From the Principal's Desk
It has been another rich and engaging fortnight across both campuses, with students continuing to embrace new experiences, celebrate diversity and connect with one another in meaningful ways. It has been wonderful to see our learners so actively involved in both their classrooms and whole-school events.
Substantive Principal Appointment
I would like to personally thank our community for the support shown this week following the announcement of my substantive appointment as Principal.
Banmira, formerly Verney Road School, has been a significant part of my life since 2004, where I began as a volunteer and have since had the privilege of working across a range of roles including Education Support, Classroom Teacher and now Principal. I am incredibly proud of our school, our people and our community, and I am excited to continue leading Banmira into the future.
Aus Triathlon Program
Last week marked the culmination of our Aus Triathlon Program for a group of Senior Campus students. Across three weeks, students participated in swimming, running and cycling activities, finishing with a simulated triathlon at Aquamoves.
The program was a fantastic success, with students showing enthusiasm, perseverance and genuine enjoyment throughout. Feedback from our instructor highlighted the strong engagement of our students and the positive, supportive environment created by staff, which enabled students to get the most out of the experience. It was clear that the program made a meaningful impact, with students’ confidence and enjoyment evident in their participation and smiles.
Scroll through below for some photos of our students in the Aus Triathlon program!
Harmony Week and IDERD
This week we have proudly recognised Harmony Week and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) across the school. It has been fantastic to see students engaging with these important themes in ways that are meaningful and accessible to their individual learning levels.
Across classrooms, students explored what it means to be a good friend, celebrated the diverse cultures that make up our community and participated in activities that promote inclusion and respect. These learnings were brought together with a whole-school event at the Junior Campus.
At Banmira, we are deeply committed to building a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all students and families. With approximately 20% of our students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and a further 20% from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, our diversity is a strength we are proud of.
We continue to actively promote understanding, respect and belonging, and are committed to educating our community and working together to eliminate racism in all its forms.
“Specially Educated” – A Piece of Our History
We are proud to share that a group of past Banmira staff have worked alongside Peter and Jacqui Matthews to produce a remarkable book titled “Specially Educated.”
This publication captures the history of specialist education in Victoria and the Goulburn Valley, from early institutional models through to the inclusive and vibrant settings we see today. It is a powerful reflection on how far education has come and the role schools like Banmira have played in that journey.
Copies are available at both campuses for $30, and we highly recommend it to anyone interested in our shared history.
Seeking Community Feedback- Child Safety Code of Conduct
As part of our ongoing commitment to child safety, Banmira Specialist School has reviewed and updated our Child Safety Code of Conduct. This document outlines the expected behaviours of all adults working with students and reinforces our zero tolerance for child abuse.
The Code of Conduct will be tabled for endorsement at the next School Council meeting.
We invite families and members of our school community to review the document and provide feedback via the following link:
https://forms.gle/tQUEefsCRhPEnZeJ8
Feedback will be considered as part of the endorsement process. The final version of the Code of Conduct will be published on the school’s website.
As always, thank you to our students, families and staff for the continued care, connection and partnership that make Banmira such a special place. We look forward to the weeks ahead as we continue to build on the strong start to the year.
Have a great weekend!
Jesse Whittaker
Principal
