Principal's Message

Principal's Message

At the beginning of the term, I encouraged everyone to consider how you might cherish and celebrate milestones as they occur throughout the term. Whether our children are in Grade Prep or part of our Graduating Class of 2022 (Grade 6), it will be the last time they experience school at this particular stage of life. I trust you have all been able to enjoy these 'moments' together and have been able to celebrate each child's individual growth and achievements throughout the year. This week, our students will find out their new class and teacher for 2023, as well as receive their final end-of-year report on Friday (via Compass). Leading up to the summer holidays can be a time of great excitement and also great angst as we step towards the unknown of the year ahead. I encourage all to try and stay present in the moment, and support our students to celebrate and navigate the changes that lie ahead over the next week or so. 

As I approach my final days as Acting Principal of Barwon Heads Primary School, I am filled with an enormous sense of gratitude and pride. And, admittedly, a tinge of sadness to be leaving, too. 

From the moment I stepped foot inside the school I knew I was in a special place. Being met at the door by a group of bright, vivacious, caring, and motivated students set the scene for the next 6-7 months where they all continued to impress and inspire. I'll never forget one of our school captains, Jemima, stating "It's like we are one big family here at BHPS, where everyone is friendly towards each other, and everyone is included and significant.'  Seven months on, I'd say she nailed it.

As I learned more about our families and staff, it became clear why our students were so impressive. Your commitment, positivity and engagement with our school and support of student learning has been magnificent. I have greatly appreciated the respectful manner in which families have engaged with the school, even if there was a need to enquire or challenge. No person or organisation is perfect, yet when an issue or concern is addressed in a mutually respectful and open-minded fashion, there is always greater scope of finding a resolution that continues to uphold respectful relationships and ensure our kids learning and wellbeing are kept at the heart and centre. You have all been magnificent and testament to the wonderful culture and students we have at the school. Thank you.

I have said often that Barwon Heads PS has all the ingredients to be an exceptional place for children to learn and grow. It is a wonderful place now, and with everyone continuing to work together, striving for excellence and towards shared goals, I have no doubt it will continue to thrive with students and the community reaping the benefits for years to come. It has been a privilege to serve you all, even for a short time. 

I'd like to make special mention of the School Council for their unwavering support and open-minded approach to having a 'new' person join the team. Their passion and commitment to our school is outstanding. These sentiments are also extended to our entire staff, particularly our Leadership Team, who have adjusted to new and different ways of being admirably. The future of Barwon Heads Primary School is in very good hands.

I wish everyone all the very best for 2023 and the years ahead. I hope our paths will cross again one day. 

Warmest regards

Carmen Britnell

Christmas Fair

WOW! What an incredible turn out! Thank you to our wonderful community for coming together to support this end-of-year event. The smiles on the children's faces and the anticipation that built throughout the week was marvellous. To see the children up on stage performing, sliding down the large inflatables or dancing in the Silent Disco tent was heart-warming. 

This event could not have happened without the INCREDIBLE efforts of our parents, staff and community members who donated goods, time and positive energy towards the event. Special thanks to Brooke Cheel and the Fair Committee for their tireless efforts over the past two months (or less!) to bring this together. It was a classic case of ‘see something, do something’ and these parents and community members pulled out all stops to ensure this event went ahead and was a success for our school. 

Here are a few photos of the event: 

Parent Payments - Thank You

Families recently received our Parent Payment Policy and already we have had an incredible response with more than 55 families contributing. The school fees are voluntary however are much needed to ensure we can continue to provide exceptional teaching and learning programs, as well as maintain and enhance our school buildings and grounds. We are seeking to update a lot of our technology, replace the synthetic grass and update our senior playground to ensure they are inclusive for all students in coming years (pending ability to raise funds). This is not all covered by the Department of Education funding models and funds need to be raised locally by the school. 

Payment Plans are available so families can space out payments across the year. For example, some families may opt to contribute $10-20 per fortnight instead of a lump sum payment. Families are also able to make voluntary donations of any amount. Please don't hesitate to see our Business Manager if this might be something you would be interested in. See the next page in this newsletter for further links and information, also.

Staffing 2023

It is with great excitement that we announce the staffing team for 2023. As with all schools, we will be farewelling some much-loved and cherished staff who have contributed wonderfully to our school community over various periods of time. Some of these staff have shared personal messages below. 

We will also be welcoming new staff to our school who will bring new ideas and opportunities for our school to continue to learn and grow. Their names are listed below and we will formally introduce them to our community at the beginning of the new year. Whilst there may be mixed emotions about these changes, it brings great opportunity for all involved. 

Students and families will be informed of their class placement on Tuesday when students meet their teacher and classmates for 2023. A lot of time, effort and consideration has gone into the placement of each child and teacher and therefore, it is unlikely that any changes will be made. 

Messages from Departing Staff

Teagan Houston

I am so grateful to have spent the last 13 years working at Barwon Heads Primary School, and I have met the most amazing students, colleagues and parents during my time here. I have enjoyed every minute of my time here, and I hope that I have inspired each and every student to become lifelong learners. As most of you would know, I love sharing my own personal stories and adventures with my students and I love that they share these with you at home. Next year I will be taking 12 months leave to teach at Leopold Primary School. This will be an amazing learning opportunity for me professionally, as well as personally. Hopefully I will return in 2024 with new ideas and more enthusiasm than ever! Thank you for all of your support and I will miss you all!

Many thanks,

Teagan Houston

Nicki Tabone

To the wonderful students of Barwon Heads Primary School, 

A farewell is never easy and this one is difficult and very close to my heart. As I say goodbye, I urge you to always remember to be kind to one another, take each moment in your education as a blessing and be grateful for the opportunities Barwon Heads Primary School gives you each and every day.

I wish you all the very best in your continued education and future learnings. It has been an honour to not only teach some amazing Preps and Grade One’s over the last few years but having also had the opportunity to have taught most students at the school Indonesian. I will miss seeing your faces every day and hearing “Bu Tabone” from each corner of the yard. 

My fondest memories at BHPS are of Mr Harris’s guitar tunes wafting down the hallways, competitive sport days on the oval, the chaos of excursions and bus rides, Mr Hazlams sausage sizzles (for staff) and learning as much from my students as they did from me. I hope I have instilled a love of learning, persistence and courage in your all. 

Next year I embark on a new journey to Clifton Springs Primary School but I hope to still see your smiling faces around Barwon Heads. Don’t be a stranger!

Best wishes,

Mrs Tabone

Mikayla Thomas

Mikayla has been a calming presence in the Grade 4 team this year, however, has been successful in securing a teaching position at St Mary MacKillop PS in Bannockburn in 2023. Mikayla's dedication to her students will be missed and we wish her all the very best in 2023 and beyond. Congratulations, Mikayla!

Mitch Rule

Mitch has secured a position at Bellbrae Primary School for 2023. This is a wonderful opportunity for Mitch and one that is much closer to home for him! Mitch is a highly regarded and respected member of our team and will be sadly missed. Bellbrae PS are very fortunate to have secured Mitch and I know he will be an asset to their team. Congratulations, Mitch!

Kelly Umbers

Kelly has been successful in securing a position at Anglesea Primary School in 2023. Kelly has been a wonderful member of our team, always demonstrating integrity, care and respect for those around her. I've no doubt Anglesea Primary School will reap the benefits of Kelly's expertise in outdoor education as we have here at BHPS. We wish Kelly all the very best for this new opportunity. Congratulations Kelly!

Nicole Timbs

Nicole has accepted a teaching position at Grovedale West PS for 2023. Nicole has navigated the challenge of starting a school mid-term as a graduate in her first year admirably. Nicole’s willingness to seek and respond to feedback has been wonderful and I am excited by what the future holds for her. Grovedale West PS has picked up a great person and wonderful teacher in the making! Congratulations Nicole!

Chris Robinson

Chris also faced the challenge of starting at a school mid-way through the year and gave it his all. His support of school initiatives and energy towards continued growth and improvement of his students and colleagues was much appreciated and recognised. We wish Chris all the very best for his future endeavours which may include a return to his base school in Footscray. All the best, Chris!

Lauren Munro may be joining us at the commencement of the year in a support role, pending the birth of her second child. We hope to see Lauren at the start of the year and to be able to wish her and her family well for their new arrival.