Principal's Report
It has been a really positive couple of weeks here at BPS. Last week, I was lucky enough to head up to Ballarat and join our Grade 5s for their three-day stay at Camp Adekate.
The weather certainly turned on the winter chill, but it didn't dampen the students’ spirits in any way. They loved the hands-on learning at Sovereign Hill and threw themselves right into the adventure activities at the campsite. The best part of being up there with them was watching how they supported each other. Whether they were stepping out of their comfort zones or cheering a classmate on, it was brilliant to see them get in, have a go, and make the most of the experience.
Of course, overnight stays like this take a huge amount of effort to run safely and smoothly. A massive thank you to our teachers and education support staff who gave up time away from their own families to make this camp happen.
Author Visit
Last Thursday, we were lucky enough to have two fantastic authors visit the school. Morris Gleitzman spent time with our Grade 3/4s and Grade 6s, while Heidi McKinnon ran sessions for our Foundation to Grade 2 students. Students loved the opportunity to work directly with published authors in an experience that really brought reading and writing to life. It was the perfect warm-up, and everyone is now well and truly ready for Book Fun Day next week.
Concert Band
On Tuesday, our Concert Band travelled to the Hawthorn Arts Centre to perform in the Victorian Schools Music Festival. Our students put on a brilliant performance and we were all thrilled to see them walk away with a Gold Award. A huge congratulations to all the students involved, it is a fantastic result and a well-deserved reward for all the practice they have been putting in this year. A special thank you and well done must also go to Mr Mac for his hard work in preparing the band and leading them so well on the day.
Student Voice in Action!
If you have walked past the courts recently, you might have noticed the new BPS branded padding and nets on our basketball and netball rings. They look fantastic, but the best part about this upgrade is how it came about.
Late last term, two of our Junior School Council reps, Archie S and Aaron B, wrote to me with the idea. It was a great suggestion, and it was even better seeing how excited the boys were to actually get out there and help put the new padding up this week. It is a brilliant example of student voice in action, and a great reminder to all our students of the real impact they can have when they share their ideas to improve the school.
Staffing News
We have recently had some exciting news shared at BPS as we seem to have a bit of a baby boom happening among our staff! Emma Callery is expecting a baby in mid-December, Daniel Liebrich and his wife are preparing to welcome their new arrival in January, and Sarah Rohit is expecting early in February 2027. I know you will all join me in congratulating them and wishing their growing families all the very best over the coming months.
School Readiness Program Term 3
