As we move through the final stretch of Term Four, I want to acknowledge the strength and care our community has shown over the past three weeks. It has been a time where our staff, students and families have wrapped around one another, and I am incredibly proud of the compassion and resilience across both campuses.

2026 Changes to Senior Years Curriculum

From 2026, our Senior Years curriculum (Years 10 to 12) will be expanding to better support the diverse learning needs of our students. For many of our young people, the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) can be out of reach, so we are proud to introduce the ASDAN Curriculum as an additional pathway.

ASDAN offers a flexible, module-based approach where students are recognised for the level of support they need in each task. Achievement is measured on a continuum, from completing work independently through to engaging meaningfully with support. This ensures that every student finishes their schooling with a certificate full of genuine successes that reflect their individual strengths and capacity.

Our Senior Years team will be sharing more detailed information with families this week about pathways, curriculum options and what this means for students in 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kayla Whittaker, Lead Teacher (Senior Campus).

All Abilities Basketball Tournament – Wangaratta

A huge congratulations to the Senior Campus students who represented Banmira at the All Abilities Basketball Tournament in Week 6. Our students played outstanding basketball, demonstrated wonderful teamwork, and upheld our school values of being safe, respectful learners throughout the day. A special thank you to Matt Gill for coordinating the opportunity, and to Schneider and Nicole for supporting the students on the trip.

Kyabram Fauna Park Excursion – Junior Campus

Yesterday, a group of our Junior Campus students enjoyed a sunny and exciting day at Kyabram Fauna Park. Students explored the animals, engaged in hands-on learning, and had a fantastic time making new connections with their peers. Thank you to the staff who organised and supported this experience for our younger learners.

Superhero Fun Run – Photo Highlights

As promised, this edition includes a selection of photos from our Superhero Fun Run earlier this term. It was a fantastic day filled with colour, energy and plenty of enthusiasm across both campuses. Our students embraced the theme brilliantly, and it was wonderful to see families and staff celebrating together. A huge thank you again to Ashley, Matt and Clarise for their exceptional organisation of the event.

We raised over $5,000 to go towards a wheelchair accessible bicycle, which we'll hopefully be able to share and celebrate early in 2026.

Banmira Eats – Student Voice in Action

One of the most exciting initiatives at our Senior Campus this term has been Banmira Eats, a program created directly from student voice through our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS). Students earn PBS Dollars for demonstrating our core expectations of Being Safe, Being Respectful and Being a Learner, and each Wednesday they have the opportunity to save and spend their dollars in a canteen-style reward system.

What makes Banmira Eats so special is that it is student-driven from start to finish. Students plan the menu, prepare the weekly specials and run the service themselves. The atmosphere each week is incredible, with students taking pride in their work, engaging socially and celebrating the choices that align with our values.

This week’s specials, Pizza Slice for $20PBS and freshly made Brownies, were a huge hit, with the store turning over an amazing $600PBS- the highest turnover ever! It is a fantastic outcome and a powerful reflection of how positive choices can create meaningful rewards and opportunities.

Year 12 Graduation

Year 12 Graduation is on Thursday 27th November. Invitations have been sent home and we need to confirm numbers and attendees now.

If your child is in Year 12 and you need another invite, please call the front office to arrange.

A reminder that the last day of school for Year 12 students is on Friday 28th November.

Donations not required. Tickets to be sent home shortly!

Reminder: our SunSmart policy requires all students to wear a broad-brimmed hat when outside in Terms One and Four

As we move toward the final weeks of Term Four, I want to thank our students, staff and families for their ongoing commitment and support. It has been a busy few weeks filled with learning, connection and community spirit, and we are incredibly proud of how our school continues to come together. We look forward to sharing more celebrations, achievements and events as we head toward the end of the year.

Jesse Whittaker - Principal