Primary News

We're all in this together

Parents, families, and carers are pivotal figures in a child's educational journey, serving as their primary and most influential mentors. When families collaborate and partner closely with schools, the educational experience of children is significantly enriched.

An important endeavour funded by the Australian Government Department of Education was launched in 2014, entrusting ARACY with a four-year research project focused on parent and family engagement in learning. This initiative aimed to highlight the importance of parental involvement in Australian schools, devise consistent methodologies for assessing the impact of such engagement on student academic outcomes, and generate and disseminate evidence-based practices conducive to fostering positive engagement. You can read more about this research here: https://www.aracy.org.au/documents/item/647

The results of this and several research projects conclude that parents and families play an important role in supporting their child's education. When schools and families work and partner together, children:

• do better
• stay in school longer
• are more engaged with their schoolwork
• go to school more regularly
• behave better
• have better social skills

The Bayside mission revolves around collaborating with parents to educate their children effectively. This week, we held Parent-Teacher Conferences, providing yet another avenue for us to partner together in fostering the growth and development of each child. Consistent communication regarding how we can collectively support your child's growth is crucial for ensuring their success and wellbeing. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every parent and caregiver for entrusting our teachers with the education and care of your children. I can sincerely attest to the unwavering dedication and love exhibited by our teachers, who genuinely prioritise each child and their individual needs. With such dedicated educators and supportive parents partnering together, we are committed to providing every child with the best possible start and opportunities to thrive.

Mrs Danielle Lupi, Head of Primary

Christian Leaders Conference

On the 27th of February, primary school captains gathered at the Christian Leadership Conference to delve into the essence of Christian leadership. The event equipped these young leaders with insights into embodying Christian principles in their roles. Through individual-focused activities, attendees had the opportunity to reflect deeply on their faith, recognise their unique giftings, and explore ways to enhance their leadership positions. The conference aimed at nurturing qualities of compassion, integrity, and service. It was a day filled with inspiration and growth as these young captains embraced the valuable lessons of Christian leadership, setting a promising path for their future endeavours.

The Christian Leadership Conference was such a once in a lifetime experience! I loved learning about God, and what he says about leadership, and also meeting new amazing people. This day was just amazing! - Portia McDermott

The Christian Leadership Conference was a great experience. It helped me understand how a strong Christian leader acts and I really enjoyed learning more about God. Definitely a very fun day! - Winter Nixon

The Christian leadership conference was a fun and enjoyable way to learn about God and how to be better leaders. We learnt that as leaders we have to make sacrifices, even if it's as small as playing with someone that has no one to play with when your friends are playing a really fun game. - Thomas Hooper

Years 3-6 Learning Focus

In Years 3-6 there is a focus on developing students into kind, resilient, encouraging, and respectful individuals, while instilling a sense of responsibility for their actions. In every unit of work and activity, the goal is not only to maximise their academic learning but to also nurture their character, promoting values that extend beyond the classroom walls. Students are provided with opportunities to recognise and understand that they have been created by God for a specific purpose. They possess unique gifts and talents that have the potential to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Out-of-classroom activities focus on teamwork and encouraging students to become adept problem solvers. It's about recognising that answers may not always be readily accessible, but rather something that requires persistence and resilience. The approach underscores the idea that, together, we can collaboratively work towards solutions.

We consider it a privilege to play a role in the educational journey of every student. Our aspiration is for our students to develop confidence in their identity and capabilities, fostering a fearlessness to explore new experiences. Ultimately, we hope they become shining lights in any context they find themselves in.

Sara Wright, Year 3-6 Coordinator

Primary Art

At Bayside, we seek to engage students in God's redemptive plan for humanity and culture, which includes the arts. Art can be seen as a direct interaction and representation of God's splendour and sovereignty. Genesis 1:27 speaks of God creating 'man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.' In the same way that God is the creator, he made us as creative beings.

In Art, students are able to experience creating in a variety of ways and reflect on how we can take pleasure in producing Art and enjoying what God has created here on Earth. Each one of us is blessed with the ability to think creatively. The arts provide us with the opportunity to nurture that ability and create artworks that are pleasing to God and others

In each lesson, students experience a range of visual art activities, including painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, textiles and drawing. The emphasis is to provide students with critical skills for each component. Children learn to work with ideas, develop their artistic skills and respond to artworks.

The Arts integrates with many other learning areas such as Mathematics, Geography, English and Science. Reinforcing concepts like symmetry, shape, tessellation, measurement, topography, biology of plants and animals and much more. Whilst also providing an outlet to express individuality and ideas.

Please engage with your child about the arts and take a walk together through the G block foyer to see the primary students' work on display. Currently there are  Prep,  1/2  and 3/4 work on display for you to enjoy.

Caroline DeHaan, Art Teacher

Mrs Sargood Incursion

On Friday 1st March, the clocks turned back in time, transporting the Year Ones and Twos to a slice of life in Victorian Australia. Classrooms were rearranged to have traditional rows, and fingernails and hands were inspected before entering the classroom to learn. We welcomed back Mrs Sargood from the National Trust, who reenacted a lesson from the 1800’s. 

Remaining steadfastly in character, she led the children in writing the alphabet with ink, regaling tales of her life at Rippon Lea Estate alongside her affluent husband and their twelve children. She explained how girls and boys were taught separately, and we had a look at a virtual tour of the Rippon Lea estate. 

To embellish our experience, we played old-fashioned games such as marbles, pick-up sticks and wooden toys. We made dolly crafts and carpentry and even had sandwiches wrapped in parchment paper! It was a rich learning experience for all the students, and our heartfelt thanks extend to the parents for their wonderful efforts in raiding the wardrobe for authentic costumes. 

Carolyn Johnson, Jennie Taylor and Madura Nadarajah, Years 1/2 Teachers

2024 Division Swimming team

The following students have qualified through to the Northern Division Swimming Competition on March 12th. Congratulations to all competitors and good luck! 

9/10 year old boys: 

• Chase McDermott (Freestyle and Backstroke)
• 4 x 50m Freestyle relay team: Chase McDermott, Logan Jones, Caleb Kidney & Hugo Carman

9/10 year old girls:

• Lydia Teramoto (Freestyle & Breaststroke)

12/13 year old boys: 

• Eli Lynch (Freestyle & Breaststroke)
• Izaak Vandernoord (Backstroke & Breaststroke)
• Jimmy Fraser (Butterfly)
• 4 x 50 m Freestyle relay team: Eli Lynch, Izaak Vandernoord, Jimmy Fraser & Logan Tickell 
• Medley Relay team: Izaak Vandernoord (Backstroke), Logan Tickell (Freestyle), Eli Lynch (Breaststroke & Jimmy Fraser (Butterfly)

12/13 year old girls:

• Mikayla Shelling (Backstroke) 
• 4 x 50 m Freestyle relay team: Reece Caneva, Portia McDermott, Winter Nixon & Poppy Wheeler

Jogging Club News

Whether you're a professional runner, a slow walker, or even if you prefer skipping or crawling, everyone is invited to join us for some healthy fun! Every Friday morning before school from 8:15 to 8:45 am, lace up your sneakers and join us for laps around the oval. It's a great way to kickstart your day with some exercise and fresh air. 

And that's not all! For students who can't make it on Fridays, we've got you covered. Join us on Mondays during the first half of lunch, from 12:50 to 1:20 pm, for more jogging club fun. So whether you want to run, walk, push a pram, skip, or even crawl, come join us and be a part of the Jogging Club excitement at Bayside. See you there!

Mr Zacc Klan, Primary PE Teacher

Bayside Raiders Basketball

Bayside Raiders Basketball teams are being organised now for the winter season. Please contact Ulli  if you have a child who hasn't previously played, or a new sibling who would like to play. Raiders are offering basketball teams from Prep all the way to Seniors (Year 12), and are hoping to start a U8 girls team (Prep and Year 1). We are also in need of U12 girls interested in playing!

Primary Athletics Carnival