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.

2026 Prep Information Evening

It was fabulous to welcome our 2026 Prep families at last night’s Prep Information Evening. Several of those in attendance are current Old Orchard families, however the majority are at the very first step of their school experience as parents or carers. There was a very positive feeling in the room with some great questions at the end of the evening. Thank-you to our 2026 Prep teachers, Beth Fletcher and Milly Bridges for their preparation and a high quality presentation. Their professionalism, educational expertise, and genuine warmth and care for students shone through and parents/carers would have left knowing that their children will be in great hands as they commence their school journey.

Prep - Year 6 Swimming Program

Our swimming program is almost at a close and we have continued to be extremely impressed by our students’ engagement, behaviour, organisational skills and growth across the 10 days. The swimming program is a huge logistical exercise, transporting approximately 430 students to and from Aquanation every day, managing additional bags, changeroom challenges, ensuring appropriate medication travels with the students, etc. Feedback from our staff, Aquanation staff and bus drivers has been extremely positive and we are very proud of all of our students.

Congratulations to all students on their efforts and a monumental thank-you to our teachers and support staff, to our volunteer helpers, to the Aquantation staff and others. As is often the case, Sheree Knight deserves special mention. Nothing is too much trouble for Sheree, and we are again reminded of how fortunate we are to have her as part of our team.

School Canteen

Old Orchard will have a new look canteen service in 2026, with further details to be announced very soon once a final decision is made by School Council. Thank-you to the approximately 50 school families who have provided input into this process.

Thanks also to Danny & Maree O’Kane, supported by Vernoica, who have provided our canteen service for several years. The O’Kanes have a long association with Old Orchard, with both their daughters attending our school and being very involved in the Netball Club, as well as our school fetes. We thank them for their significant contribution and look forward to their involvement at the 2026 School Fete and beyond.

Coming Events

As swimming winds up, we move into another busy week at Old Orchard.

The Preps won’t have much time to rest, with their Flying Bookworm Incursion, Fairy Tale Ball and Writers’ Expo all scheduled for the coming week.
Tuesday is our Old Orchard School Wellbeing Day, with various special activities planned.
Wednesday is our Year 5 & 6 Awards Assembly, with special presentations to students in a range of categories for their efforts throughout the year. The awards include:

Menzies Kindness Award

Specialist Awards in Art, Music, Mandarin, P.E. & STEM

Citizenship Award Academic Award

Principal’s Award

Later in the week our Year 5 & 6 Basketball team will compete in the Hooptime State Finals; no doubt it will be an exciting day and we wish them well in their endeavours.

On Friday we have our annual Public Speaking Grand Final for students in Years Prep to Year 4, as well as the first of the Creative Music Recitals.

Finally, on Sunday Old Orchard will be hosting the Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings, Nunawading. Thank-you to the many parents & carers who are assisting on the day. Please make an effort to drop by to buy a snag or three and to offer your support.

Wow! I’m exhausted already but what an exciting week we have ahead.

Christmas Collection

Don’t forget our annual Anglicare Toy and Food Appeal. We warmly invite our school community to take part in supporting local families this Christmas. We are collecting new, unwrapped gifts and non-perishable food items. A list of suggested donations is attached to help guide your contributions. Donations suitable for teenagers are also encouraged, including gift cards, which are always greatly appreciated. All donations can be placed under the Christmas tree at the school office. Thank you for your generosity and support in helping make the festive season a little brighter for those in need.

Warm regards,

Duncan