Principal's Reflection

As we reach the end of Term Two, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the learning, growth, and connection that have shaped our Borinya community over the past months. 

This term has been a powerful reminder of the importance of relationships and consistency in supporting our young people on their educational journey. Through our continued focus on predictable routines and creating spaces where students feel known and valued, we have seen steady progress in student engagement and wellbeing. 

A highlight this term was the successful implementation of Ochre Maths and Ochre English across the school. These programs have provided students with clear, structured learning pathways and allowed staff to better track and celebrate growth. The use of Classroom Mastery strategies, including Cue to Start, Entry and Exit Routines, and the embedding of Magnify Sandhurst practices, has strengthened our classroom culture and provided consistency and support for students. 

Our community also benefited greatly from staff professional learning with Dr. Jared Cooney-Horvath on the Science of Learning. This work has challenged us to reflect on how we design learning environments that align with how the brain learns best—emphasising retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and explicit teaching. It has also sharpened our understanding of the need to balance support and challenge, particularly for our neurodivergent learners. 

This term, our students demonstrated courage and curiosity on the VPC Melbourne Camp, which provided many with first-time experiences of travelling and learning beyond the local community. The growth in student independence, confidence, and social connection was evident and heartening. 

We continue to be guided by our core values: learning, courage, resilience, inclusivity, and curiosity. It is through these that we ensure Borinya remains a place where young people can reimagine their future and reconnect with their educational journey. 

I am deeply grateful to our staff for their unwavering support of our young people. Together, with our parents and carers, and community partnerships we continue to create the conditions where young people can thrive. 

As always, I look forward to continuing the journey with you all.  

Eamonn Buckley 

Principal