From the Principal

This term has been both joyful and productive, with many accomplishments across the school. Our students have shown great enthusiasm in their learning, whether mastering new skills in the classroom, participating in extracurricular activities, or growing in friendships and confidence.

Our dedicated staff have worked hard to create engaging, supportive environments that help every student thrive. We are also thankful for the continued support from our parent community, whose involvement makes a big impact.

As we look back on the term, we celebrate not only the achievements but also the strong sense of community that makes our school a special place to learn and grow. We look forward to the opportunities and successes the next term will bring!

LIBRARY/WELLBEING & SENSORY GARDEN OPENING

Last Friday, we officially opened the POPS G.E.M Centre and Kangaroo Garden. We were honoured to welcome Nicole Werner (Member for Warrandyte), Jamie Noye (Warrandyte Community Bank), Mark Hayley (PORA President), Nicole Volk (PORA Secretary), and Clare Coulson (OCHRE Landscape). Imaan, Cooper, and Millie helped welcome our guests and announce the new names of these spaces.

Students and staff voted to rename the library the 'POPS G.E.M Centre', reflecting our core values of Gratefulness, Empathy, and Mindfulness from The Resilience Project. "Poppy Bear’s Place" was a close second, so the reading pit has been named "Poppy’s Corner" in honour of our mascot.

The G.E.M Centre connects to the Sensory Garden, made possible by a $25,000 grant from Warrandyte Community Bank, with PORA's support, community fundraising, and school contributions. Designed by Clare Coulson and built by A & R Landscaping, the garden is now called the Kangaroo Garden, symbolising resilience with the kangaroo, a Wurundjeri totem animal.

Our student leaders thanked the Parents' Association Committee for their tireless fundraising efforts through events like the Colour Run, school fun runs, discos, trivia nights, and cupcake stalls. To celebrate, the School Council hosted a sausage sizzle to recognise the PA and community’s contributions. It was a joyful event and a significant milestone for our school.

POPS CAMPING PROGRAMS

On Tuesday, our Foundation to Year 2 students had a camp day full of fun. Foundation students enjoyed activities at school, while Year 1 and 2 students went on a nature walk at 100 Acres, followed by damper cooking, games, art, yoga, and a talent show, finishing with dinner at school. To read more about the day visit From the Classroom page.

Tomorrow, our camping program wraps up as the Year 3s return from their first overnight camp, where they've had a great time, especially on the flying fox. We're so proud of how our Year 3 students have embraced the challenges of being away from home and participated in all the activities.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive parent/carer community, and amazing volunteers. Your involvement is essential, and we’re lucky to have such a strong, active community.

LEARNING JOURNALS

Student Learning Journals will be sent home tomorrow. These journals are part of the school's termly assessment reporting to parents. Each term, students complete learning tasks in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Additionally, they complete tasks for specialist subjects and either History or Geography each semester.

Tasks are assessed using rubrics based on the Victorian Curriculum achievement standards, helping students and parents track progress and set goals. Please take time to review the journal, celebrate the student’s work, and leave a comment on the parent feedback sheet at the front of the journal.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s work, feel free to request a meeting with their teacher at any time during the term.

THEIRCARE

Bookings for Term 4 Open

For information about TheirCare and how to book into the program for Term 4, please visit the TheirCare page in this newsletter.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations: The Park Orchards Steelers U09 Girls 1 Team won their grand final over the weekend against Balwyn Girls U09 1. The team members are Mia A, Chloe M, Eva A, Ashlyn E, Milla C, and Amelie D. The team is coached by Ashlyn's dad, Mr Edgcumbe.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Term 3 break. We encourage community members to keep an eye on the school during the holidays. If you notice anything concerning, please contact me:

bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au or reach out to Doncaster Police.

Ms Garrity

PRINCIPAL

KEY DATES Week 1:

Mon Oct 7: School Begins/ No Assembly

Thurs Oct 10: Division Aths

Fri Oct 11: Pathways Session 1/ Yr 4 Bike Check

REMINDERS

Save the Date: The Whole School Production will take place on Thursday, November 14, at the George Wood Performing Arts Centre, Yarra Valley Grammar School. 

School Saver Bonus. To receive the School Saver Bonus go to the From the Office page to read about the key actions for parents and carers.