From the Principal

MATHEMATICS AT POPS

At POPS, we foster a lifelong love of learning through a maths curriculum that is engaging, challenging, and fun, built on confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Our goal is for every student to deeply understand key concepts, build fluency, and become confident problem solvers who can apply maths in real, meaningful ways.

Our Approach to Mathematics

We focus on four core concepts, our “big ideas” in maths learning, that help students build a strong foundation:

• Number Sense – Developing an intuitive feel for numbers and their relationships.

• Place Value – Understanding how digit position determines value.

• Multiplicative Thinking – Exploring multiplication and division as tools for deeper understanding.

• Fractional Thinking – Building a strong grasp of fractions and their everyday applications.

By connecting these concepts, we create a clear, structured learning journey where students grow in confidence and capability.

Building Mathematical Proficiency

The updated Victorian Curriculum 2.0 highlights four key proficiencies essential to maths success:

• Fluency – Accuracy, speed, and confidence in calculations.

• Understanding – Grasping concepts and applying them flexibly.

• Problem-Solving – Tackling real-world challenges using maths.

This year, we will be reporting against the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. As a result, the achievement standards have changed, and student Mathematics marks will look different.

The main change is that students will now receive a single Mathematics mark that combines all strands: Number and Algebra, Statistics and Probability, and Measurement and Geometry.

Further information about how this will be reflected in your child’s report will be shared throughout the term.

Mother’s/Special Person’s Day Breakfast- Tomorrow

We’re excited to welcome our school community to the Mother’s/Special Person’s Day Breakfast tomorrow, Friday 9 May, from 7:30 am to 8:40 am in the Arts Centre.

After breakfast, mothers and special guests are warmly invited to visit their child’s classroom, just like last year. It’s sure to be a joyful morning, full of special memories.

A big thank you to the PA for organising the event, and to all the dads who have generously volunteered to serve breakfast and assist with clean-up. We truly appreciate your support!

Mrs Bullen and I will be attending a conference on Friday and are disappointed to miss this special event, it’s always a highlight of the year.

SISTER SCHOOL VISIT

Exciting news! Nanjing Jinling Primary School will be visiting POPS at the end of July! Their visit will run from 28 July to 3 August, including four days at POPS.

Homestay Opportunity

We are seeking five families to host two students and one teacher from 29 July to 1 August. Host families will receive an allowance to help cover meals and transport to and from school. 

It’s a wonderful opportunity for your family to build intercultural connections and experiences. If you’re able to host two students for four nights, please get in touch.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Waylan T (3O): School Values Award: For demonstrating kindness and helping a peer who was sitting by themself on the buddy bench.

Harvey G (5/6M):  Harvey and his mother, Kate, have formed a team as part of the Starlight Foundations Super Step challenge, where they have to walk a certain number of steps a day and fundraise for the foundation. This is their team link Starlight Super Steps - Stride & Shine

Please share with the school community your 

child's achievements big or small. To share a student achievement please email

bronwyn.garrity@education.vic.gov.au. 

Wishing all mothers and special people in our students’ lives a very happy day this Sunday.

Ms Garrity

• Go to the From the Classroom page to read about 
• Please visit the Student Wellbeing page to read about Celebrating Mother's Day.

Key Dates Week 4:

Mon May 12: Assembly 9am/ GATEWays

Tues May 13: 1/2 Incursion- Royal Flying Doctors

Foundation 2026 Enrolment 

If your child is starting Foundation (Prep) in 2026, you are now able to make an application for enrolment. 

To get started: 

• Create an account and complete the online application form by Friday 25 July 2025.