From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 2! We're excited about the possibilities ahead and committed to nurturing your children academically, socially, and emotionally. Our students have many opportunities and experiences lined up, including excursions, cross-country events, and engaging teaching and learning activities planned by our dedicated staff.

Learning Journals

Student Learning Journals will be sent home tomorrow, Friday, April 19. They aim to inspire students and provide parents with a clear view of their child's progress. Teachers use regular assessments to inform teaching strategies, contributing to students' marks and semester reports. Each Learning Journal contains completed tasks in core subjects, task descriptions, rubrics, and student reflections. Specialist subjects and exemplary work will be included in the Learning Journals in Term 2. Please review your child's journal, celebrate their achievements, and return it next week after adding your input to the feedback sheet.

Worawa Aboriginal College Healesville

Last term, Mrs Puckering and her library team began the process of reshelving books and removing duplicates or unneeded ones from our system. These surplus books were boxed up, and over the holiday break, Mrs Puckering generously donated them to Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville. Worawa College provides a boarding experience for young Aboriginal women in secondary school (Years 7-12) from various Aboriginal communities across Australia. During a yarning circle last year, the students requested that they would like more books. We extend our gratitude to Mrs Puckering for spearheading this meaningful community initiative. We are excited to continue our connection with Worawa Aboriginal College.

Warrandyte Festival

On Saturday, April 20, at 11:15 am, the POPS Senior Choir will perform on the Warrandyte Festival main stage. Many thanks to Mrs Bowen for preparing them! I'll also be part of the Bendigo Bank parade to acknowledge their $25,000 grant for the Indigenous Sensory Garden, starting construction in May. I hope to see many of you at the Warrandyte Festival on Saturday.

ANZAC DAY

On Tuesday, April 23, our Year 6 students will represent POPS at an ANZAC Service hosted by the Rotary Club of Templestowe. School captains Joshua S and Jeyda A will lay a wreath on behalf of the school. Then, on Wednesday, April 24, at 2:50pm, our Year 6 leaders will conduct a POPS ANZAC Day service by our school flagpoles. Parents are invited to attend and join us in paying respects to our service members. Students can also bring memorial items to share during the ANZAC service. ANZAC badges will be sold at lunch by the SRC members on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week.

Education Week

Victoria's annual Education Week celebration is approaching, taking place from Monday, May 13 to Friday, May 17.  Our school will once again have an Open Evening Tuesday May 14, allowing current and prospective parents to visit between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Throughout the evening, class teachers will be organising various activities for students and their families. To cap off the night at 6:40pm, the Senior Choir will perform in the Arts Centre.

Family Life Sessions Wednesday May 1 (Update)

The Family Life Sessions for Years 3-6 students will now be online. Parents still make the payment via Compass. The online session link will be shared with parents who have paid on Wednesday 1st May.  For information about the sessions, please vist the Student Wellbeing page.

Achievements

Ava I (5Y)- Ava has been presented with her Grey Wolf award. This is the highest award in Cubs and involves a lot of planning, reviewing and determination on Ava’s part over the past 2 years. Congratulations Ava!

We extend our best wishes to Emma-Rose M as she embarks on her 170km run to raise funds for sick children at Eastern Health Hospitals.

Have a great weekend,

Ms Garrity

Reminders:

• Don't forget to go to the From the Classroom Page to read about Foundation Self Portraits.

Foundation 2025 Enrolment Applications Open

Applications to enrol Foundation 2025 students are now open. To complete an application parents must create an online profile for their child.

To get started: 

• Create an account and complete the online application form by Friday 26 July 2024. 

Key Dates:

Saturday April 20: 11:15am Senior Choir Performance- Warrandyte Festival

Monday April 22: School Assembly 9:10am

Wednesday April 24: POPS ANZAC Day Service 2:50 pm

Thursday April 25: ANZAC Day (No School)