Blackburn Primary School Weekly

Principal's Report

As we conclude Term 3, I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our students and staff. This term has been filled with rich learning opportunities, personal growth, and many achievements that highlight the strength of our school community.

 

I encourage everyone to take this well-deserved break to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. Returning refreshed will set us up strongly for the final stretch of the year.

Thank you to our families for your continued support—it is central to the success of our school. I look forward to an even more rewarding and productive Term 4.

VSMF

We are thrilled to share some outstanding news from the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF). Our Symphonic Band has achieved the highest honour — a Gold Medal Performance!

 

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that we were the only primary school performing in our section. Our talented students stood proudly alongside secondary school ensembles and proved that hard work, passion, and teamwork can shine at any level.

Under the expert guidance of our music staff, the band delivered a polished and powerful performance that impressed the adjudicators and captivated the audience. The VSMF provides schools across Victoria with the opportunity to showcase their musical programs on a professional stage, and earning a gold medal is recognition of both technical excellence and musical artistry.

 

This achievement is not just about winning gold — it’s about the pride, confidence, and joy that comes from working together to achieve something extraordinary.

 

Blackburn Primary is incredibly proud of our Band program, and we look forward to seeing their musical journey continue to flourish.

WELCOME LISA!

We also warmly welcome Lisa Ismay, who joins our school office team officially next week. Lisa will often be the first point of call for families and students in the office or on the phone. She brings strong administrative experience from Altona Primary School and a welcoming presence, and we are confident she will make a valuable contribution to the smooth running of our school community.

STUDENT PLACEMENT 2026

During Term 4 our class teachers go through the process of placing students for the 2026 school year. Early next term your children will be nominating their 5 friendly learning partners, which they will be placed with a minimum of one. The current year’s teachers compile class lists of students for the following year based on consideration of factors including:

  • a spread of mixed ability students in every class (ie students working at the same level academically)
  • a range of learning styles
  • social and emotional needs
  • friendships
  • students with behavioural needs (ie. those who require extra support to access the curriculum)
  • a good mix of students from previous classes
  • gender balance
  • other relevant individual needs

 

As per our school approach parent requests based on Educational needs need to be directed to me in writing by Friday 17th October and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Parent requests regarding class placements with their child’s friends and requests for specific teachers will not be considered. Please email the school office on blackburn.ps@education.vic.gov.au to inform us of your request.

STUDENTS LEAVING BPS

As much as this would sadden us, we know that many families might have a change in circumstances in 2026. To support our forward planning, we would really appreciate knowledge of any student/s that might be leaving BPS at the end of 2025. This does not include our Year 6 students, who we know will be graduating. Please email the school office on blackburn.ps@education.vic.gov.au to inform us.

SUNSMART

A reminder that as per our SunSmart policy from the start of Term 4 through to the end of Term One, and particularly given the fantastic weather over the last two days - ALL BPS students and staff are expected to wear hats during recess and lunch and for all outdoor activities, especially Physical Education.

PARENT OPINION SURVEY

Thank you to those families who have already logged in and completed the Survey. If you received an email last week with the unique login password, please take the time to complete the short survey by the end of next week.

EARLY FINISH

Just a reminder that our last day of term is Friday 19th September.  We finish up at 2.30pm and Theircare will be offering a program for families requiring it.