The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones

Chinese proverb

It takes time to shift some things and to work out the most effective way of moving forward. I am really pleased for our school as over the past four years our results have continued to rise, and we have had consistently high results in both Numeracy, Literacy and in Reading in particular. We received a report from the Department, which mapped our growth in student outcomes over the past four years. The reports show that we are well above the results for primary schools with similar characteristics in all areas. I would be happy to share the results in more detail if anyone would like. I have shared the results with the teachers and they are very proud, and rightly so.

Open Night and Open Day

What a joy it was for your children to share their work with you, thank you to those of you who came along it was fabulous to see many new parents visiting our Prep Expo and for their children to be able to experience some appropriate and fun activities. Even though we are under construction the school looked terrific with all classrooms open and teachers available to speak to visitors. The displays of children’s work were wonderful and demonstrated our children’s knowledge and talents well. Our buskers around the school were able to showcase their talents they continue to inspire me.

The book fair in the library was another highlight thankyou to Lynne Ellis and her team for organising and running the book fair.

Plenty happening at Boronia Heights hope you had a chance to come and join your children in class during our Open Day. Thank you to our grade five teachers who were attending a long standing Professional Development on Open Morning for offering to host a special morning for parents and friends next term.

Thank You

I would like to acknowledge and thank Kristy Foster for her outstanding contribution to the leadership of this school over the past two months. We are indeed very fortunate to have Kristy and that she has the skills, knowledge and ability to step up into this challenging role. We look forward to welcoming back Denise Harris on Thursday.

2017 Attitudes to School Survey

The Attitudes to School Survey is an annual student survey offered by the Department of Education and Training to assist schools in gaining an understanding of students’ perceptions and experiences of school. Our school uses the survey results to plan programs and activities to improve your child’s schooling experience. This Year for the first time children in Year 4 as well as Years 5 and 6 will be included in the survey. Children will complete the survey online during school hours. Their privacy and the confidentiality of their responses will be protected at all times. Classes will access the survey over the next few weeks. The survey results will be reported back to the school in term 3. If you have any questions about the Attitude to School Survey and if you have a child in Years 3 – 6 please speak to your child’s teacher.

COMPASS

Thank you to parents who are coming on board with our newest communication program. The office are always available to answer queries or questions. In the coming weeks you will be able to book in for an interview with teachers. More information on this will be explained in the coming newsletters.

Public Holiday (Queen’s Birthday)

Monday the 12th June is a Public Holiday, and if you are lucky enough to be going away have a lovely long weekend, and stay safe.

Jeff Carter

I have been informed that Jeff Carter will not be returning this year to Boronia Heights; we look forward to welcoming him back next year and continue to wish him well.

Graffiti on our School Grounds

It makes me upset and angry that our school has to continue to find the resources to repair and clean up after vandals who continue to deface and /or damage our school buildings. We are in contact with the police over the latest graffiti and ask for your support if you see anyone on our school grounds damaging our property.

Raffle Tickets

Today the youngest in the family were given raffle tickets for The Great Community Raffle. All proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets stay with our school. If all raffle tickets are sold, the school will get $4000. Thank you in advance to supporting with raffle I hope that one of our lucky families will drive away in a new car!!!

Save the Date

This year, the Year 5 & 6 production is called 'Aladdin Trouble' and will be held at Karralyka theatre on Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 September.

Improving Road Safety Around the School

Keeping our children safe as they move to and from school is everyone’s responsibility. It is important for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to be aware and take extra care. Even a small reduction in speed could save a child’s life.

To help keep children safe, it is important for drivers to:

slowdown in school speed zones during school times
be extra cautious around schools
be aware that young children can be unpredictable and difficult to see
follow all parking restrictions

It has been noted that several drivers are breaking the road rules and not giving way to children, where required, in the streets surrounding Boronia Heights.

When turning at any intersection (except a roundabout), you must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Drivers using the streets neighbouring Boronia Heights Primary School need to be aware that:

a vehicle turning right or left into Phipps from Lockwood must give way to pedestrians crossing Phipps at the T-intersection
a vehicle turning right or left into Phipps from Landscape must give way to pedestrians crossing Phipps at the T-intersection

When entering or leaving a driveway or private property, you must give way to pedestrians and bicycles on any footpath, path or nature strip you cross.

For example, any vehicle entering or exiting the staff carpark must give way to pedestrians walking on the Phipps pathway.

Please keep our students safe by:

slowing down
proceeding with caution at all times
giving way, where appropriate, at all intersections
observe all packing restrictions so that pedestrians and our crossing supervisors have the best possible visibility of the road

Teach your children the safest path to and from home by encouraging the use of school crossings. School crossing are available on Lockwoods Road, Landscape Drive, Albert Avenue and Mountain Highway. Remember the safest path home may not necessarily be the shortest.

When children are walking or riding to school, it is extra important for drivers to be alert and take extra care. Research shows that children under age 12 do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic.

Let us all improve road safety around Boronia Heights.

Thank you to School Council for their continued focus on safety for our students and with this safety message.

Kind Regards

Leanne Jennings

Heights Happenings

Issue 9 · 01 Jun 2017

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