From the Principal

Welcome back to the final term of the year! We hope everyone had a restful break and is ready for an exciting and busy Term 4.

There’s a lot happening over the coming weeks, including excursions, swimming lessons, the Fun Run, the Soiree and Art Show, and our Foundation Transition Program as we prepare to welcome our newest students. We’ll also finish the year with a range of end of year celebrations and activities to mark another fantastic year of learning and growth.

It’s shaping up to be a wonderful term, and we look forward to sharing these experiences with our students and families.

CAMPING PROGRAM

Last term’s camping program was a great success, with students and staff sharing many positive experiences. Our camps continue to focus on building independence, teamwork, and personal growth.

Next year, the program will remain the same for Foundation to Year 4. Year 5/6 students will attend a three day Urban Camp in Melbourne, visiting Parliament House, the Victorian Electoral Commission, and the Victorian Institute of Sport. While we’ll miss the Canberra trip, rising costs and staffing challenges have led us to explore this exciting new opportunity for learning closer to home.

PARENT ASSOCIATION

The Parent Information Nightwill be held on Tuesday, October 21, with guest speaker Emma Rose Parsons presenting “Overcoming Fear of Failure and Helping Our Kids Become Comfortable Being Uncomfortable.” We encourage families to come along to support the PA and enjoy this valuable session. Booking details are in this week’s newsletter.

Our Fun Run is on Monday, November 10, raising funds for a 3D printer to enhance STEM learning across the school. We’re also planning to launch an extension STEM club for students passionate about maths, science, and coding.

A big thank you to the PA for also funding Giant Games to complement our outdoor chess set, another great way to encourage play and connection during break times.

Well done to the PA and class reps for organising events that both fundraise and strengthen our school community.

CONGRATULATIONS

We’re delighted to share the wonderful news that Miss Munforte and her partner, Scott, are expecting a baby! They’ll be welcoming their new bundle of joy early next year, and we’re so excited for them as they begin this special new chapter.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Harper S (4/5G): Harper competed in a state ju-jitsu tournament last Sunday and took home the gold medal Well done Harper!

POPS Students Shine

Wonderful to see all the POPS kids in action today. Some great displays of effort and determination, as well as team spirit. 

Planning for 2026

As we plan class structures for next year, we ask that families not returning to POPS in 2026 notify us in writing as soon as possible. This helps us finalise class groupings and staffing. If you know families considering enrolling at POPS, please encourage them to contact us soon so we can include them in our planning.

Families wishing to share information to support class placements are asked to email Mrs Bullen and me by Friday, October 31. Please note that while we value insights about your child’s learning and wellbeing, specific teacher requests cannot be accommodated.

Please visit

• FROM THE CLASSROOM page to read about the 1/2 camp day

• STUDENT WELLBEING page to read about World Mental Health Day

It’s been a great start to the term, have a wonderful weekend!

Warm regards,

Bronwyn Garrity

Term 4 Week 2

Mon 13: Assemby- 9am, GATEWays

Tues 14: Yr 5 History Excursion

Wed 15: Softball/ T20 Cricket Finals

Thurs 16: Year 6 History Excursion/ 2026 Foundation Parent Information Session (online) 6:30 pm

Fri 17: Pathways Session 2/ Yr 4 Bike Ed

Sat 19: Park Orchards Market

Sun 20: Pettet Foundation Community Day