Principal Report

Learning 

As a team of educators we are constantly striving to improve the learning programs we provide to our students at Boroondara Park PS. On Monday our staff spent the day with Emeritus Professor Peter Sullivan exploring how we teach maths, with a specific focus around differentiation, problem solving and student thinking. 

Mathematicians need to explain their thinking clearly and they often work as part of a team. 

Our role as teachers is to create confidence and an orientation in our students to explore and create their own solutions. Working through maths tasks with a problem solving focus and supporting our students to develop and share their thinking in mathematics enables them to share their solutions, thinking and processes. This does not replace explicit mathematics teaching, but enables exploration and sharing by students to start the process. 

The excitement of exploring mathematical concepts, and the power of doing this with our students, will enable us to support all students to build their confidence and strength, to learn together, to talk about their thinking and explain their mathematical knowledge. Supporting students to understand this is as important as getting the right answer and this can be a challenge for many children and adults. 

More information about our maths program will be shared throughout Term 3, including time for parents to come and learn alongside their children. 

Communication at Boroondara Park PS 

Thank you to the parents and carers who have taken up the opportunity to complete the Google form on communication at BPPS. 

If you have a few minutes and would like to assist us to get better at communicating with our school community we invite you to fill in this google form Communication at BPPS 

As noted in the message sent to the community last Thursday this is the start of a process of improvement. 

Rights and responsibilities 

In the next few newsletters and via a COMPASS feed we will be sharing information about our Rights and Responsibilities. We will take time to explore them and share what they look like in the classroom and school yard. 

Baby news  

We wanted to share some wonderful baby news. 

Hannah Maurici has a new son who arrived safely during the last school holidays. His name is Rocco James. Congratulations to Hannah, James and Francesca on the arrival of their new family member. 

Bridget Grundy has a new daughter who arrived safely during the last holidays. Her name is Allegra Moya. Congratulations to Bridget, Danny, Lenny, Scarlett and Sadie on the arrival of their new family member. 

NAIDOC Week

Make  sure you have a look at the Junior School Council page this week, they are planning a NAIDOC event on Tuesday June 20th. We are excited to be able to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

eSafety Commissioner

The eSafety Commissioner website is a treasure trove of resources to support us all with all things digital. 

We are loading you up with a few resources this week, hoping they are of assistance. 

Last week we provided information about Minecraft. This week we are sharing information about TikTok, the minimum age is 13+ according to TikTok. It is a social media app for creating and sharing short videos. The link above will take you to the section of the eSafety commissioner website about TikTok and gives you information about reporting online abuse and blocking someone. It will also give you information on how to protect your personal information.  

The app checklist for parents will support you to navigate the app world. 

Conversation starters for everyday chats with your children about online safety (parents and educators) 

There may be occasions when you need to have a variety of conversations with your children about the digital world. Some conversations will be tricky, this link will give you advice on having conversations around some of the more difficult areas of the digital world.  Hard to have conversations 

Whole School Production 

Keep an eye out for the COMPASS message coming your way for the tickets for the production next term. 

Staying well this winter

A message from the Department of Education to all in our community. 

Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from the flu.

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:

• washing and sanitising hands regularly
• avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing · staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
• staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2023 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 booster dose. You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

Find out more

For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to: 

• Better Health Channel - Influenza flu immunisation fact sheet
• Getting vaccinated against influenza

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