holidays. Well done Team OG!

Thanks: With all the current health settings still in place for schools, I have to admit I find some of them frustrating as they are different outside the fences of the school and in general public. As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, the DET Operations Guide is the document ALL government schools have to follow. I don’t make the rules on any of the settings – just have to put them in place and follow them. I sincerely hope the entire community continues to understand the role we play as a school and the rules continue to be different still. I acknowledge and respects people’s decisions during the past 12 months and I thank the entire community for your cooperation at events such as the colour run. 

Christmas Digital fundraiser: We have a great team of parents out there who have organised a special treat for us to be a part of. Leading into the festive season, imagine having a voucher at a local restaurant to take your family or friends out for a great time? Keep on reading the newsletter for this new venture we have put together. Thanks to Aimee Chambers and Nicola Hyde for being the driving force behind this.

Art Show: This Friday night our Art Show makes a return to The Hive Gallery, 4pm – 8pm. A massive thanks to The Hive for accommodating us and working through all the health advice and conditions we have to follow. Andrea and Amanda have been squirrelling away so hard to make this event happen. Again, we seek your support and cooperation upon entering The Hive. The below is extracted from the Operations Guide (26/11/21) and we will have a check point set up just like at the Colour Run.

1. School events and gatherings 

Outdoor events are strongly encouraged.

Formals, graduations, and other ceremonies (including events held off school premises and/or with parents/carers and other guests) can take place, however they must align with community settings. 

Table 2: Summary of event requirements for schools

Surfing: Great to see the Year 6’s out in our beautiful environment this week and sharing more great times with each other. I have a few students to surf against at some stage this week and look forward to sharing a few waves with them all. 

Concert: Dallas’ excitement levels are through the roof. Today was another sensational experience for the performing artists amongst us. I have admired how Dallas and Libby have persevered through this year, managed timetables swaps, negotiated space and continue to provide a great opportunity for our performers. Thanks to all parents for supporting the kids in their dress rehearsals too and I hope you enjoyed the final production. Congratulations to all involved.

Werribee Mansion: Andy McNeilly is so pumped to get to Werribee Mansion with the Year 2’s he turned up ready a week early! Thanks to the teachers for organising this excursion (next week Andy) and I know the Year 2’s will represent us very well.

Prep 2022: Looking forward to meeting some new Preps soon! The 2022 Prep team have enhanced their transition sessions and have been communicating with families. If you see a “Little Grover” around, please make them and their families welcome to our great school.

Parent Payments: Thanks so much to those families who have sorted their book orders and payments already. Don’t forget, Lara (our Business Manager) is happy to help any payment plans needed or chat about circumstances if needed. Give her a call at school and rest assured, this information remains confidential. 

Celebrations: At this time of the year there are many celebrations being held for all different cultures, religions and groups. Whatever the celebration that is on or coming up, we hope that it is a great occasion that enables your community to reconnect and re-establish your group.

With less than three weeks to go, let’s continue to work towards the end of the year, enjoy the warm weather (when it does arrive) and then enjoy the holidays.

Scott McCumber

Principal