From the Principal's Desk

As always, it has been another incredibly busy and positive fortnight across both campuses, with so many opportunities to celebrate our students, connect with families and continue strengthening our school community. 

From community events to professional learning and student-led awareness initiatives, it has been wonderful seeing Banmira continue to grow together.

Student Free Day – Monday May 11th

Our staff across both campuses greatly appreciated the opportunity on Monday to come together for a full day of professional learning, collaboration and reflection focused on improving teaching and learning outcomes for students.

Across the day, staff engaged in a range of sessions centred on literacy instruction, communication supports, student wellbeing, behaviour support and curriculum development. Teams explored areas including emergent literacy, instructional teaching models, AAC and communication systems, Team Teach, ASDAN pathways, mathematics intervention strategies and approaches to supporting student regulation and wellbeing.

Days like these are incredibly important in ensuring our staff continue building their collective knowledge and capability so we can provide highly accessible, inclusive and evidence-based learning environments for every student.

Mother’s Day Events

It was fantastic to see such large numbers of Mums, Grandmothers, Aunties, Carers and other special parental figures attend our Mother’s Day High Teas across both campuses on Friday.

The love and pride students have for these important people in their lives was evident right across the school. Banmira sincerely thanks all of the families and carers who continue to support our students in becoming as independent, confident and successful as possible.

A special thank you must also go to our Senior Years team for planning, organising and hosting this year’s Mother’s Day Stall. We hope all the Mums and special people out there enjoyed their thoughtful gifts.

Scroll through our Gallery below to check out some great snaps of the day!

“Wear It Green for CDG”

On Wednesday, our Junior Campus became a sea of green in support of our student, Louis Dann, and others living with the rare genetic condition Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG).

With World CDG Day taking place this Saturday, our school community felt honoured to support awareness and research into CDG, which impacts approximately 1 in 20,000 people worldwide. It was wonderful seeing students and staff come together to support Louis and his family in such a meaningful way.

PASS Conference – Building Skills for Life

Last week, Kylie (Acting Assistant Principal – Junior Campus Lead), Dan (Assistant Principal – Senior Campus Lead) and I attended the annual Principals Association of Specialist Schools (PASS) Conference in San Remo.

This year’s theme, “Building Skills for Life,” focused heavily on student pathways and preparing young people for meaningful futures, while also exploring leadership, strategic planning, cultural safety and staff wellbeing. The conference concluded with an incredibly powerful presentation from former World Number 4 tennis player Jelena Dokic, whose story highlighted the importance of resilience, perseverance and leaning into support networks during difficult times.

We look forward to bringing many ideas and reflections from the conference back into our work at Banmira.

Carpark Café

On Tuesday we hosted our first Senior Campus Carpark Café for parents and carers. It was a fantastic opportunity to share a coffee, connect and strengthen relationships with members of our community in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Our next Junior Campus Carpark Café will be held on Friday May 22nd. If you can spare a few minutes during drop-off time, we would love to see you there.

World Education Support Staff (ESS) Day

To all of our incredible Education Support Staff,

Thank you for the care, patience, dedication and compassion you show every single day at Banmira. The work you do often goes far beyond what people see, supporting students through their challenges, celebrating their successes, building relationships, and creating safe and positive learning environments where every child feels valued and supported.

Thank you for the countless small things you do each day, the encouragement, flexibility, teamwork, humour and kindness you bring to our classrooms and programs. Banmira is a better place because of the commitment and heart you bring to your roles.

We are incredibly grateful for everything you do for our students, staff and school community. Happy ESS day!

Thank you to our students, families and staff for the continued partnership and positivity that make Banmira such a vibrant and connected school community. We look forward to the exciting weeks ahead and continuing to celebrate the many successes happening across our school.

Jesse Whittaker

Principal