From the Principal

As the school year progresses, we thank the parents on the School Council and Parents' Association for their dedication and support, which have greatly impacted our school community and me personally.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Yep for his exceptional leadership as School Council President over the past five years. As he steps down, we hope he takes pride in his achievements and the lasting legacy he leaves. His passion for POPS and support for our students, staff, and community will be greatly missed.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Jordan (President), Ms Berardini (Fundraising Coordinator), Mrs van Prooyen (Treasurer), Mrs Ross (Secretary), and Mrs Edgcumbe (School Council and Community Liaison) for their outstanding contributions.

Their dedication, generosity, and countless hours spent organising events, fundraising, and building community have made a lasting impact. On behalf of the entire school, thank you for your hard work, commitment and unwavering support of POPS.

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION

On Tuesday, the Parents' Association held its Annual General Meeting, at which outgoing members were thanked for their contributions. Elections for the 2025 PA team were also held. 

Congratulations to the following parents on their new roles:

President: Ms McKenzie (Indi, Lulu & Misha)

Vice President: Mrs Di Gennaro (Charlotte & Hunter)

Secretary: Mrs Hanneman (Dougie)

Treasurer: Ms Schafter (Jack)

PA Community Liaison: Mrs Heard (Georgia, Eliza & Amelia) & Mrs Batchelor (Etta & Fletcher)

Class Rep Coordinators: Mrs Ward (Jordan, Darcy and Max) & Mrs Fegan (Matilda & Henry)

Fundraising Coordinator: TBA

CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY

On Monday, December 9, at 9:10 am, we will hold our Celebration Assembly. This assembly is significant because it includes the presentation of special awards to year three and four students and the announcement of leadership roles for our 2025 year six students. 

STAFFING NEWS

Next year, there will be some staffing changes. Mrs Smith will be on maternity leave, and we wish her all the best as she prepares for her new arrival. Mrs Kaur and Mrs Clark will also be leaving POPS, and we sincerely thank them for their contributions this year and extend our best wishes.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to welcome back Miss Brincat and Mrs Williams to POPS. We’re also thrilled to have Miss Robison joining the team. We look forward to their valuable contributions to our wonderful school.

Congratulations to Mrs Pearson and her husband, who are expecting a new baby early next year! Mrs Pearson will remain with the school for Term 1, 2025, before starting her maternity leave.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

In the coming weeks, our students will need the support of the adults in their lives to navigate change and transitions. Next week, Year 5 students will learn about their Year 6 leadership roles, and the following week, all students will find out who their teacher and classmates will be for next year. These moments can stir a mix of emotions, including happiness, joy, anxiety, fear, and disappointment.

Disappointment is a natural part of life and can be difficult at any age. How adults respond during these times plays a key role in helping children manage their emotions, especially when they don’t receive the leadership role they hoped for or the teacher or friends they wished to be with.

For more guidance on supporting your child through these emotional moments, please visit the Student Wellbeing page.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Jeyda and Josh (School Captains) and Imaan and Tom (Vice School Captains) for their outstanding speeches at Tuesday’s School Council and Parents' Association meeting. 

Congratulations to Charlotte A (5I), Carter H-Y (6M) and Jack C (6M) who achieved a score in the top 10% of individual student scores in the Junior Division Maths Olympiad Australia. 

Results: 

1st- Charlotte A 

2nd- Carter H-Y  

3rd- Jack C 

Congratulations to Ben R (2H), Lincoln P (3O), Alex V (3O), Nadia L (3G), Manya  (5Y), Marx H (5Y), Tristan A (6M), and Ilya (6M) for competing in the Victorian State Schools Chess Tournament.

Go to the From the Classroom to read about what has been happening in the 1/2 year level.

Have a great weekend,

Ms Garrity

PRINCIPAL

KEY DATES Week 10:

Mon 2: Celebration Assembly 9:10 am/ F- 2 Swimming