Principal Report & School Information
From the Principal...
It continues to be a very smooth transition back to school this term. I hope our OPS community had a relaxing and restful break over the summer months. It was clear many OPS families chose to travel abroad and interstate with far less restrictions than in previous years. The students are still buzzing after returning to school and so many of them have stopped to share wonderful tales about family time, travelling and holiday fun. Recently, we officially welcomed the Foundation children who began their first full day at school. The teachers have created a lovely work area for our Foundation grades. I again thank the Foundation team, consisting of Emma Mc and Jess D for their preparation over the past couple of weeks. The Foundation students continue to participate in Literacy and Numeracy assessment tasks, providing vital information to the teaching team around their specific learning needs.
Staff Welcome
We welcome all the new staff to OPS. This includes Karen Abrahams in Year 1 and Tim Andrews in Year 5. The specialist team comprises Andria A in Art (NEW), Dorothy M in STEAM, Anna P in Korean, Nicola L in Performing Arts (NEW) and Michael P in PE. Please see little bio's about each of our new staff below.
The recent information evenings were well attended and families who could not attend appreciated the opportunity to join online or to view level slide shows at a later date. The information evenings are an overview of curriculum, upcoming events, timetables, extra-curricular activities and specialist subjects. This was summarised in the termly overview which has been distributed for each area.
You Tell Us Interviews will be held on Wednesday 22nd February 3:40pm to 5:30pm.
These voluntary, informal interviews for Year 1-6 parents provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss any social, emotional or medical concerns your child may have. These are not an academic progress interview. Bookings are now open via the Compass Parent Portal. Bookings will close 4pm Tuesday 21st February.
Parent Participation
A feature of an effective school can be measured in part by parent participation and input. At OPS we welcome and encourage parent participation as it supports everything we do. It is our hope that as the year progresses, parents will be given many opportunities to be involved in the school and I encourage all parents to offer their assistance where and when possible.
As school council members please encourage others to engage in the following:
- Class Representative Program
- Working Bees
- Parents and Friends’ Committee
- School Council
- Excursions
- Sporting Events
- Classroom Programs (as negotiated with classroom teachers)
- Performing Arts or STEAM Support
All volunteers must have a valid Working With Childrens Card and complete the school's Child Safe Code of Conduct with the front office.
Facilities and Grounds
Our maintenance guru Jerry, continues to clean and fix up multiple issues around the school. He has worked tirelessly to clear gutters and drainage around the school, and he has continued to clear the grounds of leaves and debris. This was evident today in preparation for the welcome picnic. We thank him so much for his efforts as this is a massive job which needs to occur on a regular basis, particularly after the windy weather we have experienced. The school did receive an official report about the drainage and flooding issues at the school, which has been tabled at school council. At this stage, repairs to any identified OHS issues has not commenced. Our shade sail construction is currently underway with building works happening outside the STEAM room and hall. We understand this may alter exit and entry points to parts of the school with temporary fencing required till works are complete.
Camps
Our school and most departmental schools have been grappling to accommodate the new agreement and staff time in lieu. This is also significant in relation to the provision of school camps. There are many considerations and hurdles to overcome moving forward with this. OPS is not objecting to parent involvement and attendance, but ratios for qualified staff to students must continue to be met. There is the consideration around first aid, communications, child safe standards and privacy. Due to the new agreement only being passed last year, many schools have chosen to ‘down-size’ camps and offer richer day experiences for other levels. After much deliberation, that is what the school has chosen to do for 2023. There have been no additional funds allocated to schools to cover the conditions outlined in the new agreement, particularly in the areas of supporting teacher workload and time in lieu.
Therefore, Ormond PS has outlined the following plan for camps and bigger experiences in 2023:
- Year 3 – ‘Big Experience’ for a day completing a taster of camp outdoor activities (currently being investigated for a suitable date)
- Year 4 – Camp to Lady Northcote in Term 4 (2 nights)
- Year 5 – Big Experiences each term commencing with Life Saving in Term One, then Sovereign Hill in Term Two which will be an extended day out, linking into their Humanities unit of inquiry.
- Year 6 – Anglesea beach and surf camp (linked to our swimming program for the senior grades) late in Term 3 (2 nights)
Annual General Meeting & School Council
There will be two significant Annual General Meetings in March – Parents & Friends and School Council. At the school council AGM, we will share the annual report from 2022 and new office bearers and members will be elected. We have 5 vacant positions due to current School Council members completing their tenure of service. These people can be re-nominated in accordance with the school council election guidelines. If interest goes beyond the number of positions to be filled, then we will need to undertake a ballot process. This is the same for staff representation on the council, as well. New parent or staff members are always welcome! More information including the nomination forms are in this newsletter as well as on Compass. You can also collect forms in person at the front office. Nominations must be lodged by 4:00pm on Monday 27th February.
Curriculum Day - Friday 3rd March
Please mark Friday 3rd March in your diary as a Curriculum Day (Student Free Day) as staff complete further mandated First Aid Training.
Out of School Hours Care will be available for those families who are enrolled in the program and required care on this day. Please contact April on 03 9578 5826 to book.
Finally, I look forward to seeing you all at the welcome picnic tonight and I hope the change in weather will hold off for us!
Kerri McLeod
Principal
Out of School Hours Care
Cancellations
Parents please remember to cancel your children’s Before & After School Care bookings by texting your cancellation to the program mobile Text 0439 111 026. Cancellation charges apply if not notified.
Child Care Subsidy
If you are new to the program please update your children’s enrolment with Ormond Primary, Out of School Hours Program on the myGov app or website to ensure you receive your Child Care Subsidy.
Curriculum Day - Friday 3rd March
Hours: 8.00am to 6.00pm.
Cost $65.00 per child
This cost is covered by the Child Care Subsidy for Eligible Families. Curriculum Day Bookings close Wednesday 1st March 2023.
If you require care on the Curriculum Day, please add your child’s name to the booking sheet on the sign out table or text your booking to 0439 111 026.
April Kopitz
Out of School Hours Coordinator
AGM & School Council - Notice of Election and call for Nominees
An election is to be conducted for member of the School Council of Ormond Primary School.
Nomination Forms may be obtained below, in the newsletter or in person from the Front office and must be lodged by 4:00pm on Monday 27th February.
Should a ballot be required, it will close at 4:00pm on Monday 6th March. A ballot only occurs if there are too many people nominated for the number of positions vacant.
The terms of office, membership categories and number of positions in each membership category open for election are as follows:
Parent Member Term of Office
From the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2023 to and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2025 there are 5 vacant positions.
If the number of nominations is less than the number of vacancies, a notice to that effect and calling for further nominations will be posted in a prominent position at the school.
We are inviting anyone with an interest in being on the council to nominate themselves or others by the close of lodging date above.
The AGM will be held on Wednesday 15th March with the office bearing positions are decided and then the new council commences its’ first official meeting.
Upcoming Parent Webinars
Managing Big Feelings (Recommended for Foundation to Year 2 parents)
Presenter: Carley McGauran
Date: Wednesday 8 March
Time: 7.30pm (75 min)
Raising Kids in a Digital World 2023 (Recommended for all families)
Presenters: Marty McGauran and Carley McGauran
Date: Thursday 23 March
Time: 7.30pm (90min)
*** Please refer to Compass for the registration links ***
Once parents register (with an email address and name), you will be emailed a link to the webinar.You will also receive reminder emails. The following day, they will receive a link to access the replay. Therefore we recommend that even if parents are unable to attend the live webinar, they register to ensure they can access the replay which will be available for 30 days.
Icy Pole Days
In term one, P and F will be running two icy pole days where we sell icy poles to the students after lunch. The icy pole days are scheduled for February 24 and March 24. The icy poles are $1 each. Please ensure that your child brings in exact money as we are unable to provide change.
School Photo Day Thursday 2nd March
The whole school photo day is fast approaching on Thursday 2nd March.
Families can now order their photo packs via their Compass Portal. Sibling/Family photos can also be ordered via the portal.
All students will still have their photo taken for administration purposes, even if you do not wish to order. Please place your orders no later than Friday 24th February.
Please contact MSP directly for any photo pack/payment enquiries.
Please understand that we cannot give you an exact time of when your child's photo will take place. If you have committments or if your child is unwell/absent on this day, please contact MSP directly to arrange a time to reschedule. They often have catch up sessions in the school holidays or can fit you in to another local school photo day for their individual portaits. Unfortunately group/class photos cannot be rescheduled.
School Dental Program
In the next few days your child will receive a Smile Squad dental pack. The pack includes all the tools your child needs for good oral health – a full sized tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush and a brochure full of helpful hints and tips for a healthy smile. Smile Squad is a Victorian Government program that provides free dental care to all primary, secondary and specialist school students enrolled in government schools across Victoria. Smile Squad will be visiting our school in the future but are not ready just yet. For more information on the program, you can visit the Smile Squad website at: www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au
Meet Miss Abrahams
Hello! My name is Karen.
I am so excited to be working at OPS this year and teaching in Year 1. I live by the beach with my 7 year old daughter, Jessie. She is also just starting Year 1. We have a cheeky, two year old French bulldog called Marlow. I grew up nearby in Bentleigh East and have three brothers. Two of them live in Brisbane with their families so we fly up there often. I used to also be a flight attendant, so I love travelling and exploring new places. Some of my faveourite things are movies, the beach, animals, exercising, my Thermomix, reading and dining out.
Meet Mr Andrews!
Hello, my name is Tim!
I was previously a teacher at Beaconsfield Upper Primary School and before that I taught in London for two years. I have taught across all year levels over my career. I enjoy weekends going to sporting events, concerts, movies and beach days. I have a little dog who is 15 years old, he loves going on adventures. It has been amazing to meet all the teachers, students and parents so far. I am very excited for the year ahead.
Meet Ms Arendze!
Hello, I’m Andria the Visual Arts Teacher for Semester 1.
I am originally from Cape Town South Africa and immigrated to Australia when I was 7. I grew up along the Mornington Peninsula and in Queensland. One of my favourite things to do is travel. I have travelled to Africa, North America and throughout Asia. I also lived and worked in Japan as an English Sensei (teacher). In my spare time I love to create my own art as gifts for family and friends. I love to paint landscapes, create Mexican style crosses and photograph coastal regions of Australia. I also love singing jazz and pop with my music friends and I am a chorus soprano singer in Millennium Opera Victoria. I am very grateful to be at Ormond Primary School and enjoying getting to know all the students and staff and exploring art with all the students at the school.
Meet Mrs Lane!
Hello! I'm Nicola, and I am the Performong Arts teacher. Some of my favourite things include Food = Cake, Drink = Tea, Band = The Cat Empire, Movie = The Sound of Music, TV Show = QI. Some of my hobbies include textile & fibre crafting, fashion history and cycling. I moved to Melbourne in April 2021 after living in England for 5 years. I had a baby girl in November 2021 and I have loved spending the first year as a full-time mum. I’m excited to have joined the staff at Ormond Primary and am looking forward to discovering the many creative talents and interests amongst the students.