It is hard to believe that we are on the down hill run to the end of Term 2. With only 3 weeks of the term left we have much to celebrate and look forward to before we reach the Term 2 holidays.

Enrolments are being taken now!

Do you know of any families that are looking to enrol their children in 2025? We are currently taking enrolments and need to know our numbers for next year to inform our future planning. Please spread the word about Bittern PS and encourage interested families to book a personalized tour.

Reconciliation Week

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

Last Friday our grade 1/2 students visited the Bittern Kinder to share lunch and play some indigenous games. In our classroom, the students learnt about the truth of our Australian history and the depth of our First Nations cultures and achievements.

The Boonwurrung, also spelt Bunurong or Bun wurrung, are an Aboriginal people of the Kulin nation, who are the traditional owners of the land in which Bittern Primary School is situated.

Twisted science Excursion

It was with great delight that I waved goodbye to our entire school last Friday as they headed off to the Twisted science excursion. This experience provided our students with the opportunity to explore the fun of science.

The cost of this excursion was subsidized by Ardoch. Ardoch is an organization that supports our school to improve educational outcomes for children. This support can be through experiences or financial support.

Please read the class pages for more reports On Tuesday, we sent 5 of our grade 5/6 students to Somers Camp. This is a 9 day camp that offers a range or outdoor and environmental activities for students. We wish Kiri, Kayden, Violet, Dylan and Daisy all the best as they head off to camp. I am sure they will have many stories to share upon their return.

Curriculum Day - June 21st

Just a reminder that June 21st is a pupil free day and students are NOT required at school. Staff will be spending the day completing their First Aid Training, working on assessment and reporting and curriculum planning.

On Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 25th June we will be holding Parent/Carer conferences with your child's class teacher. These interviews are an important opportunity to discuss your child's social and academic progress. Appointments can be made through Compass and you will receive notification when the booking process opens.

School Saving Bonus

You may have recently heard the announcement regarding the Victorian Budget that has included a School Saving Bonus for families. This includes $400 in support for every child at a Government school.

Families will be provided with this payment in Term 4 to enable them to plan and budget for the 2025 school year ahead.

This one-off support will include $400 for each eligible student to help families cover the costs of school uniforms and activities in 2025.

Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. Instead, families will receive the bonus as credits on their school accounts that will help meet the costs of your children’s activities and uniforms.

There will be more information and guidance about the School Saving Bonus in Term 3, 2024, ahead of its implementation in 2025.

Capital Works Update

It is full steam ahead with the building project. The library is in the process of being transformed into a State of the Art Learning Centre. The walls have been removed and remodelled to prepare for the installation of new windows and cladding. Work is about to commence at the front of the school to install our new fire system and the grounds are being prepared for our new garden areas including a kitchen garden. This project will result in our school having 4 new learning areas, as well as an outdoor learning area. We cannot wait to bring you images and updates as they come to hand. Watch this space!

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

Bittern PS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision making.

We have a zero tolerance for child abuse.

Bittern PS is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.

Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children who are vulnerable and those with a disability.

Every person involved with the Bittern PS community has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

Student of the week	Year
Chloe	5/6
Marley	3/4
Braxx	Prep
Deon	Prep

25 Nights Reading	Class
Sheena	5/6
Rose	3/4

50 Nights Reading
Charlotte	3/4
Mary	3/4
Braxx Deon	Prep Prep
75 Nights Reading
Hunter	5/6
Mary	3/4
Zoey Oliver Daisy Eleanor	Prep Prep Prep Prep
100 Nights Reading
Mary	3/4
Ruby	3/4
Dane

125 Nights Reading
Oliver	3/4
Mae	3/4

Awards and Celebrations

Congratulations!