Dear Parents, Carers and Community,

It feels unbelievable to be writing the final newsletter of the year!

Looking back on the year that has passed, we can reflect upon the countless achievements. From academic accomplishments to artistic achievements, athletic triumphs, and community events; our school community has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence. At Monday’s presentation assembly we were able to celebrate a small number of achievements, yet every student at OFPS has reason to celebrate and be proud.

Such achievements, though, don’t happen without a dedicated, talented and caring team.

To our community - thank you to each and every parent and carer. We know that you are your children’s first teachers, and continue to teach them outside these school grounds, well beyond their school years. Your contribution here, as partners in education is truly valued and we are committed to only strengthening this partnership.

Our school is fortunate enough to have an exceptional P&C. The P&C not only provides healthy, freshly made breakfast, lunch and recess, thanks to the Sarah and her team; they also play such a significant role to bring our community together and support our students. This year alone, our P&C have provided mathematics resources for each classroom, contributed to SIMF and The Dance Festival to bring the cost down for families, provided countless meal deals, run numerous BBQs, organised Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, offered termly discos, sold hundreds of pies and organised probably the best day of the year, our Spring Festival. I’m sure you would all agree, they are, indeed, exceptional.

To our teachers - I would like to thank our teachers for being here for the right reason – to provide opportunities for all and to transform lives through learning. In the relatively short time I have been here, it has become extremely clear how dedicated this group of teachers are. You have such passion for the children we teach and truly care about each one of them. I applaud you!

I would also like to acknowledge our SASS staff - our office staff, school learning support officers and Mr Rod, for their tireless efforts and often the work behind the scenes. Most of all the care and dedication to go beyond their ‘job description’ for our school and our students. Our school wouldn’t function without you!

2023 Presentation Assembly

Thank you to all the parents, carers and family members who came to celebrate some of the achievements of 2023. It was lovely to see our community come together to celebrate.

I’d like to recognise the huge number of staff involved in organising this event, including the morning tea. I can’t list everyone individually but a special thank you to Mrs Wigny, Mrs Townsend, Ms Phillips, Mrs Mayer, Mr McGee and Mrs Capocchiano for the countless hours spent in organising and setting up. Your attention to detail made for a special event for our students and community.

Staffing Changes

Unfortunately, Mr Herzog and Mrs Stove will be moving on to other schools next year. Mr Herzog, thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm, your willingness to provide additional opportunities for our students and your humour and optimism. Mrs Stove, thank you for your knowledge and expertise, your care for our students and flexibility in your role. We wish you both the very best and thank you for your time and commitment here at Oak Flats PS.

2024 Student Leaders

Congratulations to all Year 5 students who applied to become a School Leader for 2024. These students conducted themselves with such maturity in the way they supported one another throughout the process and have already proven themselves to be great leaders. Their courage, effort and commitment is to be commended.

At our annual presentation day, our two Captains and Vice-Captains were announced. Congratulations to Polly H, Cooper B, our Captains, and to Mia U and Jack M, our Vice-Captains. Our school certainly will be in great hands!

Congratulations also to our 2023 outgoing School Leaders – Junaid, Scarlett, Layla and Tyler. It has been extremely rewarding to see these students grow in confidence and lead our school with pride and maturity. Junaid, Scarlett, Tyler and Layla, you have represented our school extremely well, demonstrated great responsibility, care and character and I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside you. Congratulations and thank you!!

P&C

I would like to thank the P&C executive committee of the last 12 months. I have really appreciated working alongside the executive and members and thank you for your commitment to our school and our students. To take on a role within the P&C requires great commitment and not a lot in return, except for the knowledge that you are supporting our students and bringing our community together for a common cause.

I can say without a doubt, this group of people do what they do, with our students at the very centre. This year we thank four members of our out-going executive - Nick Higgins, Vince Aranda, Clare Tomkins and Megan Sweet. I would like to thank these individuals for their leadership, commitment, passion, countless hours and extraordinary care for our community. You have left an indelible mark on our school, in so many ways (some of this in rainbow colours).

Last day for 2023

The last day of 2023 for students will be Friday, 15 December. The following Monday and Tuesday are School Development Days for staff only.

First Day Back for 2024

All students from Year 1 to Year 6 return to school on Thursday, 1 February, 2024. On this day, our students will begin the day in their current 2023 classes. With all going according to plan, we will move into new classes as soon as possible, hopefully later that day.

Kindergarten students attend one day from Thursday, 1 February to Monday, 5 February for their Best Start Assessment, with their first official day on Tuesday, 6 February, 2024. Letters should have been received informing parents on the date of their child’s Best Start Assessment and start time. If you have not received this information, please contact the office.

Our preschool children will begin on either Thursday, 1 February or Monday, 5 February, depending on which group they attend. Letters were posted to families informing parents of dates and times in which each child will start. Again, if you are unsure or have not received this letter, please contact the office so we can assist.

In addition, if you know you child will not be returning on their first day, please email the school so we can ensure all students are accounted for.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

I know our staff members are all looking forward to the upcoming break and I am sure you are as well. I wish you all a happy festive season and a safe and relaxing holiday with those dear to you. We look forward to seeing you in the new year and look forward to a successful 2024.

Kind regards

Jodi Niedermayer

Oak Flats Public School Newsletter

Term 4, Week 10 · 14 Dec 2023

In this issue