Principal Message
Dear Families,
GEM Day (Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness): Andy has constructed an article about GEM Day in the newsletter so please read on and see what is happening this Friday. A great time to reflect on the amazing opportunities we have in Ocean Grove and surrounds. Please take the time to possibly show gratitude towards someone who has helped you or your family this year. A simple note, a kind word often goes along way.
Gratitude: The fundraising team is busy planning for 2025, and with the Apple Fair back in March we expect it to be a great year. We would like to thank all of our 2024 sponsors, with a special shout out to the businesses who came on as Platinum sponsors, many who are school families. Groove Cafe, Hodges Real Estate, Future NRG, Sheen Panel Repairs, Bellarine Psychology & Camp Australia. It's hard to express in words our gratitude for your support, donations and positive energy channelled into OGPS over the years.
If you would like to jump on board as a 2025 sponsor, please refer to the Sponsorship page of the newsletter or email the team fundraising.ogps@gmail.com. They are also working hard on pulling together a Silent Auction for the Apple Fair, so if you have anything you would like to donate please contact them.
Results of Fundraising 2024: A massive thanks and sincere gratitude to all families who have contributed to various elements of fundraising across the school. Due to the efforts of the community collectively, we have been able to fast track a few projects which include the Outdoor Learning Space near the Library, the garden area near Year 5 & 6 continues to be developed and a big project that we started to discuss in 2022 was a large LCD screen in the gym. Installation started Sunday afternoon, and we hope to host assembly using the new resource on Friday. With community support financially like this, we are able to add significant value to the school where we all benefit. In the week of GEM (Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness) I am sincerely grateful to the community for your support.
Somers Camp: We will have 18 students from Year 5 & 6 attending Somers Camp soon. This is a biannual opportunity for students on the Bellarine. I have had the opportunity to attend twice as a visiting teacher and can categorically say it was an amazing experience and one that can be life changing for some young people. I wish all 18 participant the very best and encourage them to meet new friends, engage in all activities and have fun for the 9 day experience.
Assessment & Reporting: As we approach the end of the year, staff are compiling their data on the students to write their reports. There should be no surprises to families when reports are distributed. We aim to write reports that show you as families, we know your child. Thanks for your ongoing partnership in learning – this includes reading, writing, maths and also the social aspect of school. Reports are distributed via Sentral towards the end of the year. More communication about this will be sent mid-December.
Parking: 🅿️ just a friendly reminder that we have 2 parking bays in Draper St for members of the community that have the required permit to park there. Please ensure these bays are available and avoid the temptation to ‘just drop off’ your children there ‘as it will only take a minute’. I know those who use these bays are appreciative when they can access them when needed. Thanks in advance everyone.
Signing students out: Just a reminder that when needing to collect your child early during school hours, please call into the school administration office to collect an early leaver pass for your child before going to the classroom.
Surfing: Year 6’s will be back at the beach on Friday for another session of surfing. These activities are so valuable in cementing friendships, celebrating the final year of Primary School and also getting active in the water. If you can help out with walking down or even joining in with the Year 6’s, please reach out to us and let us know.
Have a great week everyone.
Scott McCumber
Principal
