The Bolinda Bulletin

Principal's Message

The Great Bolinda Toy Swap 

Last Friday, we held our Toy Swap, and it was a wonderful success! The highlight of the day was seeing our children so willing to bring along their much-loved toys to be swapped – it was terrific to see their generosity and excitement.

 

Another highlight was when each grade took turns choosing an item to take home. We’re also pleased to share that the toys left over from the swap have been donated to a local Op Shop, ensuring that even more children will have the chance to enjoy them.

 

A huge thank you to everyone for your support in making this event such a positive and community-minded experience. And a very special thank you goes to our wonderful Education Support Staff, who came up with this idea and saw it through to the end – we are so grateful for your creativity and commitment!

 

Ground Works 

 

Here’s the latest on our garden and school improvements…Our Food Cubes have been delivered for the community garden, and the space is all cleared, ready for installation this coming Tuesday.

 

I also had a final walk-around with the fencer who will be installing our new school fence. He anticipates the work will take around two weeks, so fingers crossed we’ll return in Term 4 to find the project complete. We know it might take a little while to get used to, but we’re really looking forward to seeing the finished result.

 

We’re also excited to welcome Junior Landcare on Friday, 17th October. They’ll be helping us install the new garden at the front of the school, making the most of this space and adding even more greenery for our students and community to enjoy.

 

School Review – Parent Focus Group Invitation

 

Our school review will be taking place in Term 4 on October 15, 16 & 20. This is an important process that happens every four years, where we reflect on our achievements, look closely at student learning and wellbeing, and set the direction for the next School Strategic Plan.

 

As part of the review, there will be focus groups with parents, staff, and students. These groups give reviewers the chance to hear directly from our community about what is working well at Bolinda Primary and where we can continue to grow. Focus groups are relaxed, conversation-based sessions where your insights and experiences help shape the future direction of the school.

 

We would love for our parents to be involved in these discussions. Focus groups will most likely be scheduled at either end of the day (morning or afternoon) to make it easier for families to attend.

 

Your voice is an important part of our story, and we encourage you to take this opportunity to contribute. More information about times and how to be involved will be shared closer to the review dates.

 

Bendigo Divisional Athletics

 

We wish Owen and Peter all the very best as they head to Bendigo next Monday to compete at the next stage of the Athletics competition, going up against schools from as far away as Swan Hill.

 

  • Owen will be competing in the 9/10 - Discus event.
  • Peter will be running in the 12/13 - 100m event.

 

Regardless of the results on the day, the whole school is incredibly proud of this fantastic achievement. Well done, Owen and Peter – we’ll all be cheering you on!

 

Swimming Program

 

A reminder that our Swimming Program will take place in the first week of Term 4, from Monday 6 October to Friday 10 October, at the Gisborne Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

 

Students will participate in a series of water activities designed to build confidence, learn swimming techniques, and develop lifelong water safety skills. This program is an important part of the Victorian Curriculum, with all students expected to work towards the Victorian Water Safety Certificate (VWSC) by the end of Year 6.

 

The cost of the program has been subsidised by the Department of Education and our School Council to ease the burden for families.

 

Medical forms have been sent home. Please ensure your child’s attendance is confirmed by Friday19 September (the last day of Term 3).

 

I Like to Move It Day

 

As part of our upcoming I Like to Move It Day, information has been sent home about a special lunch for students on the day. Please check your child’s bag for the notice and make sure any orders are returned by the due date so that no one misses out.

 

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day full of fun, movement, and community.

 

CFA Bonfire Night Help

The much-loved Bonfire Night is coming up on Saturday, 18 October, and we’re looking for a team to help lead a fundraising initiative for the school. While the PFA are keen to be involved, we’d love someone to take the lead and help organise our stalls for the event.

 

Last year, through the bake stall alone, the PFA raised over $1,600 – an incredible effort and a huge boost for our school. We’d love to build on that success this year with your support.

 

A few ideas we’d love your help with include:

  • Bake Stall – was a hit last year.
  • Fun Games – these were a great success last time and really added to the atmosphere.

  • Glow Sticks – we’ve been given the go-ahead to sell them this year, making this a great fundraising opportunity.

     

If you’re interested in being part of this team – or even leading it – please get in touch. 

 

Every bit of help makes a difference.