From the Principal
October, 8 2026
Welcome Back to Term 4
Welcome back to Term 4! It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the final term of the year. We have an exciting few months ahead, filled with rich learning, special events and opportunities that will create lasting memories for our students.
Working Together for Our School
During the School Council meeting this week we discussed how we can continue providing outstanding learning opportunities for our students. We are fortunate to have a generous and supportive community whose voluntary contributions, donations and fundraising make many of these opportunities possible.
Parent contributions help fund the resources and programs that enrich learning at POPS, including technology, classroom furniture, library and STEM materials, sporting equipment, learning space improvements and extracurricular programs. They also support the maintenance of our older buildings, ensuring they remain safe, welcoming and well‑equipped for students.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership. Together, we continue to provide the very best learning environment for every child at POPS.
Voluntary Parent Contributions 2027
School Council has set the 2027 voluntary parent contribution at $350 per student, with suggested Building and Library Fund contributions of $100. The 2027 contribution will be $450. Extracurricular activities, such as ISS and Athletics, will remain pay‑as‑you‑go rather than being included in the annual contribution.
A Compass post outlining the 2026 parent payment arrangements will be shared soon as well as information about stationery ordering through our a new supplier Officeworks.
Shelter in Place Compliance Works Update
New Playground Coming Soon!
While we know it's disappointing to say goodbye to the Rainbow and Spider Web playgrounds, we're excited to share that a brand new play space will replace them. The new playground will combine many of the favourite features from both areas and will include new soft fall rubber surfacing, landscaping and three shade sails, creating a vibrant space for our Year 1/2 students.
1/2 Synthetic Turf Surface Upgrade
The works will also upgrade the area in front of the Arts Centre, addressing current drainage, uneven surfaces and slip hazards. The new coloured concrete surface will retain existing markings, soccer pitch, basketball ring while providing a safer and more functional space for students.
Looking Ahead
Works are expected to begin later this term once the tender process is complete. While there will be some temporary disruption, the Arts Centre will remain accessible.
Importantly, all works are fully funded by the Victorian School Building Authority, with no cost to the school. We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.
Warrandyte Community Bank Grant
We are delighted to share that our Warrandyte Community Bank grant application was successful, with $25,000 awarded for Stage 2 of the Indigenous Sensory Garden. This stage will add a sandpit, yarning circle and connecting path, creating a wonderful new interactive play space for our students.
Our sincere thanks to the Warrandyte Community Bankfor their generous support, and to the Park Orchards Ratepayers Association for backing our application. We will keep the community updated as the project progresses.
China Update
Next Thursday, 15 October, Ms Owen, Limei and I will be accompanying eleven Year 5/6 students to China to visit cultural sites and spend time at our Sister School, Jinling PS. Students have been busily practising songs in Mandarin and preparing presentations in Mandarin to share with classes during our visit.
While I am in China, Mrs Bullen will be Acting Principal, supported by Mrs Quah as Acting Assistant Principal. We look forward to sharing the wonderful experiences and cross‑cultural connections our students develop while we are away.
Planning for 2027
As we begin planning for classes and staffing in 2027, we ask families who know they will be moving from POPS to please notify the school in writing.
If you would like to share any information we should consider regarding your child’s learning, social or emotional needs for next year, please email bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au and cornelia.bullen@education.vic.gov.au.
Bronwyn Garrity
Principal
Visit the Assistant Principal page to read about Helping Children to settle back into routines.
Visit the From the Classroom page to read about Year 3 Camp.
KEY DATES
Term 4, Week 2 2026
Mon Oct 12- 16- Yr 2-4 Swimming
Mon Oct 12- Storytime | 9 am
Tues Oct 13- 2027 Foundation Parent Mtg| 7 pm
Thurs Oct 14- China Trip Departs
Fri Oct 15- Pathways