Foundation Information Night

This coming Monday evening we have our Foundation 2025 Information Night in our Foundation classrooms.

If you have a child starting school next year join us from 6.00-7.30pm.

If you know anyone with a child starting school next year invite them along.

This is an opportunity to hear all about learning in Foundation.

Open Day

Our Open Day is next Tuesday May 14th. We will be running tours at 9.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Whilst this is an opportunity for new families to visit it is a great chance for you to see the school in action!

Grandparents Morning

We hope your children have invited grandparents and special people to come to school on Tuesday May 14th from 9.00-11.00am.

Grandparents and special people are invited to arrive any time between 9.00-11.00am. Everyone can arrive via the main office and we will make sure they get to the right classroom. If they know where their grandchild's classroom is or if you are with them you do not need to come via the office.

They will be able to spend time in their grandchild's classroom, undertake an activity with them and their grandchild can talk to them about learning in their classroom. Their grandchild might also like to take them on a tour around the school if they are up for a walk around. Some classes will be in specialist lessons, which will be an exciting experience for everyone.

All classrooms except for 3AT are accessible, where grandparents will have to walk up some steps, all other areas have ramps. If needed there are three disabled parking spaces in the carpark at the front of the school for easy access to the office.

The morning tea will start in the Stadium foyer from 10.30am, grandchildren can drop their grandparents off at the Stadium then head back to their class to continue learning.

Thanks to our Community Engagement team for providing morning tea from 10.30 to 11.00am in the Stadium foyer.

Thanks to Ramona for the amazing poster.

We are excited to meet them all!

Pupil Free Day

A reminder Monday May 13th is a Pupil Free Day. Our staff will be working with Bill Rogers, focusing on student engagement and behaviour.

Do you want to know about classroom learning programs?

The fortnightly year level and specialist pages of the newsletter are a window into the learning programs your child is involved in.

This week you can learn about the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) which our Foundation students participate in - we love parent helpers for this program! You can also read about Echi the Echidna's adventures with images and writing from our Foundation students.

Our Year 1/2s went to Twisted Science as part of their Inquiry Unit for Term 2. This STEM excursion was a huge success, you can read student reflections and see lots of images of their adventure.

If your child is in Year 3/4 you can learn about their reading goals with a focus on expanding vocabulary in Term 2. There are some links to books to share with your child and you can learn about word jars.

Our Year 5/6 page provides information about their Change unit which is Australian History 1700-1900, you will see research, narrative writing and dioramas in production. You can also find out about multiplication strategies and links to area and perimeter that they are focusing on in maths.

This week be sure to see the latest in Visual Arts - including the focus for each level. There is work being produced for the Boroondara Park Museum. The art work around the school at the moment is amazing and every changing.

Our French page from Monsieur Roast is worth a visit. There are examples of the learning and activities from all year levels, be sure to check it out.

The Performing Arts page provides information about the learning program, the updates on Choir and the upcoming Class Concerts - we hope to see a number of you enjoying this new performance opportunity.

Be sure to visit the Sport and PE page for an update on the fabulous Year 5/6 4 square tournament which has been held at lunchtimes. I hope the Year 3/4s are getting ready for their tournament in Week 6.

Neurodiverse Community Conversations

Over the last two weeks we have held two community conversations focusing on neurodiversity. These were attended by parents and staff, with an interest and focus on how as a school we can be inclusive and grow our expertise.

Within our groups we had a good deal of expertise and those who could offer information based on their experiences.

One of the key things discussed was ensuring the school is provided with details following any diagnosis, there can be key adjustments the school can make to support individuals.

We had discussion around the different ways autism and ADHD present, especially at school. This included masking - where children are quiet and compliant in terms of classroom behaviour but at home they are different people. Being fully aware of who each child is and all they bring is vital for us as we provide an educational program that meets their individual needs. This led to us discussing the key relationships and the importance of working as a team - child, parents, teachers and health practitioners.

As educators we know your children come to school with you as their first teachers, you know your child so well and this information can enable us to provide the best possible programs for them - this is true of all children.

We reflected on the small modifications that could be made to support a child who does not want to look different to their peers but who needs adjustments - this could be especially true in the area of executive function.

Fitness Club and the importance of moving was mentioned by a number of participants - we are getting lots of great feedback about Fitness Club - thank you Mr Wickham!

We discussed the work the school is already doing to build staff knowedge and make adjustments to learning and environment to support all students.

Trial of Zones of Regulation in Year 1-2.

Our discussion also included questions around how we can cater to parents and carers who are neurodiverse. Being made aware of the issues with class Expos and the busy noisy environment on those who have heightened sensory awareness can assist us to ensure there are quiet sessions for those who need this.

Being able to have open and honest conversations is vital for us all. If you have needs as a neurodiverse parent, having a conversations about your needs with us will support us to ensure the school remains accessible to you.

What does an inclusive and welcoming environment for neurodiverse students and parents look like?

This question will form our continuing work, one group was able to start working through what we can do to provide an environment that is welcoming and inclusive. We want to further grow these ideas with the community and staff.

Keep an eye out for an invitation to the next series of conversations.

School Saving Bonus

You may have seen the recent announcement of the School Saving Bonus, as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25. We are sharing more information about how families will be able to access and use this support.

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

It will be available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school 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.

Existing supports

The School Saving Bonus support will be in addition to existing and continuing means-tested supports for camps, sports, excursions and uniforms.

The application-based Affordable School Uniform program, through State Schools’ Relief, will continue to be available to families experiencing financial hardship or other forms of vulnerability and short-term crisis. This program allows schools to make multiple applications for support on parents' behalf throughout the year if needed.

Our school also has the ability to support families experiencing hardship, please reach out and have a conversation with Shannon Reeve our Assistant Principal .

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

BPPS Facebook and Instagram

Don't forget to follow our social media accounts and see what is happening at school each day. Boroondara Park Primary School Facebook

Search @BoroondaraPark on Instagram to follow the school.

Susanne Lowe

Principal

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