Principal's Message

School Philosophy

Orchard Grove Primary School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment that engages curiosity, promotes learning, personal growth, and well-being for all students. We strive to develop adaptability and resilience so students can become valued members of the local and global communities and be prepared for future life experiences.

From the Principal

Welcome to the final newsletter of Term 1 2025!

Thank you to everyone on a fantastic first term of 2025. We have had camps to Canberra and Ballarat, excursions to John Monash, Halogen Leadership Conference, Whole School Athletics and Cross Country events, visits from local councillors and celebrated our many cultures in Harmony Week. Thank you to all the parent helpers for all of these events, from driving their child to events, raking sandpits and marshalling students to taking a week away from the rest of the family to attend camps. Without your support our students would not have been able to have the fun and learning that they did at these events. I would also like to acknowledge the teachers and support staff here at school - their planning, delivery and dedication to making learning fun and exciting is nothing short of amazing. 

We have very much appreciated the donations to the Easter raffle.  There are over 30 prizes which is just amazing! We have raised $1907 and look forward to announcing the winners at assembly this afternoon.

As you may have seen there is a fair amount of works around the school. The fire service upgrade is completed, with the final rectification of work areas being completed over the last few days. We hope that the two week break will give the laid turf time to settle so that on our return for Term 2 we can open these areas back up for playtimes. We expect the ramps to the car park and office to be open on our return, as the handrails and final sign off are due to take place next week. There will be ongoing ramp works in the Meadow and near Year 3 which may continue into the beginning of Term 2. We are also adding some additional fencing and widening and adding concrete paths to the area around the Foundation playground. 

Finally, I would like to thank Gina, one of our ES members of staff for her work this term with lost property. She has been returning all named lost property from the cupboard and around the school once a week. Each week there has been a substantial amount to return - I have added a photo below of what was returned yesterday - and this is taking longer than the time allocated for this job. In light of this, next term Gina will continue to check around the school each Thursday morning and make sure that any lost property makes it to the cupboard, but will not be returning it to students in their classrooms. So, next term please make sure to check the cupboard for any lost property.

Once again, thank you everyone for a fantastic term, I hope you have a wonderful break and look forward to seeing everyone again at the start of Term 2.

Michelle Ogilvie

Principal