A Message from Keir and Emma

“We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the first people to dream, create, wonder, dance, play and learn on this breathtaking land. This land was cared for and respected for tens of thousands of years. The First Nations people lived in companionship with the animals and the life on this land. We acknowledge that this is stolen land and we pay our respects to elders, past, present and emerging.” 

Rayma Atkinson (2023 Suzanne Peterson Award Recipient)

Reconciliation Week

This week is National Reconciliation Week, which occurs from 27 May to 3 June every year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in our country’s reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision. This week marks an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme: Bridging Now to Next. This theme invites all Australians to learn more about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how everyone can contribute to promoting reconciliation in our everyday lives - in our homes, workplaces, and social circles. This theme also ties beautifully into our current Inquiry, which focuses on the stories of the people and places around us. This week, our students will engage in activities that help them reflect on the tangible ways they can be a voice for reconciliation where they live, play and socialise. 

Below are some great ideas of how you might like to acknowledge Reconciliation Week at home that have been prepared by members of our RAP team; 

Taking Photographs or Video at Assembly 

Assembly is a very exciting time of celebration for students who are presenting or those who receive an award. We would just like to remind families to make sure they are not taking photographs or video of any child except their own. In addition, we ask that everyone please check that there are no other identifiable students in any pictures or videos that you might be sharing on social media. This is a part of our commitment to keeping our students safe. 

GAS Meetings 

This week, teachers will be facilitating meetings with the parents/carers of the students in their class who require considerable adjustments to the curriculum or environment so that they can successfully participate at school. The purpose of these meetings is to review students’ progress towards the achievement of goals and collaborate to set new targets. As per our school’s process, these goals will focus on both social and emotional, and academic growth.

Guiding the direction of these meetings is each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).  These plans are developed by teachers, who synthesise what’s discussed during the meeting into a document that describes the goals, adjustments and strategies that will be used to support a student. Our IEPs provide opportunities for student voice and they are linked to our curriculum continuums.

A GAS meeting will consist of classroom teachers, parents and caregivers; it may also include other adults from within the school community who support the child and any allied health professionals who are engaged by the family. Each GAS meeting is different depending on a child’s needs.

The GAS meetings will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. If your child has an IEP and requires a GAS Meeting, their classroom teacher will be in contact to organise an appropriate time.  

Open Day

For any interested families, this Thursday (29th May) is the BNWPS Open Day. We are running two very special sessions for any prospective 2026 Foundation students and their families. The daytime session will take place at 9.30am, and the evening session will take place at 5.30pm. The sessions will begin with a very special story time in the library and will be followed by an exploration treasure hunt activity that will be lots and lots of fun. We would love any prospective 2026 students to come along and take part. There is no need to register for these sessions - just turn up to the library, and if you’re coming in for the evening session, make sure you bring a torch!