From the Principal

We had a wonderful start to the week with Monday’s assembly. A highlight was watching our Year  5 students proudly walk their Foundation buddies into the school community for the first time. It was a joyful moment, and we were delighted to have so many parents and carers there to share it.

Our House Captains also brought great energy as they launched the SWPBS whole‑school reward system. This term, we’re celebrating students who show our expected learning space behaviours, looking after their belongings, doing their best, and listening with respect. It’s been fantastic to see so many students already stepping up.

To build excitement, the House Captains surveyed every class to choose a whole‑school reward. Students voted for either a Free Dress Day or a whole‑level game, such as hide‑and‑seek. We look forward to announcing the winning reward soon. To read more, please visit the SWPBS at POPS page.

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION

Our Parents’ Association kicked off the year with a wonderfully upbeat meeting on Monday evening, joined by several new parents eager to get involved. PA meetings are always filled with laughter, great ideas, and a real sense of community—this week was no different.

The team is excited to roll into a fun February with these upcoming events:

• Friday 20 Feb – Pancake Day
• Monday 23 Feb – Cupcake Stall
• Friday 27 Feb – POPS Welcome Back Evening

There’s plenty of energy and enthusiasm building already. To learn more about the PA and how you can join in, visit the Parents’ Association page.

CALL FOR SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

School Council nominations for Victorian government schools take place in Term 1 each year, with elections completed by 31 March. Parents and DET employees can nominate themselves or another person. From 2026, all non‑teacher members will need to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).

We have four parent positions open this year. To nominate yourself or a fellow parent, please download the nomination form below, complete it, and either email it to bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au or hand the form in at the Office. Nominations close on Friday 27 February at 4.00pm. If we receive more nominations than available positions, an election will be held. 

If you’re thinking about joining School Council and would like to know more, please feel welcome to email, call, or pop in for a chat.

VOLUNTEERS@ POPS

At POPS, we are fortunate to have many generous volunteers who contribute so much to our school community. To support them in this important role, each family will receive a Volunteer Induction Booklet outlining key child‑safety policies and procedures. This helps ensure all volunteers understand their responsibilities in maintaining a safe environment for our students.

All volunteers must complete the POPS Volunteer Induction Process before assisting at school. You can read more about this process on the From the Assistant Principal page.

STORYTIME- GEM CENTRE

Our first Storytime session for preschoolers will be held on Monday, 16  February at 9:00 am in the GEM Centre (Library). I will lead the session, supported by our Year 6 Library Leaders. All preschool children are warmly invited to attend. The theme for our first session is summer, and we look forward to welcoming our youngest learners and their families.

GOOD NEWS

Year Six Leadership Badges have arrived. We will present them to our Year Six students on Monday, February 16. 

STUDENT ACHEIVEMENTS

Please email bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au with any achievements your child has recently made. As a school, we want to celebrate everyone’s successes — big or small. These don’t have to be sports-related; achievements in any area are welcome.

WELLBEING AND INCLUSION TEAM

Mrs Debono: Supports the wellbeing of students, staff and families at POPS. She works Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, helping us foster a safe, caring and connected school community.

Mrs Smith: Supports students, staff and families as POPS’ Disability and Inclusion Leader. She works Wednesday and Thursday, strengthening inclusive practices so every student can access learning successfully.

To read more about Mrs Debono and Mrs Smith, and their roles as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader and Disability Inclusion Leader, please visit the Wellbeing page.

FROM THE LIBRARY

We’re looking for volunteers to help with contacting new library books. If you have some time to spare and enjoy quiet, hands‑on tasks, we’d love your help. If you’re able to assist, please get in touch with the Ms Grigg- sarah.grigg@education.vic.gov.au or Miss Chen- yurong.chen@education.vic.gov.au

TERM 1 WEEK 4 KEY DATES 

Mon Feb 16: Yr 6 Leadership Badges Assembly 9 am| Storytime 9 am

Tues Feb 17: School Photos

Wed Feb 18- No Foundation students

Fri Feb 20: ISS: Round 1 vs Ringwood North| Pancake Day

SAT Feb 21: Park Orchards Market