Buninyong PS Newsletter

Principal's Report

CLASS STRUCTURE FOR 2024

Class structures change in schools, reflecting school needs, available resources, enrolments and other factors.  We were reminded of that fact when preparing for the 150 celebrations and gathering class photos, where it was clear to see the class structures evolved over time to fit the circumstances of each given year.

 

Between 2012 and 2020 the school was in the unusual position of being able to run with straight classes across the Buninyong Campus.  That has been a rare thing in the school’s 150 year history.  In 2021 we moved to a combination of straight and composite classes at the Buninyong Campus (straight Prep and then 1/2s, 3/4s and 5/6s), which has been maintained until this year. 

 

At the time of the change, we explained that great teaching and learning can happen in both straight and composite classes.  No doubt there are clear positives and negatives for each model.  We also explained that, at that time, student numbers didn’t fall in the right places to run straight classes across the school and would have resulted in very large class sizes in some year levels and very small class sizes in others.  Hence, we moved to the current structure.

 

For 2024 the projected student numbers provide us with a little more flexibility in terms of class structures.  Before making any decisions on a way forward, we ran focus groups with students and staff and spoke at length at School Council.  One thing this taught us is that views on this issue vary enormously, and overall, the weight of opinion was evenly spread. 

After weighing up the options before us, we have decided that next year we will run with the following:

  • Buninyong Campus - Straight classes from Prep to grade 4 and composite classes in grades 5s and 6s. 
  • Scotsburn Campus – Multi-age classes as always.

We are now getting ourselves ready to deliver on this model.  Experience tells us that class structures will continue to evolve, and we’ll continue to make sure student needs are accommodated, regardless of the class structure.

COXALL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

At last week’s assembly I announced the establishment of a Scholarship Fund by Noel and Pam Coxall. Noel and Pam have decided to make a generous donation that will benefit the school community over the coming decade. Noel and Pam are keen to provide Buninyong Primary School students with opportunities that aren’t normally available for students at our school. 

 

An important component of Noel and Pam’s donation will be a Scholarship Program. In 2024 this will consist of:

  • Visual Arts Program – This program will be led by Liz Morgan and will give students the opportunity to build on existing and learn new artistic skills. Students will work on individual pieces but will also collaborate with others on joint projects. 
  • Master Chef Program - This program will be led by Emily Gilliland, who works as a teacher aide at our school and is a trained chef.  Students will learn all about food preparation, reading recipes, how to use kitchen equipment and food safety.  Cooking something tasty will be a feature of every session.
  • Music Program – This program will be led by Steve Skilbeck and Mark Muldoon, both accomplished musicians.  For this scholarship program, we’re looking for students that can sing or play an instrument, as we’re forming a school band. 
  • Photography Program – This program will be led by Paul Shire, a professional photographer and parent at the school.  This scholarship Program will help students build their capacity to take quality photos and to use technology to edit photos.

For each scholarship program there will be a dedicated 90 minute session with 8-10 students from years 4-6. Students currently in grades 3, 4 and 5 are now invited to apply for a spot in 1 or more scholarship program.  Whilst students can apply for more than 1 program, they can only be selected for 1.  Students from both campuses are invited to apply.

 

Each program will suit children who have a strong interest in the chosen field and those who are keen to build their skills.  Every effort will be made for the work in each program to be purposeful and showcased to the school and broader community. 

 

The closing date for applications to participate in any of the Scholarship Programs will be Friday December 1st.  To apply, students need to write a letter explaining why they would like to be selected and why they should be selected.  The letter should also include how they have demonstrated a commitment to our school’s values….Respectful, Responsible and Kind.

 

Students will also be invited to include extra documents that demonstrate their interest and capabilities in a particular field.  For example, those applying for the Visual Arts Program could put together a portfolio of some of their artwork.

 

Please submit applications to the office staff.  We do expect each of the scholarship programs to be well and truly over-subscribed, so it’s likely we’ll organise an interview with each child to ensure the best candidates are chosen.  As you’d expect, the interviews will be very casual and give each child the chance to elaborate on their letter.

 

We’re super excited about the opportunities afforded to the 35-40 students who get to be part of the Scholarship Programs in 2024 and the years that follow.  For many, we expect the scholarship program to lead to a lifelong interest or hobby and for others will be the springboard for a successful career. 

 

We are close to finalising documentation for each of the scholarship programs, which will provide more detail.  Our aim is to distribute those via a Compass message on Friday.

BUNINYONG PLAY GROUP

Some of you would be aware that the Buninyong Playgroup recently relocated to our school site. Weekly sessions have been running out of the Base 1270 room in the gym and have been going very well.  Some of our grade 6s from the Transition Team have been helping out at the sessions, which they have thoroughly enjoyed.  New families are welcome.  If you’d like more information, please contact the ladies in the office. 

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DAY

A reminder to all parents that next Wednesday, November 22 is pupil free.  All state schools across Victoria have been allocated a Professional Practice Day for semester 2 of 2023 to provide teachers with the opportunity to attend to the various tasks that come with the role.  Teachers will be working at school on that day.

 

Those that require care for their children will be able to book them in at Base 1270 for the day.  Care for the day will be operating from 6:30am until 6pm. 

GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

A reminder to everyone that we have our Grandparents and Special Friends Day on December 1.  This is always a big event and one of the highlights on the school calendar. 

 

If your children have grandparents that can attend, please invite them along, but if not, they are welcome to invite anyone else that is special to them…that might even be you. 

 

Our guests are invited to come along between 9am and 11am to visit classrooms and we will have people around to help visitors find the relevant classrooms.  Our teachers will organise activities during this time that allow our grandparents and special friends to get involved.

 

At 11am our visitors will be invited to the BER for some morning tea and a chat.  In the past we have had parents bring along a plate, resulting in an amazing spread for our grandparents to enjoy.  We’d like to do the same again and invite all families to send something along.  We also need a few adults to help organise and serve morning tea. 

 

Please let the office staff know if you are able to help. We’ll be looking for helpers between 10am and midday, but any help during that period would be appreciated.