Principal Message

Dear Families,

Year 5 Camp: A huge thanks to the Year 5 teachers and parent volunteers for supporting the Year 5 students on camp last week. No doubt some tired faces on Friday night and over the weekend but overall, a great experience that builds on the Year 3 & 4 Camp program that then culminates in Year 6 Camp to Howqua and hopefully the snow! If you have any feedback (don’t forget the good stuff too), please send to the school email.

Mother’s Day: We will be having the Mother’s Day stall in the Gym on Thursday. Like last year, a selection of gifts will be available for the kids to purchase. Would love to see some dad’s up helping out on the stall and I am sure the kids would get a buzz from seeing you here helping too.

Playground update: I have been in consultation with 3 playground suppliers as the 4th supplier withdrew. There are not many playground companies who conduct repairs like those required for our playground. We have some funding from DE for the repairs to ‘extend the life of the existing playground’ and then the Apple Fair money. We will be removing the red playground to the east and replacing with similar equipment – slides, climbing apparatus, etc. I’ll provide an example of what the budget will enable when a design is further developed. Who knew playgrounds were so expensive!!! We will be seeking to use as much timber as possible within the structures to be sustainable, but the upright posts will be powder-coated steel to enable a longer life span. The new area will need to be built by current regulations too, which includes fall zones etc. We hope that the overall footprint will be similar to what we have had in the past.

Signage: You may have noticed new “Kind Behaviours” signs going up around the school. This will help staff and students have a productive conversation if and when issues arise in the playground. Please have a look at the signs and ask your child to tell you about the “Kind Behaviours” we expect to see at OGPS. These are our three basic rules.

Jackson Kenny: A few years ago, Jackson was our first Indigenous Leader at OGPS and he created a piece of artwork for the school. We have recently had it installed on the Library wall near the Yarning Circle. I encourage you to have a look at his work and read his description of the piece. Thanks to Jackson for this gift and apologies it has taken so long to get it installed. 

NAPLAN: Indicative results have been sent to schools across the country about the 2025 NAPLAN – except for writing! Overall, we have some outstanding results with a real highlight in Year 5 reading and Year 3 Numeracy. When the data is officially released, I will publish more details, but I am immensely proud of the students’ achievements and the work staff have done and continue to do to ensure our students perform at their best. 

High Abilities: Mrs H is leading the work across the school in Student Excellence and High Abilities. We have a large number of students we are extending via VHAP – (Victorian High Ability Program), GATEWAYS programs and by the class teachers who are planning sessions at the expected level, above the expected level and ‘Elevate’ – well above expected level. Yesterday I was in with the GATEWAYS program and was blown away by the students input and engagement levels. Well done kids! 

Facilities: Late this term, around week 9, the new roof for the Art room will begin and progress down over Prep land and towards Year 1 during the school holidays. It is most likely that Year 1 (1GL, 1MM & 1JE) will be relocated for the first two weeks back in Term 3. We are still finalising the plan and will let Year 1’s know once finalised. Cross your fingers that the weather stays kind for the roofers!!!! There will also be other areas fenced off for various works such as ramps, pathways, stairs, and more! 

Assembly on Friday: This week Brad Clark from VicPol will be in attendance to discuss safe bike riding within and around the community! 2.45pm start time.

Have a great week everyone.

Scott McCumber

Principal