Principal's Report
WELCOME AND WELCOME BACK
We welcome a number of new staff to our school for 2024, welcome to Alannah Cole, Eileen Crabb Emily Tainsh and Molly Lawlor - I will share more information with the community about these teachers at the beginning of next year.
We also welcome back Wendy Bennett and Michelle Fabris from some time away on family leave. I know our community will make these staff feel very welcome.
FAREWELLS
Kaye Fraser
I am delighted to announce that Kaye has made the decision to retire from her work as one of our amazing teachers. She has fulfilled many roles since starting with us in 2018. Kaye has been a dedicated and active member of our school, we thank her for the enormous roles she has taken on and her passion towards the BPS students.
Michelle Robinson
Michelle has been an integral part of our Year 1 classrooms this year. Michelle is relocating with her family and wish her all the best. We thank her for the enormous roles she has taken on and her passion towards the BPS students.
Gemma Kahrimanis
Gemma has been a great part of our 1/2 team this year since joining to replace Wendy Bennett for the remainder of 2023. She has supported the team and assisting our year 1/2 students. We thank her for the enormous role she has taken on and her passion towards her students. Gemma is looking forward to a year of travel in 2024.
Tristan Kalogeropoulos
Tristan has been an enormous part of our Year 3/4 team this year, replacing Steph Storto and Kirralee Felicite. He has brought a wealth of experience to the team and we wish him well returning to his position at Jells Park Primary School. We thank him for his enormous commitment to BPS.
Krystle D'Amelio
Krystle has been an integral part of our 5/6 team this year since re-joining this year. She has supported the team and assisting our year 6 students. Krystle has made a tremendous impact on our students and their families. We wish her well for new challenges in 2024.
Jacqui Carfi
Jacqui has been an important part of our 1/2 classrooms this year. Jacqui has successfully gained a position at a school closer to her home. We thank her for the enormous role she has taken on and support of BPS students.
YEAR SIX GRADUATION
A wonderful celebration with the graduation ceremony last night. Congratulations and thank you to the students, teachers and parents for all of their preparations. It is a significant milestone in the lives of our students and last night is a testament to their efforts, your perseverance, and your ability to rise above challenges. You've not only conquered academic pursuits but have also grown as individuals, learning the values of friendship, respect, and empathy and importantly the ability to Believe, Persevere and Succeed.
THE GIVING TREE - CHRISTMAS DONATIONS
As you know, BPS has coupled with One Church to collect and distribute presents and food items to people in need during Christmas time. We are collecting wrapped presents, with tags on under our tree in the front office. We are also collecting nonperishable food items at the front office as well. Thank you to families who have already donated, there are so many people in need this year. Extra tags for presents are available at the front desk.
2023 END OF SCHOOL YEAR
The last day of school is next Tuesday 19th December, with school finishing at 1.30pm. Parents are asked to ensure their children are picked up on time or booked into after school care which will commence at 1.30pm. Wednesday 20th is our final curriculum day for the year.
REPORTS
Teachers have been working on your children's reports, BPS provides comprehensive reports that detail students’ achievements and progress, along with the next steps for educational development. The report aims to provide consistent, clear and concise information to parents about your child’s achievement against state-wide standards.
Reports will be released on Friday15th December.
All Year 6 families are encouraged to download all copies of their children’s reports as soon as possible. Once the school year ends, there will be no further access to the COMPASS portal for past students. All reports can be downloaded in PDF format.
Meet the Teacher Day
Next Wednesday 13th December is ‘Meet the Teacher’ day for all students who will be attending Blackburn in 2024. Students will spend time with their home room teacher and classmates in their new classroom and be actively involved in different tasks to further connections with their home group peers. There will be plenty of excitement and energy across the school as students explore their new learning community. On this day, we will also welcome new students and teachers to BPS.
Over the last few weeks the children have enjoyed the our new Stepping Up program, as part of their transition into the 2024 year level. The students very positively and excitedly enjoyed the opportunity to step into the new year level. We have an outstanding teaching team and all children will be very well supported by their current and future teachers.
At this stage, we do not make any further changes to the grades as staff have spent much time and effort developing the best class structure and student placement possible. As teachers, we ask that you support your child at this time by speaking positively about the new school experiences and wonderful opportunities that 2024 will bring.
Helpers Morning Tea
The staff warmly invite all parents and friends who have helped throughout the year to a Special Morning Tea on Thursday 7th December 2023 from 10.40am – 11.20am in the Gym Foyer.
Parents and friends help in many, many ways across the school e.g. band committee, book club, icypoles, Patch cooking & working bees, classroom helpers, excursions, camps, sports days, PE/sports committees, Chinese day, graduation, running club, literacy helpers (book sorting etc), sickbay washing, second-hand uniform sales, Parents and Friends committee, classroom reps, Kids Hope mentors etc.
Everybody’s help and support is valued and appreciated and we would like to celebrate another great year with you all. We look forward to seeing you all there.
SCHOOL REVIEW 2024
The Department of Education (DE) conducts reviews of schools every 4 years. This rigorous process is conducted by a DE appointed reviewer who consults with all stake holders to help determine the school’s needs and how to meet these over the following 4 year period. The result of this is the development of the School Strategic Plan (SSP).
The consultation process will take place over Semester Two of 2024 and leading into our Review in Term Four.
More information will be circulated at the beginning of 2024. If you have any questions about this process please feel free to contact me.
Curriculum Days 2024
The following dates have now been confirmed by school council for the student free curriculum days for 2024:
29th January
22nd February
4th November
20th December
TheirCare will be offering a program on these days and will be open their bookings for these days shortly. Please see compass for more information about TheirCare and also their holiday program flier.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Last but not last a huge thank you to the many many parents who have been involved with BPS and their children's learning throughout 2023. We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our parents and community that enriches the learning and lives of every child at BPS. We look forward to continuing this and furthering our BPS community into 2024.
