Happy Wednesday Everyone. I hope you are all enjoying watching the Olympic Games action!

FEEDBACK PLEASE: Your feedback is extremely important. Feedback from staff, students and families ensures we are able to gain a wider perspective from within our school community and adapt/adjust accordingly, where necessary. Thank you to those families who have shared their thoughts and opinions regarding the 2025 specialist program. Next Monday, you will be sent a link to our Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey. This survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour and student engagement. It is expected to take between fifteen and twenty minutes to complete, and I strongly encourage you to participate.

BOOK WEEK: For those families who appreciate some notice, a gentle reminder that Book Week is fast approaching, and we are astutely aware of how much our students enjoy the famous Book Parade – 23rd August at 9am! The Giant Book Swap will be on the 20th August also.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP: Next Tuesday marks the 2024 International Day of Friendship. This special day places an emphasis on our young people and future leaders and how our communities can embrace different cultures and promote an international respect for diversity.

NAPLAN: Just in case you missed the data sharing in last week’s newsletter, please take a moment to celebrate the students’ 2024 NAPLAN results. Although NAPLAN is one test, on one day, and it does not measure, artistic, physical, musical strengths etc, it is still important to acknowledge our children and their amazing achievements. Well done to everyone at OGPS – a real team effort!

(Similar Schools: a group of Victorian Government Schools with similar characteristics - socio-economic status, non-English speaking students, enrolment size and geographic location.)

SMILE SQUAD: A reminder that all documentation is due on the 5th August, if you would like your child/ren to visit the Smile Squad.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING: Dale Sidebottom (Jugar Life and The School of Play) coordinated some very engaging leadership sessions for some of our senior students on Monday afternoon. Dale will return to OGPS to work with some of our Year Three students also. Thank you to Andy and the wellbeing team for organising this great opportunity.

ART WORK: Have you managed to pop into the North Wing to see the amazing art work on the wall? The ‘Every Face Has a Story’ pieces are proudly displayed and are a ‘must see’!

STEM EXPOS: Several Year Five and Year Six STEM expos are up and running (5CM, 6JT, 6KD and 6RF classes to be confirmed next week). Please pop in and have a look at the Earth and Space creations. Times are as follows –

Friday 26th July (9.10 – 9.45 5FA) & (10.10 – 10.45 5SB) & (11.40 – 12.15 5CC)

CONGRATULATIONS: Paul Coverdale (3PC) and his family welcomed the arrival of baby Louis early Monday morning. Paul, Jess and big sister Ava are all well and totally besotted by the new addition to their family. Bec Condon will be replacing Paul whilst he takes his paternity leave.

Have a great week everyone.

Kristy Hannan-Cuthbertson

Assistant Principal

Book Week 2024