Principal's Report

SELECTING OUR BUNINYONG CAMPUS SCHOOL CAPTAINS FOR 2024

Last week we completed the selection process to determine our School Captains for 2024.  The whole process is a great experience for the students involved and we're proud of how they are all handled themselves. This year we had 46 applicants, which is considerably more than normal, so decision making was incredibly difficult. So how are these decisions made? 

·   All grade 5 students were invited to write an application letter explaining why they ought      to be considered for a School Captain position. 

·   The grade 5 teachers & specialist teachers were asked for feedback on each of the                candidates.

·    Candidates were interviewed by Mrs Sullivan, the current school captains and myself.

·  After considering all of the above, our new School Captains were chosen and     announced to all involved.      

We are pleased to announce that our school captains for 2024 will be Quinn Grenfell, Tom Howard, Piper Stewart and Claire Baker. We know they will do an excellent job for us over the coming 12 months.  Our new school captains will be presented to the school community on the last day of school (December 20) at the whole school assembly.

GRADE 6 TEAMS

Our School Captains are not the only students who get an opportunity to take on added responsibility. Over the past 6 years we have had a range of grade 6 teams at both campuses, all making a positive contribution to our school. 

These provide an excellent opportunity for our grade 6 students to make a difference in their final year of primary school. In the process they learn a whole new set of skills, build a stronger connection to the school and help build pride in our school. Students are not obliged to join a team, but virtually all are keen, which is excellent. 

This year’s grade 6s have done a brilliant job in those teams and we know our current grade 5s will embrace the opportunity and give it their best shot in 2024. Grade 5 students have nominated preferences for roles and this week teachers will be meeting to sort children into teams. Hopefully by this time next week students will know the team they have been allocated to for 2024.  After completing the school captain selection process, it’s clear we have a considerable number of students with the skills and enthusiasm to drive and contribute to these teams.

GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

The weather wasn’t great on Friday, but that didn’t put a dampener on what was another massive Grandparents and Special Friends Day event at both campuses.  Parking anywhere near the school was certainly at a premium on Friday morning. 

It was fantastic to see how many visitors joined us on the day and how much the occasion was enjoyed by both the students and with grandparents & special friends. Please pass on our thanks to your family members that made the effort to come along and get involved.

A big thankyou to the many parents that sent in some morning tea. As a result, we had brilliant spreads for our Grandparents and special friends to enjoy. Thanks also to the team of parents who helped to organise and serve the morning tea and tidy up afterwards. 

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR 2024

We expected interest to be strong for the 2024 Scholarship Programs but weren’t quite prepared for the number of applications that have been submitted. Overall, we’ve received close to 100 applications for the 4 programs, those being Visual Arts, Music, Photography and Master Chef. 

Well done to all of the students who have made the effort to apply, some of which have gone to a great deal of effort.  We’d like to have a position for everyone, but sadly that’s not the case.  This week we will be carefully going through applications with the relevant people (Michelle Noyce, Liz Morgan, Steve Skilbeck, Mark Muldoon, Emily Gilliland and class teachers), before meeting with representatives of the Coxall family and making final decisions.  Our plan is to announce the membership of scholarship programs early next week.

PREPARING FOR 2024

As always at this time of year, there is lots of work happening behind the scenes to prepare for the following school year.  This includes:

Class Groupings 

 Over the past few week's teachers have spent considerable time placing children into classes for next year.  As always, we are seeking to develop classes that are most likely to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. To achieve this, we focus on developing well balanced groupings, taking account of academic progress, behaviours, friendships and how children work with each other in the classroom.  

We place particular importance on student friendships and try very hard to make sure every student is placed in a class where they will feel welcome and comfortable.  Information supplied by parents regarding placement is also taken into consideration.  It is worth noting that parents have been very reasonable with their requests, which is very much appreciated.  As you could understand, grouping children with so many aspects to consider is no easy task and we hope you will pleased with the outcome.

Students get the opportunity to meet their new teacher next Thursday December 14 and spend 60 minutes with their class for 2024.  Most children will be excited about the change that comes with a new teacher and mixing with some new children.  Others might be disappointed with the prospect with not being with all of their friends.  If this is the case, help your child see the positives in the situation…they will still get to mix with whoever they like at break times and out of school and will get the opportunity to work with some different children in class. 

Please encourage your child/ren to approach the Meet Your Teacher session with a positive mindset.  Our aim is for all students to enter these transition periods with the confidence they need to achieve success.  The attitude our children take to this will be shaped by trusted adults around them. 

Parent Contributions 

 A document outlining financial contributions we are seeking from parents will be sent home later this week in hard copy form.  If this hasn’t made it to you yet, please check your child’s bag.  Please give the office a call if the contribution request form didn’t make it home.

As a public school, we rely heavily on parent contributions to provide your children with the resources and programs you expect and thank you in advance for this support.  If you have any questions regarding financial contributions or would like to set up a payment plan, please contact our Business Manager, Trudy Coles by calling the general office.

End of Year Tidy Up 

 Next week we commence the onerous task of having a good tidy up, knowing that it’s always nice to return in the new year with our teaching spaces ready to go. 

Overall, we are really pleased with how things are coming together for next year.  Whilst this week is pretty much business as usual (apart from the 5-6 pool day, a sleepover or 2 and the Prep Big Breakfast), we look forward to some end of year fun activities, Orientation Day, the grade 6 graduation, the Scotsburn Christmas Breakup, and a whole school assembly in the final week of term.