Principal's Report
Dear BEPS community,
Welcome back to Term 3!
We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing break and that our students have returned refreshed, settled into their routines and ready for another exciting term of learning. As always, time seems to pass incredibly quickly, and while we are focused on making the most of the learning opportunities ahead this term, we are also beginning to plan for 2027 and the important transitions that lie ahead for many of our students.
Term 3 is always one of our busiest terms and promises to be filled with rich learning experiences, exciting events and opportunities for students to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom. We have a busy calendar ahead including District Soccer, Book Week, Parent Teacher Interviews, District Athletics, visits from our local kindergartens as part of our Foundation 2027 transition program, and many other events. I encourage all families to regularly check the school calendar to ensure you don't miss any important dates.
National Champions – A Historic Achievement in World Maths Day
At our first assembly for the term, we had the privilege of celebrating one of the most significant academic achievements in our school's history.
Our Foundation cohort achieved an extraordinary result by placing 1st nationally in Australia in this year's World Maths Day competition. This remarkable accomplishment has never previously been achieved in Australia by a Foundation year level, making it a truly historic milestone.
The students were presented with the National Champion Trophy during assembly in recognition of their collective achievement. Their enthusiasm, persistence and outstanding mathematical thinking throughout the competition are a credit to both the students and their teachers.
Adding to this incredible success, Foundation student Ridhwin was awarded 1st place nationally in the individual competition. Ridhwin's exceptional achievement reflects his perseverance, problem-solving abilities and passion for mathematics. He was presented with his individual National Champion trophy and additional prizes during assembly.
These outstanding results are a wonderful reflection of the high-quality teaching and learning taking place every day at Burwood East Primary School. They demonstrate what is possible when dedicated teachers, supportive families and enthusiastic learners work together.
Congratulations to our Foundation students, our teaching team, and especially to Ridhwin on this exceptional national achievement. We are incredibly proud of you all.
A Wonderful Visit from Former Students
Jasmin, Darren, Nevan, Michael, Max, Clay (School Captain), Teresa (School Captain) Grace, Erin, Charli, Amy (not pictured)
One of the greatest rewards of working in education is seeing the young people who once walked our hallways return to share where life has taken them.
Last Friday afternoon, just as I was preparing to leave school, I was surprised by an impromptu visit from ten former Burwood East Primary School students from our 2018 graduating class.
It was wonderful to catch up with them and hear about the exciting paths they are now pursuing. Many are studying at university, others have entered the workforce, and all are building successful and fulfilling futures.
As we talked, it was heart-warming to hear the memories that still stand out for them. They spoke fondly about favourite teachers, games of down ball and dodgeball, wearing free dress on their birthdays, stickers and Buzz photos and simply enjoying the playgrounds with their friends. These conversations reminded me that while academic success is incredibly important, it is often the friendships, sense of belonging and everyday moments that students remember most.
We always encourage our former students to come back and visit. It is wonderful for current students to see where past BEPS students are today and to know that the experiences they have at Burwood East Primary School help lay the foundations for future success.
Pergola Project Update
Our new pergola project continues to make excellent progress.
Ducon has now completed the installation of the structural steel framework. We are currently awaiting the delivery of the roofing materials, which we anticipate will arrive within the next two weeks. Once the roofing has been installed, contractors will undertake the final ground restoration works where construction vehicles have accessed the site.
We remain hopeful that the project will be completed over the coming month and look forward to providing our students with these attractive new covered outdoor learning areas.
Thank you to our school community for your patience while these important improvements continue.
Extra-Curricular Programs
Our extensive range of extra-curricular activities has now commenced for Term 3.
These programs provide students with valuable opportunities to develop new interests, strengthen friendships and extend their learning beyond the classroom. We encourage families to review the activity brochure and consider the many opportunities available should your child wish to become involved this term.
RoboCup Competition
This Saturday, a number of our talented students will represent Burwood East Primary School at the RoboCup Competition being held at Genazzano FCJ College.
Students will compete across several events including RoboCup soccer, Rescue Maze, Dance demonstrating impressive programming, engineering, problem-solving and creative thinking skills while competing against schools from across Victoria.
We wish all of our competitors the very best and thank our staff and families for supporting these wonderful STEM opportunities.
Foundation 2027 School Tours
Planning is already well underway for welcoming our newest learners in 2027.
Each week we have been delighted to welcome many prospective families through our school as part of our Foundation 2027 school tours. We have also been visiting local kindergartens and early learning centres to introduce families to everything Burwood East Primary School has to offer.
There are still places available on upcoming school tours.
If you have family members, friends or neighbours with children commencing school in 2027, we encourage them to book a tour and experience first-hand what makes Burwood East Primary School such a special place to learn.
Bookings can be made through our school office or via the school website.
Looking Ahead
As we begin another exciting term, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for the continued partnership that makes our school such a positive and supportive learning community.
Whether students are striving for personal bests in the classroom, representing the school in sport, performing on stage, participating in STEM competitions or simply demonstrating our school values each day, every opportunity contributes to their growth and success.
I look forward to sharing many more celebrations with you throughout what promises to be another fantastic term.
Learn. Create. Inspire.
Darren McDonald