This Week At OOPS

Ginger Attends Dylan Alcott's Ability Day Launch!

Old Orchard Primary School were lucky enough to be invited to the national launch of Ability Day, as part of the International Day of People with Disability. Led by Paralympian and advocate Dylan Alcott, he spoke about the difference between accessibility and inclusion, reminding young people that inclusion is built through relationships, respect and listening to what individuals who live with disabilities need. He encouraged students to ask questions respectfully once trust is established and to share their own needs so that appropriate support can be provided.

A strong theme throughout the event was that people living with disabilities can succeed in every area of life. When they are included, heard and given real opportunities, their strengths flourish. Dylan also spoke about his own experience of bullying and how things changed once he understood what was behind the behaviour and spoke up as an Upstander. His messages gave the audience a powerful reminder that attitudes matter and that everyone deserves to feel valued.

Our school therapy dog, Ginger, played an important role during the event. She supported students who needed extra comfort and helped them stay calm and settled. She even had a special moment of her own when she got to wear one of Dylan Alcott’s Paralympic gold medals! Ginger represented Old Orchard Primary School beautifully and added a warm energy to the day. 

We will continue the celebration as part of our next Wellbeing Day on December 2, where the school will recognise Ability Day in connection with the International Day of People with Disabilities. Families are more than welcome to attend the whole-school assembly at 9:30am on December 2nd in Drayton Hall, where we will have a guest speaking about their own experiences with disability.

Swimming

Our students, staff and parent/carer helpers have been doing an amazing job at their first week of our swimming program.  Tomorrow is Water Safety Day.  As well as bringing the usual items (listed below), students will need to bring an old t-shirt and old pair of shorts to wear over their bathers when in the pool.

Please ensure your child comes to school each day with everything they need for swimming:

🩱 Bathers (to be worn to school under uniform)

🧖 Towel

👓 Goggles

🛍️ Plastic bag for wet items

🩲 Underwear for after swimming