PREP EXCURSION - CHESTERFIELD FARM

On Monday, our Prep students set off on their very first school excursion—to Chesterfield Farm!

The children enjoyed feeding and patting a wide range of animals including emus, goats, deer, and kangaroos, and had the chance to meet many of the farm’s newest arrivals in the large animal nursery. A ride in the tractor-drawn wagon was a definite highlight, with students smiling and waving as they toured the grounds.

They also visited the pig sties and the discovery barn, where they chatted with a farmer about farming across different eras and learned more about the produce we use every day. The children also enjoyed a fun farm show that featured working sheepdogs in action and the opportunity to try hand milking a cow.

Throughout the day, our Preps showed positive behaviour, enthusiasm, and great curiosity. They embraced every experience—whether it was feeding animals, climbing aboard the tractor, or asking thoughtful questions about farm life. We are incredibly proud of how they represented our school.

DISTRICT ATHLETICS SUCCESS!

This week our Athletics Team proudly represented Orchard Park PS at the Officer District Athletics Finals held at Casey Fields. Our students gave their absolute best efforts across a wide range of events, showing grit, determination, and wonderful sportsmanship. We could not be more proud of the way they competed, supported each other, and upheld our school values throughout the day.

We are thrilled to share that for the very first time, Orchard Park PS finished first overall in our District! This is a remarkable achievement, particularly as we are certainly not the biggest schools in our area. It is, however, a true reflection of the healthy appetite our students have for competition and the way they consistently bring their best to the sporting arena.

This result is also due recognition of the long-term vision and foundations laid by Dean Scanlon when our PE program began from such humble beginnings. His commitment and passion have set our school on a path where sporting excellence, participation, and values are celebrated equally.

A special congratulations also goes to the students who will now progress to the Division Finals—an incredible opportunity and reward for your outstanding efforts. We couldn’t be prouder of our Athletics Team—well done Orchard Park!

FATHER'S DAY CELEBRATIONS

This morning we were delighted to welcome so many of our dads, grandfathers and special adults to Orchard Park PS for our Father’s Day Morning. It was wonderful to see our gym filled with families enjoying time together, and the smiles on our students’ faces as they proudly shared their specially made gifts were priceless.

We wish all our dads and special people a very happy Father’s Day this Sunday—we hope it’s a day filled with love and appreciation.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our incredible Parents and Friends team for once again creating such a wonderful Father’s Day Stall. Our students loved having the opportunity to carefully choose and purchase gifts to share with their loved ones.

LAST DAY OF TERM – FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

We are excited to celebrate the last day of Term 3 with a Footy Day!

Students are encouraged to come dressed in the colours of their favourite team (AFL or any other sport they support).

What’s happening on the day:

Footy Parade in the Gym - 9:00am
- Students will show off their team colours in our Footy Parade. Families are warmly invited to attend. Please note this parade will replace our usual afternoon assembly.
Footy Activities
- Throughout the day, students will enjoy a range of fun footy activities, including a staff vs student footy match and ‘The Longest Kick’ challenge.
  - Entry for The Longest Kick is a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to Kids Helpline. Winners will take home a footy-themed prize!
Footy Lunch Orders
- Fleur in our canteen will be offering a special Footy Day lunch—be sure to get your orders in early!

Early Finish

A reminder that school will finish at 2:00pm on this day. Students will be dismissed from their classrooms.

AFL Play School Holiday Program