Principal's Message

'Dear OLA Families,

Congratulations, to all our OLA community, on the most beautiful Remembrance Day Service on Monday. We came together to remember in faith all who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We also pray for healing and peace.

On Monday Savannah and Kensington's Dad, Corporal Cooper from the 5th and 6th Battalion of the Royal Victorian Regiment came to school and spoke with our students and staff. We learnt more about his story and how this day is so important to remember and to honour. Beau's grandmother June also came to speak with us about how special Remembrance Day is to her and she shared a commemorative poppy that once stood at the Tower of London. 

Following our OLA Remembrance Service our School Captains Olivia, Peter, Bella K and Alessio represented OLA at the Cheltenham Cenotaph for the Remembrance Day Service and they laid a wreath on behalf of all our OLA community.

Prep 2025 Parent Information Evening

What a wonderful evening we enjoyed together with our new and current families joining us with a child in Prep in 2025. Thank you to our dedicated staff for your presence and for your tips on supporting children beginning school here at OLA next year. Thank you to Lauren Koukoumanos and Claudelle Salter for speaking about tips for starting school, being an active parent and the many ways families can get involved in the OLA community. Thank you also to Sally Wright and Susan Wangondu from OSAC for their hospitality and thank you to the amazing Second Hand Uniform Shop volunteers for providing this brilliant service to our OLA families. Our Canteen, Fun Fresh Foods, donated the amazing chicken sandwiches.

Important Information for 2025

We are so excited to see how word of mouth, the work of our teachers and the deep sense of community at OLA have all assisted in building the reputation of our school over the last 5 years.  We have grown from 18 children coming into Prep to 36 to now approximately 54 children in 2025! This growth is very exciting and very positive for OLA.

The staff, Leadership Team, Consultative Committee and School Advisory Council have been in consultation over class structures and numbers for 2025 and beyond. We have researched and spoken with experienced educationalists and parents, and are determining a grade structure that will best support the needs of students and the school over the coming years.  Whilst we are finishing off the year with great momentum we are also securing staffing and plans for next year.

2025 Enrolments per level:  (as at 15.11.24)

We are delighted to be growing in 2025 with the addition of a third Prep classroom.  With Grade 1 and Grade 2 we have looked at the learning styles of the children and teachers, the student numbers, finances etc. and have determined that the best combination for next year is two straight Grade 1 classes and two straight Grade 2 classes. We will continue with multilevel classes for Grade 3/4 and Grade 5/6.

Class Structures for 2025

Locations of classrooms for 2024 :

The three Prep classes will be relocated to the current 1/2 space

The Grade 1 and Grade 2 classrooms will be relocated to the current Grade 3/4 space

The Grade 3/4 classrooms will be relocated to the current Grade 5/6 space

The Grade 5/6 classrooms will be relocated to the current WIN Room, Language Room and Performing Arts Room

We are thinking that the WIN Room and Language Room will be relocated to the current Prep Rooms and the Performing Arts space to move to stage in Hall with doors closed so PE can happen on wet days in the Hall.

Gratitude and Best Wishes... 

This week I would like to share news about staffing changes for 2025. Mark Buccilli (Classroom Teacher one day in the 5/6NC), Fintan O'Connor (Classroom Teacher in 3/4FO) and Lou Watts (Language Teacher) will be finishing up at OLA at the end of this year.  We look forward to saying thank you and farewell to these staff members at the End of Year Prayer Service and Assembly at 9.00am on Tuesday 17 December. I know you will join me in celebrating these staff members and showing gratitude for their amazing contributions to our community.

Mark Buccilli

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you Mark for your unwavering commitment to OLA over the past 19 years. Your dedication to teaching, passion for sport, and remarkable ability to connect with your students have been truly inspiring.

We deeply appreciate your genuine care for the wellbeing of each student. In particular, we’ve loved how you’ve made learning enjoyable, often incorporating humour to engage and inspire your students. Thank you for everything you've done! We wish you all the very best in the future and we are delighted that we will continue to see you at District Sports.

A reflection from Mark…

After 19 wonderful years of working at OLA, I have decided to say goodbye. It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked in an amazing, caring and supportive community. My journey began in Term 2 of 2006, working as a Learning Support Officer, before graduating 5 years later and becoming a teacher. I am grateful for all the opportunities that both Leonie Young and Richard Jacques have offered me, supporting and encouraging me to develop as a teacher, camp leader and SSV Cheltenham District Coordinator. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing staff, students and families over the years. I have loved being part of this community and, whilst I say goodbye to OLA, I am hoping to still be around as an SSV District Coordinator.

Fintan O'Connor

Thank you Fintan for being part of our OLA community this year and for sharing your passion for teaching with us. We love how you have helped to make learning fun by setting good routines and structures, helping children make connections as well as engaging children in the learning process. The 3/4 Team have especially loved you sharing your knowledge, experience and creative ideas with them.  You have formed such a caring relationship with your students that inspires them to turn up and give their best. We wish you all the very best as you continue to travel and explore New Zealand and Western Australia.

A reflection from Fintan…

As I prepare to leave OLA after this incredible year, I want to express what an absolute privilege it has been to be part of this community. From my very first day, I was welcomed with open arms by the staff, students, and parents, making me feel right at home. The warmth and closeness of this community remind me so much of my own parish back home, and I’ve truly cherished being a part of it. One of the highlights of my time here has been training the athletics students. The enthusiasm and dedication of the team have left a lasting impression on me. I will forever treasure the bond and connections formed in 3/4FO; they have been the most beautiful class I’ve ever had the pleasure to teach. The support from the parents and the joy of learning alongside these amazing students has been a gift I will carry with me. While it hasn't been an easy decision to leave, I am excited to spend next year exploring more of this side of the world. I’m looking forward to traveling to New Zealand for a few weeks over New Year’s and then heading to Western Australia. I hope to return for a visit in the future, as OLA will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for a wonderful year filled with memories and friendships. Go raibh míle maith agat! 

Lou Watts

Thank you Bu for the rich Indonesian Language classes that you have provided to students this year. Your love of languages and culture have been appreciated by us all.  We love your passion for Indonesia and we appreciate all you have taught our students about Indonesia and other cultures. The kites for the Art Show will be a particularly special memory. We wish you all the very best as you take up your new teaching positions and travel back to Indonesia. Thanks for being part of our OLA community.

A reflection from Bu...

I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of the OLA community this past year, and it is with a very heavy heart to announce that I will be moving on in 2025. Next year, although I will be teaching some primary classes, I will be predominantly transitioning back into secondary education, which is where I have spent the majority of my teaching career. It was a very tough decision as my time here at OLA has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the privilege of working with talented educators, administrators, and, most importantly, the wonderful students. It has been a real privilege sharing my passion for Indonesian language and culture with the students at OLA and I hope that they remember it fondly. I am deeply grateful for the warmth and support I have received from everyone, and will always cherish the connections made and the experiences shared. 

We look forward to saying thank you and farewell to these staff members at the End of Year Prayer Service and Assembly at 9.00am on Tuesday 17 December. I know you will join me in celebrating these staff members and showing gratitude for their amazing contributions to our community.

Welcome to...

In 2025 we are delighted to welcome and congratulate Natasha Lim (Classroom Teacher) and Ruby Powell (Learning Support Officer) who are joining our wonderful community in 2025. We are also very fortunate to be able to welcome back Fiona Lee who will teach at OLA on Thursdays and Fridays.

Natasha Lim

Hello everyone! My name is Natasha Lim, and I am honoured to join the OLA teaching team in 2025. During my final teaching placement, I had the privilege of spending seven wonderful weeks here. I was truly impressed by the inspirational staff, the exceptional children, the supportive families, and the inclusive community values the school upholds. Outside of the classroom, I am a calisthenics dance coach and performer. I love performing on stage and sharing my passion for the sport with the pupils I coach. Before beginning my bachelor of primary education, I was a qualified pastry chef for five years. I still love baking and creating cakes and cookies for special occasions! I am excited to bring my passion for teaching to the team and look forward to embarking on my teaching career as a member of the OLA community.

Ruby Powell

Hi Everyone. My name is Ruby Powell and I am so excited to be joining the OLA community in 2025. I am currently in my third year of studying to be a teacher at Deakin University. I have been working as a swim teacher for the last few years and am so excited to become a Learning Support Officer (LSO).  Outside of school, I enjoy going on camping trips, hanging out by the beach, and running. I also have an adorable dog called Frankie. I am so excited to meet you all soon :)

OLA Fete

The countdown is on! Only 8 more sleeps! Thank you to all involved in making this event of the year happen.

Keep the donations coming! We are so grateful for everyone's generosity. Thank you to everyone who has donated toys, books, clothes, bottles, gold coins – and in every other way to contribute to our fundraising drives. We couldn’t do it without everyone’s support. Please keep good quality books, toys and clothes coming in.

Volunteers

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to volunteer so far. We still have plenty of opportunities to get involved, including set up and pack down or assistance on the day. We encourage all parent volunteers to feel comfortable in getting their child/ren with 

Ready, steady, bid! 

Our silent auction is now open. You need to be in it to win it. 

Cakes & Preserves - Ready Steady Bake! 

All cakes, slices, cookies, cupcakes, preserves and any other sweet or savoury items are welcome. Please deliver to school 12.30-1.30pm on Friday 22 November or directly to the Cake Stall on the morning of the Fete.

Ride Tickets

We hope you are able to take up the early bird special to buy all day wrist bands for the rides at our OLA Fete. Please use the QR code on the flyer above to purchase now or go to our website and drop down on the Fete tab.

OLA Raffle

We’ve got 1 week until our amazing Fete! Make sure you write name and phone number on the space provided and return to the office, you keep the ticket stub. You’ve got until 22 November to sell them and if you are a whiz and need more – there are more at the office. 

Each and every ticket sold supports our fundraising efforts and you have got to be in it to win it! There are 3 major prizes available, all generously donated by members of our school community and supporters of OLA in our local area.

Please support them as they support us:

1st Prize - $500 voucher Pt Leo Estate and a $500 voucher at Alba Thermal Hot Springs  generously donated by APT Advanced Manufacturing

2nd Prize - Weber Family Q 

generously donated by Lewin Real Estate

3rd Prize - Apple iPad Air and gaming headphones 

generously donated by Park Lane Advice Group

OLA School Advisory Council                                               and Parents and Friends AGM

We invite our parents to attend our AGM on Monday 2 December at 7.00pm. This will be a relaxed event, where we will share our school, P&F and School Advisory Council achievements for 2024. Light refreshments will be provided on the night. 

Christmas Carols

We look forward to hosting our OLA Christmas Carols on Thursday 5 December 6.30pm. Please come wearing a touch of Christmas and be ready to singalong with some traditional carols as well as some fun new ones too!

Working Bee

The school looks amazing. Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for the Term 4 OLA Working Bee last Saturday 9 November from 10.00am-12.00pm. This Working Bee has certainly helped help us to have our school looking amazing for the OLA Fete next week. If you are not able to make it you are welcome to make a donation to the school. 

Prep 2025 Transition Dates & Times

It was a joy to welcome our incoming families for our two Prep classes for 2025, at the Prep Parent Information Session held last week. On the night, we provided an overview of our programs and practices, and some important school readiness tips for our littlest students and their families. The Prep and Leadership Team were so impressive, reassuring families that their little ones are in the very best hands at OLA.  It was also really lovely to speak with our parent group after the session, and to hear just how excited they are to join our wonderful community. The relationship between school and home is arguably the most trusted and crucial throughout a child's journey, and is a huge influence over this 7 year period. 

We also loved having our 2025 Prep children for their first Orientation morning this week and we can't wait to have them all back again on Tuesday! The Grade 6 Buddies for next year especially loved it and we hope our Preps loved it too. The parents took the opportunity to meet at Frank's Cafe which was a lovely way to meet up again and make even stronger connections. The orientation program provides a wonderful opportunity for the students to meet one another and spend time playing together, as well as engaging with the staff who will work with them next year. During these sessions, the staff observe the emotional and social interactions, and look for ways to best support the little ones with their transition to school. We are acutely aware that some students can easily transition, while for others, this can be quite an emotional and tricky time. Rest assured, these little hurdles are all part of the school journey and, in time, the students will become better equipped with the skills to overcome these challenges. 

Our remaining orientation sessions are as follows: 

School Shoes 

Correct school shoes and socks must be worn and we remind students and families, when purchasing new school shoes for next year, black sneaker Asics or Nike runners are not part of the regular school uniform. If the sport shoes are black leather and black soled then they are welcome to be worn as school uniform.We thank you in advance for your understanding. 

Calendar

Please open the ‘Key Dates and Events’ tab in this newsletter for important dates or access the OLA Calendar here.  Key dates for the coming weeks.

Pupil Free Days for 2024

• Friday 6 December 2025 Planning and Preparation 

Please note on the following dates school finish early at 1pm:

OLA Fete on Friday 22 November

Last day of school Tuesday 17 December

School Term Dates - 2025

Term 1, 2025

Friday 31 January (Grade 1-6) - Friday April 4th (10 weeks)

Prep start school on Monday 3 February

Term 2, 2025

Tuesday 22nd April - Friday 4th July (11 weeks)

Term 3, 2025

Tuesday 22 July - Friday 19th September (9 weeks) 

Term 4, 2025

Tuesday 7 October - Tuesday 16th December (11 weeks)

Congratulations

Little GEM Moments

These moments are the best! Charlie came to visit me this week to read all his writing and share his amazing work. Maddie also popped in to share hers and her friend's ideas on what we can do for the 2026 Fete! The Grade 2 children have come up with some great thoughts on each class in the school getting to choose a stall to run on the day. Well done to Nullah, Malkia, Elle, Eva, Luci and Maddie.

Fete Posters

Congratulations to the Grade 1/2 students for their amazing designs for the Fete Posters.

Poem

More of our wonderful writing at OLA is being published! Congratulations Olivia on being shortlisted for the Story Lines writing competition run by Kingston Libraries. Your poem is beautiful and celebrates your creativity and passion. We can’t wait for your poem to come to life in print! 

Thank you

Indigenous Murals

It is exciting times with our P&F organising and starting the promised projects of beautifying and improving our playground. First step is to brighten the space with our indigenous artists in residence painting murals that share our indigenous story and connection to the land our school is on.

We are heading into Week 7 next week! This precious time is flying by. We can't wait for our Fete next Saturday 23 November. May the sun keep shining.

Enjoy the weekend.

Richard Jacques

Principal