Principal's Report 

Dear BEPS Community,

It’s wonderful to be back from our amazing China trip and back at BEPS! The school has been buzzing with activity this week as teachers continue assessments and begin writing reports in preparation for the end of the year.

Foundation Transition Welcoming Our 2026 Learners!

Our Foundation Transition sessions are now in full swing, and it has been wonderful to see our 2026 Foundation students exploring classrooms, meeting teachers, and beginning their exciting school journey at BEPS.

“Our new learners are already showing confidence, curiosity, and a big love for learning!”

These sessions are designed to help our new students feel comfortable in their new environment, make new friends, and become familiar with school routines. We’re so proud of how well they’re settling in! Our current students have been amazing helpers — showing kindness, patience and leadership as they welcome the next generation of BEPS learners.

We know that the transition to school is a big step for families too. These sessions give parents and carers a chance to meet teachers, learn about our programs, and see how we support every child’s smooth start to school life.

We value our partnership with families and look forward to continuing to work together as our newest students prepare for a great start to 2026.

Reading and Phonics – Building Strong Foundations

At BEPS, we’re continuing to strengthen how we teach reading, writing and phonics to make sure every child develops strong, confident literacy skills.

This term, teachers have been using the OCHRE model for Reading, which supports our phonics program and ensures students build the key skills they need, step by step.

Our approach is based on explicit teaching — teachers clearly explain and model new learning, then guide students as they practise together before trying it on their own. Throughout each lesson, teachers regularly check for understanding to make sure every child is keeping up and ready to move forward.

These strategies, inspired by Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, help students stay engaged, supported and successful as they learn to read. By focusing on clear teaching, regular practice and ongoing feedback, we’re helping all students grow into confident, capable readers.

Planning for 2026 is well underway. As part of our Class Formation process, teachers will soon invite students to list five friends they would like to be in a class with next year. Using the Class Solver program, we carefully consider each child’s choices alongside teaching needs and class balance, and we guarantee that every student will have at least one of their nominated friends in their 2026 class.

The Class Solver program helps ensure that classes are fair, balanced and supportive, while also keeping student friendships in mind. This process helps create positive learning environments where all children can thrive.

If your family is moving from BEPS at the end of 2025, please notify the school as soon as possible to assist with planning.

Lacrosse Tournament 

Our students have been working hard and developing some amazing lacrosse skills over the past few years, and the big moment is almost here! Three BEPS teams will be taking to the field for the Lacrosse Tournament on 28 November. We can’t wait to see our players show off their skills, teamwork and school spirit. 

Digital Technology Update – What’s Changing in 2026

The Department of Education has released a new Digital Technology Policy that aims to support safe, balanced and purposeful use of technology in schools. This policy will guide how digital devices and online tools are used for learning across Victorian government schools including BEPS from 2026.

Why the change?

The policy has been introduced to:

• Reduce unnecessary screen time for students.
• Refocus on hands-on, active and social learning experiences.
• Ensure technology is used only when it clearly enhances learning.

• Support student wellbeing and responsible digital citizenship.

   

What it means for BEPS

From 2026, our school will be reviewing how and when students use digital devices during the school day. Key changes include:

 Reduced screen time

• Foundation – Year 2: minimal device use, focused on learning about and with technology.
• Years 3 – 6: device use limited to around 90 minutes per day for learning purposes.

 Evidence-based teaching and learning

• Technology will be used to support explicit, purposeful learning, not replace traditional teaching methods.
• Students will continue learning digital literacy and online safety skills through structured lessons.

 Safe and responsible use

• Updated Acceptable Use Agreements will ensure students use technology responsibly, safely and respectfully.
• Teachers will supervise all online learning activities and ensure devices are used for educational purposes only.

Next steps

• BEPS will review our current technology use and develop a 2026 plan that meets the new policy requirements.
• We’ll continue to promote a healthy balance between digital learning and traditional, hands-on experiences.

ICAS is a historic academic competition that has been sat by over 10 million school students from 16,000 schools across 41 countries since 1981.

It recognises academic performance in a way similar to sports or the arts, with engaging, fun questions designed by psychometricians, education measurement experts and experienced teachers to test students’ higher order thinking skills.

ICAS also provides rich insights into students’ strengths and weaknesses, helping teachers to accelerate learning outcomes and unlock student potential. 

Yours in Partnership,

Darren