From the Principal

Victorian Curriculum       Version 2.0

In 2025, Victorian schools must adopt the updated English and Mathematics Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0, offering clearer guidelines. At POPS, staff are reviewing planning documents to prepare for next year's curriculum changes. Also, parent sessions in terms 3 and 4 will discuss the new curriculum and our teaching approaches in English and Mathematics.

Curriculum Day                     March 8

English Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0 

Mrs Bullen and Ms Owen led staff sessions on the English Victorian Curriculum 2.0, focusing on writing, our school's key improvement area this year. Teachers used part of the day to plan literature-rich writing units using high-quality texts for students to explore and analyse. This exposure helps students understand various written texts, develop vocabulary, and apply it to their own writing.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support: 

Ms Munforte, Miss Dixon, and I organised and led the staff's third professional learning session on the School-Wide Positive Behavior Framework (SWPBS). Staff and students are collaboratively developing a behavior matrix for consistent use throughout the school to establish a shared language and understanding of expectations across settings. This term, we've actively discussed school-wide expectations, identified misaligned behaviors, suggested alternatives, and pinpointed settings with inconsistent expectations.

School Council Election Results

Thanks to the School Council candidates and the school community for casting their votes. The ballot closed at 4pm on Wednesday March 13 at 4pm. The following candidates for the parent positions were elected; Mr Tanner, Mrs Kupinic, Mrs Defanis and Mrs Fisher. The first School Council meeting for the next cycle of School Council will be on Tuesday 19th March at 7pm in the Staffroo.

Exciting News

Warrandyte Festival: During their art classes, the students in years 5 and 6 have been mastering screen printing techniques to design posters promoting the upcoming Warrandyte Festival from April 19th to 21st. The festival organisers were immensely impressed with their creations and have chosen them to showcase these posters as a backdrop on the Main Stage during performances. Congratulations to Mrs Moore and the students in years 5 and 6!

Upcoming Events

Working Bee (Friday March 15- 3:45- 5:30pm)

The School Council's Facilities Sub Committee has organised a Working Bee for Friday, March 15, from 3:45 to 5:30 pm. Tasks include garden bed maintenance, vegetable patch upkeep, and cleaning the chicken coop. Families should bring garden gloves, tools, and a positive attitude. A sausage sizzle will be provided for participants at the end.

Senior School Choir Performance 

(Monday March 18 Assembly- 9:10am): 

The senior school choir have been rehearsing with Mrs Bowen. They will have their first performance of the year at the Monday 18 March Assembly.

Storytime (Monday 18- 9am): The theme for the second Storytime session is Colours. The year 6 library team and I are excited to welcome preschool children and their parents/grandparents to the session. Children are encouraged to wear colourful attire.

Colour Run (Monday 18- 2pm): 

Mr Taylor from Jellis Craig, our major sponsor, will open the event at 2pm. Please check the PA page for additional details on attire and items to bring for the event. We are looking forward to a fun and happy afternoon.

Walk to School(Friday 22- 8:30am): 

Students and families are encouraged to meet at one of the three D's - Domeney, Dalry and Drayton. A staff member will meet at these points and walk with students to school. The theme will be colourful socks.

POPS Harmony Day (Monday March 25th): Students are encouraged to wear orange or attire reflective of their cultural heritage. Families interested in sharing aspects of their culture can prepare a presentation for the class, parents are encouraged to contact the class teacher to arrange speaking opportunities. Additionally, there will be a whole-school Poppy Tribes session led by our year six students, which is a multi-age session.

Student Achievements

Little Athletics Victoria- State Track and Field Championships

Congratulations to these students for the following achievements

Milla C: competed in U9 girls shot put 

Harvey G: competed in U10 boys long jump 

Eden B: competed inU10 girls - long jump and discus

I hope to see you at the Working Bee, have a great weekend.

Ms Garrity (Principal)

Reminders:

• Don't forget to go to the From the Classroom Page to read about Y5/6 writing
• Please visit the Student Wellbeing page to read about Mindfulness

Key Dates:

Tues March 13- 22- Yr 3 and 5 NAPLAN 

Fri March 15- Working Bee (3:45- 5:30pm

Mon March 18- Storytime- Colours / Colour Run 

Mon March 25- POPS Harmony Day/No Assembly

Thursday March 28- Last day Term 1- Assembly (2pm)/ Student Dismissal (2:30pm)