Dear Families,

Thanks: Last week I was away on leave supporting my daughter at the School Sports Australia Games on the Gold Coast. She was part of the Victorian 16U girls’ basketball team that came 4th! A special thanks to Kristy who stepped up to take on my role while I was away and to Ryan, Andy, Alyce and Kerryn who supported Kristy – thanks.

Year 6 camp: On Monday we sent our amazing Year 6 students, staff and parent helpers off to Howqua. This is the pinnacle of our school camps that involves a day on Mt Buller skiing or snowboarding. The staff have planned an amazing experience, and we appreciate the support from families enabling their children to attend. No doubt some tired bodies will arrive home tomorrow. Feed and shower them, then talk! Thanks to all involved.

Mini Olympics: I received so many photos of last week’s mini Olympics and staff were so impressed by the Year 6 team who organised and conducted the experience. I hope your mini athlete enjoyed the experience and motivates them to bigger and better things in sport. Thanks to all involved, especially the House Captains.

STEM: Mr K-T has had the STEM room on show last week with sessions open for other classes to visit and showcase student work. Thanks to Rick for enabling this expertise and sharing the learning of students across the school.

Facilities: Minor roof works have started on the old North Wing building! We have had a number of leaks over the years and finally have secured support (funding) for some intermediate works. Please be aware that there will be some major roof works to occur in the near future on this building too. When I know more, I will let you all know. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience while we continue to make OGPS safer!

Yarning Circle/Outdoor Learning Area: After a tricky start and finding an unknown irrigation pipe, the Gordon crew are back at it and bringing the plan to life. We appreciate your patience while this is under construction, but we all know it will be an incredible addition to our school when finished. Please encourage the apprentices when they are onsite and let them know we appreciate their work.

Andy: Last Friday and Saturday, Andy was a guest speaker at The National Education Summit in Brisbane and then was involved in an online conference in the USA around Solution Focussed Schools… What an amazing opportunity to share his knowledge and experience on this stage and no doubt brag about the great school he is part of. I am sure Andy will bring back a wealth of knowledge from engaging with others too. Congrats Andy on this achievement.

100 days of school: My sincere apologies to the Preps… I missed your 100th day of school! I have been there for most of the 100 but want to congratulate you on your learning and achievements and most importantly, friendships you have made so far. You now only have about 1300 days of Primary School to go!!!

Congratulations: A big congratulations to previous OGPS students Taylor Metcher and Manny Levelt who now attend Bellarine Secondary College. Both students competed in a state Indonesian competition and placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. Congratulations to both! (and Bu Kate and Bu Chelsea)

Specialist Review Survey: Thanks to the 46 families who have provided their responses in the survey about our specialist program. The survey has been open for a number of weeks and we hope to get a few more responses before we dive into the feedback. Your final chance to help us is here.

Have a great week everyone.

Scott McCumber

Principal

Book Week 2024