Term 3 Wellbeing Focus

At BSPS, one of the many things that makes our community so strong is that we embrace diversity, and we celebrate the unique qualities we each bring. By modelling kindness, compassion and listening for understanding, we embrace a culture that respects different perspectives and experiences.

We value the warm, safe and inclusive learning environment that makes our school special. This culture is the result of our proactive, intentional approach to fostering positive behaviours and a growth mindset. Like any community, we sometimes face challenges, but we meet them together, with compassion, kindness and collaboration. We are grateful for the positive contribution every student, staff member and parent/carer makes in upholding our school values of Compassion, Mutual Responsibility, Constant Learning and Sense of Possibility.

We are proudly a Respectful Relationships Lead School, selected to support other schools in implementing this Victorian Government initiative. The Respectful Relationships program provides a framework that helps schools promote gender equality, respectful behaviours, and positive relationships. It ultimately aims to prevent family violence by teaching students skills like empathy, resilience, and effective communication. These principles are taught through our Social Emotional Learning and Health & Wellbeing programs, and are modelled through our restorative practices approach.

In Term 3, our Amici Insieme program theme is Stronger Together, focusing on kindness and up-stander behaviour through strengths-based activities and peer leadership. We’ll be celebrating positive behaviour with Caught Being Kind, where staff recognise students showing kindness with cards, stickers and Kaleidoscope Awards. In Week 5, we’ll mark Bullying. No Way! Day with spot prizes, special activities, and a whole-school focus on looking after one another. We’d love these conversations to continue at home!

Thanks in advance to Caro, Meerah and our Inclusion Action Team for their care and efforts in this.

Good news!

As you know, during the heavy rainfall of the winter months, our junior synthetic turf area often does a pretty good job of resembling a swimming pool, and uninvited water tends to sneak its way through the roof of our 139-year-old junior building. Significant drainage and roof works are needed to fix the issues; a major expense well beyond the resources of our school budget.

Good news! I’m delighted to let you know that our recent funding application to address these issues has been successful!

While it's still early days and we don't yet have the finer details of the scope and timeline, we’ve been advised that the wheels are in motion, and we should expect to see things start happening mid next term. We’ll keep you informed as soon as we know more. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience as we navigate these aquatic adventures for just a little while longer. As they say, when it’s raining cats and dogs, you have to take care not to step in a poodle!

Semester One reports

Sarah, Chiara and I enjoyed reading through the Semester One reports and seeing the wonderful progress our students have made so far this year in their learning. A big thank you to our teachers for the care and thought they put into each report. Their comments demonstrate just how well they know each student as an individual. I also loved reading the student reflections; it’s clear that our students feel connected to their learning area communities, are engaged in their learning and are enjoying the many different opportunities they’re offered at school. The reports will be made available via Compass this week.

Marrung Education Plan

I’m delighted to let you know that all North West region schools are now required to have a Marrung Leader position as part of the Victorian government’s Marrung Education Plan. Marrung is the Wemba Wemba word for the Murray Cypress pine tree, representing branches of education and knowledge. The Marrung role has been in place in other regions for some time, but is new to the NWVR. We are proud that BSPS already has well-established structures in place, and is really leading the way in our region.

Nick Boffa is our Reconciliation Action Leader this year. This has long been a position of responsibility at BSPS, working alongside our Student Reconciliation Action Team. So, with just a few minor tweaks to the current role description, Nick will be our first official Marrung Leader!

Sarah Burdak and I recently worked with our Koori Education Support Officer (KESO) to review our school’s progress against the DE Cultural Action Tool, which was a really affirming process that demonstrated our school’s commitment to reconciliation and First Nations representation.

Arrivederci e buona fortuna, Kate!

We warmly farewell Kate Melven, who is finishing up at the end of this term after 18 months of teaching in our Year 1/2 team. Kate has brought warmth, creativity and care to her classroom, and she’ll be missed by students, families and colleagues alike. We thank her for her contribution to BSPS and wish her all the very best for her next chapter.

Ci vediamo il prossimo trimestre

As we wrap up another busy and rewarding term, we wish all our families a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. Whether you're heading away or enjoying some well-earned downtime at home, we hope the next couple of weeks are filled with laughter, connection and a chance to recharge.

Grazie mille to all our teachers and support staff for their outstanding work this semester, and a big well done to our students on such a great first half of the year. Sincere thanks to all the parent/ carer volunteers who have contributed to our community in so many ways.

Thank you for your continued support and see you in Term 3!

Ciao for now,

Kristie

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