Blackburn Primary School Weekly

Principal's Report

Welcome back to Term Four! I simply cannot believe that we are already into fourth term. 

 

I hope everyone had a chance to unwind and rejuvenate over the holidays. It has already been a big start to this term with a lot happening around the school and of course a fun start to the term with the weather the way it has been! 

 

Please keep your eye on Compass to be up to date with all news from the school and changes as they occur and on top of all the wonderful things happening around the school.

WELCOME LISA AND WELCOME BACK ANGELO

A big welcome to Lisa Osborne who has taken our School Wellbeing role replacing Carly Cassidy. Lisa has already enjoyed spending some time working with classes and students and she has been welcomed well into the BPS community. Please keep your eyes out for her in the yard on Monday and Thursday.

 

Welcome back to Angelo Merlino who returns after a period away from BPS. He has jumped back in working with our students in a number of different roles this term. I know that he was very excited about returning to our wonderful BPS community. 

RUNNING TRACK

We are continuing to progress the installation of the new running track and I am pleased to let you know that it has progressed through the Victorian Schools Building Authority. I am working closely with the installers and look forward to sharing further details and timelines with the community shortly.

 

Whilst as a school we think it is an amazing upgrade and highly valuable resource for our students, hearing the voice of our students is even more powerful. I wanted to share and acknowledge letters I have received from two incredible students. Our students are so keen to see this happen and regularly coming forward with fundraising ideas and ways to make it happen (tomorrow if they could!) - including the below donation from a Year 3 student and also a very sweet Foundation student who donated 20 cents from her own piggy bank!

2024 STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Our Year 5/6 team are currently working on the selection process for our 2024 Student Leadership positions. We are encouraging all Year 5 students to apply for these positions of responsibility. Heading into 2024 we are looking for students to display a desire to represent our school as an overall leader, displaying the range of leadership characteristics, role-modelling and encompassing our school values. As part of this process our 26  Student Leaders will be selected to represent all students, hearing student and staff voice as part of the process. Roles of responsibility will then be allocated to 26 students based on the above criteria, allowing them to lead our school in each of the associated areas. Year 5 students who wish to nominate themselves for a leadership position will receive further details about this process from their classroom teacher.

STUDENT PLACEMENT 2024

During Term 4 our class teachers go through the process of placing students for the 2024 school year. Early next term your children will be nominating their 5 friendly learning partners, which they will be placed with a minimum of one of. The current year’s teachers compile class lists of students for the following year based on consideration of factors including:

  • a spread of mixed ability students in every class (ie students working at the same level academically)
  • a range of learning styles
  • social and emotional needs
  • friendships
  • students with behavioural needs (ie. those who require extra support to access the curriculum)
  • a good mix of students from previous classes
  • gender balance
  • Students who will work in a multi-age or multiple teacher class.
  • other relevant individual needs

As per our school approach parent requests based on Educational needs need to be directed to the principal in writing by Friday 13th October and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Parent requests regarding class placements with their child’s friends and requests for specific teachers will not be considered. Please email the school office on blackburn.ps@education.vic.gov.au to inform us of your request.

CLASS STRUCTURES 2024

As we finalise our enrolments for 2024 I am happy to share with you our grade structures for next year, I look forward to announcing the teaching placement in an upcoming newsletter.

Foundation x3

Year One x2

Year One/Two x1

Year Two x2

Year Three x2

Year Three/Four x1

Year Four x2

Year Five x3

Year Six x3

 

STUDENTS LEAVING BPS

As much as this would sadden us, we know that many families might have a change in circumstances in 2024. To support our forward planning, we would really appreciate knowledge of any student/s that might be leaving BPS at the end of 2023. This does not include our Year 6 students, who we know will be graduating. Please email the school office on blackburn.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au to inform us.

STUDENT FREE DAY

A reminder as previously communicated we have student free day coming up on Monday 6th November. Teachers will be utilising this day to make final preparations for student reporting and the upcoming term ahead to ensure that students are well supported. The day will provide an opportunity for them to work on student reporting for Semester Two and ensure that we are positioned well to provide and support all learners. TheirCare will be offering a program on this day and will communicate this through to families shortly.

HATS AND DRINK BOTTLES

With the warm weather starting, it is vital that all students wear their school, SunSmart hat when outside. Students who do not have a hat will be asked to sit in the shade, under the eaves of the old schoolhouse. Students should also be drinking water regularly and taking breaks from play if they are getting too hot.