The Harvest

Principal's Message

Wawa, Wominjika. 

Here at Old Orchard Primary School, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we visit each day, the Wurrunguri and Woiwurrung people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge and respect the elders and leaders past and present and the elders and leaders of all of the cultures and nationalities that are part of the Old Orchard Primary School community. We express our gratitude towards the orchards that were kept in place by the peoples on this land before us. We thank the traditional owners for sharing this beautiful land that we all love, and for keeping the land, sky, waterways and animals all in great condition for thousands of years, not only for themselves but for all the generations to come.

 

UPDATE TO REPORTING-VICTORIAN CURRICULUM 2.0

In 2025, all Victorian government schools will begin using the updated Mathematics Curriculum 2.0.

 

Previously, student reports included progress against the three strands of the Mathematics Achievement Standard: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Under Mathematics Curriculum 2.0, teachers will now report against a single, overall achievement standard. This means you will see one progression point for Mathematics on your child’s report.

 

As this is the first time reporting under the new curriculum, the report will show students current level of achievement only—not progress. From the next report onwards (Semester 2), progress will be shown based on this new standard.

 

The VCAA has introduced these changes to give teachers greater flexibility when planning learning, helping students make stronger connections within mathematics and across other areas of the curriculum.

Semester One reports will be available through Sentral on July 2nd after 4:00pm. 

 

EVACUATION DRILL- #2

We want to let you know about Old Orchard’s emergency management plan. Our school plans for a range of hazards, such as severe weather, medical emergencies, building fires, etc. We develop specific response procedures to address these risks. 

 

If we ever need to enact our emergency management plan, we will notify families through Sentral with updates on our actions. Please do not come to the school unless directed to do so, as you may put yourself and others in danger. If there is anything we need you to do, we will let you know. 

 

During an emergency, the school will work closely with emergency services to get specific advice to keep our community safe. Additionally, the Department of Education has dedicated emergency management staff to help monitor the situation and provide additional support to schools during emergencies.

 

We also conduct drills regularly, ensuring that our core procedures of on-site and off-site evacuation  and lockdown/lockouts are well-rehearsed and understood by staff and students. This week we conducted our second evacuation drill for the term. Students once again did a fantastic job of following their teachers instructions. We even beat our time from earlier this term!

 

If you have any questions about our school’s emergency management plan, please contact Duncan, Jen or Clare. Please be assured our top priority is the safety of our students and school community.

 

YEAR 5/6 EXCURSION

As part of their inquiry unit, our Year 5 and 6 students took part in a Walking Tour of the City of Melbourne. The focus of the day was on the different waves of immigration that Australia has experienced. Students learnt about the push and pull factors leading to immigration as well as the influence that these groups have had on Australian society.

 

Students participated in a two-hour guided walking tour around the city.  The route covered many significant cultural landmarks including Federation Square, Chinatown and the Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct. From all accounts students had a wonderful time, albeit a bit cold for our Year 5 students on Tuesday!

 

FOODBOOST CAMPAIGN

There has been a 17 per cent increase in the cost of food over the past 12 months – on top of the already rising costs of electricity, petrol and rent. These mounting cost-of-living pressures are taking a real toll on families, making it harder than ever for many to meet everyday needs.

 

This winter, Old Orchard Primary School is once again partnering with Anglicare Victoria for their FoodBoost campaign, supporting local families who are doing it tough. We’re collecting non-perishable food items to help ease the burden for those struggling to put food on the table. Suggested donations include:

  • Rice and pasta
  • UHT long-life milk
  • Breakfast cereal
  • Pasta sauce
  • Toiletries
  • Instant coffee

Even one item can make a big difference. Donations can be dropped off at the front office.

 

FINAL ASSEMBLY FOR TERM 2

Just a reminder that our final assembly for Term 2 will be next Friday, July 4th—at 9:15am in the gym.

Please be advised that on the last day of term, students will be dismissed at 2:30.

 

2026 STUDENT ENROLMENTS 

As of last year, the enrollment process for Prep has moved online. If you have a child starting school in 2026 and have any questions or need assistance with enrolling, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office. 

For new enrolments:

Visit https://students.educationapps.vic.gov.au/s/ to create an account and complete the online application form by Friday 25th July 2025.  

 

Jen McCann and Clare Murray