Principal's Desk

This is our first offical newsletter for the year. As many of you have noticed I have been sending out a weekly update to the community. I will continue to do this throughout the year to support positive communication at OPS.  2026 has gotten off to a busy start, it will be another exciting year, with some important tasks and events ahead. This year we look forward to our many engaging events and activities for our whole school community, we have lots of community events planned for Term 1, including, Harmony Day activities, STOMP dance program and showcase, Colour Fun Run and our Easter Parade, followed by Grade 3-6  camp early in Term 2. 

Earlier this term, the staff spent time reflecting on what it means to live and breathe our OPS Values. The team worked collaboratively to develop whole school expectations for our OPS GROWTH Values. Over the last few weeks, teachers have worked with the students discussing our whole school shared expectations and how we can be active and engaged members of the OPS community. Our OPS Expectations are on display in alll of our classroom and students have written the expectations into their diaries. 

Our OPS Expectations

GRATITUDE

We use kind words, manners & actions. 

We care for our school and equipment. 

RESPECT

We treat others the way that we want to be treated. 

We listen to understand and respond fairly 

OUTSTANDING 

We try our best and are proud of our learning. 

We ask questions to grow as learners. 

WELLBEING 

We care, support and encourage ourselves and others to be safe and inclusive. 

We can listen to our body and recognise what we need. 

TEAMWORK

We listen to share and contribute to the team. 

We welcome, include others and co-operate. 

HONESTY

We have the courage to tell the truth even when it is hard. 

We take responsibility of our actions, words and choices. 

School Council 2026 

School Council is an important part of the school. Council approves external contracts, provides advice and consent on a range of areas and oversees school finance. 

Our 2026 Schoool Council memers are as follows 

Karen Hutchinson- Parent

Lillie Boys- Parent

Mark Michaels- Parent

Kylie Barnett- Parent

Julie Barrow- Staff

Nicole Peachey- Staff

Nicole Smith- Executive 

Working with Children Checks (WWC) 

We encourage and value parental and community support at OPS. There are many ways that parents, grandparents and friends can assist at our school. Parents are required to obtain a Working with Children’s Check that will allow you to be very involved in your child’s education. These checks are free for volunteers. Once you have your WWC please come to the office so we can photocopy this and we will add your name to our list.

Annual Privacy Reminder for OPS Community 

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice. Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy https://www.vic.gov.au/schools-privacy-policy

This policy describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages: • Amharic • Arabic • Chinese • Dari • Gujarati • Mandarin • Somali • Sudanese • Turkish • Urdu • Vietnamese