Principal Report
Mr. Lehane

Principal Report
Mr. Lehane
Last week we spent two days undergoing our school review. The feedback from the panel was overwhelmingly positive and emphasised the strong culture and psoitive atmosphere for learning that we have all created for student learning.
I would like to thank all of the parents who attended the parent forum as well as Leah Bailey who as our School Council President volunteered her own time to be a valuable part of the panel.
Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a special opportunity to recognise the incredible work of our teachers and the positive difference they make every single day.
At Bridgewater Primary School, our teachers are more than educators – they are mentors, role models, and the heart of our small school community. In a school of our size, every teacher has a lasting and visible impact. They know every student personally – their strengths, interests, and quirks – and they work tirelessly to nurture not just learning, but confidence, curiosity, and kindness.
The influence of a teacher in a small school reaches far beyond the classroom. They inspire pride in our school, help build connections across families, and create a sense of belonging that makes Bridgewater Primary such a special place to learn and grow.
Today, we say a heartfelt thank you to our teachers for their dedication, creativity, and care. The difference they make cannot be measured in grades or tests, but in the smiles, laughter, and success of every child who walks through our school gate.
Miss Deane
Miss Deane teaches our Junior class and brings enthusiasm, care, and creativity to everything she does. She has shown a strong dedication to improving students’ literacy skills through the implementation of InitiaLit and our Home Reading program, helping our youngest learners build confidence and a love of reading. Beyond the classroom, Miss Deane introduced our school-wide rewards system, which has been a fantastic way to motivate and celebrate positive behaviour across the whole school. Her commitment and positivity make a real difference every day at Bridgewater Primary.
Mrs. Punton
Mrs Punton brings enthusiasm, warmth, and experience to her role as our Senior class teacher. The strong relationships she has built with students, staff, and families reflect her genuine care and her wonderful ability to connect with everyone she meets. Her classroom is a place of encouragement, respect, and high expectations, where students feel supported to achieve their best. Mrs Punton’s positive influence can be felt throughout the entire school community.
Miss Coffey
Since joining Bridgewater Primary at the start of the year, Miss Coffey has made a remarkable impact on our school community. Her energy and enthusiasm are unmatched, and her positive spirit shines through in everything she does. She has strengthened and expanded our Playgroup and Breakfast Club programs, creating welcoming spaces for families and students alike. Miss Coffey has also built valuable partnerships with local community organisations and played a key role in organising our school camp and the Coffee Cups of Kindness fundraising initiative, which not only raised important funds for Sunshine Bendigo but also helped boost our school’s profile within the wider community.
Mrs Gentry
Mrs Gentry is our visiting MARC Van teacher and has been a much-loved part of our school community for several years. Friendly, warm, and endlessly creative, she brings stories to life and inspires a love of reading in all our students. Her engaging lessons make library sessions a weekly highlight, and her enthusiasm shines brightest during Book Week, which is always an exciting and memorable event thanks to her wonderful ideas and energy.
We are very excited to welcome new members to our awesome school community.
We are still taking enrolments so if you or someone you are know are thinking about attending our school please encourage them to get in touch to arrange a tour.
Our official Transition Program will begin on Thursday 6th November. Further information on this will be emailed out to enrolled Foundation students for 2026.
Our school offers strong connections and a sense of belonging. We are excited to welcome families into our community as our school grows!
A reminder our next school council meeting is next Wednesday at 4.00pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!