Principal's Message
School Philosophy
Orchard Grove Primary School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment that engages curiosity, promotes learning, personal growth, and well-being for all students. We strive to develop adaptability and resilience so students can become valued members of the local and global communities and be prepared for future life experiences.
From the Principal
Welcome back to school for 2026!
It has been so much fun seeing everyone back at school - exploring their new classrooms, getting to know their new teachers and classmates and navigating their way around the building zone. Today we welcomed our 2026 Foundation students for their first day of school - we are so excited to have you all at school. Whilst there are many Foundation students with older siblings already at school, we extend a warm welcome to all our new families joining our amazing Orchard Grove Community.
I am sure you have all noticed the difference in our school, with the middle of the main building being demolished over the holidays. The students have adapted well to the changes particularly to movement around the school (we are all still planning routes and timings to different buildings!) but I am sure we will all adapt before very long! We anticipate the building works to be completed for the beginning the 2027 school year.
Thank you to everyone for adapting to the different entry points, walkways and parking arrangements whilst we have our building project. With the Cricket Club pavilion also being under construction it leads to a busy area for us all. Whilst the Holland Road car park is limited in parking we urge you all to show respect, patience and understanding when parking in side streets.
Our teaching teams are busy planning Term 1 and will have had/will have a planning day to do this. Specialist teachers will be in classrooms during this time. We are currently completing our IN@OGPS program which helps us set up routines, expectations and classroom/school systems with clarity and student input. Assemblies with Principal Awards and parents attending will commence next week.
Parent information sessions (one for Foundation, Years 1 and 2, Years 3-6 and one for new arrival (EAL) parents) will run via Webex next week. Please check Compass for times and dates and watch out for the Webex links sent out by Team Leaders. Interpreters will be present at all sessions. Year levels that have Interschool Sports and camps will have individual level meetings related to these events about a month before, so the information is timely and fine tuned. I do encourage all families to attend one of the sessions as the information is important to know.
Finally - I would like to thank Michelle Laws and Bec Knight for all of their work on our Friends of OGPS committee. The event organisation they have supported has been amazing, including the re-establishing of numerous events post pandemic. We are now looking for new parents to step into these big shoes and help support our school. Our Friends of OGPS organise events such as our Mothers/Fathers/Special Person 'shops' for our students to buy gifts for their families, Easter and Christmas Raffles, Discos and Colour Runs. Without the support of this volunteer parent committee we will not be able to continue to provide these events for our students. If you can spare some time to at least help with one of these events, or you are interested in supporting in a larger capacity then please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Crozier via the school email or having a chat before or after school whilst she is on Yard Duty.
Michelle Ogilvie
Principal