Principal's Report
As we approach the end of the term, it's incredible to reflect on the numerous developments and successes that have taken place at our school.
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 students for their exceptional performance in the recent NAPLAN assessments. Their mature and positive attitudes while sitting for these tests have truly impressed me, and I couldn't be prouder of their hard work and dedication.
School Review
Upcoming School Review – Term 2, Weeks 2 and 3
We would like to inform you that our school will be participating in a school review during weeks 2 and 3 of Term 2. This is a great opportunity for our school to reflect on our current practices, identify areas for improvement, and plan for the future.
The review process involves an independent reviewer who, along with a team, will observe classrooms, conduct interviews, and engage in discussions with staff and students. This helps us make sure we are meeting all educational standards and supports our ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes.
During this time, our school will also look at data and evidence from the past years to guide our next steps. We encourage all students to continue their engagement and enthusiasm with learning, as their insights and experiences are valuable.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to working together to make our school even better!
School Works
The Rolling Facilities Evaluation (RFE) is conducted by the VSBA and involves 5-yearly assessments of the condition of school buildings and other infrastructure such as car parks, footpaths and fencing at all Victorian government schools (condition assessment).
These findings will be detailed by the VSBA in a Condition Assessment Report (CAR). The RFE is delivered on a rolling 5-year cycle and approximately 300 schools will be assessed each year. It ensures that the VSBA maintains up-to-date data about the condition of schools. This data is used to inform where investment in maintenance needs to be prioritised.
The VSBA has notified BNPS that our allocation for the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) is $540,501.00. This PMP funding allocation is being used on VSBA lead works to rectify the Priority 1 and 2 maintenance issues identified in the (CAR). Works have commenced and are expected to continue through to mid-May. Priority 1 and 2 works include roofing & gutter replacements, painting & revarnishing of damaged or worn areas, electrical works to switchboards and sewer works.
Additionally, under a separate VSBA program, works will commence in the final week of Term 1 to bring our ramps in line with current standards for equal access. The project is expected to take approximately 6 weeks to complete.
School Council
The next School Council meeting is Wednesday26 March, this meeting will be preceded by the Annual General Meeting, commencing at 6pm in the staff room.
Colour/Slime Run!
Only 5 sleeps to go! As the event gets closer, the excitement levels are growing amongst the students preparing for an afternoon of colour, slime, foam, water and fun! For the Preps, Grade 1's and new students who are yet to have done one, we are sure it will be a highlight of the school year!
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, the proceeds will be going towards a much-needed makeover of our top basketball court for the students and broader community to enjoy.
If you raise over $100 you will go into the draw to slime the following teachers:
Assistant Principal - Angus Ross
Prep - Sue Evins & Kate Morrison
Year 2 - Jen Lee
Year 3 - Doug Bray
Year 4 - Beth Lawrence
Year 5 - Brooke Vincent
Year 6 - Anna Holmes, Jameel Marashli
Japanese Intern - Taisei
BNPS students will also get to go into the draw to win fun run bonus prizes:
- 🎮 Raise $150 to go into the draw to WIN a Nintendo Switch Lite!🛴 Raise $30 to go into the draw to WIN a Razor Kick Scooter!
Our current class leader board is:
1st Place: 1A
2nd Place: 2C
3rd Place: 4C
4th Place: 2A
5th Place: 3A
So far as a school we have raised $11,700 which is AMAZING, THANKYOU! Very rough cost estimates of the resurfacing will be in excess of $40,000 so any contribution you can make will really make a difference! We have extended our request for donations on Community Facebook pages as well since the court is also frequently used by other members of our local community.
If you haven't done so yet, there is still plenty of time to register and fundraise for our Monty's Colour & Slime Fun Run! Create your profile page at www.myprofilepage.com.au and get started today!
For students who choose not to fundraise there will be a $15 charge to participate in this event, to cover the cost of running this event and each student will receive a pair of sunglasses and headband to keep as a memento.
2026 Prep Transition
On Tuesday, we hosted our open morning for prospective 2026 preps, providing a fantastic opportunity for parents to experience our school in action.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our school captains, who not only led tours around the campus but also engaged with parents in a respectful and knowledgeable manner about our school community. You are a true credit to our school.
Our next open mornings will be held on Thursday, March 27, and Wednesday, May 7. If you have a sibling who will be starting in 2026, please contact the school to schedule a time to receive an enrolment pack.
CSEF
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
The annual CSEF amount per student is:
- $150 for primary school students
Harmonica Incursion Whole School
Please enjoy some photos that Di our music teacher took at lunchtime after the music incursion.
Student Free Days
Each year school councils may schedule up to 5 student-free days (when student instruction does not occur) for professional development, school planning and administration, curriculum development and student assessment and reporting.
The first day of Term 1 is a student-free day in all government schools to allow for appropriate planning to take place for the arrival of students. The remaining student-free days are determined by each individual school.
School Council has approved the following dates for 2025.
Friday 6 June
- Student Free Day
Monday 9 June
- Public Holiday King's Birthday
Tuesday 10 June
- Student Free Day
Tuesday 5 August
- Student Free Day
Monday 17 November
- Student Free Day
ANZAC Day Service
Our Year 6 led ANZAC will be held on Thursday 24 April 10am.
Every year our Year 6 students conduct an Anzac Day service. The research given to this task produces many interesting aspects of their personal family history, which the children then share with our community in an emotional and meaningful service.
All parents are invited to attend our tribute to the ANZAC’s.
The Year 6 students sell a variety of pins and wristbands ranging from $2.00 – $10.00 in the lead up to the service and all proceeds go to the RSL General Appeals Patriotic Fund.
Students are asked to bring a small floral arrangement along to the service.
End Of Term 1
Term 1 concludes on Friday 4 Apil at 2.30pm.
Sherril Duffy
PRINCIPAL