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

Well, another school year is done and I know we are all looking forward to sharing time with family and friends over the Christmas period. It all seems so much more special after the last two years that we have had.

I know many of you would have seen my news on Compass but, for those who may have missed it, I have been seconded to the Region as an Executive Principal in an acting role until May next year. After that date, a decision will be made regarding the role and whether it will be permanent for me. Until then, Michelle Ogilvie will be Acting Principal in my place and will be ably supported by Charlee McElligott. DET will be advertising for an acting Assistant Principal to join the team until May. The Region is allowing me to be flexible in this new role and, when required, to assist Michelle in the many projects at OGPS that are underway. This is making us both feel better as we do have a lot on at school, and I definitely want to make sure that all the projects are completed to our satisfaction and in a timely manner, as well as support Michelle through the transition.  

This new job is a great opportunity for me, as I will be working with three schools that are needing support and I feel very strongly about giving all children a great educational experience. Thank you for the amazing response I have had to my news. The level of support and kindness is overwhelming. I have such mixed feelings about walking away from OGPS and, of course, about taking Ruby with me; however, I have so many brilliant memories from my time at OGPS. It has been an incredible journey.

I would like to thank the community for all your support for the school this year. In particular, the tireless work of our School Council, led so well by Trevor Hookey, who have been a tremendous support and sounding board through this challenging year. With projects on the boil, such as the Level Four building extension, the new shade sail structure, the accessibilities building work to make the school compliant for wheelchair access, the Foundation frog bog outdoor development and, of course, the long-awaited new toilet block - yippee!

So much work sits behind these projects and the support of the whole community is appreciated for the benefit of the school. What an amazing space we are continuing to create for our students.

We also have just received notification that we will be receiving 30 air purifiers from DET.

These will arrive late in the holidays and will be in each classroom ready for next year. This will be a welcome addition to our suite of DET Covid Safe Strategies that we use at OGPS.

Year Six Graduation

On Wednesday, we had our Year Six Graduation and it was a fabulous night.  What a tribute to our Year Six students who have endured their two senior years of primary school in a global pandemic. The evening went beautifully and it was lovely to be joined by Leeanne King, who was able to come along and present the gift to the school library on behalf of the families who are leaving OGPS.

Yesterday, the children were able to celebrate further with their trip to Funfields. Even though the weather was a bit inclement in the morning, it cleared up to be a stunning day for them all at the water park. 

We were very proud of the students who won awards at Graduation and a huge congratulations to the following students:

Literacy Award                  Sophie W       

Maths Award                     Minh T

Art Award                           Kevin G

Performing Arts Award  Victor A

Sport Award                      Meilyn L / Bonnie P

Spanish Award                 Nicole R

Library Award                   Edric Y

Citizenship Award           Clover M

Forest Hill Award             Jimi K

Rotary Award                    Jayson S

Academic Award             Janeth C

Graduation Award           Naz E / Teah K

Good Luck to our Year Six Departing Families

OGPS Citizenship Awards

A big congratulations to the following recipients of the Citizenship Awards.

Foundation - Miruna N

Year One - Thalia T

Year Two - Noah R

Year Three - Lito A

Year Four - Melissa J

Year Five - Jesse C

Year Six - Clover M

Congratulations to our new 2022 Student Leaders

Staff leaving OGPS

We would like to wish the staff that are leaving OGPS all the best in their endeavours.

Class Teachers: Tegan Cant, Samantha Kwong, Danielle Rausa, Natalie Derrick, 

Kym Morgan

Specialists: Kate Hill, Carlos Franco, Sally Fyfield, Jess Knight

Tutors: Steph Adamopoulos, Marika Jagow

Social Worker: Kim Bedford

Lee King - retiring

New Staff

We would like to welcome our new staff for 2022:

Caroline Coady, Steph Bouterakos, Tam Shama, Pierre Douvartidzes, Caitlin Shipsides

2022 Class teachers

FOUNDATION

Charlotte Pemberton, Caroline Coady, Alex Syposs, Toby Keen, Buni Hasvong/Luisa Hill

YEAR ONE

Ellin Fulford, M J Ryan Bennett, Alex Edwards, Brigette Roberts,

YEAR ONE/TWO

Melissa Crozier

YEAR TWO

Bianca Seymour, Steph Bouterakos, Karen Horvat, JoAnne Frances

YEAR THREE

Bec Bird, Pierre Douvartidzes, Tam Shama, Amanda Tebb

YEAR FOUR

Aidan Quinn,Glenn Tooth, Erin Ward, Matt Anthony

YEAR FIVE

Amanda Jeeves, Caitlin Shipsides, Nick Mitchell, Amanda Buivids

YEAR SIX

Emma Thompson, Tahnee Ramsay, Caitlin Conroy

Visual Art - Susan Tate

Performing Arts - Gina Mets/Suzanne Lichtenauer

LOTE - to be advised

Library - Kerry Todkill

PE - Jarrod Liston

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the Christmas break as we look forward to a much better 2022.

Take care and talk soon.

Glenda Harry

Principal