Principal's Report

Dear BEPS Community,
Social Media Safety and New Age Restrictions (Effective 10 December)
As many of you will be aware, from 10 December, new national requirements mean that children under the age of 16 will be unable to create or maintain a social media account click here.
Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting young people to stay safe online. You can help your child navigate their digital world by exploring websites, games, apps and social media together, setting clear expectations, and discussing strategies for avoiding unsafe online experiences.
Your ongoing guidance builds your child’s confidence to make safe and responsible choices online and to seek help when something doesn’t feel right. Staying informed about online safety is an important part of this process.
The Department of Education has developed a range of fact sheets to support families. These include evidence-based information on:
Encouraging positive and safe online experiences
Recognising signs that a child or young person may need support
What to do if something unsafe happens online
Where to seek additional help
To access the Safe Socials – For parents and carers website and view these resources, please click here.
End of year reminder to Families – Photographing & Filming on School Grounds
We would like to remind all families of our school’s guidelines regarding photography and filming:
Please ensure that you or any family members do not take unsolicited photos or videos in the school yard before school starts or after school finishes.
Parents/carers are welcome to photograph or film their own children at special events such as assemblies, sporting events or performances — provided that the images are for personal use only and are not shared on social media, WhatsApp groups, or other public/uncontrolled platforms.
We ask families to share this message with relatives, grandparents or friends who may pick up children or visit the school, so that everyone is aware of and respects our guidelines.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all students and families.
Foundation Transition Session
We would like to offer a big shout-out to Andrew and Yani, who generously spoke at Thursday’s transition session for our incoming 2026 Foundation families. As first-time parents in 2025, they shared their personal experiences of beginning primary school, offering practical advice, reassurance, and thoughtful insights into the transition process.
Their perspective as new parents was incredibly valuable, and their openness will no doubt support other families as they prepare for their children to start school next year. We are grateful for the time they dedicated to our community and for helping make the transition smoother for our newest families.
Thank you, Andrew and Jani, for your contribution to our school community.
Year 6 Camp: The Ranch
Our Year 6 students recently enjoyed a fantastic camp at The Ranch, where a range of outdoor activities brought out the very best in both students and staff. For many, it was their first time horse riding, and it was wonderful to see students step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges with enthusiasm. The camp offered spectacular views, plenty of delicious food, and countless opportunities for students to develop independence, teamwork and resilience. It was a memorable experience that will stay with them well into their secondary school years.
2026 Student Leadership Roles
We look forward to announcing our 2026 student leadership team shortly. Over the past term, our students have been working extremely hard, practising and developing their presentation and communication skills as part of the leadership selection process. We are incredibly proud of the confidence, resilience and commitment they have demonstrated.
We are confident that our 2026 student leaders will rise to the challenge and fulfil their roles to the very best of their abilities.
School Council
At Burwood East Primary School, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of people, superbly led by our School Council President, Cindy. Each councillor has played a vital role in supporting our school’s purpose and has made an invaluable contribution to the educational outcomes of our students.
This year, the broad scope of School Council’s work has included:
Communicating the school’s direction and vision within our community
Redevelopment of playgrounds and school surfacing
Building a stronger Parent and Friends Association
Extending the contract for TeamKids
Approving the annual budget and monitoring expenditure
Discussion and inform decision-making on what is best for students
Developing, reviewing and updating school policies
Reporting annually to the school community and the Department of Education
Promoting our school within the wider community
Each of our councillors has played an important part in supporting the school’s mission and in doing so has made a meaningful contribution to the success of every student.
School Council Acknowledgement
Our final School Council meeting for 2025 will be held next month. I would like to express my sincere thanks to our School Council members for their ongoing commitment to our school. The time and effort dedicated to this role often go unrecognised and, while rewarding, can also be challenging.
Camps and Curriculum Days 2026
We are pleased to share that Camp and Curriculum Day dates for 2026 have been approved by School Council. This early confirmation allows our community to begin planning for the year ahead and add these important dates to family calendars.
Curriculum Days 2026
Tuesday 27th Jan - Statewide Curriculum Day
Friday 05th Jun - Assessment & Reporting
Friday 21st Aug – School Programs
Mon 02 Nov - Assessment & Reporting
Camps 2026
Year 6 Camp - Phillip Island: 5th-7th of Oct (surfing)
Year 3 Camp - Weekaway 21st - 23rd of Oct
Year 4 Camp - Alexandra 11th - 13th of Nov
Year 5 Camp - The Golden Valley Flinders 9-11 Sept
Important Dates for 2025
Tuesday, 9 December – 2026 Day: Students meet their 2026 teacher and class peers
Thursday, 11 December – Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday, 16 December – Celebration Day Concert (COLA), 9:30am–11:00am
Friday, 19 December – Last day of the school year. Students will be dismissed from assembly at 1:30pm.
Wednesday 17 December Semester 2 reports will also be released on Compass from 1:30pm.
Yours in Partnership,
Darren
