Acting Principal's Report
"We want to walk with you, we don’t want to walk alone."
Sir Douglas Ralph Nicholls
An Acknowledgement of Country is a personal thing. It is different from school to school, and even from department to department, person to person, within those schools. If I may take this opportunity to offer my own:
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as we pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognize the profound hardships they have endured and honour their ongoing connection to this land.
This land, their first classroom, has been a place of learning for millennia. The flora, fauna, seasons, and sky served as their texts, offering lessons in life, survival, and spirituality. The cave walls were their display boards, bearing stories and wisdom through the ages, while ochre and iron clay were their markers, used to teach and inspire.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first educators, whose knowledge and storytelling have shaped generations. Their deep respect for the land and its teachings is a legacy that we strive to understand and honour.
As we journey through this term, our school community has a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the values of tolerance, understanding, and kindness. Celebrating NAIDOC Week provides the perfect context for us to embrace these important principles.
NAIDOC Week is a time to recognize and honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It reminds us of the rich cultural heritage that is an integral part of our nation's story. By learning about and respecting Indigenous cultures, we cultivate an environment of understanding and appreciation for diversity.
Building understanding of Indigenous Australia is essential for fostering a respectful and inclusive community. At our school, we are committed to educating students about the rich history, culture, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
By engaging with Indigenous cultures, students develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity and resilience of Australia’s First Peoples. Understanding the importance of land, kinship, and community in Indigenous cultures helps students respect and value these traditions.
Our goal is to create a learning environment where all students recognize the significance of Indigenous heritage, leading to greater empathy, and respect.
Walk with us, we don’t want to walk alone.
Wednesday 29 May At BNPS
As part of our National Reconciliation Week this year we encouraged all students and teachers to take part in a yellow-themed casual dress day and bring a gold coin donation to raise funds for First Nations organisation, Children’s Ground. We raised $402.00.
Lunch Clubs
The Year 6 Team will begin Lunch Club on Wednesdays for the Junior students.
With the support of the Wellbeing captains, they will set up little activities for the Prep-Year 2 students in the Year 6 end of the Senior Learning Centre.
Lunch Clubs are particularly appreciated by those students who find navigating the playground a little overwhelming. Some students struggle with the lack of structure in the playground and prefer activities that are guided by a teacher. Other students may find it difficult to initiate or maintain friendships or may be interested in quieter activities not usually available outside.
Friendships blossom between children who find a common interest, and who they may not otherwise have met. Bringing students together from all year levels also supports buddy friendships and social groups.
The programs are organised and supervised by staff who generously share their expertise (and forego their lunch break!) to make Lunch Clubs a fun and valuable experience for students.
These lunch clubs will run for the first half of lunchtime, after lunch eating, from 1:40-2:00pm and then the students will go outside for a run around before the bell rings.
Depending on its success and feedback from the students, we will then look at whether we open up the invitation to other year levels.
Thank you to the Year 6 Team for organising this for our students.
Charity Collection for Support Education in Sri Lanka
In My Heart Serendib Foundation’, which is a charity to support many poverty-stricken children in rural parts of Sri Lanka to continue with their education.
Thank you, Julia Esmonde, for organising this collection and to all the families and staff who have donated to this wonderful cause.
Parent Teacher Interviews - Book Now!
This term we are pleased to provide you with the opportunity to book a 10 minute ‘Parent Teacher’ with your child’s teacher, online, using Microsoft Teams.
Each classroom teacher has been assigned a day to conduct their interviews. Booking times are available from Tuesday 11 June to Friday 14 June.
To book your parent teacher interview, please click on the 'Conferences' link on your Compass home page. Bookings will close COB Friday 31 May.
Information on 'How to join your interview online' will be posted closer to the interview dates.
The Beaumaris North Primary School Teachers look forward to meeting with you in week 9.
CSEF Financial Assistance Information
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities.
It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.
David Hall
Acting Principal