Welcome

Wawa, Wominjika. 

Here at Old Orchard Primary School, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we visit each day, the Wurrunguri and Woiwurrung people of the Kulin nation.  We acknowledge and respect the elders and leaders past and present and the elders and leaders of all of the cultures and nationalities that are part of the Old Orchard Primary School community.  We express our gratitude towards the orchards that were kept in place by the peoples on this land before us.  We thank the traditional owners for sharing this beautiful land that we all love, and for keeping the land, sky, waterways and animals all in great condition for thousands of years, not only for themselves but for all the generations to come.

Industrial action

As you will be aware, yesterday was a stopwork as part of the AEU industrial action. This action is being undertaken to support the negotiations for the next Government Schools Agreement. Teachers and Education support staff do not take these actions lightly and are mindful of the impact on students and families. We are extremely appreciative of the support of our Old Orchard community in this space and hope that there is a positive resolution very soon.

Parent - Teacher Chats

Thank-you to the families who have attended the 3 Way Chats this week. Feedback from staff has been very positive and we look forward to the continuation of these chats next week. 

Kelly Sports Dance

Those in attendance at last Friday’s assembly were treated to two outstanding performances by our Kelly Sports Dance students. The Beginners performed ‘Wake Me Up’ and they were followed by the intermediate group, performing ‘Footloose.’ Congratulations to all students involved and thanks to our Kelly Sports coaches who always bring energy and passion to their work.

Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS)

This year we have 31 of our Year 5 & 6 students participating in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, to be held at John Cain Arena on August 29th. The students will be performing as part of the Mass Choir or the Mass Dance groups and it promises to be a memorable experience for them all. Last week, our Choir Group attended one of several key rehearsals, with the Dance Group preparing for a similar rehearsal in two weeks. Thanks to Rhiannon Trimby and Bec Mitchell for their time and effort in leading these special events, as well as to school parent, Jodi Chen, who is our accompanist for many of the rehearsals. 

Building works

These works are continuing with the front entrance looking fantastic and the foyer bathroom in full use, with only a couple of minor touch-ups to be finalised. The Gymnasium and Drayton Hall bathrooms are scheduled to be completed by August 7th, and the adjustments to the small ramp near the chicken coop is also just awaiting a couple of finishing touches.

In addition to these scheduled works, we have also upgraded our switchboards in the main building, gymnasium and Drayton Hall this week and over this coming weekend. Special thanks to James (P.E.), Rhiannon (Music) and our Team Kids staff and families for their flexibility and patience while these works are being undertaken.

Warm regards

Duncan