Dear Families,

Learning Specialists: Yesterday I attended the Learning Specialist Day held at GMHBA stadium where our staff were on show. Alyce Graham and Kerryn McKeon lead the Learning Specialist network and drive next level improvement across our school and impact the over network of schools too. Our school was also represented by Jake Robers who will be acting Mental Health and Well Being leader and Inclusion Leader for Term 3 (Andy and Ryan are on various stints of Long Service Leave). Jake was asked to provide a presentation on how we create, accumulate, and use various data sets across the school – not just academic but also the wellbeing space too. The presentation delivered by all three staff members made me feel immensely proud of their work, their communication ability and the way our schools’ process is impacting the overall education system.

Congratulations Jake, Kerryn and Alyce.

Filming: today we had the Department of Education film crew onsite filming another promotional piece highlighting the magnificent work Kristy Hannan-Cuthbertson leads in the High Ability space. We have a number of students who not only perform well above expected level, but some who are 2 years or more above expected levels and we do our best to identify those students and cater for them at their level, just as we do for those who may be below expected level. We look forward to seeing the production come together as this is yet another recognition from The Department, of great practice we have at OGPS.

Sustainability: I hope Jo Earle continues to promote the great work she has been leading across the school in terms of sustainability and achieving the fourth star on our ResourceSmart journey. We have had two nominations at the awards so far and haven’t quite won one – YET! I am sure Jo will load up again and give it a great shake as we start the work on our final star. We also had the Department send a film crew down to promote the Greener Government Schools (Solar Panels) recently that Jo and our Year 6 sustainability leaders, were a part of.

Staffing: Next term Ryan Baltetsch is taking long service leave (LSL) for the term and will be venturing around Australia with his family. We wish him all the very best and can’t wait to see his photos and hear the stories. Andy McNeilly will be taking off from Week 5 until the end of the term and traveling with his wife across Europe – sounds amazing! We will have Jake Roberts back fill Ryan and Andy’s role and Deb Rogers join Jake’s (2JR) class for the term. There will be a few other tweaks to staff but will announce those when all plans are in place.

Western Region Cross Country: On Monday 5 super star athletes - Darko, Lachie F, Johnny O (4th), Toby W (11th), and Georgia F (2nd) represented OGPS at the Regional level cross country up in Keilor. The track was heavy and the runners were fit! Amazing effort team and we congratulate you all. We will wish Johnny and Georgia all the best as they have progressed into the State Cross Country to held in July. Keep up the training!

Year 4 Camp: Thanks to all families for keeping up with the camp information for next week. Reminder to have all medical forms completed and instructions clearly articulated. Please collect the medications at the conclusion of the camp on Friday too. Thanks to staff for your planning and diligence prior to camp to ensure a fun time is had by all.

Landscaping works: Some more works will begin tomorrow in Asbury St, adjacent to the ramp and stairs to tidy up that space. We appreciate your patience while this is under way and look forward to having another new space finished. The Gordon Institute crew continue to work near the amphitheatre, and we look forward to seeing their additions and planting of new plants to give that space a well overdue facelift. Thanks to The Gordon Institute for all their work.

Holiday Program – Remediation work in the library is scheduled for the upcoming holidays. The library will not be accessible during this time. Please contact Theircare for school holiday arrangements as the holiday program will be conducted at another venue.

Mid Year reports: Just a reminder that we will be providing student achievement reports for Semester 1. The reports will be published on Sentral during the last week of the term. The reports will continue to provide important details about student learning attainment, but full descriptive comments and curriculum content statements will not be included as a result of industrial action taken earlier this term by the Australian Education Union.

School Choir: Will be performing at Assembly this Friday for the very first time! Over the past few weeks, our talented choir members have been working hard during rehearsals, developing their confidence, teamwork and vocal skills. Families are invited to join us and support our choir.

Socceroos Support Day: Students are encouraged to wear a touch of green and gold this Friday as we show our support for the Australian Socceroos.

Reminder: Term 2 finishes next Friday at 2.30pm. Please remind other family members for pick up times so we can all get the holidays underway. TheirCare will still be operating until 6pm as per usual.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Scott McCumber

Principal

2026 Spelling Bee