Principal's Report

Hello BRPS Community, 

Victoria Award - Mrs Timms

Congratulations to our amazing Assistant Principal, Mrs Jayne Timms, who was presented with the Victoria award at our assembly on Monday 10th October. The Victoria Award is given to long-serving members of the Sandringham electorate community to recognise their contributions. Jayne has demonstrated a wonderful commitment to the students and the wider school community over the last 30 years. 

Many thanks to Sandringham MP, Brad Rowswell, for attending the assembly and presenting the award along with some wonderful words about Jayne's contributions. Thanks also to parent Cait Eves for the original nomination. 

Curriculum Day - Literacy Focus

The final student-free day for this year is the fourth Curriculum Day, scheduled for Monday 31st October (Melbourne Cup Monday). Teachers and staff will be participating in a Professional Learning day, continuing our focus on evidence-based literacy instruction.

Year 3 Camp - Postponed

Last week's wild weather led to the Year 3 Camp to "The Briars" being postponed. Fortunately we were able to secure new dates in December. Thank you to the Year 3 teachers, students and the camp organisers for their flexibilty in ensuring that the camp can still go ahead this term. 

Year 6 Legacy Project

The Year 6 students have been working with street artist Ashley Goudie to create a mural on the rebound wall. Each student will contribute to the mural which will be a lasting connection with BRPS. It certainly stands out as an impressive art work in our garden area! Thank you to the Year 6 students and teachers for organising the project.

2023 Enrolments and Class Placement

Enrolments

We are continuing to accept enrolments for all year levels for the 2023 school year. Our projected enrolments help to determine class structure and staffing requirements. Early confirmation of student numbers is essential to ensure this process is managed effectively and provides the best possible learning outcomes for BRPS students. 

Class Placement

The process that Black Rock Primary School works through to plan each student's class placement begins months before the end of the school year and as students progress from Foundation to Year 6, it is expected they will learn to work and relate to a range of teachers and students. 

We strive to make classes harmonious in design with a wide variety of talents, abilities and interests. Please note that classes are not allocated to teachers until groups are formed, in other words, it is the dynamic of each group that is the focus rather than the teacher. We endeavour to ensure that students are placed in year level groups that maximise social and emotional development, learning potential and engagement. Our staff put a lot of time and effort into creating balanced, positive learning environments with consideration for all students within each year level.

Desirable criteria, as listed below, act as a guide for consideration and discussion and are not intended to be inclusive or exclusive of any other. The criteria stated are not prioritised.

• Student academic performance 
• Social and emotional development
• Student friendship groups 
• Equitable ability spread across all classes
• Gender balance
• Student-student interaction 
• Student learning needs 

Forming balanced classes is in the best interest of ensuring optimal learning for all students. Since we are involved in a consultative process (consisting of many hours) to facilitate the placement of students, we do not anticipate making changes to class placements once they are set. Please do not approach individual teachers regarding student placements in Term 4. Like all new relationships, it can take time for students to learn to trust and demonstrate growth with their new teacher and in their new setting. The vast majority of children adjust very quickly to their new classroom with the help of your encouragement and support. 

Parent input may be considered under exceptional circumstances if submitted in writing to the Principal, via email. Please do not request a particular teacher for your child.

If you wish to provide relevant information, please email black.rock.ps@education.vic.gov.au with "Class Placement 2023" in the subject line by Friday 28th of October 2022. 

*Please note that information received after the deadline may not be considered.*

The class structure for 2023 will be published in the school newsletter soon after it is finalised, this is typically in the first weeks of December.  

Have a wonderful fortnight.

Sam Tyndall

PRINCIPAL