Principal Team Update

Hi BPS families,

Thank you for the wonderful support we have received as the year gets underway. A number of families have mentioned they missed the Parent Payment and Voluntary Financial Contributions letter at the beginning of the year. Therefore, just to remind all families within our school, your financial support has allowed us to offer above and beyond the standard curriculum. This includes programs and resources unique to Beaumaris Primary School such as:

• Booster Groups
• Exceptional Learners Program
• Nessy Groups
• High-quality literature for our library and classroom libraries
• Maths and Literacy Specialist Leadership
• High quality take-home reading books
• Five Specialist Programs: Japanese, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Environmental Science, Physical Education
• Additional student resources for Specialist Programs
• Enhanced technology available for students
• Additional IT support
• Kitchen Garden Program
• Grounds Team to relieve parents from participating in working bees
• Maintenance Team for our school

We strive to provide our Beaumaris Primary School students with the best opportunities available and an outstanding learning environment. We can only provide opportunities based on the funds available. We have taken onboard feedback from families to improve the payment process, with all payments now on the Compass platform, including a payment plan option. Should you have any questions regarding our Parent Contributions for 2025 please do not hesitate to contact us via the school office.

As part of our commitment to whole school improvement, the Principal Team meet with different year levels as focus groups. This began in 2024 and is continuing this year. Some of the feedback we have received from our students showcases the shift in our Teaching and Learning at Beaumaris PS. Some feedback included:

• From our Year 4 students: 

  Bluefit instead of Mentone – teachers are more friendly, and we’re learning more swimming techniques. 

  New timetable – like the new snack. 

  Lining up in roll order so we don’t argue (everyone agreed). 

  Like the hour after lunch. 

  The day is the same every day (e.g., literacy in the morning). Not switching between concepts – staying the same over the weeks. 

  We still write in our books, not always using our laptops. 

  Literacy is a bit more challenging this year. 

  Brain breaks in the middle of literacy. 

  Love the playgrounds.

   

• From our Year 6 students:

  Students and teachers are all kind and respectful – extremely positive culture. 

  The trees, plants, and general environment are excellent. 

  There are fewer distractions this year – greater focus on learning and knowledge content – this includes the classroom layout and displays. 

  Learning is short and sequenced; we are being pushed more in literacy. “High expectations to be the best we can be.” 

  Use of whiteboards in literacy, more writing and learning. 

  There is more differentiation in maths. The daily review in maths “cements” my learning.

We would like to thank all of the students who have been in our focus groups so far. We have more running this term and throughout the year. Their feedback demonstrates how articulate, knowledgeable and aware our students are of their learning. The shift in the Teaching and Learning at BPS was shared in the last Stop Press Newsletter in the Topic Spotlight section. Building on from this, you will find more information regarding Cognitive Load Theory in this week's Topic Spotlight. This has been a focus for our teachers during Professional Learning. 

We recently met with Brad Rowswell (Member for Sandringham) to share our vision for upgrading the basketball courts at Beaumaris Primary School. As part of this discussion, we are seeking his support in securing funding to bring this exciting project to life. We look forward to keeping our school community updated on any progress!

Regular school attendance is essential for every child’s learning, growth, and success. Each day at school provides valuable opportunities for students to develop their knowledge, build friendships, and strengthen important life skills. Missing even a few days can impact a child’s confidence and progress, making it harder to keep up with lessons and routines. Consistency in attendance helps children feel connected to their peers and engaged in their learning, setting strong foundations for future success. At Beaumaris Primary, we encourage families to prioritise attendance and support their children in establishing positive habits. If your child is unwell or facing challenges with attendance, please reach out – we’re here to help!

We are continuing to review potential music providers who can provide private music lessons here at school. If you are interested, please complete this survey: https://forms.office.com/r/tL40KQNZ3w. Feedback received from this survey will help inform School Council as we make a decision regarding music providers at our school. 

We are looking forward to holding our Open Morning for prospective 2026 Prep families on Wednesday 26th March. If you are, or you know of a family, interested in learning more about our school for their child, please share the word and we look forward to seeing many there. 

NAPLAN  (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) testing commences this week across Australia. Our students in Year 3 and Year 5 will undertake the assessments, which cover reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. They are designed to measure students' skills and progress in these key areas. For students, it is an opportunity to showcase what they've learned, while also helping our school identify areas where further support may be needed. The testing provides valuable insights into overall educational performance at both individual and national levels. We know all of our Year 3 and Year 5 students are focused on doing their best, knowing that the test is just one way to showcase their hard work, learning, and talents. Thank you to their families and to our staff working with our Year 3 and Year 5 students to support them during this testing period.

Our Year 4 students head off tomorrow on their camp to Arrabri Lodge for two nights. We wish them all the very best and know they will make the most of this wonderful opportunity with their peers and teachers. 

We look forward to seeing many of you at this Friday's assembly at 3pm. 

Enjoy your week.

David, Grace, Keli and Ellen

BPS Principal Team