From the Principal 

Dear Families,

Inclusive Schools Fund: Last week MP Gayle Tierney visited OGPS and announced to the staff that we were one of the schools awarded a $200,00 inclusive schools grant. Preparing, planning and writing a grant is not an easy task and much of the credit needs to go to Greg Pascoe-Leahy who liaised with Kristy, Judy and I, accessed our wonderful Inclusion Sub-Committee and their contacts to compile research and evidence. We were also supported by King’s Landscaping where Steph and Jason helped prepare a scope of works and plan for the vacant block of land near the bike shed and Year 4 portables. Thanks to all involved and we have already started discussions with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA). A full scope of works and plan will be shared when it is ready.

Year 4 Camp: Have a great time at Cave Hill Creek everyone. We look forward to seeing you on Friday but hope you all enjoy the challenges and experiences in front of you.

School Council: We met last night to discuss many aspects of school life. From staffing and curriculum to facilities and finance. Thanks to the parents and staff that make up school council. We all have a common goal and that is to make OGPS an even better place than it was. 

Fundraising: School Council endorsed a 2021 Digital fundraiser! While we can’t have our usual Apple Fair, Council are aiming to provide businesses and families the opportunity to support the school financially to achieve significant piece of playground equipment. With less set up, baking, ordering, meetings, planning, pack up and all things Apple Fair, we hope parents will get involved on a new level. 

There will be more information coming soon but if you are keen to be involved in setting up and organising some of this event, then reach out so we can put you in touch with the committee. Also, check out the Year 6 student flyer they made to motivate and inspire you to support them and all kids on our school. 

NAPLAN: Congratulations to our Year 3 and 5 students on the completion of NAPLAN. The students are to be commended for their efforts and mindset during the duration of this national testing. The Year 3 & 5 teachers and students have done an amazing job negotiating their way through this national standardised testing regime. Like in many aspects of life, some students will have excelled, some done well and some may not do as well as they wished. I have the confidence in the teachers and you as parents that no matter how your child went, you will continue to support your child in their learning.

Judy Webb: Some of you may have heard that Judy Webb, our Business Manager of 29 years, handed me a letter of resignation/retirement… I may have misplaced it several times as Judy is an integral part of our school, staff, admin team and has been a rock of support for so many families, students, teachers and principals, including me. Judy tried to retire about two years ago (around the same time I arrived at OGPS) but has stayed to support Kristy and I in our roles, help renovate the Admin area, guide us at School Council and ultimately gave us an extra two years. Well, we still have at least 5 weeks of Judy with us and we currently have an advertised vacancy for 6 months online so we will let you know the successful candidate soon. On behalf of the community, I wish Judy nothing but the best and thank her for her 29 years of dedication to this community. Please pop in or send her a message to acknowledge her, her work and career before we lose an absolute gem of a person.

ES Day: Sunday 16th May was ES (Education Support) staff day. I know I write on behalf of our school community when I sincerely thank our ES staff for all of the wonderful work they do with our students, families and staff. The staff celebrated over a beautiful morning tea on Monday morning. Thanks again to our wonderful support staff – we could not do this job without you!

Reminder:  OGPS celebrates education week, next week – open morning Tuesday 25th and  Prep school tours are on Wednesday 26th (all tour bookings are online).  There are so many activities planned and ready to go! 

Have a great week everyone.

Scott McCumber & Kristy Hannan-Cuthbertson 

Principal                    Assistant Principal