Ormond Primary School

Principal's Report

From the Principal...

We are in Week 3 of Term 4 and I can’t believe how fast time is flying by! I had a lovely extended holiday with my family and celebrated my daughter’s 12th birthday. I know how many of our Year 6 families are feeling at this point in time, as our students start to think about that pending transition to Secondary School. I thank Ms Lorrie Dell for stepping in and welcoming you all back from your holidays, I hope these holidays were relaxing and enjoyable for all.

 

World Teacher’s Day

World Teachers’ Day on Thursday offers us a chance to acknowledge our teachers and say thanks! Every day, OPS teachers are making a difference educating and inspiring the children you have entrusted to our care. They are supported magnificently by a wonderful team of support staff and so we also celebrate their contributions with Education Support Week. We work together in our efforts for all of our students. In our busy lives we need to remember that a very simple “thank you” can mean the world to individuals and help them to feel that they really are valued and appreciated.

 

Whole School Transition

Whilst our Year 6 students are experiencing the Glen Eira Council’s “Moving Up” program, in November we welcome our 2018 Preps, who will commence their first transition session at “the big school” as they often refer to. This is a most exciting time for many families new to the school or existing families.

 

Not only will these students begin a transition process, but all students at Ormond PS will be involved in a “Step Up” transition program led by Julie Nield and the Transition Pathways team.

 

What does this mean?

Each student will move into the next year level to experience meeting new teachers, learning about the unique activities of each year level and participate in a range of activities. This opportunity will promote new peer connections and help alleviate some of the challenges of change, which some students might be experiencing.

 

Please be advised that the teaching staff they meet or the learning spaces they visit, are not the finalised and actual home group teachers or teaching teams, nor are they the set learning spaces for 2018.

 

The whole school transition dates are the same as the Prep transition dates and times.

  • Friday 17th November 2017              2:00 – 3:00pm
  • Friday 24th November 2017              2:00 – 3:00pm
  • Friday 1st December 2017                  2:00 – 3:00pm
  • Tuesday 12th December 2017      11:30am – 1:00pm

I will publish some further information and keep you all informed regarding all 2018 planning in future editions of our newsletter.

 

Year 5/6 Girls Basketball - Hoop Time Competition & Division Finals

Last week, I joined our girls’ basketball team at MSAC for the annual Basketball Victoria’s high level Hoop Time Tournament. The girls were excited to participate and worked as a team through 4 rounds of play. Thank you to Melissa Kah who organised our entry and Siobhan Hosking for training the girls for both competitions. A big thank you to all the parents who drove the girls to the event, Vicky Gibson who was our score keeper and Eliza’s dad Robert Krivaci, who stepped in the eleventh hour to support us and coach the girls in their last match.

 

It was a great day, a tough competition for both events and we are all very proud of the girls and the way they represented our school and congratulate them on their achievement of reaching the finals in our district and for participating at the Hoop Time tournament.

 

Welcome – Chris Snow (Maintenance Man)

Many of you might have noticed a new face in the school yard, in particular a gentleman on Monday mornings cleaning our synthetic play spaces. We welcome Mr Chris Snow our new maintenance man. I welcome Chris and feel relieved that many small jobs around the school can be fixed quickly, safely and with great care.

 

Student Extra Curricular Achievements

Congratulations to Patrick McCallum for being awarded the Grey Wolf as the first McKinnon Cub Pack – Scouts Victoria.  Patrick attained the top award in all five sections in Scouting, displaying self-discipline, teamwork and leadership.   

 

Extra Curricular Activities offered at OPS

in addition to our ongoing classroom programs we also offer a variety of activities for your child provided by external businesses. These activities are available throughout the year on a 'user pay' basis. 

Currently the activities we offer are:

If you wish for your child to participate in any of these programs please contact them directly on the above numbers. All payments and enrolments for these programs are made directly to the providers and not Omrond Primary School. 

 

Staff Updates

Many of you might remember a past Leading Teacher by the name of Helen Fraser. Mrs Fraser has officially resigned and will not be returning to Ormond Primary School. We wish her all the very best in her future endeavours and thank her for all her contributions to our school.

 

Ms Jade Lipson has officially changed to her married name and would like all members of the community to refer to her as Mrs Zajonc - pronounced 'Zayon'.

 

Class Placements

We have a very committed and dedicated staff, with a good balance of age and experience. Staff plan and work together in teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for each student. Our teachers are in the best position to identify what is best for each student when transitioning to the next year level. As we commence planning for 2018, there will be many considerations and I kindly request that parents do not approach teachers regarding any class placements.

 

Reminder: 

CURRICULUM DAY – 6th November.

Students do not attend on this day, the OSHC program will be available – please contact Sharelle Davis on 03 9578 5826.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Tuesday 7th November.

 

Global Citizenship

As we acknowledge the fortnightly Global Citizen Awards, I thought I would take the opportunity to explore this with you all.

The world faces global challenges, which require global solutions. These interconnected global challenges call for far-reaching changes in how we think and act for the dignity of fellow human beings.

 

“It is not enough for education to produce individuals who can read, write and count.”

 

“Education must be transformative and bring shared values to life. It must cultivate an active care for the world and for those with whom we share it. Education must also be relevant in answering the big questions of the day.”

 

“Technological solutions, political regulation or financial instruments alone cannot achieve sustainable development. It requires transforming the way people think and act.”

 

“Education must fully assume its central role in helping people to forge more just, peaceful, tolerant and inclusive societies. It must give people the understanding, skills and values they need to cooperate in resolving the interconnected challenges of the 21st century

What does it mean to be a global citizen? 

Global citizenship educates and prepares young people for their role in a modern world. This begins with an exploration of different cultures, languages and economies.”

 

Global citizenship educates and prepares young people for their role in a modern world. This begins with an exploration of different cultures, languages and economies. Active global citizens care about the world they live in, and take action to support causes that have a positive impact for other communities and future generations. Why is global citizenship important?

 

I believe global citizenship is essential for young people to gain the skills, attributes and knowledge to be successful in their chosen careers, and for the progress and development of a fairer and protected world.

 

So what is a global citizen?

A global citizen cares passionately about others and the world they live in. An a