Assistant Principal's Report
The past fortnight has been full of activity, with plenty of learning, creating, and inspiring moments along the way.
RoboCup Junior Challenge
On Saturday 25th of July, we had 19 of our Year 4 and 5 students participate in the Annual RoboCup Junior Challenge. RoboCup Junior is a project-oriented STEM initiative, allowing students to work collaboratively together to plan, design, build and code Lego Spike for 4 different challenges; Onstage, Rescue Line, Rescue Maze and Soccer.
Our students did an amazing job representing our school and showcasing our STEM program. They participated in three of the four challenges; Onstage, Rescue Maze and Soccer. The resilience and perseverance that was applied to each challenge was inspiring to watch. Throughout the demonstrations and matches, students adjusted their codes, problem solved and responded constructively when things didn’t go to plan.
Congratulations to all students who participated on the day and to the other students who supported and contributed prior to the competition, it was a fantastic day of learning! A big CONGRATULATIONS to Alejandra, Tina and Aarya for achieving 1st place in the Onstage competition with their Flowers performance, and to Olivia’s involvement leading up to the event.
Thank-you to Harrison for running the expert robotics club and preparing the students in the competition. It was fantastic to see many of our staff in attendance and the parents all cheering on our teams across the different challenges.
Division Soccer
Last week, some of our students in Year 5 & 6 participate in the division soccer competition at Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh. Throughout the competition, spirits were high, with players showing enthusiasm, determination, and a positive attitude in every match, despite some cold and wet weather.
There’s a great deal the students should be proud of; they communicated well on the field, encouraged one another, and showed resilience when faced with challenges. Players treated opponents, referees, coaches, and supporters with respect, reflecting the values of fair play and teamwork.
The effort, commitment, and growth shown by all of our players was a real highlight. This experience has strengthened both their skills and confidence. Congratulations to our two teams and thank-you to Ken, Mitch and Daniel D for coaching the teams and to the family members who supported the students on the day.
Stand Up Project (SUP)
Last week, our Year 5 SUP leaders planned, rehearsed and presented at our Stand Up Project parent information session. The Stand Up Project is an important initiative that encourages students to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive school community.
Our SUP Leaders displayed confidence in informing our families on how to recognise and understand the difference between friendship fires, mean on purpose and bullying. The SUP leaders shared strategies to support others, and ways we help our school community in confidently standing up for what is right. With a big parent audience, the students were amazing in sharing how their role promotes kindness, empathy, and teamwork, helping all students at BEPS understand the positive impact they can have on those around them.
Thank you, SUP leaders, the parents and carers in attendance and Aiesha and Katie for organising and supporting the students in their presentation. To Peter, Daniel D and Ben for assisting with the set-up, we appreciate your support.
Inquiry Investigations
Lastly, we have enjoyed visiting classrooms and discussing with students their understanding of our Inquiry big idea “I’m an Engineer”. Students have been exploring what an engineer does and the design process for finding solutions to everyday challenges. Students are beginning to apply their creativity, scientific knowledge, and practical thinking in solving small challenges.
Our Year 2 students have been inspired by their recent visit to Healesville Sanctuary, observing the natural features of animal habitats to consider how we could improve our chicken coop. Our Year 1 students had a special guest speaker, Mandy, sharing what they do as a software engineer and how they use coding to help people and make things work smoothly. In the senior school, our Year 5 students synergised in small groups to design bridges made from craft materials, i.e. paper, tape, straws, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks that could hold weight and stand firm through other testing conditions.
We are excited to see how this big idea will continue to empower students to think like engineers; asking questions, designing sustainable solutions, testing ideas and problem solving throughout Term 3.
Have a great week,
Edwina and Teri