Principal's Message

Parent Teacher Interviews

On the 16th and 18th of March this year, we are holding our Parent Teacher Interviews. These interviews will be held as teleconferences (via Google Meet) to ensure the sessions go ahead, no matter what restrictions may or may not be in place.

Parents and carers will be able to book sessions for Parent Teacher Interviews through Sentral, from 4pm today (Friday 26th Feb) until 15th March. If you have trouble accessing Sentral, please contact the front office for support. 

Tutor Program

Many of you will be aware of the additional funding given to schools this year, to support targeted intervention for students who did not make the expected 12 months growth, as a result of the pandemic and remote learning in 2020. 

Our school started developing our approach to the tutor program in term 4, 2020 and next week we will be presenting this approach to our school council for feedback. Once we have confirmed our approach, we will communicate it to all community members, with the program beginning in March.

Instrumental Music Program

At BNW we greatly value all elements of the curriculum and recognise the importance of creativity and the Arts for problem-solving, brain development and pure enjoyment! Unfortunately the pandemic had a significant impact on some of our programs - the instrumental music program being one example. With the easing of restrictions, we have been able to start re-engaging with our instrumental music teachers to plan out how we can return to offering our program, whilst meeting the Department’s latest requirements for cleaning and safety. At this stage we are still finalising the finer details, but hope to have our instrumental music program back in the next week or so! If you are interested in enrolling in instrumental music, please contact Jack Madin or the front office for more information.

School Council Elections

Please review the PDF below for information on our school council elections, including how important dates and many positions are open for nomination this year. Nomination forms can be found at the school office - parents and carers are allowed on-site to either self-nominate or nominate another community member.

COVID-Safe

Earlier today, the Victorian Premier announced lifting of some restrictions across the state. While we are thrilled that the local case numbers means social and face mask restrictions have eased, our school must wait for updates from the Department of Education before we can make any changes as significant as no longer requiring face coverings.

One change that we are making starting from next week, relates to pick-up time. Despite the best efforts from students, families and staff, we continue to have large groups at the gates that are presenting some safety concerns. As such, we are adjusting our pick-up routine. We apologise for the ongoing changes, but we must respond to the safety needs of our community. Starting from next Monday (1st March), parents and carers of students in grades F-2 can come on to the school grounds from 3.20pm to pick up their children. We ask that parents do not enter the school buildings or classrooms, unless previously arranged with a staff member. Parents and carers of grades 3-6 can meet their children outside the school grounds, at any gate of your choosing. Classroom teachers will continue to monitor pick-up time closely, to support student safety and feedback to leadership about whether this new routine is an improvement.

Building Works

Please note that a portion of the footpath on Wales St. will be blocked off from pedestrian access next week, while our builders connect services from our new building. We apologise for any inconvenience and will ensure the footpath is re-opened as soon as possible.