Bursaria 

It has been a positive and rewarding start to 2026 in Bursaria Learning Place, the oldest learning place in our school. Across our 7 classrooms, 68 students have been learning, connecting and growing in their own unique ways. We are proud of the way students have settled into the year, and of the strong relationships being built each day. Our team of 7 teachers and 10 Education Support (ES) staff work closely together to create a calm, supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels safe, valued and ready to learn.

A key part of this support is our classroom allied health team, who work within a key worker model to provide consistent, coordinated support for each student. Through this approach, speech pathologists and occupational therapists partner closely with classroom staff to ensure that each student’s strengths, needs and goals are well understood and thoughtfully supported. This collaboration enables us to design meaningful learning experiences and recognise and celebrate progress in all its forms.

Throughout the term, students have been building confidence with classroom routines and expectations, while developing strategies that support them to feel ready and engaged in their learning each day. They have also been actively involved in our Integrated Unit, Watch Us Grow, exploring how their bodies develop and making meaningful connections to health messages they encounter in everyday life. In addition to this, students have been completing learning across English, Maths, and Personal and Social Capabilities, applying their skills in ways that are practical and meaningful. It has been a pleasure to see students engaging with their learning in ways that are purposeful, personal, and relevant to their own experiences.

We are also excited to share that our school has recently joined the Southern Special Schools Sporting Association (SSSSA), providing opportunities for senior students to participate in interschool sport and connect with peers from other settings. This term’s focus has been basketball - please see the attached information for more details. You will also find each classroom's introductions included in this newsletter, offering snapshots of students engaged in their learning, as well as some insight into the pathway programs we offer to our Year 11 and 12 students - ASDAN and VPC.

Looking ahead, we are excited to begin our next Integrated Unit, Our Earth in Space. Through this topic, students will explore how and why we can care for our world, with a focus on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Through hands-on and engaging experiences, students will continue to build their understanding of how they can contribute to looking after the environment in their everyday lives.

Wishing all families a restful and enjoyable mid-semester break.

Tim Witcombe,

Leading Teacher