Principal's Message
Wawa, Wominjika.
Here at Old Orchard Primary School, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we visit each day, the Wurrunguri and Woiwurrung people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge and respect the elders and leaders past and present and the elders and leaders of all of the cultures and nationalities that are part of the Old Orchard Primary School community. We express our gratitude towards the orchards that were kept in place by the peoples on this land before us. We thank the traditional owners for sharing this beautiful land that we all love, and for keeping the land, sky, waterways and animals all in great condition for thousands of years, not only for themselves but for all the generations to come.
Changes to Digital Device Use in primary schools
From 2027, the Victorian Government is introducing changes to the use of digital devices for students from Prep to Year 6. Under the new guidelines, schools:
- will no longer invite families to purchase or bring their own digital devices to use at school for Prep to Grade 6
will follow new recommended digital device times, including minimal device time for Prep to Grade 2; and a maximum of 90 minutes per day for grades 3 to 6.
These changes are intended to support families by reducing cost-of-living pressures. They will also support students by reducing screen-time which can reduce the risk of eye strain, sedentary behaviour, and reduced peer interaction. These reforms complement Victoria’s nation-leading mobile phone restrictions, ensuring an integrated approach to addressing digital distraction and the inappropriate use of technology.
Further information will follow shortly in relation to the BYOD Program at Old Orchard. It is worth noting that Old Orchard has already commenced the discontinuation of our BYOD program. In 2026, only our Year 5 & 6 will be using BYO devices at school.
Prep Transition
This week we welcomed our 2026 Prep students to the second of our Prep Discovery sessions. It is always wonderful to see the excitement and enthusiasm of our newest students as they familiarise themselves with the Old Orchard environment and meet new friends, along with their existing ones. We look forward to them joining the Old Orchard community in 2026.
Spring Soiree
One of our annual Term 4 highlights is the Old Orchard Spring Soiree, which is scheduled for next week. The soiree provides an opportunity for our talented musicians to perform to an audience in a formal setting and it is always a delight to appreciate their efforts and talent. Best wishes to all involved!
Year 2 Sleepover
Best wishes also to our Year 2 students and staff ahead of the Year 2 Sleepover this evening. The sleepover is an important transition into our school camping program and ensures that the vast majority of children have experienced sleeping away from home prior to their Year 3 camp. Thank-you to all involved and best wishes for a restful weekend!
Congratulations Kotomi
Congratulations to Year 5 student, Kotomi, who competed recently in the 2025 WAG (Women’s Artistic Gymnastics) Junior Victorian Championships (level5, Division1). Kotomi finished 6th in the state on Balance Beam and 11th in the All Round category.
Planning for 2026 - departing students
Every year there are several students across the school who move schools due to a variety of reasons. Likewise, we also welcome new student students to our school who have come to us from elsewhere.
Thank you to the families who have advised us that they will no longer be at Old Orchard in 2026. Just a friendly reminder for families of students from Prep to Year 5, if you are intending to move in 2026 to please advise us as early as possible to assist with Our forward planning.
Kind regards
Duncan