From the Principal
Bilingual Schools Network World Cup
This much anticipated, inaugural event at the Darebin International Sports Complex last week was a huge success, and exceeded all expectations! It was so exciting to see our Year 5/6 students proudly representing BSPS on “the world stage”, curiously getting to know their counterparts at the other bilingual schools across Melbourne. The soccer competition itself was friendly and spirited, and our students were exemplary ambassadors of our school values. Even the gentleman running the canteen commented on how polite and pleasant ‘the kids in the pink jerseys’ were!
Raul Berral Rejano, PE teacher at Newlands PS, was the driving force behind the event and went above and beyond in his organisation of what was a very well-run tournament. Grazie mille to our coaching staff, Nick and Meerah, who were exceptional assistant coaches alongside our gaffer, Jack. Congratulations to every student who went along on the day, whether as players or supporters, and thank you to those parents and carers who were able to come by throughout the day to add to the cheer squad. We look forward to taking part again next year in this wonderful new BSN tradition.
Celebrating 30 years: COASIT Language Assistant Program
It was my pleasure to be invited to speak at this week’s 30th anniversary celebration of CO.AS.IT’s Language Assistant Program at Parliament House. It was wonderful to reflect and trace the story of our school’s partnership with CO.AS.IT, which began all the way back in 2012 when the school launched its Italian Immersion Program. The organisation provided us with our very first language assistant at that time, thus beginning a long-lasting collaboration.
In 2017, our program evolved and we proudly became Victoria’s first bilingual Italian school. From that moment, CO.AS.IT has stood by our side, offering expertise and support in many different forms as our program has continued to grow and develop. In 2020, their support increased further, providing us with two language assistants every year since. Their presence has enriched our program immeasurably, as their enthusiasm and hands-on support has given our students an even more engaging and authentic language experience.
One of the most wonderful outcomes of our partnership has been seeing three of our former language assistants so far go on to become fully qualified classroom teachers, staying on at BSPS and continuing their contribution. Sophie and Lucrezia have been a delightful addition to the BSPS family this year, continuing this wonderful story.
Three cheers to our BSPS Volunteers Friday 5th December @3pm
As our Festa di Primavera approaches and so many of our parents and careers band together to make this annual community event such a highlight on our school calendar, we are even more grateful for the strong culture of volunteering and contribution that we treasure at our school. Friday December 5th is International Volunteer Day, and we’d love to invite all our amazing volunteers along to an afternoon tea as a small token of our gratitude. Please make a note in your busy schedule to come along at 3pm and share in a coffee and a sweet treat as we applaud the many and varied ways our parents and carers make our school community the warm and welcoming place it is.
Ciao for now
Kristie
