Principal Team Update

Hi BPS families,

There has been plenty happening across Beaumaris Primary School over the past few weeks, and we're pleased to share some highlights and important updates with you.

Last Tuesday, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we acknowledged Remembrance Day. Our JSC student leaders led a service and proudly placed a wreath. Although the weather meant we couldn't gather together as a school community outside, our student leaders led the service over the loudspeaker, and each class listened respectfully from their classroom. Our school captains also represented Beaumaris Primary School at the service held at the Beaumaris RSL.

Following an announcement from the Department of Education regarding important changes to the use of digital devices in primary schools, we have had to make adjustments to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program for 2026. From 2027, schools with students in Prep to Year 6 must not invite or allow parents or carers to purchase or provide their own digital devices (such as iPads or laptops) for students to use at school. As a result of this change, we have cancelled our BYOD program for 2026 for the incoming Year 4 cohort. For families with children in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2026, the program will continue as normal next year. We are currently awaiting the full policy and implementation guidelines from the Department of Education and will provide further updates once this information becomes available.

Thank you for your support of the BYOD program over the past five years. We are very proud of what has been achieved and of the innovative learning experiences we’ve been able to offer our students through 1:1 technology. This will continue for our Year 5 and Year 6 students next year, and we look forward to continuing to find ways to deliver rich and engaging learning opportunities for all of our students as we work through these changes together.

A huge congratulations to our students in Prep to Year 3 who participated in the Junior School Sports Day! They approached each event with enthusiasm and a smile, enjoying the camaraderie and sense of connection that an event like this provides. Thank you to Mr Max Pretty, who coordinated and led the day, along with all of the older students and volunteers who supported the event.

Last week our JSC leaders, Rachael, Alfie, Joseph and Billy, met with Nick and Janet from St Martin's Church in Beaumaris to learn more about our community Christmas appeal. Nick and Janet explained the impact these donated gifts will have on those doing it tough during the festive season and outlined what happens to the gifts after they leave Beaumaris Primary’s Christmas Tree. On behalf of our community, our JSC leaders will help ensure the donated gifts reach St Martin's Church at the beginning of December. From there, Nick and Janet deliver them to Family Life head office in Sandringham, who then distribute the gifts to families. Thank you to our community for your generosity so far. There is still time to bring in an unwrapped gift donation if you would like to. Donations are welcome until next Friday, 28th November. This ensures they reach where they need to be in time for Christmas.

You may have noticed an amazing mural beginning to take shape near our Kitchen Garden area! Our Year 6 students have been working with established Australian artist Deb McNaughton to design and create their Year 6 art piece for the school grounds. We can’t wait to see the finished product. Enjoy some photos of the mural-in-progress below!

It’s an exciting week at Beaumaris Primary, with our first ever Colour Run taking place on Friday. This event has been driven by an incredible team of parent volunteers, and we thank them, along with our community, for all of the support shown in the lead up and on the day itself. We look forward to sharing updates following the event. Please ensure you check Compass carefully for all required information, including providing consent via the Compass event.

Following that, on Monday we’re looking forward to welcoming musician Mitch Tambo to BPS to perform. Mitch is an internationally acclaimed, proud First Nations artist known for blending traditional language and instruments with contemporary music. Please ensure you have consented and paid for this event via the Compass event. Parents and carers are welcome to attend. The performance will take place from 9:30am to 10:30am.

Thank you for your patience and support while our building works continue. These works are progressing well and will result in much-needed improvements to our grounds and facilities once complete.

Kind regards,

David, Grace, Keli and Ellen

Beaumaris Primary School Principal Team