From the Principal
February 5, 2026
WELCOME BACK
We’ve had a wonderful start to the school year, with students settling in, forming friendships, and engaging positively in their learning.
We warmly welcome some new families and their children to the POPS community:
Olivia M (1A)
Ryan C (2P)
Andrew (2P), and Raymond X (5/6M)
Ralph (3Q), and Shin Y (5M)
Delnaz A (5M)
We’re sure everyone will help them feel at home and included in school activities.
Welcome to our new Foundation students and their families. It was wonderful to see our youngest learners in their crisp uniforms, carrying their oversized school bags, and stepping into their classrooms with bright smiles. Starting school is a big milestone, and we’re honoured to share this special beginning with them.
WELCOME NEW and RETURNING STAFF
Welcome Miss Plumridge (2P), Miss Chen (4C), Miss Meiszies (5M) and Miss Villanova, who will be working with Mrs Quah (3Q). They have quickly become valued members of our team. We also welcome back Mrs Smith who will be working as the school's Disability and Inclusion Leader.
SCHOOL VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
At POPS, we remain committed to inclusion, respect, and kindness. This year, we are placing a strong focus on belonging, accepting diversity and ensuring every student feels included and valued.
We continue to reinforce our school values; kindness, respect, integrity and excellence, through our whole‑school positive behaviour expectations. Teachers are discussing these values, behaviour expectations and clear routines with students. These conversations, along with assemblies and shared initiatives, help students understand and live our values each day.
To read more about SWPBS at POPS please visit the SWPBS pat POPS page.
ASSEMBLY- Monday February 9
This assembly will welcome our Foundation students to the school community, supported by their Year Five buddies.
Year Six Leadership Badges have not yet arrived. We expect them next week and will hopefully present them to our Year Six students on Monday, February 16. We will confirm this in next week's newsletter.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU CONFERENCES
GTKYC for Year 1–6 parents and carers will be held next week on Tuesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 12.
These conversations strengthen the partnership between home and school, giving families the chance to share their child’s learning needs, social and emotional information, and any other details that will help teachers support them effectively. Bookings can be made via Compass.
BUSHFIRE READINESS
POPS is a Bushfire‑at‑Risk Register (BARR) Category 3 school, which means we close on Catastrophic fire‑danger days. If the school is required to close, families will be notified through our official communication platform, Compass, ideally the day prior.
On Extreme days, the school remains open as we have an approved Shelter‑in‑Place located in The Arts Centre. Students and staff practise relocating to the Shelter‑in‑Place each year, once in Term 4 before the bushfire season and again in Term 1.
HEAT HEALTH
POPS Heat Health policy support's student and staff wellbeing. On extremely hot days we will:
Use air conditioning and keep blinds closed to cool learning spaces
Modify or reschedule vigorous outdoor activities
Shorten outdoor break times
Ensure sunscreen is applied, and wear broad rimmed hats
Stay hydrated
Staff News
We wish Miss Munforte and her finacee Scott, all the best as they prepare to welcome their baby girl. Today is her last day at POPS before maternity leave. We also congratulate her on her weekend engagement, a wonderful way to end a very special week for her and her family.
Miss Elissa is on leave for the term and will be replaced by Mrs Henderson, who joined our school last year. Mrs Southgate will support the Front Office while Mrs Henderson takes on Miss Elissa’s responsibilities. Thank you to our Office team for their hard work, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we adjust to these changes.
SAVE the Dates
School Photos: SchoolPix is coming to take photos on Tuesday 17th February. Information regrding ordering will be shared soon.
PA Event: Join us for our annual Welcome Back Evening on Friday, Feb 27, from 5–7 pm, hosted by the Parents’ Association. Enjoy food trucks, connect with families, and explore activities from local sports clubs. Please note that, as this event is held on school grounds with children present, alcohol is not permitted.
KEY DATES
Week 3 2026
Mon Feb 9: Presentation Assembly 9am. Parents' Association Mtg 6:30pm
Tues Feb 10: GTKYC 3:45- 5:30pm
Wed Feb 11- No Foundation students
Thurs Feb 12: GTKYC 3:45- 7:00pm
Fri Feb 13: ISS: Round 1 vs Ringwood North