From the Principal 

Reminder: 

Last Day Of Term 1- Friday, 8th April 

Early 2.30pm Finish

Dear families,

Friday night BBQ: What a great turn out last Friday night! No sausages left over after many families enjoyed a catch up. A massive thanks to the P&F who organised the event and a special thanks to Bakers Delight at the Marketplace and Kingston (an OGPS family - Fisher family) for their kind donation of all the bread to wrap up the yummy sausages! Looking forward to the next catch up for our community. 

Random act of kindness: this week I received an email from a grandparent who was collecting his grandson on Friday. It reads: 

“I would like to let you how impressed I was with one of your students last week. 

On Friday I picked up my grandson Oscar - as I do occasionally. He’s in prep. He was excited to show me something and took me around the corner where there were kids getting sausages in bread. 

When I asked for one I was told a coin donation was required. Unfortunately, I hadn’t brought any cash at all. However, as I was explaining this to a disappointed Oscar, a young boy came up to us and held out a dollar coin. I didn’t get his name and Oscar didn’t know him. I’d say he was grade 4-6. I was very touched by his act of kindness - the boy is a credit to his school and parents. And Oscar enjoyed his sausage. Andrew”

How good is that!!! And then when I shared this with staff, Richard Hughes sent me an email about our basketball team being inclusive of a student with a disability from another school where they encouraged the player to dribble and take shots. This student’s mother commended our team and was so grateful that her child was included and felt part of a team that he contributed to. 

What a fantastic way to finish this term with these great stories. 

Caroline Lawrence: We wish Caz all the very best as she begins her maternity leave at the end of the week. Thanks for all of your hard work, passion and dedication to the OGPS community Caz. You will be missed. 

Garry the Cleaner: We will also say goodbye to Gary, our dear cleaner. Gary’s last day will be on the 22nd April (during the holidays). He will be on site tomorrow and Friday. Students may like to write Gary a message before he departs OGPS and relocates to Bullengarook with his wife. We wish Gary all the very best in his retirement and sincerely thanks him for the dedication to our school. 

Lightning Premierships: A great day on Friday at the Lightning Prems – thanks Mia for all of your work and organisation and to the students who represented us. Not only displaying great sportsmanship but also respect, manners and playing in the right spirits. Thanks to staff and parent volunteers. 

Fire drill: As part of our Emergency Management procedures, we conduct various drills. Fire drills, lock downs, etc. A fire drill was held yesterday, and we reflect on what went well and how we can improve. Please talk to your children about the importance of following directions in these drills in the event we have to execute one in the future. 

Air purifiers: Another batch of purifiers arrived and are placed in most rooms. Some spaces have two depending on the numbers of students who use the space. 

Swimmers: Yesterday we had 10 students representing OGPS at the Regional Swimming carnival. Congratulations to you all and I am sure we will hear all about how you went soon. Well done. 

Brainstorm Theatre: The Brainstorm Theatre performance was conducted today. Another great extra curricular opportunity for students to enjoy and learn in.

Casual dress: Casual dress day and special lunch orders will be on Thursday along with the STOMP concert. Thanks to all of those people that have contributed to getting these events off the ground.

Cross Country: The OGPS Cross Country will be on Friday and it’s looking like it could be a cracker of a day! Also an early finish time of 2:30pm. From all reports the good weather has been ordered and a new 1km loop track will be on show. Any student being taken home after the event MUST be signed out by the teacher.

ANZAC day: Due to COVID-19 restrictions only one of our School Captains will be representing OGPS at the local ANZAC day ceremony in the park. We know they will be respectful and place a wreath in memory of those who have fallen during conflict. 

End of term: It has been an amazingly long and busy term. We have certainly ramped things up with excursions, incursions, sports, etc and it is nearly time for a well deserved rest. Please enjoy the holidays and we will see everyone on TUESDAY 26th April after ANZAC day. 

Enjoy a well-deserved break everyone. 

Scott McCumber

Principal