From the Principal

Staffing news

A special thank you to Virginia Shaw who has moved Interstate with her family. Virginia is much loved by her current and past students and will be missed at OPS. Best wishes also to Lucy Feben and Katherine Tsoucalas who are both taking leave this term in order to prepare for impending parenthood.

Please join me in welcoming the following new staff to the OPS community

Katherine Pretious – Business Manager

Shelley Maxwell – 1A classroom teacher

Rosy Xu – Education Support staff

Crossing Supervisors

There are several busy roads in the vicinity of Oakleigh Primary School and rain, hail or shine our friendly and loyal crossing supervisors are there to support your children on their journey to and from school. A reminder to all members of our community to be respectful and kind to our crossing supervisors as they perform this important role.

Logie St – new signage

We have received notice from Monash Council that additional ‘No U turn 8.30 – 9.30am, 3 – 4pm School Days’ are to be installed on Logie Street in the coming weeks. Motorists who perform U turns after picking up or dropping their children at school are interrupting traffic flow and making the street dangerous for pedestrians. Please be aware of these road rules and report any concerns to the council.

Recent events on the News

Over last few weeks there have been several distressing incidents reported on the news which have left many people feeling helpless and distressed. The level and type of information you may choose to share with your child will depend on their age and maturity and a parent/guardian is best placed to make this decision, however the suggestions below may support you in discussing distressing incidents:

• Prepare for the conversation beforehand.
• Make the time to hold discussions with your child. 
• Use curiosity to begin the conversation 'how do you feel about...', 'do you have any questions about...'
• Listen actively and without judgement.
• Answer honestly and reassure them they are safe. 
• Have dedicated time for 'no news' and 'no social media' to switch off from the events. Engage in other activities together. 
• Help for external services if needed. 
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
  • Parent Line Victoria: 13 22 89
  • Engage with the school by contacting the SLWMs or Wellbeing Team

Resources for parents/carers

• Kids Health: How to talk to your child about the news
• Raising Children: Supporting Teens with Distressing News Events
• Embark Behavioural Health: How to discuss difficult news

ANZAC Day

Australians commemorate ANZAC Day every year on April 25th. This is the anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the beach at Gallipoli in Turkey on 25 April 1915. This was the first major military campaign for soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. Since then, 25 April has been known as Anzac Day. ‘Anzac' comes from the name Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Last week during our regular assembly our school captains acknowledged ANZAC Day with a lovely ceremony and speech, including the Last Post and a minutes silence. On Thursday our Captains will represent OPS at the Dawn service at Oakleigh RSL. You may like to use this opportunity to discuss ANZAC day with your child/ren or attend a service on Thursday.

Curriculum Day

A reminder to all parents/guardians we have scheduled a Curriculum Day this Friday 26th April. Staff will be developing their understanding about the best way to teach Writing and in particular the Writing Revolution Program. Students are NOT required at school on Friday.

Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s day to all members of our community. Mother's Day is a special day of tea and toast in bed, extra cuddles and handmade cards. A reminder we are holding our annual Mother’s Day stall on Friday 10th May. Students are invited to purchase a gift for their mother, grandmother or special person. Please refer to the Mother’s Day poster included in the newsletter.

Working Bee

We need your help! Please come and give an hour or two of your time at our first Working Bee of the year. We are holding the Working Bee on Friday 10th May from 3.30pm til dusk. We need as many parents/grandparents/friends as possible, there are a variety of jobs to be done, some small and some large. No experience is necessary! Please sign up using the following link – and keep an eye out for emails over the next couple of weeks. 

volunteersignup.org/A4KYB

Thank you and have a wonderful week.

Kellie Stewart

Acting Principal

kellie.stewart@education.vic.gov.au