As we move into the final weeks of the school year, there is so much to celebrate across our school. We want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our students, staff, and families who continue to contribute to such a vibrant and supportive school community. Below are several important updates as we head into a busy and exciting finish to 2025.

Student Reporting

Following on from our well attended Parent–Teacher Interviews in Week 6, teachers have been finalising our written Student Progress Reports for all students. These reports will be released to families via Compass on Thursday 11th December. We encourage all families to take time to sit with your child/ren, read through their report together, and celebrate their growth, effort, and achievements throughout the year.

Whole School Transition

While our transition program for our 2026 Prep students has been running throughout this term, and our Year 6 students have been attending transition sessions at their chosen secondary schools, our focus now shifts to supporting our current students as they prepare for their 2026 year level.

On Tuesday 9th December, all students will learn their 2026 class placement, teachers, and the Education Support staff working with their class. Students will then spend the majority of the day connecting with their new classmates and teachers, helping build confidence and excitement for the year ahead.

Students will also participate in a 2-hour transition session with their 2026 teacher on Thursday 11th December in the morning, before returning to their current class for their end-of-year class party. Please remember that this event is on Compass and is fully catered for by the school, as outlined in previous communications. We kindly ask families to approve and finalise payment by Monday 8th December.

End of Year Celebrations

Whole School Christmas Concert – Wednesday 10th December

We are excited to welcome families to this year’s Christmas Concert. The weather forecast is looking promising, and we invite families to join us from 5:00pm for a picnic dinner on the oval. Student performances will begin at 6:00pm.

This year, we will introduce some improved viewing and seating arrangements to ensure all families have a great vantage point. Further details will be shared ahead of the event.

Our Parents and Friends Christmas Raffle will be drawn on the night. Thank you to those who have already returned tickets—if you need more, they are available from the front office.

For food on the night, we will be running our own sausage sizzle with support from the Kelly Club team. This is a change from previous years, where we have offered external hot food stalls. Parents and Friends have still organised some vans (coffee, ice cream etc), but we wanted to ensure a more affordable dinner option for families. As always, families are welcome to bring along their own dinner. Please remember, this is an alcohol free event.

Orchard Park Christmas Giving

We continue our tradition of supporting others in need during the festive season. This year, we are again partnering with Have a Little Hope, a wonderful local charity. Families who are able are invited to donate non-perishable items, which can be placed in the class baskets.

Although the pamphlet sent home lists today as the final day, we have extended our collection period until Friday 12th December. Thank you to the many families who have already contributed—every donation makes a difference.

Year 6 Celebrations

It is hard to believe that we will soon be farewelling our wonderful Year 6 cohort. Their leadership, maturity, and contribution to our school have been outstanding.

We look forward to celebrating them at our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday 16th December, held here at school with their families.

Our Year 6s will also take part in our much-loved annual tradition of attending Gumbuya World on Friday 12th December—always a highlight for students and staff alike! We are incredibly proud of the fundraising efforts our Year 6 students have led this year, which have significantly reduced event costs for families.

We also look forward to unveiling their names on our Honour Board in the gym as graduating students of Orchard Park Primary School.

Final Days of Term

A reminder that Thursday 18th December is the final day of school for students. Families are warmly invited to join us for our Final Assembly at 2:30pm, with school concluding at the normal time of 3:00pm.

Friday 19th December is a Curriculum Day. Full-day care will be available through Kelly Club for families who require it. Our final newsletter for the year will also be shared on this day.

Orchard Park News

Going Further Together

Issue 18 · 05 Dec 2025

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