Principal's Message

Grade Structure for 2025

We are pleased to confirm that Bolinda Primary School will continue with a three-grade structure in 2025. Based on our enrolment numbers and what is best for our students and school, we have made the decision to keep our class sizes small. This will maximise learning opportunities and ensure every child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

As part of this approach, Leighann Bloomfield will be teaching in the senior class five days a week next year. Leighann’s expertise and dedication will provide consistency and a strong focus on learning outcomes for our senior students.

P/1/2 - Anna Rapetti

2/3/4 - Adele Bench

5/6 - Leighann Bloomfield

We look forward to another fantastic year of growth and achievement in 2025!

Building Update

We have the latest progress on our toilet building project. The roof is now on, and the cabling is complete! The contractors also laid the septic runoff to the front of our school last week. We are currently awaiting approval from the Victorian School Building Authority to proceed with installing insulation in the walls.

Although insulation was not included in the initial project plan, we felt it was an important feature to include if funding allowed. The insulation was approved this week and covered by the project. The next steps now include completing the walls and pouring more concrete to link the area with the existing footpath. The aim is to have the building fully enclosed by the end of the term, with further works scheduled to continue over the holiday period.

Gaga Pit 

Last Friday, we received a delivery of granitic sand for our much-loved Gaga Pit, bringing us one step closer to completing the project. On a scorching Saturday morning, one of our families kindly volunteered their time and effort to shovel the sand into the pit.

When the children noticed that the job wasn’t quite finished, they enthusiastically took the initiative to level out the sand themselves. After the recent rain, they observed areas where water was pooling and have identified where additional sand needs to be added to ensure proper drainage.

Thank You to Waymaker Canteen 

We have some disappointing news for our families, but good news for Waymaker. After much consideration, Waymaker has made the decision to discontinue their canteen service at all schools in 2025. This decision comes as their other areas of business are thriving, and they need to focus more of their time and energy on these exciting opportunities.

We want to take this moment to thank Waymaker for providing us with such tasty lunches every Thursday. Their service has been greatly appreciated, and we are thankful for all the delicious meals they’ve provided over the past two years. The last lunch order day will be Thursday December 5th. 

At this stage, we do not have a new canteen system in place for 2025. However, if we find a solution or alternative, we will keep you informed and provide more details as they become available.

Christmas Raffle 

As the year draws to a close, we're thrilled to announce our Christmas Hamper Raffle, which will be drawn during the end-of-year concert on Thursday, 19th December. This raffle is a wonderful opportunity to support our community, with all funds raised going towards the hall rental costs for the concert.

Donations

In celebration of our Whole School Celebration Lunch on Friday, 13th December, students are invited to wear casual clothes for the day. As part of this event, we kindly ask each child to bring a donation for the Christmas Hampers. These could include Christmas crafts, holiday entertaining items, or thoughtful contributions like playing cards or travel games to help make our hampers special. 

You can bring in your donations from Wednesday, 4th December.

Tickets

To be in the running to win one of our fabulous hampers, make sure to purchase your raffle tickets! Tickets are priced at $2 each, or 3 tickets for $5. Please return your tickets and payment by Friday, 13th December. The tickets will go out next week. 

Your ongoing support of our fundraising efforts has made a significant difference at Bolinda Primary School this year. We’re truly grateful for your involvement and look forward to ending the year on a high note with your help.

Romsey Christmas Carols 

On Saturday, December 14th, we’ll be gathering for a wonderful evening Christmas carols. Our students are currently practicing with Juliarna and everyone is invited to perform on the night. Our feature song for the night will be our favourite, Jingle Bell Rock, and we’d love for everyone to join in the fun.

This is a special event for all families, friends, and community members—everyone is welcome! We hope you can come along and share in the festive spirit.

Clarkefield Train Station Christmas Window

Bolinda Primary School is joining in the Christmas spirit by helping to decorate the Clarkefield Train Station with some wonderful Christmas art creations! This year’s theme is Australiana, and our students have been busy this week designing and creating amazing artwork that celebrates the unique beauty of an Aussie Christmas.

We encourage all families to take a trip to Clarkefield Train Station to see our children’s wonderful creations on display. It’s a great way to get into the festive spirit and support the hard work and creativity of our students.

School Saving Bonus: $400 Support for Families in 2025

The Victorian Government is introducing the School Saving Bonus – a one-time $400 support for each child enrolled in government schools from Prep to Year 12 in 2025. This bonus will help with school costs like uniforms, books, excursions, and activities.

How It Works: Starting Tuesday, 26 November 2024, you’ll receive an email from the Department of Education with a unique $400 School Saving Bonus code for each child. If you have more than one child in government schools, you’ll get a separate email for each – they may not arrive on the same day. Please check your spam/junk folder, just in case.

Using the Bonus: The School Saving Bonus code can be used at selected school suppliers. You can use it in-store or, if preferred, online through an official system where you can allocate all or part of the $400 for school supplies or activities.

For full details and a step-by-step guide, visit School Saving Bonus | vic.gov.au, which will be available from 26 November.

Need Help? If you haven’t received your School Saving Bonus code by Friday, 29 

November, please contact the Department of Education at school.saving.bonus@education.vic.gov.au.