From the Principal
August, 20 2026
Book Week at POPS
We’ve had a wonderful Book Week at POPS, celebrating children’s literature and the joy of reading. Families can explore this year’s CBCA finalists and winners here: https://cbca.org.au/awards
Our Book Character Dress‑Up Day was a highlight, with students and staff embracing the fun, Harry Potters, Hungry Caterpillars, Where’s Wallies and Roald Dahl favourites filled the school. Congratulations to everyone for getting into the spirit, and thank you to Mrs Meiszies for being a fantastic MC.
Tuesday’s Book Fair was a happy after‑school event, with many students excitedly choosing new books and showing their love of reading. Thank you to Ms Grigg and Miss Chen for organising such a successful fair.
It has been a fabulous Book Week at POPS, full of creativity, imagination and a shared love of books.
Shelter in Place (SIP)- Compliance Works
The VSBA has confirmed upgrades required for our Shelter‑in‑Place (SIP) to meet Department safety standards. Works include installing shutters, minor building modifications, and establishing a 10‑metre clearance zone around the SIP. The rainbow and spider‑web playgrounds and nearby shade structures fall within this zone and will be removed. We are awaiting timeline information and will update the community once received.
These works are mandated under state safety and registration regulations, and the VSBA determines the scope. A new, larger playground with a rubber surface and shade sail will be built outside the 10‑metre zone. The final design will be shared once approved.
Thank you to families who have taken the time to discuss their concerns. Mr Tanner (School Council President) and I are available to speak with any parents seeking further information about the compliance requirements or planned works.
Early school arrival
We have observed some students turning up as early as 8:20 am and staying at the gates until 8:45 am, when staff supervision starts. Even though we realise that the mornings can be busy, there is no staff supervision of the students before 8:45 am and they stay under the responsibility of their parents during that period.
If you have to leave earlier because of work, TheirCare offers safe and supervised before-school care for children under the age of 12. You can arrange this through the TheirCare website.
Thank you for your understanding and for your support in ensuring that all the students are kept safe.
Student Personal Device Use
We have seen some students using smart watches to message or call parents during the school day. This is not permitted under Department policy.
All communication between parents and students during school hours must go through the school office. Direct contact can lead to the school being unaware of changes to pick‑up plans or student concerns.
Please ensure smart watches are used in line with our Digital Device Policy. Students who continue to use personal devices for communication will be reminded of the user agreement, and devices may need to stay at home if misuse continues.
We thank parents for supporting the school and adhering to the digital device policy.
Parent/ Carer Opinion Survey
You are invited to participate in the annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey. Your opinions are important to us, and your feedback will assist our school in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of the school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. The survey will be conducted online and only takes 20 minutes to complete. A Compass post was sent this week with login details and survey link.
Student Achievements
Please continue to share student achievements big or small for the whole school community and acknowledge.
Congratulations to Milla C and Amalie R on winning their U12 NRJFC Junior Footy Grand Final. A wonderful effort and a great way to finish the season.
Bronwyn Garrity
Principal
Visit the Assistant Principal page to read about Helping Your Child Feel Confident in Friendships
Please visit our From the Classroom page to learn more about the persuasive writing the Year 1/2s have been doing.
Please visit our SRC page to read about the next fundraising event a Food Drive for CareNET.
KEY DATES
Term 3, Week 8 2026
Mon 31 Aug - Wed 2 Sept: Yr 4 Camp
Mon 31 Aug- District Athletics
Fri 4 Sept- Fathers Day/Special Person Morning and Stall