Buninyong PS Newsletter

Principal's Report

Japan Trip

Recently I had the pleasure of joining the school trip to Japan.  There was not a moment wasted and students, staff and parents on the trip learnt a great deal along the way.  There were many highlights, but those that come first to mind include:

  • Seeing how the students were willing and able to step outside of their comfort zone.  As a result, their understanding of the language and the culture went through the roof.
  • Visiting our sister school and strengthening the long standing relationship we have with them.
  • Seeing first hand how the Japanese people cope with a large population and very little space.  Despite the challenge this presents, the people are cheerful and content.  We have all returned with an appreciation of the space we have in Australia.
  • The Japanese public transport system is something to behold and we all enjoyed riding on the bullet trains.  We also enjoyed experiencing the crush of suburban trains.
  • The respectful nature and honesty displayed by the Japanese people.  We were treated very well wherever we went and regularly had locals come to ask where we were from and offer a welcome.  Whenever we were a little puzzled, there was always someone who noticed and came across to help.  Throughout the trip we regularly had students lose track of possessions, but we always got them back due to the honest nature of the Japanese people.

Well done to Narelle Sullivan who did an amazing job planning and leading the trip.  Narelle was supported nicely by Dave Young and Katie Adamson, but also by Ben Gamble and Mel Crimeen who attended as parents.  A big thank you to Ben and Mel for coming along.

Given the success of our 2nd trip to Japan, a 3rd is almost certain to follow in 2021, so if you have a child currently in grade 3 or 4, I’d highly recommend you consider this as an option for your child.

 

Parent Opinion Surveys

Our Parent Opinion Survey results for 2019 became available this morning.  We had 85 parents take the time to fill out the surveys and we’d like to thank each of those for making that effort.  Whilst we have only had time to take a quick look at the results, overall they are very positive. 

As always, we like to have follow up discussions with interested parents to build a better understanding of what might be behind particular aspects of the survey results.  If you’d like to be part of these discussions, make sure you come along to the next PLP Meeting and/or the next gathering of Scotsburn parents.  The results will also be explored and discussed at our next School Council Meeting.

Term 3 Comes to and End

On a non-concert year, we try hard not to fill the space with lots of extra-curricular events, giving us the opportunity to settle into routines and enjoy uninterrupted time in classrooms.  It’s pleasing to have achieved this and to see a positive learning culture right across the school (both campuses). 

A few other things worth noting from the term include:

  • We introduced a new yard duty timetable at our Buninyong Campus, which results in 2 additional staff members being on duty at any given time.  There’s now at least 7 staff out supervising the students at any given time and we’re finding this is working well.
  • A huge amount of work has been dedicated to the School Review.
  • Our staff have been doing a lot of work around Learning Behaviours, which is having a positive impact in classrooms.
  • We had a nice celebration of Naidoc week and it’s been great to get our new flag poles up at the Buninyong Campus.  A 2nd flag pole is coming at Scotsburn.
  • A successful grade 3 camp...despite the rain.
  • Scotsburn kicking off a relationship with Back Creek Farm, which hopefully will be a long standing collaboration.
  • A highly successful Japanese Festival Day and trip to Japan.
  • Work commencing on Energy Break Through.
  • Ms Morris has commenced planning for next year’s Snow Trip.
  • The Father’s Day Stall was very popular again.
  • Our Celebration of Learning Evening drew a large crowd and was used well to achieve the desired outcomes.
  • Using eSmart Week to help keep our kids build the skills to stay safe online.

Amongst other things, next term we can look forward to:

  • The grade 6 Camp.
  • Transition events for our current grade 6s and 2020 preps.
  • A Book Fair.
  • Bike Ed for the grade 3s and 5s.
  • Sleepovers for the Scotsburn P-2s and Buninyong 2s.
  • The Solar Boat Challenge and Energy Break Through events involving the grade 6s.
  • Grandparents and Special Friends morning.
  • A graduation ceremony for our grade 6s.

We’re all looking forward to some warmer weather and hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable September break.