2023 Reflection
The 2023 school year has not been without its challenges; however the Black Rock Primary School community has remained connected and united, working together to deliver amazing experiences and outstanding learning outcomes for our students.
This year, we continued to strengthen our learning environment and maintained a focus on living our values of Respect, Relationships, Teamwork, Innovation and Sustainability. Whole school Wellbeing was highlighted throughout the year, with an enduring focus on being safe, kind and fair in all that we do. We had celebration days for Harmony, Kindness and Friendship and our student Wellbeing Captains made sure that belonging and being well was always at the forefront.
Our traditional events continued to bring our school community together, including Running Colour and the Welcome Picnic, Mother’s Day Lunch, Footy Colours Day, Sports Carnivals, and the Easter Hat Parade and the Parents and Kids Campout (to name a few), not to mention our weekly assemblies where student achievement and engagement is always recognised and celebrated.
There has been a strong focus on both Visual and Performing Arts this year. We’ve decorated our community and school with the ‘GLAD Wrappers’ project, again had many outstanding entrants into the Ellen Jose Art Awards and produced gallery-worthy artworks for display around the school and people’s homes.
A major accomplishment and celebration for the entire school community was the 2023 School Concert, “Lights Up!”, which was nothing short of a Broadway spectacular. The students showcased their incredible talents and the adults showcased their incredible commitment to supporting students across a wide range of endeavours. Most importantly, an enormous amount of fun was had by all.
Students astound us on a daily basis. From the incremental progressions in learning through commitment and perseverance and the kind words and deeds that contribute to a respectful and harmonious environment, to those that have represented the school at high levels in a myriad of events - from all the sports to Art Awards, community events and dance competitions, and even robotics, coding and teamwork through the First Lego League competition.
The theme for World Teacher’s Day this year was ‘Hats Off to Teachers!’ I would like to recognise and acknowledge the care, dedication and commitment that teachers, education support staff and administration at our school have towards supporting our students’ learning and wellbeing. They consistently go above and beyond with the impact on students and their families often immeasurable.
Working in unison with our staff, thank you to all of the parents, carers and community members who have engaged in school life in some way – through organising events, volunteering or even just taking an interest in your child’s learning – we know that positive engagement and promoting the value of education at any level helps children to reach their potential.
Each year we farewell staff members, some who have been here a short while, and others whose time was fleeting, although everyone makes their mark in some way. A significant farewell was for Assistant Principal Jayne Timms, whose 30+ year time at BRPS left an indelible mark on the BRPS community through her championing of connection, belonging and spirit.
As the year comes to an end, I hope everyone can look back on the year with pride at the learning gained, the challenges overcome and the friendships made and strengthened. We also look to 2024 with a shared sense of optimism and excitement for a wonderful year ahead.
Wishing you all a joyous festive season and a well-deserved break spent with family and friends.
Sam Tyndall
Principal