A message from David 

2024 Classes

Next Tuesday, students will visit their 2024 classes as the final stage of their transition program.  We have continued a commitment to small class sizes in order to maximise learning opportunities.  Our process for selection of each class is carefully considered, taking into account a balance of social, emotional and academic needs to appropriately challenge and support every student.  

I would like to warmly welcome three new staff members who will join our teaching team for 2024, including:

• Anna Roberds
• Kirti Krishnan
• Laura Lockwood

Anna has relocated to Melbourne from the States and brings experience in working with senior students with a strong passion for activating voice and agency.  Kirti has extensive experience with the junior school and values interpersonal relationships.  Laura is highly knowledgeable with curriculum and offers exceptional ways for students to connect with one another.  All three will add value to Box Hill North and I know you will help make them feel part of our community.  I would also like to extend a welcome return to Kristen Lawrence, who will share a class with Laura.  

Community Celebration

I look forward to seeing all of our families come together on Monday evening next week as part of our traditional Christmas Carols.  This is always a perfect opportunity to stop and reflect on another wonderful year of learning at Box Hill North, while enjoying performances by each class.  

Japan 2024

一生に一度の旅の準備をしましょう。

Lots of excitement in this space!  Parents, students and staff met on Monday this week to hear of what adventure 20 students will have come October next year.  An extensive opportunity on offer as students will be able to experience true Japanese culture, connecting their ongoing learning of Sensei’s program to the real deal.  A broad range of activities has been planned and it’s already difficult for students to decide which they are most excited about!

Mobile Phones

A friendly reminder that the Department of Education has in place a mobile phone ban that requires students who bring mobile phones to school to have them switched off and securely put away during school hours.  For our students, this means either handing them in to the office at the beginning of the school day, or directly to their class teacher.  In both options, the phones will be safely secured and ready for collection at the end of each school day.  

The Department is requiring all schools to ensure this ban is in place and enforced from the start of the 2024 school year.  The ban applies equally to all government schools right across the state.  This helps ensure that school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions.  By ensuring mobile phones are kept away at recess and lunch times, students can interact with each other face-to-face, without the distractions and social pressures that mobile phones can cause.  

I ask for the support of all our families, staff and students in continuing to suppo0rt the implementation of this policy in our school.  A link to our policy can be found here.

In addition, we are exploring viable options for students with smart watches.  While such devices are designed to connect people with ease, they also provide opportunity for distraction from learning.  Students who have access to such devices should ensure they are set to ‘do not disturb’.  Again, thank you for your continued support as we work in partnership to provide exceptional learning experiences for your child/ren.  

David