Principal's Message

Wawa, Wominjika. 

Here at Old Orchard Primary School, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we visit each day, the Wurrunguri and Woiwurrung people of the Kulin nation.We acknowledge and respect the elders and leaders past and present and the elders and leaders of all of the cultures and nationalities that are part of the Old Orchard Primary School community.We express our gratitude towards the orchards that were kept in place by the peoples on this land before us.We thank the traditional owners for sharing this beautiful land that we all love, and for keeping the land, sky, waterways and animals all in great condition for thousands of years, not only for themselves but for all the generations to come.

2024 Old Orchard Fete

The 2024 Old Orchard Fete is almost upon us! Our Fete team, led by Fiona, Sheree and Pip, have been doing an incredible job of preparing for the big day with fantastic support from the whole school community. The excitement around the school has been palpable and everyone is very keen for the big day to arrive.

The weather forecast is for a fine day, but perhaps slightly warmer than ideal, so please ensure that you and your children remain sunsmart and stay hydrated throughout the day.  

Library

The Old Orchard Library is officially open after an extended closure and upgrade. It’s very much a new-look space and a superb facility that our students will love. Libraries are fundamentally about developing a love of reading and we couldn’t be happier with what we have been able to deliver. 

Huge thanks to:

Pip Cariss 

- Grandparents, Lynne & Helen for their invaluable assistance in packing up & restoring the library

- Librarians, Ruth Wong & Jennifer Hurlburt for their expertise, creativity, passion and commitment

- Martin Findlater-Smith for his incredible work in creating a new borrowing desk, with a special surprise to come!

Prep Transition

We had another fantastic attendance at the second of our extended Prep Lunch - Storytime sessions this week. Our 2025 Prep staff team is now locked in, with Beth Fletcher, Nan Ternai and Milly Bridges having the privilege of sharing our students’ first year of schooling. We know that we have a magnificent team in place and our 2025 Preps can look forward to a wonderful year.

The Prep Information Evening will be held on Thursday November 28th at 7.00pm.

Whole School Swimming Program

There will be no rest after the fete, as we move straight into the Whole School Swimming Program at Aquanation. Sheree has sent out detailed information about swimming requirements so please check your emails as required.

Congratulations Liam Phelan

We always like to acknowledge and celebrate the special achievements of our students, even when they occur outside the school. Year 6 student, Liam Phelan, was recently awarded the Grey Wolf Award at Nunawading 1st Cubs, being only the 3rd person in 17 years at Nunawading to achieve this special award at both Cubs and Joeys. Well done, Liam - we are very proud of you!

Staff Update

I will be on personal leave (dodgy knees!) from November 20th to November 3rd. Jen McCann and Clare Murray will share the Acting Principal role during this time.

End of Year Arrangements

Please note the arrangements for the end of the 2024 & commencement of the 2025 school years:

Thursday December 19th:  

• final day for students
• 12.45 pm final assembly
• 1.30 pm final dismissal (for students)

Friday December 20th:

• Pupil Free Day

2025

Tuesday January 28th:

• Pupil Free Day (Staff resume) 

Wednesday January 29th:

• School resumes for all students (Preps 9.00am to 1.00pm)