This Week At OOPS

Student Writing

Our Year 5 and 6 students have been busy developing their persuasive writing skills. They have been conducting surveys, researching different perspectives, and considering how audience influences the way we communicate our ideas. Students have been learning to strengthen their arguments by using persuasive devices, as well as incorporating expert quotes and testimonials from their peers. Throughout the process, they have been challenged to think critically about the problems they are addressing, consider possible solutions and develop convincing arguments to encourage their audience to take action. It has been fantastic to see the hard work students have been putting into this piece of writing!

R U OK? Day at Old Orchard

Last Friday, our Old Orchard community came together for R U OK? Day, with a focus on mental health, wellbeing and our school value of Respect for Self and Others.

Students began the day with yarning circles exploring how we can check in with ourselves and others and where we can seek help when we need it. Throughout the day, students enjoyed buddy reading, R U OK? activities, lunch with their House Teams and opportunities to build connection, teamwork and positive communication.

There was also plenty to celebrate, with students reaching our whole-school Pear Reward goal of 175 pears! This meant students earned a Free Dress Day, giving everyone the chance to express a little individuality while celebrating a fantastic whole-school achievement.

Of course, Ginger was involved too! She joined yarning circles, listened to stories during buddy reading and tried her luck scoring a few extra treats while “supervising” House Team lunch.

Most importantly, the message from the day was that “Are you OK?” isn’t a question we save for one day of the year. Taking the time to notice, ask, listen and support one another is something we can do every day.

Year 1 Reader's Theatre

Our Year 1 students have been busy enjoying Reader’s Theatre, and some talented students from 1DS recently treated our office staff to a wonderful performance in the sunshine! We were so impressed by their fluent reading and fantastic expression, and by how confidently each student knew exactly when it was their turn to read. They even finished their performance with a well-deserved bow! 

Prep Creativity

We have been enjoying reading a range of Eric Carle’s wonderful books together in Prep. 

Today, we took inspiration from Eric Carle and created our own colourful, layered artworks. The children experimented with colours, textures, and patterns to make their very own Eric Carle inspired creations. 

It was wonderful to see their creativity and imagination shine as they brought their ideas to life!

Celebrating Youth Fest and a Fantastic Finish to Term 3

What a fantastic final week of Term 3! Old Orchard celebrated Victorian Youth Fest with a week full of creativity, connection and fun, led by our wonderful Year 6 Wellbeing Captains James, Maya, Zoe and Arie. Check out all of the collages below!

Students responded brilliantly, with around 100 attending our special Youth Fest activities each day. Monday began with Bubble & Belong and Watch & Create with Bluey, followed by Air-Dry Clay Creations on Tuesday. Wednesday featured Sock Puppet Playhouse and Pebble Pals, before students created Glitter Jars & Friendship Bracelets on Thursday.

Finally, with September being Therapy Dog Awareness Month, it was only fitting that Ginger finished Youth Fest with one of her favourite activities, Cuddle Club. Students got to spend some time with Ginger and give her a cuddle in the sun during B1, with plenty of pats, cuddles and smiles to finish a fantastic week and term.

James, Maya, Zoe and Arie did a wonderful job throughout the week. They promoted the activities, visited classes, supported students and helped organise and run our special lunchtime clubs. It was fantastic to see them take such an active leadership role and help create activities that so many students wanted to be part of. The Victorian Government supported Old Orchard’s Youth Fest activities as part of Victorian Youth Fest 2026.

We also finished the term with Sports Colours/Footy Day, with students and staff representing their favourite sporting teams and codes. From netball and basketball to footy and NRL, team spirit was on display, along with some very popular special lunch orders.

We wish all our students, staff and families a safe, happy and relaxing holiday break, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in Term 4!