From the Principal

Festa finances

Besides being an absolutely wonderful, fun-filled day of conviviality and time together as a community, this year’s Festa di Primavera has surpassed expectations in terms of funds raised. With just a couple more bills left to pay, this year’s event has earned an unprecedented $33k for our school! What an incredible accomplishment; a practical demonstration of what happens when our very special school community bands together toward a common goal.

The proceeds will go straight back into the school, specifically, the installation of air conditioning in the junior building and STEM room, and the ongoing upgrades to the main building in the form of new carpeting. These works will take place over the summer holidays, along with the installation of two projectors, digital sound mixer, and an additional speaker outside the hall. This will be paid for by money raised throughout the course of 2025 via Ciao Downs and Special Person’s Day stalls. 

Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped out and contributed to the various community and fundraising events that took place this year; it’s fantastic to see these funds going into improvements that will improve the school experience of BSPS students for years to come. 

Lots of holiday works to our buildings and grounds

As you know from previous newsletters, we’re delighted to have been successful in two major grant applications this year through the Victorian School Building Authority, totalling more than $2M. 

1. Upgrades to drainage infrastructure in the junior synthetic area - this means no more flooding and pool-puddles on the courts!
2. Extensive roof repairs of both heritage buildings - this means no more leaks (fingers crossed)!
3. Remediation of timber sash window frames in both heritage buildings to ensure operable windows in every classroom - this will improve air flow and ventilation.
4. Cosmetic remediation of water damaged internal walls and ceilings.
5. Accessibility upgrades including installation of automatic doors, ramps and rails, and adjustments to bathroom facilities in each building. This will include replacement of existing toilet cubicle walls and doors in the main building, repainting and new tiles. 

The accessibility upgrades are expected to be completed over the summer break and ready for Term 1. The drainage, windows and roof works are currently out for tender so may take a little longer, but will hopefully be completed before winter. These much-needed upgrades may cause some inconvenience whilst underway, but will make such a difference to our physical environment. We’ll keep you posted as things develop.

Survey on the survey

Grazie mille to the 20+ families who have already responded to the recent survey to unpack the Parent Caregiver Guardian Opinion Survey. We are seeking further feedback about two measures specifically; Teacher Communication and Physical Environment. The comments submitted have been very encouraging, acknowledging the efforts to improve the buildings and grounds over the past 18 months, and describing the communication channels that are currently working well. Common threads for improvement:

• Litter around the grounds, 
• Bike parking, 
• Junior play area,
• Greater clarity around Continuous Reporting, 
• More information about the social/ emotional development of students in addition to current reporting methods.

The suggestions submitted have been practical and achievable, and we’re grateful for your constructive feedback. The survey is still open, and parents/ carers are very welcome to reach out or drop in to see me any time with thoughts or ideas. The School Improvement Team is already looking for ways to action this feedback; please let us know as you start noticing the changes!

What we’re looking forward to in 2026

So many things! We have our School Review coming up in March; this process takes place every 4 years and is a reflection on what is working well and opportunities for improvement in every aspect of our school operations. I’m delighted that Janet Gale, Principal at fellow bilingual setting, Camberwell Primary School and Tanya Gurney, Principal at Glenferrie Primary School, have agreed to be our Challenge Partners. CPS and GPS have outstanding academic and wellbeing/ connectedness outcomes respectively and will bring great insight to the process. 

Our junior reading program will go from strength to strength as we introduce Story Dogs, and we’ll be expanding our very popular and successful Read With Me program to include Year 1&2. 

We’ll be taking part in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular for the very first time. Comprising 2000+ students from 200+ schools, the event has been a celebration of creativity and performing arts for the past 30 years. It is held at John Cain Arena at the end of August and is also televised on Channel 7. 16 very fortunate 4-6 BSPS students will take part in the Mass Dance section, featuring 8 separate dance pieces, each with a different costume. For some idea of scale, there will be 24,000 costumes for the Mass Dance section alone! A fantastic opportunity to get amongst it. Sarah B was recently successful in her application for a Music in Schools grant, resulting in a significant grant to purchase new instruments, as well as professional learning for relevant staff. It will be a big year for performing arts at BSPS!

Arrivederci!

Maree, Simo and Giselle will be on leave in 2026. Arrivederci to Miguel, who will be focusing on his travel adventures next year, and to Ciara, who has made the difficult decision to return home to Ireland. Finally, farewell to Claire, who will be leaving BSPS to focus on her studies. These amazing educators have made a lasting impact on our school, and we wish them every success in their next chapter. 

We look forward to welcoming our newest teaching colleagues, Blake, Maddison, Nadia and Sophie, and our newest Education Support staff, Jay and Bree in the new year. I know you’ll say ciao and make them feel very welcome. 

I’d like to thank all the wonderful BSPS staff for their efforts, energy and enthusiasm this year. I am truly grateful to work with such a dedicated, professional (and pretty hilarious) team, and wish them a well-earned, restful break. 

Congratulations to the graduating class of Year 6. I wish you every happiness and success, and look forward to welcoming you back to tell us all about the amazing things you go on to do.  Bravissimi, Class of 2025. For some families, this marks the end of a long relationship with BSPS. We are grateful for the contribution you've made to our community.

My best wishes as well to all our students, parents and carers for a safe and happy summer; Felice Anno Nuovo!

Ciao for now,

Kristie