From the Principal

2025 Foundation enrolments – do you have a child starting school next year?

We are currently taking enrolment applications for 2025 Foundation students. This includes current families and siblings of existing students. If you have a child starting school at OPS next year please complete an online enrolment form using this link Enrolments - Oakleigh Primary School & Kindergarten (oakleighps.vic.edu.au) In order to support us with planning for 2025 enrolments must be completed by the end of July. Refer to our website for more information or feel free to contact the school office.

OPS Multicultural Festival – can you help?

We are seeking community involvement on our Multicultural Festival Day on Thursday 27th June. On this day we will be celebrating the vast number of cultures within our community. Students will be encouraged to come dressed in clothing representing their culture, this may consist of traditional dress or simply the colours of their country. We will hold a whole school assembly and parade and we would love to invite our families to participate.

Do you have something you could share with our students? Maybe you could talk to our students about your culture? Bring some instruments/clothing/artwork/dancing to show them? Maybe henna artwork is something you could contribute. If you would be willing to participate in this day please contact me kellie.stewart@education.vic.gov.au I would love to hear from you.

Welfare Officer

I am currently working through the process of recruiting a Welfare Officer at Oakleigh PS two days per week. The Welfare Officer will be a welcome addition to our school staff and will work with students one on one in a counselling capacity but also work with small groups of students with like needs such as social skills groups. The Welfare officer will also build capacity with our staff. Once this person is in place I will provide information about the referral process and introduce them to the community.

Stay well this winter

Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu. Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:

washing and sanitising hands regularly
avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above. Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2024 booster dose.

You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

Find out more

For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to:

Have a great week.

Kellie Stewart

Acting Principal

kellie.stewart@education.vic.gov.au