School Philosophy

Orchard Grove Primary School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment that engages curiosity, promotes learning, personal growth, and well-being for all students. We strive to develop adaptability and resilience so students can become valued members of the local and global communities and be prepared for future life experiences.

From the Principal

Hi everyone,

Term One is halfway over and we have once again had (and will have) a busy two weeks here at school!

I would like to begin by congratulating Andrew Moore on becoming a permanent Assistant Principal here at OGPS. Whilst I was acting principal, Andrew came over from his base school to backfill my assistant principal position. We are very lucky to have him onboard and I am sure you will join me in congratulating him.

Our school athletics days last week were fantastic fun, with perfect weather conditions and atmosphere to match. It was wonderful to see so many parents attending the events, cheering on their children, and students decked out in their house colours. A big thank you to Mr Liston for organising the days, which require not only a lot of organisation but also additional hours of set-up and pack-up. A big thank you, also, to our teachers who supported the students to achieve their best. I was able to get to the Years Three to Six event for a little while and the students looked like they were enjoying the atmosphere and the day. Mr Moore spent time at the junior event, where the atmosphere was just as fun!

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the outgoing members of our school council, in particular our president, Trevor Hookey. With his children now all off to high school, Trevor will step aside from our council where we will miss his expertise and commitment. We are very grateful for the additional time and dedication that Trevor has put into being on the council and as president. Thanks also to Alan Zhang for his time on council in 2023. Alan and his family relocated this year and we wish them all the best at their new school. Whilst we are saying goodbye to some members, we are also welcoming new faces. Our school council elections are now complete and we are pleased to announce Rael Belterman, Alan Fok, Kate Halford and Skylie Massingham as the successful candidates for the parent positions on council.

Events over the past two weeks have included Year Five students going to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (which they loved!), and district swimming. Staff have attended peer mediation training, and a group of staff attended our first School Wide Positive Behaviours training day.

Coming up, we have Clean Up Orchard Grove Day (whole school, tomorrow!), NAPLAN (Years Three and Five) commencing next week (Wednesday) for two weeks, and our Year Six students are off to Canberra over the next two weeks.

Monday is a public holiday, so have a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend.

Michelle Ogilvie

Principal

"The Grove" News