As we wrap up the 2025 school year, I want to extend my deepest thanks to our entire Banmira community. Stepping in to lead the school this year has been an honour and a privilege. The year has brought moments of celebration as well as moments of challenge, and through it all, the unwavering trust, support and generosity shown by our families, staff, and students has carried us forward. Banmira continues to shine because of the people who make up our community.

Principal Update

Our School Council and staff have been informed that Ange Buxton, our Principal of the past six years, will not be returning to Banmira in 2026.

The Department of Education has extended my role as Acting Principal until the end of Term One next year. A substantive Principal position will be advertised state-wide in Term One to appoint Banmira’s ongoing school leader.

Our priority throughout this transition is to ensure continuity, stability and minimal impact on students, programs and families. Our leadership team and staff are committed to keeping our school moving forward with clarity and confidence.

Farewells and Best Wishes

As we approach the end of the school year, we acknowledge and thank several staff members who will be finishing their time at Banmira.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Val McNamara, Julie Adem and Julie Kulari, who are each retiring after years of dedicated service. Their commitment, wisdom and care have shaped countless students and strengthened our school community. We wish them a joyful and fulfilling retirement.

We also farewell Tamara Brown, who will be beginning her period of parental leave. We wish Tamara and her family all the very best during this exciting time. Andrew Renato will be taking Term One as leave, as he and Chelsea welcome a new baby into their home- Matt Gill, well known and loved by our students will be Acting in Andrew's Leading Teacher role

Finally, we thank Tiffany Aab, Stella Calder and Kat O’Brien for all they have contributed during their time at Banmira. Their impact on our students, programs and colleagues has been valued and appreciated.

We wish each of these staff members every success and happiness in the next chapter of their journeys.

End of Year/ Christmas Assembly

📍 VISY Centre (adjoining Junior Campus, 1–19 Parkside Drive, Shepparton)

📅 Friday 12 December

⏰ 10:00am

This is always a special event and we warmly welcome our families to celebrate the end of the school year with us.

Final Day of School for Students

📅 Wednesday 17 December

⏰ 3:00pm finish

Statewide Transition Day — Tuesday 9 December

Next Tuesday, all students will take part in their 2026 trial groupings from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Our staff have been working diligently on class placements, carefully balancing academic levels, social and emotional needs, age, medical considerations and staff feedback regarding supportive pairings.

Final 2026 groupings will be sent home with end-of-year reports.

End-of-Year Reports

Our 2025 reports are nearing completion, with many currently receiving their final proofread. The Principal Team has thoroughly enjoyed reading each student’s report and writing personalised comments that reflect their achievements and growth.

We take great pride in ensuring our reports are highly individualised, meaningful and written in clear language for families. Reports will be sent home in the final week of term. Any students absent will have theirs posted home.

Christmas Raffle

This year’s Banmira Christmas Raffle has been made even more exciting thanks to the generosity of our local Shepparton businesses:

✨ The Local – $30 voucher
✨ Reids Pharmacy – Beauty hamper
✨ SPC Factory Sales – $50 voucher
✨ Oz Tenpin Star Bowl – 3 × Family Passes (valued at $64 each)
✨ Bluebell Bathhouse – Spa package (valued at $115)
✨ Bunnings – $100 voucher
✨ In Hospitality – Food hamper

🎟 Tickets are just $1 each

🗳 Winners will be drawn at our End of Year Assembly next Friday

Tickets can be collected from reception or sent home with students. Please contact your child’s teacher or the office to arrange.

Reminder: our SunSmart policy requires all students to wear a broad-brimmed hat when outside in Terms One and Four

As we close out 2025, I want to express heartfelt thanks to our students, families, colleagues and staff for everything you have contributed to Banmira this year.

We have navigated significant change together, including the move to two campuses and some difficult moments, yet our community has continued to show strength, compassion and unity. Banmira has once again proven what makes our school remarkable.

We look ahead to 2026 with excitement and optimism.Wishing every family a safe, joyful and restful holiday break.

Thank you for a brilliant 2025.

Jesse Whittaker - Acting Principal

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