The Year That Was

2023

It is hard to believe that the 2023 school year is almost at an end.

Whilst reflecting on the year that was, I marvelled at the flexibility and adaptability and ongoing professionalism demonstrated by not only the staff, but also the students and their families when our school was faced with a variety of changes that occurred, all of which were beyond anyone’s control. 

The school year commenced in a very smooth, settled manner and then the influx of staff changes occurred.  Throughout the first 6 months of the school year, we lost 5 key staff members which meant we had to continually reshuffle roles and responsibilities of staff as well as change classroom teachers.  I would like to sincerely thank all our parents for supporting the many changes that occurred and congratulate the students for adapting to these changes in a seamless manner. 

During the year we lost Mr Doug Bray and Mr Brent Plowright (Secondment to the Department of Education), Mr Nick Arnold to another system, Mrs Kate Boston, and Mrs Jessica Patane.  We welcomed our new staff members in Mrs Anna Holmes and Ms Brooke Vincent, who worked in the Year 6 team and added value to every aspect of Year 6.

SAT

Our Student Agency Team have certainly used every opportunity to exercise Student Voice this year and I would like to thank Mr. Jameel Marashli and Mr Angus Ross for leading our SAT Team so effectively. 

A big congratulation to the Student Agency team for their commitment throughout the year at Beaumaris North Primary School. 

 Year 3 - Avie, Abby & Aleia

Year 4 - Toby, Lucas & Annabel

Year 5 - Madi, Timmy, Josh & David 

Year 6 - Bailey, Kian, Lucy & Baxter

The students have continued to regularly meet as a team, feeding back their ideas and views in many different aspects of our school community. 

Alongside of this, the team voted to also raise awareness and money for the Royal Children’s Hospital with our Easter colouring competition & guess the egg amount and a sausage sizzle raising money for our school.

Student Achievement

We have been extremely thrilled with our student achievement this year. 

Our student achievement results have met our set goals and, in many areas, exceeded our expected targets.  This is a credit to our whole school community including both staff and families alike.

NAPLAN is only one data set but it reflects our teacher judgements and that of the standardised test results our children complete.  

Our NAPLAN results were extremely pleasing in Years 3, 5 and 7.  An added bonus is that we are now able to monitor our students’ growth even when they are in their first year of secondary school. The Year 7 data provides us with an overview of the final two years of primary school.   

Our school achievement level is well above state-wide benchmarks and equal to, or above similar schools and our network schools.   

Treehouse Graduation

Congratulations to the Year 1 students who graduated from the Treehouse Program this week. Their reading, writing and handwriting skills have made great progress this year. 

Well done and happy reading.

Wellbeing & Incursions

This year the students have enjoyed many different excursions to complement their unit of inquires throughout the year.

Puffing Billy was certainly a highlight for the Year 1 students.

The Book Parade was another highlight of this year.

Christmas Concert

The students looked and sounded amazing at our Aussie Flavoured Christmas on the 6 December.

Our Fete Is Back 

The First Fete Since 2018!

Excitement is now growing as our first Fete (since Covid) is only months away.  I would like to applaud Nat Northey and her team of enthusiastic parents who have agreed to plan this very special whole school event. We have convenors for all of our stalls, thanks to the parent community, and sponsorships are continuing to come in. Currently we have $6,500 in pledges.

The committee is continuing to work behind the scenes and are excited about the new school year when they aim to get all families involved.

Fete T-Shirt

At the beginning of Term 1,2024, the BNPS Parents & Friends Committee will be selling black and white t-shirts with the Fete Logo on them, which the students would be allowed to wear, as part of their school uniform, up until the date of the Fete. Orders will be placed in 2024 on Qkr, more information to follow.

School Council

I would like to thank all members of School Council who have shared their knowledge, skills, and willingness to support every aspect of our school this year. Both the parent and staff representatives have given up their time to attend meetings in the evenings, ensuring that the school families are always their priority with all decisions. 

I would like to thank Mary Sheargold and Nat Northey for undertaking the roles of SC President and Vice President, and for running our meetings throughout the 2023 school year.  Thank you also to Sonia Hogan for fulfilling the role of Treasurer and ensuring our finances are in order and meet all regularity requirements.

Parent Body

We not only implement programs for our students, but we provide facilities and resources to support and assist our parents and families. 

Our school currently does not have to outsource any of our school requirements which is unique. School Council manages our school canteen, uniform shop, our OSHC and the employment of Casual Replacement Staff.  School Council has also endorsed the Simon Lindsay Music School, Susie King singing program and the Erin Cass OT service as additional programs to support our parent needs.

Our Resident Musicians 

Susie King and the Simon Lindsay Team of Musicians

I would like to sincerely thank our singing teacher Susie King and our instrumental team led by Simon Lindsay.  The provision of private music lessons for many students adds value to our school curriculum and is yet another way of ensuring all children have the opportunity to shine.

Welcome Erin Cass 

Our onsite Occupational Therapist

OT On-site is now available for our families requiring this specific intervention for their child. The program has only recently been introduced but already the demand is so great that Erin is trying to extend her days available to meet the needs of all parent requests. 

This service model is of no direct financial gain for the school, but the skill development of the individual child has a direct impact on their learning skills which is a win win for all stakeholders.

In Conclusion

The 2023 school year is almost at an end for us all.  It is only when you glance at the school calendar that memories of the events come flooding back to us all.  The memories of this school year have been made possible by the truly magnificent members of our school community.   

I would like to wish every member of our school community a wonderful Christmas and school holidays.  This break from the rigours of school provides you with a time to re-connect with families and friends and enjoy time with your child/children.   

I live by a very simple mantra and that is 'We cannot change what happened yesterday, we do not know what tomorrow will bring, but today is a gift', and we should maximise every second it brings.

Have a wonderful family Christmas and enjoy every day.

Kind Regards 

Sherril