Dear Parent/Guardian/Carer/Students and Staff,

I hope this message finds you well! Over the past three weeks, we have experienced a fantastic time filled with learning, engagement, and community spirit. It has been wonderful to witness our students embracing challenges and demonstrating their commitment to their education.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the students who received a G.R.O.W.T.H award during this period. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have truly shone through, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements. These awards not only recognise your individual efforts but also inspire your peers to strive for excellence.

Thank you to all our staff and families for your ongoing support in helping our students thrive. Together, we are creating an environment where every student can reach their full potential. I look forward to seeing what the coming weeks will bring!

Aussie of the Month

We are excited to congratulate both Hunter P and Summer A for achieving the prestigious Aussie of the Month Award! This recognition reflects their outstanding character and contributions to our school community.

Police Visit

In week 1, our students engaged in an interactive session with local police officers, designed to enhance their understanding of community safety and the role of law enforcement. The officers delivered engaging demonstrations and shared real-life stories, emphasising their vital contributions to our community. Students explored key topics such as personal safety—learning how to navigate different environments and make responsible choices—community engagement, which highlighted the importance of collaboration between citizens and police, and problem-solving skills through fun, hands-on activities. The overwhelming positive feedback from students and staff showcased their appreciation for the officers' approachability and the valuable lessons imparted. We are grateful to the Pakenham Police for their commitment to connecting with our students, aligning perfectly with our vision of fostering a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes social responsibility and community awareness.

New Building Signs (coming soon)

We are excited to announce that during Week 6 of this Term, Officer Primary School will be installing new building signs that reflect our commitment to fostering a strong sense of identity within our school community. These signs have been thoughtfully designed with indigenous inspiration. We believe these new signs will not only enhance the visual landscape of our school but also serve as a daily reminder of our shared values and the importance of cultural appreciation. We look forward to unveiling them and celebrating this exciting addition together!

Little Learners Love Literacy Professional Development

Our Literacy and Numeracy Leaders recently participated in professional development focused on the "Little Learners Love Literacy" program. This engaging training is designed to enhance our educators' skills in delivering effective literacy instruction to our youngest learners. By exploring innovative strategies and resources, our leaders are gaining valuable insights into best practices that foster a love of reading and writing from an early age. The knowledge gained from this professional development will directly benefit our students, ensuring they receive high-quality literacy instruction that ignites their passion for learning. We are excited to see how these new approaches will enrich our classrooms and support our commitment to developing confident and capable readers and writers.

Math and English Curriculum 2.0

We are excited to inform our community that staff at Officer Primary School are beginning the transition to the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0 for both Mathematics and English. This updated curriculum aims to enhance student learning by providing a more flexible and engaging framework that supports diverse learners. Our dedicated educators are participating in professional development sessions to familiarise themselves with the new standards, ensuring they can effectively implement these changes in the classroom. By embracing this curriculum, we aim to deepen our students' understanding of key concepts and skills while promoting critical thinking and creativity. We are confident that this transition will significantly enrich the educational experience for our students, preparing them for future success.

Grade 5/6 Space Centre Excursion

Grade 5/6 students had the fantastic opportunity to participate in two FREE programs at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre: "Expedition to the M.A.R.S Base" and "Fully Charged." During these engaging programs, students learn't to use digital systems to tackle real-world challenges related to the Mars Australian Research Station (M.A.R.S). They worked collaboratively on hands-on tasks as part of 'Mission Control' and even had the chance to build dancing robots using circuits and motors, all while exploring the principles of static electricity. This experience inspired our students’ interest in science and technology, encouraging teamwork and creativity. We can’t wait to see the exciting projects our students will create!

Stage 1 Painting (EXTERIOR BUILDINGS)-completed

The transformation features a striking palette of shale grey and ironstone colors, giving our school a bold, classic, and crisp look that reflects our commitment to providing a vibrant learning environment. The feedback from our school community has been overwhelmingly positive, with students, staff, and parents expressing their excitement about the refreshed appearance of our facilities. This revitalisation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our school but also fosters a sense of pride among our students and staff. We look forward to continuing this journey of improvement and appreciate your support as we create a welcoming space for our learners!

5/6 Mini-Fete

We are delighted to share that our Grade 5/6 Mini-Fete was a tremendous success! The day was filled with exciting activities, from fun games to creative stalls that showcased the talents of our students. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious, making it a memorable event for everyone involved. We are thrilled to announce that the Mini-Fete raised nearly $1,500, which will go directly towards funding the Grade 6 camp. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, parents, and staff who contributed their time and efforts to make this event possible. Your support is invaluable and helps ensure our students have an unforgettable camp experience!

New PFA President

We are excited to congratulate Jess Q on her appointment as the new Parents and Friends President! Jess brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this role, and we are thrilled to have her leading our Parents and Friends group. Her passion for our school community and dedication to fostering strong connections among families will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to create a supportive and engaging environment for everyone. We look forward to the great initiatives Jess will bring to life and encourage all parents to get involved. Congratulations, Jess, and thank you for stepping into this important leadership position! Thank you to Jacqui P for all your work this year and in previous years. Solid work, Jacqui and well done to you!!

Curriculum Day

We would like to remind our community that our Curriculum Day is scheduled for November 4th. On this day, our dedicated staff will participate in professional development activities designed to enhance teaching practices and improve student learning outcomes. As a result, there will be no school for students on this day. We appreciate your understanding and support as we invest in our teachers' professional growth, ensuring that they are well-equipped to provide the best educational experience for our students.

School Wide Positive Behaviours

We are thrilled to announce that Officer Primary School has been accepted into the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) initiative for 2025! The demand for this program in Southern Melbourne has been exceptionally high, and we are excited to join such a valuable initiative. We look forward to working together to create a positive and supportive environment for all our students! Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

School Captain Applications

Applications for Grade 6 School Captain are now open! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to take on a leadership role within our school community. We encourage all interested Grade 6 students to consider applying and sharing their vision for our school.

Applications will close soon, so be sure to submit yours before the deadline. This is a chance to demonstrate your commitment to being a role model, represent your peers, and contribute to making Officer Primary School an even better place for everyone. We can’t wait to see the inspiring ideas our students will bring forward! Good luck to all applicants!

SafeTree Application approved

We have managed to successfully seek funding through our application for an arborist via Victorian Building Authority to complete an assessment of all high-risk trees. Good news, all trees potentially being a risk will be trimmed accordingly at NO cost to our school budget. We are presently working dates with McLeod Trees to begin the scheduling the process. Another win for the school.

FREE Vision Assessment and FREE glasses-SAVE THE DATE

We are delighted to inform our school community that in partnership with the Department of Education and State Schools’ Relief our school in 2025 (Term 2), will provide FREE vision screening and if required FREE glasses to all eligible students. We believe that clear vision is the gateway to learning and a brighter future for students. The Glasses for Kids program  ensures that every young learner in Victoria can see the world with clarity and participate fully in their education. The process will include vision screening, further testing, and glasses (if required) to Prep to Grade 3 students in need, at no cost. The program is proudly managed and delivered by State Schools’ Relief.

VISIT DATE

Term 2, Week 2

Monday 28 April, 2025

INFORMATION PACK

In early Term 1 an information pack will be distributed including consent form and Optometrist questionnaire.

Reminder: Prep 2025 Transition Dates-SAVE THE DATES

🏊‍♂️ Exciting News: Swimming Term 4! 🏊‍♀️

We’re excited to announce that swimming lessons will be taking place for all primary school students during Term 4! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to enhance their swimming skills, build confidence in the water, and most importantly, have a lot of fun!

Here’s what you need to prepare for the swimming sessions:

Swimwear: Ensure your child has a comfortable swimsuit that fits well.

Towel: A large towel is essential for drying off after the swim. Please label it with your child’s name to avoid mix-ups.

Goggles: If your child wears goggles, please make sure they are properly fitted and labeled. Goggles help in improving visibility and comfort while swimming.

Change of Clothes: Pack a complete change of clothes, including underwear, so your child can get dry and comfortable after their swim.

Water Bottle: Hydration is key! A water bottle will ensure your child stays hydrated before and after their swim.

Bag: A swim bag or backpack to carry all their gear will help keep everything organised.

We’re confident that next term’s swimming program will be both educational and enjoyable for our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Emily Waldron.

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 7 orders for Book Club are due on Monday 28th October. Every order earns free books and learning resources for our school. Download the LOOP app for easy ordering.

October Staff Birthdays:

October Student Birthdays:

00 Imogen S

00 Jack

1/2 Isaac

1/2 Tanvir

3/4 Peter

3/4 Blake

3/4 Thea

3/4 Ella

5/6 Mitchell

5/6 Leah

5/6 Jayden

Officer Primary School Newsletter

Issue 11 · 28 Oct 2024

In this issue