The Harvest

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.

 

SEMESTER ONE REPORTS

Our teachers have begun working hard to write and finalise Semester One reports for our students. These reports will be available online from 2nd July. Our Parent Teacher Interviews will take place in Term 3. 

 

GRANDPARENTS ARMY

Starting next term, we’re launching our Grandparents Army!

If you’re a grandparent—or know one—who would like to volunteer just one hour a week to help support various areas of our school, we’d love to hear from you. No classroom experience is necessary—just a willingness to help with a range of tasks. These could include:

  • Listening to students read
  • Helping with gardening
  • Supporting craft or cooking activities
  • Working in the library
  • Assisting with small jobs around the school

If you are interested please sign up through the following QR code and we will be in touch with you early next term.

 

SCHOOL MAINTENANCE UPDATE

Synthetic Grass

Our synthetic grass undergoes regular and specialised maintenance to preserve its quality and longevity. This week, several areas around the school have been professionally groomed using specialised equipment and thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure washing. All debris has been removed, and the grounds are looking fantastic.

Ramps

The final concrete pour for the ramp outside the Prep entrance was completed last week. Progress on all ramps continues steadily. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and are hopeful that the project will be fully completed in the near future.

Kitchen Garden / STEM

A washing machine and dryer have now been installed in our Kitchen Garden/STEM room, enhancing the functionality of this learning space. Plus, what a fabulous skill for our students to learn!

 

KITCHEN GARDEN PROGRAM

We are incredibly proud of our Kitchen Garden Program at Old Orchard Primary School. Each term, our Year 3 and 4 students participate in weekly rotations that include gardening, cooking, and inquiry-based learning.

 

In the garden this term, students are developing their mapping and measurement skills by plotting our garden spaces. They are also actively involved in maintaining the garden, planting winter seedlings, and learning about seasonal produce.

 

As part of their inquiry unit, students are investigating the life cycle of chickens, supported by the arrival of our newest feathered friends. They are learning how to care for chicks and understand their developmental needs.

 

And finally this term in the kitchen, students have started a bush tucker unit, where they are preparing modern recipes using traditional Indigenous ingredients. This term, they will be making kangaroo and beef meatballs, as well as baking lemon myrtle cookies and cakes. Yum!

 

A big thank you to not only our wonderful Year ¾ teachers but also the parent volunteers for allowing these learning experiences possible for our students.

 

DUNCAN UPDATE

Although Duncan has made excellent progress in recovering from his knee reconstruction, his doctor has ordered him to remain at home for a few additional weeks to ensure he regains full mobility before returning back to school. We can’t wait to welcome him back for the beginning of Term 3! 

 

2026 STUDENT ENROLMENTS 

As of last year, the enrolment process for Prep has moved online. If you have a child starting school in 2026 and have any questions or need assistance with enrolling, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office. 

For new enrolments:

Visit https://students.educationapps.vic.gov.au/s/ to create an account and complete the online application form by Friday 25th July 2025.  

 

FINAL ASSEMBLY FOR TERM 2 

Our final whole school assembly for Term 2 will take place on the last day of term—Friday, July 4th—at 9:15am in the Gym. We’re looking forward to performances by the Kelly Sports dancers as well as the opportunity to celebrate a fantastic term of learning.

 

Jen McCann and Clare Murray