TERM 3 WEEK 7/8 NEWSLETTER 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
THANK YOU OEPS P&C!
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our wonderful P&C. So far this year, they have worked to provide the Movie Night, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day Stalls, Easter Hat BBQ as well as catering for our Book Character Parade next week. Funds raised have been used to subsidise excursion costs, learning resources and future school facility upgrades.
As an example, last week’s Fathers’ Day Stall operated predominantly as a service to the community with minimal funds raised from the activity. It was great to see how excited students were about their gifts and no doubt there were many surprised gift recipients over the weekend. Thank you to Kath Bennett, Elizabeth Quinn, Eliza Gibbs and Cassie Buckland as well as assisting staff for this service.
Upcoming P&C events include the Open Day/Character Parade BBQ on Tuesday, 16th Sept, Cookie Dough Drive with sales opening on the 1st Oct and, of great excitement, the OEPS P&C Trivia Night on Saturday, 11th Oct. There will also be Grandparents' Day later in Term 4 (date TBA).
On that note, I am putting a plug forward for interested parents and carers to join the P&C or to take up the invite to volunteer to assist with an event. As you can see, with many upcoming activities, helping hands are most welcome!
The P&C meets two times per term, with meetings capped at a maximum of one hour. You can find details of meetings in the P&C section of the newsletter. Alternatively, you may prefer to volunteer to support various P&C activities. This is also a valuable way to support the school and is very much appreciated! The next P&C Meeting will be on Monday, 15th September starting at 6:30pm.
The P&C can be contacted by emailing: orangeeastpandc@gmail.com
PARENT COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
As a parent or carer, you are an important part of our school community. We know that you play a crucial role in helping your child become a motivated learner. Communication between our school and our community is critical for us to partner together.
To give our staff the opportunity to recharge, spend time with their families and bring their best creative selves to work, we are setting clear expectations for when and how they respond to communication outside school operating hours.
Please note that all Orange East staff are directed not to respond to messages outside of school hours or via non-official communication channels (such as social media or personal phones). This aligns with the Department of Education’s Code of Ethics & Conduct and the Right to Disconnect legislation and is an important measure to safeguard staff wellbeing.
If you have an urgent or time-sensitive concern, we ask parents to contact the school office on 6362 7464.
Alternatively, outside of school hours you may email the relevant staff member, and they will respond during normal work hours. Where appropriate, they may also refer your concern to a supervisor or colleague for follow-up during school business hours. A full list of staff email addresses has been attached to this email and is also available on the School Bytes app or in the newsletter.
For longer discussions or complex matters, we ask parents and carers to make an appointment to speak to teachers directly, at a time that works best for everyone.
Our staff will always stay in touch because open communication is what’s best for your child and their education. We don't want you to stop communicating with staff – we still want to hear from you if you have any questions or need to discuss a matter about your child. We know it’s often easier to send emails or messages after work. We will make sure we read and respond in school operating hours.
Our dedicated staff want to help our students achieve their best – we’re on the same team.
Thank you in anticipation of your support in this matter.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REMINDERS
Congratulations to:
- SASS Staff - Last week was SASS Recognition Week. On behalf of the whole Orange East community, a very big thank you to this amazing group of people who give so much each and every day to our school. Your contribution is extraordinary and we are very lucky to have you!
- Stage 3 Dance Troupe: I had the pleasure of watching you perform for the first time last night at the Performing Arts Project. You were amazing! Well done Mrs Sweeting and thank you to supporting staff.
- Touch Football Gala Day Team: You played with great sportsmanship and enjoyed the day. Well done! Thank you to Mrs Wright and supporting staff.
- 5/6 Galah: Great working supporting our very clever Kinder Bilby students. These experiences will stick with them for many years!
- OEPS Choir: From all reports, you gave an outstanding performance at the Eisteddfod last week. Good luck at the Performing Arts Project tonight, I can't wait to watch you shine!
- OEPS P&C: The Fathers' Day Stall was fantastically organised and very efficiently run. Very much appreciated by the OEPS community.
- Aaron Willis: Aaron has been working in our school over the past two terms, delivering the 'Our Healthy Kids' program to Stage 2/3. The students absolutely love learning from Aaron and about the program. Next stop, Stage 1 in Term 4!
- Kinder Transition Team: Many thanks to Mr Cook, Mrs Wright, Miss Hay, Mrs Warren, Miss Reilly and Mrs Roxburgh for a great presentation about Kinder Transition last week. Very informative and helpful to all who attended.
Good luck to:
- OEPS Debating Team B: Best of luck in your semi-final debate against Coolah Central School on Thursday, 11th September. We know you will represent with pride and determination!
- OEPS Debating Team A: Good luck in your semi-final debate against Mudgee Public School on Thursday, 18th September. Take it to them!
- OEPS Inclusive Multi-Sports Team: Have a great day competing against other students and schools. I know you will represent Orange East with pride!
- High School Transition Students - As we approach the latter part of Term 3, high school transition activities are well and truly underway across a number of schools. Best of luck to our amazing Year 6 students as they make these first steps into 'even-bigger' school!
- Western Region Athletics Students - Good luck to Jack Lawry and Oliver Costello over at the Western Region Athletics Carnival on Friday, 19th September. Oliver will compete in the Long Jump and 100m race, and Jack will compete in the Shot Put.
Save the Date:
- Book Character Parade/Open Classrooms: Tuesday, 16th September (Week 9).
- Term 3 PBL Award Assemblies: Friday, 26th September (Week 10).
- OEPS P&C Trivia Night: Saturday, 11th October
- Last day for students this term: Friday, 26th September
- First day back for students in Term 4: Tuesday, 14th October
OFFICE VISITORS
Stir Fry Pork today - scored a respectable 9/10. Lost 1/2 a mark each for not enough salt and pepper.
FEATURE CLASS
OEPS SASS TEAM
SASS RECOGNITION WEEK
Last week was SASS Recognition Week, a reminder of how important our School Administrative and Support Staff are to our school community. Their work touches every part of school life and helps ensure things run smoothly for students, staff and families.
Included in this recognition are School Learning Support Officers, office staff, maintenance, cleaning, canteen and clothing pool and our school chaplain. Each contributes in different but equally valuable ways, and together they provide support, care and expertise that our school depends on.
We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team who are always there to assist, and we thank them for the many skills they bring to our school every day.
SCHOOL NEWS
2026 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS
Plans are now well underway for our incoming 2026 Kindergarten students and in particular, our school transition processes. If you intend to enrol a kindergarten student for next year, or know of someone who will be, please ensure enrolments are placed via the school office as soon as possible. Our enrolment panel convened last week, with offers going out to successful applicants.
SUMMARY OF KEY DATES
- OEPS Supported Transition Playgroup – Commences Mid-Term 3 (Thursday, 28th August)
- Kinder Transition Sessions – Commence Early Term 4 (Thursday, 23rd October)
Please see the attachment below for more information about our 2026 Kinder enrolment process and Transition to School Program.
OPEN CLASSROOM/CHARACTER PARADE
Excitement is building for our School Open Day (open classrooms) and Book Character Parade which is set for Tuesday, 16th September. The Book Week theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure!’. T
Schedule for the Day
As per previous years, students are invited to come dressed as their favourite book character. The Book Week theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure!’.
he format for the day will be Open Classrooms from 11:30am - 12:20pm, Book Character Parade at 12:25pm followed by a BBQ at 1:10pm. All parents/caregivers and wider family are welcome to attend.
P&C BBQ
Please note that BBQ preorders opened last week via the QuickCliq canteen app and will close at 9:30am this Friday 12th September. There is a link below for instructions on how to order.
A reminder, when ordering, it is important that you select the event date: Tuesday, 16th September.
Cash/EFTPOS sales will still be available at the BBQ, though we do encourage people to bring change/smaller denominations where possible.
- Sausage sandwich - $3.50 (GF available)
- Water/cans of drink - $2
- Poppas - $1.50
Volunteering
We love parent involvement at Orange East. If you would like to assist with the Easter Hat BBQ, please contact the P&C to put your name forward: orangeeastpandc@gmail.com
OPEN DAY/CHARACTER PARADE BOOK FAIR
Opportunity for parent Book Fair preview: come to the Library on Thursday afternoon (11th Sept) from 3:20 until 6pm to preview the books that are for sale.
Opening hours and payment methods for instore purchases: Parents/carers are welcome to take students down to the Library between 11am and 2:30pm to select and purchase a book/s. Payments can be made either by cash or EFTPOS.
Student 'wishlists': this week all students are visiting the Library and taking home a 'wishlist' of an item(s) that parents may be interested in purchasing.
Two different book suppliers: Books for the fair are being supplied by Scholastic and by Collins Bookstore Orange (at a 20% discount on RRP). Students have been instructed to colour the titles on their 'wishlists' either yellow (from Scholastic) or green (from Collins Bookstore Orange).
Online ordering: is only available for items supplied by Scholastic. Items from Collins Bookstore can only be purchased on the day using card or cash.
Instructions for scholastic online ordering: go to https://scholastic.com.au/book-fairs/payments and follow the payment instructions which are printed on the back of the 'wishlist'. When ordering online, it is important to provide the school with the wishlist, complete with student name, class, book title, price, receipt number and total amount paid.
Reorders: there are two to four physical copies of most titles in the Book Fair. The last copy of each title will need to remain on display until the Book Fair has concluded. Where each of these physical items have already been sold to other students, you may still pay either through the online method (Scholastic only) or on the day (card or cash) and we will reorder your book for you. These reorders should arrive early in Term 4.
Further questions: please email james.meares@det.nsw.edu.au
PBL AWARD ASSEMBLIES - FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
Our Term 3 PBL Award Assemblies will be held in Week 10, Friday 26th September in the school hall. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend. This term we will hold four presentations to distribute the audience so that as many people as possible can fit into the hall for each presentation. Please see below for specific times and classes:
| 9:20 - 9:45am | Kinder Bilby Kinder Kangaroo |
| 9:45 - 10:10am | 1 Quokka 1/2 Panda 2 Koala |
| 10:10 - 10:35am | 3/4 Parrot 3/4 Kookaburra 3/4 Wallaby |
| 10:35 - 11am | 5/6 Galah 5/6 Wombat 5/6 Crocodile |
Please note that the cut-off date for 'Yetis/Dojos' to be recorded this term is Wednesday, 17th September - to allow us time to collate results, organise awards and the distribution of invitations to parents. Parents/carer invitations will be sent out via email in Week 9 notifying you if your child/ren will be receiving a new level.
A reminder: it is possible that students may be presented with two levels during a term. It is also possible for a student to have an assembly where they do not receive an award as during the term they did not quite progress another level since the previous term’s award assembly . This is not necessarily a reflection of a poor effort across the term and in all likelihood they may have been just a few ‘Yetis’ short.
Further information can be found at the link below.
CLOTHING POOL
The Clothing Pool is open every Wednesday morning from 8:40 to 9:10 AM. Afternoons are available by appointment only. A reminder that the Clothing Pool has moved to the former General Assistant/Cleaner's Shed, located next to the disabled toilet.
Due to high demand for sizes 8, 10, and 12, there is currently very limited availability of second-hand items.
We kindly remind all parents to label their child's uniform items with their name. This will help ensure that lost items are returned quickly.
The Clothing Pool also welcomes donations of clothing. Please drop off items at the office or Clothing Pool on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Thank you for your support!
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND STUDENT ABSENCES
We are committed to working with you to offer support and remove any barriers that may be preventing your child from regularly attending school.
Please remember that the NSW Education Act requires that all student absences must be explained within 7 days of the first day of them being away from school. Please contact us promptly whenever your child is absent and let us know the reason for them being away. This allows us to provide the right support and make sure your child's absences are recorded correctly. Absences can be explained via the School Bytes App or Parent Portal, email, note, phone call or in person.
Explaining Student Absences Using School Bytes
In the event your child has repeated or ongoing unexplained absences, we will continue to try to contact you about each absence to provide appropriate support for you and your family.
We know that for our students every day of school matters.
Missing a day here or there may not seem like much, but absences add up and can negatively impact your child's learning and wellbeing. When your child misses one day a week, that's 40 days of school and 8 weeks of learning in one year. Over an entire school journey this adds up to 2.5 years of lost learning.
If you have any questions or if you need support with your child’s attendance, please contact our School Attendance Monitor, Miss Croker - 6362 7464 or alison.croker@det.nsw.edu.au.
CURRENT FORMS/PERMISSION NOTES
| WHAT | COST | WHEN/WHERE | WHO | DUE WHEN |
| Inclusive Multi-Sports Day | $5 | Wednesday 17 Sept Orange PCYC | Select students K-4 | Wednesday 10 Sept |
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Staff Development Day
13 Oct 2025 - 14 Oct 2025 |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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NAIDOC March
9:20 AM - 12:30 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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FRIDAY ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY INFORMATION
In 2025 we will continue with our regular alternating Friday Assembly with parents and carers invited to attend. The assembly commences at 2pm on Friday in the School Hall. Each week the assembly will alternate between Primary (Yr 3-6) and Infants (K-2).
On Friday mornings from 8:40am, either Infants or Primary students (corresponding with the assembly weeks listed below) are invited to bring their lots of 10 Blue Merit Awards to the office for stamping. During the day, we will also process Principal Awards and Homereading Awards. These awards and the Safe Respectful Learner Awards will be presented at the assembly after lunch.
Parents will receive a notification early in the week via the School Bytes app if your child is receiving a Principal’s Award.
Photos of the award recipients will continue be included in the newsletter the following week.
Please note the roster below:
Term 3
- Week 8 – Friday, 12th September (Primary, Yr 3-6)
- Week 9 – Friday, 19th September (Infants, K-2)
- Week 10 - PBL Award Assemblies Friday, 26th September
WEEK 6 PRIMARY ASSEMBLY
WEEK 7 INFANTS ASSEMBLY
A MINUTE WITH...
HUDSON JONES – 5/6 GALAH
If you could time-travel, where (or when) would you go?
12 years into the future to see how my life turned out.
If you could teach a class on anything, what would you teach?
Probably the multiplication booklet that we are doing right now, I’m pretty good at it.
What do you think your teacher does for fun after school?
Goes to a park, no… shopping. I’m not a stalker so I don’t really know. I’m just guessing.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
People dying.
What’s one thing you wish grown-ups understood about kids?
All the memes. Because when you say them, they are like “What does that even mean?”
FINN GANDER – 1 QUOKKA
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen a grown-up do?
Maybe when my Dad and me went to the lake. My dad was trying to catch a fish and he threw his fishing rod out of the kayak into the water instead.
What’s the best thing about being a kid?
I really like going to school so I can learn in the classroom and play with my friends.
If you could give a gift to every child in the world, what would it be?
Maybe I’d give them a computer or something. Kids like them.
If you could teach an animal to do a trick, what animal would you choose and what trick would you teach it?
Maybe a Border Collie, I would teach it to ride a skateboard. That would be so funny.
What do you want to be when you grow up, and why?
I want to be a Zookeeper. I could visit the Otters each day to see them swim and splash in the pool.
What is the best thing about our school?
We have great play areas at our school, the best ones.
RUNA MORGAN – 5/6 WOMBAT
What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you?
When I was in Kindy, a Year 6 student asked me to play tip. I appreciated it because I was all alone.
What makes you feel really proud?
Becoming a soloist in choir, debating, basketball, I just love all the extra stuff I do.
If you could give yourself a new name, what would it be?
Amber
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen a grown-up do?
Today, our piano player was sitting on a stack of chairs and then we heard a ‘crack’ and they all fell down and he was on the floor.
What’s the one thing you’d love to learn how to do?
More basketball
What’s the best thing about being a kid?
Freedom (open her arms up wide to rejoice)
P&C NEWS
P&C MEETINGS 2025
Term 3 Meetings
- Week 9 - Monday, 15th September @ 6:30pm
Term 4 Meetings
- Week 3 - Tuesday, 28th October @ 6:30pm
- Week 8 - Tuesday, 2nd December @ 6:30pm
Meetings are held between 6:30 - 7:30pm in the Staffroom with access from the Spring Street entrance (see map below). Meeting length is strictly limited to one hour or less if possible! New members are warmly welcomed. Do not hesitate to contact the school office if you would like further information.
Parents and carers can also opt to join via Zoom Meeting:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/8018279751?pwd=fZEKBn6L7hE4yZUuhsMNHKPPJzMRTH.1&omn=81359200690
Meeting ID: 801 827 9751
Passcode: OEPS
JOINING THE P&C OR VOLUNTEERING
We love parent involvement at Orange East. You can volunteer in the classroom, working bees, help cook at BBQ's, share your professional or special interest skills, join a committee and more. Please complete this online form to register your interest and the P&C will email you details of upcoming events and P&C meetings for your calendar.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
