Dear School Community,

It is with great excitement that I welcome you all back to the start of a new school year. I can already feel the energy and enthusiasm building as we embark on another year of growth, learning, and fun!

A very special welcome goes out to all of our new families and students, especially those who have joined us for the first time in Prep. We are delighted to have you as part of our school community and look forward to the journey ahead.

As we all settle into the rhythm of the year, please know that our doors are always open. If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat about your child’s progress, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please take a moment to learn about what has happened over the last few weeks and some items to come over the next couple of weeks.

Our newsletters for 2025 will be published twice a Term (about Week 4 and Week 8) of each Term. These will be added in key dates as they are published to parents.

Mati Azadzoi

Principal

Fortnightly Assemblies-Policy

Last year, we began inviting one primary parent, guardian, or carer to join us for the celebration of their child's achievements during our award assemblies. This has been a wonderful addition to our regular Friday assemblies, and it's heartening to see our community members engaging in this special opportunity.

To help us continue offering these moments, we kindly ask that you please note the following guidelines:

Visitor Policy and by Invitation only: As previously communicated, only the primary parent, guardian, or carer of the child receiving an award is invited to attend the assembly. Unfortunately, additional guests such as friends, extended family members, or other visitors cannot be accommodated without prior written permission from the principal. This policy helps us adhere to Occupational Health and Safety and Child Safe Standards. For more details, please refer to our Visitor Policy on the school website.
Sign-In Procedure: Upon arrival, please check in at the reception via Compass to confirm your attendance. Shannon will maintain a guest list for the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Photography and Videography: In line with Child Safe Standards, we request that you refrain from taking photos or videos during the assemblies. These regulations are in place to safeguard the privacy and safety of all students. Unauthorised recording could inadvertently put children at risk, and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a secure environment for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Workspace for Education], please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents.

Building Works Update

We’re thrilled to announce some fantastic improvements that have occured on campus to enhance the learning experience of our students. Here’s a rundown of the changes:

New STEAM Building: We’ve got a brand new space for all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! The STEAM building is equipped with modern facilities to support creativity and innovation.
Multi-purpose Space: A versatile new multi-purpose space is also now available! This will provide more opportunities for flexible learning, group activities, and school events.
Upgraded Toilets: The new toilets will improve comfort and convenience for everyone including ramps attached.
New Administration Block: Our admin office provides a more efficient and welcoming space for staff and visitors. This will OPEN in Term 2 whilst we wait for Technology and telephone connections.
Relocation of AUSLAN & Performing Arts Building: The AUSLAN and Performing Arts areas have been relocated and are looking better than ever with fresh carpets and a fresh coat of paint, creating an inspiring environment for both students and teachers.
Extended Staff Car Park: More parking spaces are now available.
New Fencing for Staff Carpark: We've installed new fencing around the staff car park to ensure safety and security.

These exciting upgrades reflect our commitment to providing the best possible environment for both students and staff. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you all enjoy these new improvements! 🚀✨

Emma Vulin and Jack Kowarzick Visit

Please read the article published in the Pakenham Gazette about the Transformation at Officer Primary School:

Asphalt/Concrete Replacement (uprooted trees/damaged concrete)

We have managed to successfully have the cracked asphalt and concrete work approved for repairs through VSBA and Hatz Consulting. These works have been approved and will commence sometime in Term 2 once tender is complete. We look forward to safe walk-ways for our school community.

Parents and Friends AGM 2025

We are excited to invite you to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Parents and Friends Association. The meeting will take place on Monday, 11th March at 3:30pm in the school hall.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the school community, meet fellow parents and staff, and learn about the amazing events and initiatives the Parents and Friends group has planned for the year ahead. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the school, your voice and ideas are always welcome!

Your participation helps us create a stronger, more connected school community.

Each year the school calls for registrations for our Parents and Friends Association for Officer Primary School. The Parent and Friend Association are a significant body that lead key events for our school community. We highly rely on their support! We would love as many parents to participate in our school community this year.

Should you be interested to assist please complete the registration form and submit to reception. These forms can be collected from Reception.

Role of a parents’ club/association

Parents’ clubs (alternatively called parents’ associations) promote the welfare of, and provide support to, the school and its community. Parents are key partners in their child’s learning. By interacting with the school and other parents, parents’ club members can use their skills and experience to work collaboratively with others in supporting the school and its students, and build a sense of community within the school.

The role of a parents’ club is threefold:

to provide support, in various forms, for the school, its students and community, including raising funds for the benefit of the school
to work in cooperation with the principal, staff and school council in building effective partnerships between home and school
to encourage diversity by getting to know the parents of other children at the school, and to support the operation of the school.

A parents’ club is not a subcommittee of the school council. Parents’ clubs have no legal powers, functions or formally prescribed powers or duties and must ensure they operate in accordance with the Regulations and have a ministerially approved constitution. Parents’ clubs must operate in accordance with the rules and procedures set out in their constitution.

Typical activities of a parents’ club

In performing their role, parents’ clubs may undertake a variety of social, cultural, educational or fundraising activities. Parents’ club members, working with the principal, provide invaluable support to the school in a number of ways with the primary motivation of building a sense of community. Such activities may include:

promoting cultural and social diversity by encouraging membership and participation of all parents in parents’ clubs
channelling parents’ views to the school leadership about school policies that have been identified by the school for review
discussing, planning and organising events such as:
welcoming new students and parents at the school
second-hand book and uniform schemes
social opportunities
comedy or movie nights
twilight markets
bush dances
barbeques
parent information sessions
raising funds for the school with the prior approval of the school council.

School Council 2025-Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Officer Primary School Council. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in shaping the future of our school and making a positive impact on our students' education.

Who Can Nominate? Any parent or guardian of a child currently enrolled at Officer Primary School can stand for election to the school council. We encourage you to consider putting your name forward or nominating someone you feel would contribute positively to our school community.

The School Council is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the school, overseeing budgets, and supporting school programs and initiatives. This role is a great way to work alongside staff, parents, and the broader community to enhance the learning environment for all our students.

How to Nominate:

Step 1: Complete a nomination form, available from the school office or on COMPASS.

Step 2: Submit the form by 28 February 3.15pm.

Step 3: If there are more nominations than available positions, an election will be held with ballot.

We encourage all parents and guardians to consider participating in this important process. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected with the school and make a meaningful difference in our community. If you have any questions or would like further information about the role or the election process, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing many of you get involved!

NAPLAN (Week 7 and 8) Term 1

A reminder that all Grade 3 and 5 students will engage in NAPLAN testing from 12-12 March. The school will arrange breakfast on the test days at no cost to families.

Lunchtime Clubs 2025-FREE registration for all kids

Dance & Yoga Club

Board Games/Chess Club

Lego Club

Skipping Club

Running Club

4 Square Club

Volleyball Club

Art Club

Magic Club

Gardening Club

Food Ordering on Thursdays:

We plan for food ordering to open from next week 27th of February. The first lunch orders will be distributed on 6th of March and ordering can be done the week prior up until 8pm the night before.

ACTIONS REQUIRED:

For now, please set-up the QKR app on your phone (download is FREE). This will be the platform to order your child's lunch in the future. You will need to set-up credit-card/payment yourself.

NEW PARENT HANDBOOK 2025

The new handbook will provide you with a thorough guide as to our vision and processes at Officer Primary School. We highly recommend you are familiar with this information and to guide interactions with the school.Please remember to also check-into our new website with constant updates to policies.

School Tours

Please share with family and friends: Top 9 out of 41 Similiar Schools/HIGH school performance Report (DE, 2024).

Dates for Tours: Term 1

Tuesday 11 Feb: 12.30pm-1.30pm

Tuesday 18 Feb: 12.30pm-1.30pm

Tuesday 25 Feb: 12.30pm-1.30pm

Tuesday 4 March: 12.30pm-1.30pm

Tuesday 11 March: 12.30pm-1.30pm

Tuesday 18 March: 12.30pm-1.30pm

Tuesday 25 March: 10am-11am

Tuesday 1 April: 10am-11am

School Captain Announcement 2025

Congratulations to Sophie S and Zahra A for successfully being selected for Grade 6 Captains.

Thank you to the selection panel; Emily Waldron, Julian DeZilva, Jamo, Laksh and Kellie H.

House Captains 2025

Starling - Macey G and Harper T

Lecky - Patrick M and Sara A

McMullen - Alethia and Catalina

Hicks - Taylor and Ryder

January Staff Birthdays:

Nicole

Mati

January Student Birthdays:

00 Thomas

1/2 Ben

3/4 Indi

3/4 Akiro

3/4 Sophie D

3/4 Hunter

5/6 Sophie S

5/6 Alethia

5/6 Si

February Staff Birthdays

Carol

February Student Birthdays

00 Brody

00 Jackson

00 Sonny

1/2 Mikail

1/2 Veeara

1/2 Nirvana

1/2 Steele

1/2 Ava

1/2 Sophie

5/6 Patrick M

5/6 Patrick B

Officer Primary School Newsletter

Issue 1 · 21 Feb 2025

In this issue