Principal Team Report

Hello BRPS Community,

As we approach the close of Term 1, it’s hard to believe how quickly the first 10 weeks of school have passed in 2026.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students have engaged in both their learning and the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available — from camps and sports, leadership to the arts and more. Their energy and commitment have been evident in every setting, whether in the classroom, on the field, or on stage.

Our Foundation students have now completed their very first term of school and have settled in beautifully.

A big thank you and congratulations to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and enthusiastic students — it is your collective effort that makes Black Rock Primary School such a vibrant and caring community.

Final Day of Term One - 2.30pm Dismissal

Thursday 2nd April (tomorrow) is the final day  of Term One. Students will be dismissed at 2.30pm  - please ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for the earlier than usual pick-up time. 

Easter Hat Parade and Raffle

Our world famous Easter Hat Parade and raffle will take place on Thursday morning at 9.15am on the sports courts in front of the stage. All community members are invited to attend this favourite event on the school calendar. Thank you to Rowan Doyle and the Year 5 team for organising!

Legacy Pavers

The recently installed Legacy Paver's have created a buzz of excitement in recent weeks as students and families have spent time finding their engraved paver in the collection. 

Thank you to all those who purchased a paver and waited patiently whilst we navigated a few hurdles on this project.

A special thank you to the Cooper / Carey family and the team at Carey Civil Contractors for their time, expertise and care on the installation of the pavers for this project.  

Thanks also to Laura and Adriana from the Community Events and Engagement Team for their drive to navigate the hurdles and see the project through to completion.  

We can't wait to finalise the rest of the space located under the shade sail near the performing arts room and to see it being utilised by our community.

Curriculum Days - Student Free

Each year, School Council approves the dates of our student-free days: four curriculum days and a Professional Practice Day. Student-free days support a mix of whole-school focus on professional learning days and, assessment & reporting

2026 Student-Free Days:

• Tuesday 27th January (statewide - all government schools)
• Friday 1st May - combined schools curriculum day
• Friday 5th June
• Friday 20th November
• Friday 18th December (final day for students will be Thursday 17th December)

Parent Payments and Voluntary Contributions

The Compass Portal remains live for families to log in and complete all school payments.

The BRPS School Council, staff and school community have high expectations of all     curriculum programs, resources and facilities that the school provides. Much of the operational costs including the provision of computers (including laptops), high-quality school resources, extra sports equipment, library/ICT support and equipment, quality art and science supplies and maintenance, along with the provision of new curriculum initiatives are supported solely from local fundraising, including parent payments. 

Intensive Swimming Programs 

From 2017, the Victorian Curriculum F–10 has required swimming and water safety education to be taught as part of the Health and Physical Education learning area.

By the end of Year 6, schools are required to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills identified in the Victorian Water Safety Certificate. 

Our school schedules an 8-day intensive swimming program for all students throughout the year. We have exclusive use of the Mentone Girls Grammar School pool, experienced instructors and small group sizes. The benefits of an intensive program are:

• Improved muscle memory of swim skills due to repetition.
• Increased swim confidence as a result of better recall and repetition.
• Improved swim strokes as a result of daily practice.
• Faster progression of swim ability as skills are built on daily.
• Boosts enjoyment in swimming
• Great introduction to swimming for all ages if they haven’t had swimming lessons previously.

The first intensive program for the year is for Year 3/4 and will take place over weeks 2 & 3 of Term Two.  Other dates are here.

2027 Foundation Enrolments

Our 2027 Foundation Information night was held last night, with tours also commencing today.  

If you are aware of any families that are seeking a school for next year please direct them to our website for information about these events and the enrolment process. 

Sibling enrolments for Foundation 2027 will open on Monday 20th April. 

Year 6 Canberra Tour 

From 18-20 March. Year 6 students completed a very successful camp and tour of Canberra. Visits to Parliament House, The Electoral Education Centre, The Australian War Memorial, a guided tour along ANZAC Walk, The National Gallery of Australia, The High Court of Australia, The Canberra International Sports & Aquatic Centre (Swim & Slide), The Australian Institute of Sport, and Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre all supported our students understanding of Civics and Citizenship and the democratic principles underpinning our nation.   

I would like to sincerely thank the Year 6 teachers, Steve Muller, Jacqui Hutchinson, Emma Brindley, Catherine Brand, Rowan Doyle and support staff Lu McCullagh and Sarah Hogan for the outstanding organisation of the trip and supporting and caring for the students whilst being away from home and their loved ones over what are three very big and long days.    

PACER REBATE

Students from our school have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributed funding to our school in the amount of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion and these costs were taken off the total cost of the camp for each student.

Looking Ahead - Term 2 

Community events early in Term 2 include:

Week 1

Wed 22 April - 2027 Foundation Tour

Thu 23 April - Inform and Empower Parent/                                      Carer Info session

Fri 24 April - ANZAC Day Ceremony

                       - Casual Clothes Day

Week 2

Mon 27 April - Yr 3/4 Swimming Commences

Tue 28 April - 2027 Foundation Tour 

Fri 1 May - Student Free Curriculum Day

Please continue to check the Compass Calendar and your News Feed for updates about school events and activities.

We wish everyone a safe and relaxed Easter holiday break and look forward to an exciting Term Two ahead!

Sam Tyndall                   Emily Harvey      

PRINCIPAL                     ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL