Principal's Report

Thank you

I would like to begin my entry in this newsletter by thanking all of our staff who have been continuing to do such a brilliant job in maintaining the high quality learning for all students throughout this first term, even with all of the COVID interruptions. I myself experienced COVID lockdown recently and am so appreciative for the way our staff have showed great positivity, resilience and commitment to our school throughout the beginning of the firsT term. Upon returning this week, I have also been so proud to walk around our Learning Communities each day and see how all of the students have continued to apply themselves to all learning in such a positive way. 

Outdoor Film Night

Whilst I was unable to attend Friday night myself due to COVID isolation, it was wonderful hearing from all of our students and community members about the wonderful night that was had by all. Despite the threat of some rain, we still had an amazing turnout. It was so nice to see our community coming together after hours; children playing and laughing, parents connecting, a movie being taken in and some yummy food to top it all off. It was especially pleasing to see, given our inability to run many community events since our last movie night, due to COVID. Establishing and maintaining close community connections is important to us at OPPS and we feel that Friday was incredibly entertaining and well-received by all in attendance. Many thanks to everyone who turned out. 

Another positive to come out of the night was the sausage sizzle that was organised and run by our School Council (despite a couple of members in isolation!) and some of our Teaching staff. Sausages were in hot demand and the team had trouble keeping up a couple of times, but we sold plenty and with all supplies having been kindly donated, we raised plenty of money that will be used to further boost our banks of literacy and numeracy supplies. 

Professional Practice Days

Throughout this week and next, our teams of teachers are being released from their teaching duties to come together and further develop their collective capacity to develop rich learning experiences for our students in Mathematics. Led by our Learning Specialists, Alana Sutherland and Kayla Campbell, teams have explored the key components of our lesson structure and how they can further enhance the learning for our students in each Maths lesson. Teams have planned learning tasks, trialled these lessons and reflected upon their practice and impact throughout these days. These days are incredibly beneficial for further strengthening our teaching practice and will only further benefit the learning of the students in their future maths lessons.

Later this year, we will be running some parent information sessions to provide our families with an insight into the research behind our teaching approaches in Mathematics. Stay tuned for more information next term around this.