Principal Message
Dear Families!
Apple Fair: What an amazing weekend of weather we all endured from 36 degrees on Saturday, watching the weather forecast closely for Sunday, to the Apple Fair day of rain, wind and drizzle! It did not deter the Ocean Grove community spirit with so many families and new visitors joining us for the Apple Fair. The kids were pumped, and we pushed on!
A massive congratulations to all the committee, led by Adele Smith who pivoted at 7am and reorganised about 50% of the Fair to new locations. The gym became a hive of activity and sheltered us from the rain, the stall holders along the covered walkway probably had more traffic there than where originally planned and the oval was consistently busy.
The entertainment was amazing from students, ex-students, parents and Dallas, rocking out on stage. Thanks to Rob Grundell, the MC for the day and all the performers. A special thanks to Oliver Hurley for his personal Acknowledgement of Country to open the day and to all the volunteers, on the many stalls and areas needed, THANK-YOU!
Without volunteers and people steering the Fair, it just wouldn’t happen. I have seen the work Adele, and the committee have put in. A special thanks to all their families too for enabling them to attend meetings, spend time at school setting up, liaising with us at school, collecting sponsorship and donations and so much more. A shout out to the set up and pack up crews too – AMAZING teamwork. And although the sun poked its head out just as the fair wrapped up for the day, we knew it was a success.
While the overall result is still being calculated with receipts and expenses still coming in and payments for the wonderful silent auction to come, we anticipate about a $52,000 profit!
This is one of the largest and most successful Apple Fairs we have had. The money will be directed into the student’s playground, for now and into the future, to enjoy a safe play space. The current playgrounds are nearing 40 years of age and are on borrowed time. We will replace the red playground and refurbish areas of the blue and green ones.
Again, a sincere thanks to EVERYONE. This is an amazing community that comes together and makes things happen to keep the school improving. Well done.
School Council: We met for the first time in 2025 and welcomed Ryan Baltetsch (DE member), Lachy Ralton and Duncan McNab (parent reps). A large amount of information was shared from Finance, Facilities, Child Safe Standards, Policies, Sustainability and more. School Council also endorsed the remaining Curriculum Days and Professional Planning Day which are pupil free days.
Dates are: (these are pupil free and Camp Australia may provide care – see their website)
- Tuesday 10th June (Day after Monarch's Birthday) Curriculum Day for Assessment & Reporting
- Monday 3rd November - Professional Practice Day
- Tuesday 4th November - Curriculum Day (Assessment)
Please note: Wednesday 22nd October is also a PUBLIC HOLIDAY for COGG - Geelong Cup
Congratulations: On Saturday the wonderful Jenny Warren, had her son’s wedding on their family farm overlooking Swan Bay. Jenny said it was the most perfect day and the photos are amazing. Congratulations Jenny and please pass on our best wishes to Brayden and wife, Nicola.
NAPLAN: Our Year 3 & 5 students will finalise all the NAPLAN testing this week and can get back into the real teaching and learning we do at OGPS. When the results are released, we will let the community know how the cohort of students faired. As always, we are proud of their work, achievement and we know that NAPLAN does not showcase many of the other talents our students have.
Bike Riders: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE wear your helmets and follow safety rules. I have had several members of the community reach out with concerns about some students riding unsafely and not wearing helmets. The local police have been contacted to be present and provide reminders to those who need it.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
Scott McCumber
Principal
