Principal's Report
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026
We are now two years into running our scholarship programs and could not be happier with how each of the programs (Music, Visual Arts, Master Chef, Photography and STEM) have run, and the learning and enjoyment has been evident for the participants.
Over the past week I have spoken with grade 3, 4 and 5 students to explain the scholarship program for 2026 and how they can apply. Current grade 4 and 5 students who have participated in a scholarship program in 2025, are welcome to apply again, whether that be for the same scholarship program, or one of the others.
They are also welcome to attach supporting documentation, which might include relevant samples of their work or photos showing their involvement in the relevant field.
Students are welcome to apply for more than one program but can only be selected for one.
Applications need to be submitted to the office by November 28. We expect the number of applications will far outstrip the number of spaces available, so students will need to submit their best work.
Attached to this newsletter are flyers that will answer some of the questions you have, but please feel free to give me a call if you need.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DAY
A reminder to all parents and carers that next Tuesday, November 18 is a pupil free.
All state schools across Victoria have been allocated a Professional Practice Day for 2025 to provide teachers with the opportunity to attend to the various tasks that come with the role. Teachers will be working at school on that day.
Those that require care for their children will be able to book them in at Base 1270 for the day. Care for the day will be operating from 6:30am until 6pm.
STATE ATHLETICS
Last Thursday I was lucky enough to spend the day at the state athletics event at Lakeside Stadium in South Melbourne. We had Lycan G (shot put and long jump), Milla H (200 Metres) and Lenny T (1500 Metres) representing the school and each did really well. As you’d imagine, the standard was very high, but Lycan, Milla and Lenny were not daunted and competed really well. Competing at events such as this is a great experience for all involved.
DIVISION CRICKET
Our teams represented BPS last week at the Division Cricket event with exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship! The girls’ team had an outstanding run, winning three out of their four games while showing great teamwork and improving their skills along the way. The boys’ team went undefeated, winning all four of their matches and advancing to the next round in the coming weeks. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the teams through training and on the day — what a fantastic effort all around!
WORKS TO CONSERVE THE OLD POOL WALLS
Most would be aware of the old pool walls in the Buninyong Botanic Gardens. Works to conserve the pool walls will happen on November 13 and 14 (weather permitting). During this time parking will be reduced along Cornish St, so if this is your favourite parking spot, you will need to find somewhere else for a few days.
PARENT REQUESTS - CLASS PLACEMENT 2026
A reminder that you have until this Friday, November 14 to let us know if you have significant issues we need to be aware of when allocating your child to a class for 2026. Those messages can be communicated with your child’s teacher or a member of the principal team.
BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS
Please see the attached information for parents and carers regarding our plan and preparations we have in place for when the weather heats up and we enter bushfire season.
GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
A reminder to everyone we have our Grandparents and Special Friends Day on November 28. This is always a big event and one of the highlights on the school calendar.
If your children have grandparents that can attend, please invite them along, but if not, they are welcome to invite anyone else that is special to them…that might even be you.
Our guests are invited to come along between 9:00am and 11:00am to visit classrooms and we will have people around to help visitors find the relevant classrooms. Our teachers will organise activities during this time that allow our grandparents and special friends to get involved.
At 11:00am our visitors will be invited to the BER for some morning tea and a chat. In the past we have had parents bring along a plate, resulting in an amazing spread for our grandparents to enjoy. We’d like to do the same again and invite all families to send something along. We also need a few adults to help organise and serve morning tea. Please let the office staff know if you are able to help. We’ll be looking for helpers between 10:00am and midday, but any help during that period would be appreciated.