Blackburn Primary School Weekly

Principal's Report

Welcome back to Term Four! I simply cannot believe that we are already into fourth term. 

 

I hope everyone had a chance to unwind and rejuvenate over the holidays. It has already been a big start to this term with a lot happening around the school and of course a fun start to the term with the weather the way it has been! 

 

Please keep your eye on Compass to be up to date with all news from the school and changes as they occur and on top of all the wonderful things happening around the school.

 

As communicated at the end of term Kaitlin Mesley has moved to another school closer to her home. I would like to warmly welcome Reiha Ternes to the school. Reiha is replacing Kaitlin in the office and has already met many of our families and already adding to our wonderful administration team. Thanks to the families and children who have already given her a warm Blackburn welcome.

STUDENT FREE DAY

A reminder as previously communicated we have student free day coming up on Monday 4th November. Teachers will be utilising this day to make final preparations for student reporting and the upcoming term ahead to ensure that students are well supported. The day will provide an opportunity for them to work on student reporting for Semester Two and ensure that we are positioned well to provide and support all learners. TheirCare will be offering a program on this day and will communicate this through to families shortly.

STUDENT PLACEMENT 2025

As communicated in the newsletter last term - During Term 4 our class teachers go through the process of placing students for the 2025 school year. Early next term your children will be nominating their 5 friendly learning partners, which they will be placed with a minimum of one. The current year’s teachers compile class lists of students for the following year based on consideration of factors including:

  • a spread of mixed ability students in every class (ie students working at the same level academically)
  • a range of learning styles
  • social and emotional needs
  • friendships
  • students with behavioural needs (ie. those who require extra support to access the curriculum)
  • a good mix of students from previous classes
  • gender balance
  • Students who will work in a multi-age or multiple teacher class.
  • other relevant individual needs

As per our school approach parent requests based on Educational needs need to be directed to the principal in writing by Friday 18th October and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Parent requests regarding class placements with their child’s friends and requests for specific teachers will not be considered. Please email the school office on blackburn.ps@education.vic.gov.au to inform us of your request.

2025 STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Our Year 5/6 team are currently working on the selection process for our 2025 Student Leadership positions. We are encouraging all Year 5 students to apply for these positions of responsibility. Heading into 2025 we are looking for students to display a desire to represent our school as an overall leader, displaying the range of leadership characteristics, role-modelling and encompassing our school values. As part of this process our 26  Student Leaders will be selected to represent all students, hearing student and staff voice as part of the process. Roles of responsibility will then be allocated to 26 students based on the above criteria, allowing them to lead our school in each of the associated areas. Year 5 students who wish to nominate themselves for a leadership position will receive further details about this process from their classroom teacher.

CLASS STRUCTURES 2025

As we finalise our enrolments for 2025 I am happy to share with you our grade structures for next year, I look forward to announcing the teaching placement in an upcoming newsletter.

Foundation x4

Year One x3

Year One/Two x1

Year Two x2

Year Three x3

Year Four x2

Year Five x2

Year Five/Six x1

Year Six x2

HATS AND DRINK BOTTLES

With the warm weather starting, it is vital that all students wear their school, SunSmart hat when outside. Students who do not have a hat will be asked to sit in the shade, under the eaves of the old schoolhouse. Students should also be drinking water regularly and taking breaks from play if they are getting too hot.

SUNSMART

A reminder that as per our SunSmart policy from the start of Term 4 through to the end of Term One, and particularly given the fantastic weather over the last two days - ALL BPS students and staff are expected to wear hats during recess and lunch and for all outdoor activities, especially Physical Education.