Dear Parents

This is the final newsletter of the year and what a year it has been. This is the first full year of school for our students since 2019 and what an engaging, productive, fulfilling and rewarding year it has been for them all. This year I have led our school as Relieving Principal and feel very proud and honoured to do so.

Without doubt 2022 has been an extremely busy year with many opportunities and changes. Teaching and Learning at our school has continued to raise progress and achievements despite the ever changing social, learning and emotional needs of our students.

At OFPS, so many noteworthy individual and collective activities have taken place in 2022. It is impossible to outline them all, but there have been many significant moments for students, staff and the community this year:

Firstly, we can be proud of the academic achievements of many individual students as well as the school overall.
We continue to use the digital technology space where students undertake practical, hands on coding and innovative technology activities.
Our Creative and Practical Arts Program continues to engage many of our students who have performed at special school events, Dance Festival, Southern Stars and school assemblies and concerts. Thank you to all the teachers and students who have contributed to the Arts program at our school and to the many parents who support their children’s involvement.
We have enjoyed participating in many whole school events, academic competitions, engaging literacy and numeracy opportunities, whole school and Community of Schools events, the P&C Colour Run and many other fun P&C activities, the SRC, leadership and a great number of worthwhile extra curricular activities.
Our partnership with Oak Flats High School continues to provide enriching opportunities for our students with a shared commitment to support positive student transition and schooling beyond primary school. We have valued the partnerships that have been formed with our local primary schools, through the Oak Flats Community of Schools. The programs run together including Gala Days, Public Speaking and Literacy programs have provided a wonderful level of support to students as they transition from primary school to high school. The collegial relationships developed have benefitted all students and staff from this Community of Schools.
Our wonderful sporting achievements at district, state and national level as well as hugely successful carnivals.

I am proud to say that our teachers and Executive are deeply invested in providing quality teaching and learning to ensure students achieve to their potential. I would like to sincerely thank them for their commitment and dedication to their students and Public Education. I count myself extremely privileged to work with such a dedicated team.

I also extend my sincere thanks and recognition to the school administration staff, our Learning Support Officers and our maintenance and cleaning staff, who work in the background to support the operation of the school and our teachers in delivering their learning programs.

In continuing my thanks, I would like to acknowledge our parents and families for your support of the school and for allowing us the opportunity to work in partnership with you. The strong support of parents and carers continues to assist us to shape the learning pathways for the many students in our care.

Finally, I would now like to acknowledge and thank Mrs Daliya Phipps who is leaving our school to take on another role in the Department. Mrs Phipps has been the Substantive School Principal at Oak Flats Public School for 6 years, arriving at Oak Flats Public School in 2016. On behalf of the whole school community I would like to thank Mrs Phipps for her outstanding, dedicated, industrious, and committed leadership to the staff, students and community of Oak Flats Public School. You have transformed this school in so many ways and during your time as Principal have been visionary, an effective listener, strong communicator, organised and prepared, fair and consistent, developed strong relationships with so many stakeholders and led this school with distinction. Thank you for everything you have done over the years. You will be missed by us all.

Farewell Year 6

As we prepare to officially welcome our newest Kindergarten cohort to our team, it is time for us to say our final farewell to our Year 6 students. Over the course of the year, our Year 6 students have demonstrated excellent leadership, responsibility and resilience. They have willingly undertaken additional leadership opportunities around the school. I would like to thank our Year 6 team for their contributions towards our school and look forward to celebrating their successes as they progress on to the next chapter in their lives.

Staffing Update

As we come to the end of another year, there will be some staffing changes to our school in 2023. Mr James Lloyd will be leaving us at the end of the year and has taken up an Assistant Principal position at another school in the Illawarra. While his stay at Oak Flats Public School was short, Mr Lloyd will be greatly missed by students, staff and the broader community.

Mrs Sarah Beesley was offered a full time teaching position at Tullimbar Public School. Mrs Beesley has been at our school for some time and the last three years has spent her time in the Preschool. Mrs Beesley will always be remembered as a passionate, dynamic, enthusiastic and brighter than life individual and teacher. Mrs Beesley has been a loved member of the Oak Flats Public School community and we wish her all the best in her new role.

The Oak Flats Public School P&C

The Oak Flats Public School P&C is an active and engaged group in our school community and work tirelessly to promote and facilitate the many ways in which our strong school community comes together. This year once again it has been a pleasure to work with our incredible P&C, led by Mr Higgins. I have valued your support as we have built a supporting and nurturing school community. From P&C Barbeques to your support at our 70th Birthday Celebrations, to hosting our school discos, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls and of course the amazing Colour Explosion Fun Run. We thank you ever so much. You have helped our school with the purchasing of decodable readers across the school K-6 and achieved your goal of ensuring our school goes solar, with the installation of solar panels on the roof of our school hall.

Presentation Day Assembly

It was wonderful to once again have a K-6 Presentation Assembly in the Senior Cola and to see so many families, carers and parents celebrate and recognise our students' achievements. I would like to congratulate all our Award Recipients.

A special congratulations to our new school leaders announced at Presentation Day on Monday - Junaid B, Scarlett O, Tyler S and Layla W.

Bendigo Bank

I would like to thank Bendigo Bank for their kind and generous donation of $500 to our school this week. Bendigo Bank has always been a proud supporter of Oak Flats Public School and we are very thankful and appreciative of their continued support.

Return to School - 2023

Students 1-6 return to Oak Flats Primary School on 31 January 2023.

Our Kindergarten students will begin the year with adjusted times as outlined in the Best Start note that went out to families this week.

To our returning staff, students and families we look forward to strengthening our relationship with you and embarking on the journey of the 2023 school year together.

I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, a happy and safe holiday and a wonderful New Year. I look forward to seeing our students and families return in 2023.

Best wishes always,

Alice Wigny

Preschool Enrolments 2023