From the Principal's Desk
It has been another busy and productive fortnight across both campuses as we approach the end of Semester One. There is a real sense of achievement around the school as staff reflect on the growth our students have made throughout the year so far. Whether those achievements are academic, social, communication-based or focused on independence, it is always rewarding to see students progressing towards their goals and celebrating their successes.
End of Semester Reports
In the final week of term, students' Semester One Academic Reports will make their way home to families. Reports are currently being refined, proof-read and reviewed, with the Principal Team busy preparing our comments for the front page of each report.
Taking the time to read through reports is always one of the highlights of the semester. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and recognise the dedication of the teams supporting them. Our reports are an extension of the goals set through Individual Education Plans and Student Support Group meetings, demonstrating the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and reflection that occurs throughout the year.
Whilst our reports are more bespoke than many others, they also require a significant amount of work. A HUGE THANK YOU to our classroom teachers, Early Education Program staff and specialist teachers for the immense effort they contribute to reporting on student learning.
Congratulations, Kylie!
Congratulations to Kylie Freeman, who has been successfully appointed as our substantive Assistant Principal – Junior Campus Lead following a rigorous application and interview process.
Kylie has been a stalwart of the Banmira community for many years and has an unwavering passion for supporting our youngest learners and the staff who work alongside them. Having served in the Acting role for approximately 14 months, Kylie has already made a significant contribution to the leadership of our school.
We congratulate her on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to her continued leadership.
International Batten Disease Awareness Day
On Tuesday, our Junior Campus turned orange in recognition of International Batten Disease Awareness Day.
Students and staff came together to raise awareness of Batten Disease, a rare neurodegenerative condition that affects children and families across Australia and the world. We are proud to support our friend, Archie, who lives with Batten Disease and to help raise awareness of this important cause.
Families interested in learning more or supporting the work of the Batten Disease Support and Research Association of Australia can visit:https://bdsraaustralia.org/Max-Abby
School Photos – Tuesday 16th June
A reminder that School Photos will be taking place on Tuesday 16th June.
Time to squeeze in those last-minute haircuts and polish those smiles! While school photos are a wonderful keepsake for families, they also play an important role within our classrooms and programs. From classroom rolls and visual schedules through to communication supports and student identification, our annual photographs are used extensively throughout the school year.
Looking Ahead – NAIDOC Week Celebrations
We are looking forward to one of our major whole-school events for Term Two, our NAIDOC Week celebrations at the Senior Campus.
Students from the Junior Campus will join their older friends for a day of learning, connection and celebration of First Nations cultures. These events provide valuable opportunities for students to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements in meaningful and accessible ways.
We can't wait to see what the Senior Campus team has planned for this year's celebrations.
Winter Bugs and Attendance
As the colder months settle in, we know there are a number of bugs and viruses making their way through the community.
While we firmly believe that every day counts when it comes to school attendance, we also understand that sometimes students are simply not well enough to attend school.
In fact, if your child is unwell, we actively encourage them to stay home and recover.
Many of our students are immunocompromised or have complex health needs, meaning that what may seem like a minor illness for one child can have significant impacts on another. Illnesses also affect our staffing and operations, with classes often requiring adjustments when large numbers of students or staff are unwell.
We thank our families for their support in helping keep our school community healthy and appreciate the juggling act that can sometimes be required at home when children are sick.
Thank you to our students, families and staff for another fantastic fortnight. We look forward to celebrating the end of Semester One together and recognising the many successes that have already been achieved in 2026.
Jesse Whittaker
Principal
