From the Principal
October, 21 2026
Poppy Bear Jnr’s China Travels
This time last week, 11 very excited students, three teachers and Poppy Bear Jnr set off for China! After a long flight with a stopover in Hong Kong, the group finally arrived in Beijing, ready to explore the amazing sights and experience a different culture.
The group began their visit in Beijing, where they explored the magnificent Forbidden City and the bustling Temple of Heaven. Despite a very wet day, they also walked along the incredible Great Wall of China, with raincoats certainly coming in handy! From Beijing, they travelled on a high-speed train to visit the fascinating Terracotta Warriors before continuing their journey to Nanjing.
Throughout their travels, the students have embraced many opportunities to experience Chinese culture firsthand. They have participated in a Tai Chi session, practised calligraphy, created their own Terracotta Warriors and sampled some delicious Chinese cuisine!
The group has now arrived in Nanjing, where they are staying with our sister school, Jingling Primary School. During their visit, our students will share presentations they have been preparing with Year 5 and 6 classes. This is a wonderful opportunity for students from both schools to share their learning, discover more about each other's cultures and strengthen the connections between our school communities.
Poppy Bear Jnr has certainly been keeping up with the group and joining in the fun! We are so proud of our students for embracing every opportunity to learn, explore and connect with others. Their visit is a wonderful example of how learning extends beyond the classroom, opening doors to new perspectives, friendships and experiences. We look forward to welcoming them home next week and hearing all about the special memories they have made along the way!
Production
Excitement is building for this year’s production, Rock Through the Ages – An Angus Young Story, which will take place on Wednesday 11 November at the George Wood Theatre, Yarra Valley.
Tickets go on sale today at 4pm, with each family able to purchase up to four tickets for the performance.
A tremendous amount of work is happening behind the scenes, with students and staff busy preparing props, rehearsing songs and dances, practising their acting and organising costumes. The production is shaping up to be a fabulous night, and we look forward to sharing the students’ hard work, creativity and talents with our school community!
Swimming and Water Safety
Last week, our Year 2, 3 and 4 students took part in a week of swimming lessons, with a strong focus on water safety. Students had the opportunity to develop their swimming skills, build confidence in the water and learn important strategies to help keep themselves safe in and around water.
The program complements our Physical Education curriculum, which supports students to practise, develop and refine their fundamental movement skills in a variety of settings, including indoor, outdoor and aquatic environments.
Our swimming program continues later in the term, with our Foundation and Year 1 students also participating in a week of swimming lessons. Our Year 5 and 6 students will take part in their own swimming program, which will include a Life Saving Day (Thursday Dec 3) to further develop their water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills.
Learning to swim and understanding water safety are important life skills. We are pleased to provide these valuable opportunities for students across the school to build their confidence, develop their skills and learn how to stay safe in and around water.
Student Achievement - Regional Athletics
Congratulations to Chloe C, Zach C, Summer C, Danny M, Poshiya S, Zahli C and Milla C, who proudly represented our school at the Regional Athletics today.
A special congratulations to our girls’ relay team, who achieved an outstanding 3rd place, and to Poshiya, who finished 2nd in the 200m and has qualified for the State Athletics!
We are incredibly proud of all our students and their efforts. Well done!
Planning for 2027
As we begin planning for 2027 classes and staffing, families who know they will be leaving POPS are asked to notify the school in writing.
If you wish to share information about your child’s learning, social or emotional needs for next year, please email bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au and cornelia.bullen@education.vic.gov.au.
Visit the Assistant Principal page to read about how Good Manners Make a Difference .
Visit the From the Classroom page to read about the School Production preparations.
KEY DATES
Term 4, Week 4 2026
China Trip Oct 15- 27
Fri Oct 22- Pathways
Mon Oct 26- AOM Assembly 9am
Mon Oct 26- GATEWAYS
Wed Oct 28- Tribes
Fri Oct 30- Pathways
Fri Oct 30- Walk to School
Fri Oct 30- PJ Day