‘Disruption, fights and theft’: Two schools ban Woolworths Ooshies from their grounds

As Disney Ooshie mania reaches a fever pitch, Gold Coast’s Somerset College and Bellevue Park State School have officially banned the collectible toys from school grounds, and parents appear thrilled at the directives.

Somerset College, an independent primary and secondary school, sent parents a notice which reads: “We have noticed that Ooshies are becoming increasingly popular among our students. While we understand the excitement they bring, we kindly ask that Ooshies remain at home and are not brought to the college.

“This aligns with our general expectation that toys, collectibles, and other personal items are kept at home.

“Doing so helps students stay focused on learning and play, while also ensuring treasured items remain safe and are not accidentally lost or misplaced during the College day.

“We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation at home.”

Somerset College has been contacted for further comment.

Got a story? Email reporter Jo Abi at jabi@nine.com.au.

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Some schools have historically banned popular items due to their disruptive nature. Previous bans have included animal cards, fidget spinners, and even water bottle flipping.

One parent told nine.com.au their children’s primary school restricted students bringing collectibles to school aside from fortnightly trading days every second Friday.

“Parents were told this was to reduce disruption, fights, and theft,” they added.

Independent public school Bellevue Park State School in Queensland recently implemented a ban on popular “squishy” toys “Ooshies and other collectible toys” due to these items causing “distractions, conflict and unfair trading”.

The school shared a post about the ban on Facebook saying it was “effective immediately”.

“Our principal is sending home communication around this matter via email this afternoon. Please make sure you read this email and share the information with your child. We need your support to make sure these items remain safe at home and are not bought to school where they can become lost, damaged or stolen.

“In general, toys of all sorts should remain at home and not come to school unless it is a specific event or day e.g. Teddy Bears Picnic.

“If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact either your child’s classroom teacher or the Engagement Team or Leadership team at school. Thank you for your support.”

Bellevue Park State School has been contacted for further comment.

Parents have overwhelmingly praised the bans, with one commenting on Bellevue Park State School Facebook page: “Thank God!”

Another added: “We need them banned everywhere.”

There further reports of multiple schools implementing bans across the country.

Woolworths Disney Ooshies have proven to be one of the supermarket’s most successful promotions, with parents taking to social media to try and complete their collections.

Woolworths hosted an official trading day on August 8 at Woolworths and Big W stores to assist the process and hopefully calm some families keen to complete their collections. They have since confirmed a second official trading day on August 15.

In addition to the core collection, Woolworths has released a limited number of ultra-rare Ooshies including the Bullseye Flocked Ooshie from Toy Story, Platinum Buzz Lightyear, also from Toy Story, and the Glow-in-the-Dark Exclusive pairs included only in the $10 Collector Case.

These characters include Stitch, Grogu (better known as Baby Yoda), The Mandalorian, or Mike Wazowski.

Prices for listed items range from $90 to some in the tens of thousands. One Bullseye Flocked Ooshie reportedly sold for $100m on eBay, however this sale’s authenticity is being questioned.