Principal's Report 

We have been incredibly lucky with the weather this term. As winter edges closer, we have enjoyed some beautiful sunny days and mild temperatures…

…just not for our original House Cross Country date! While it was disappointing to reschedule, Tuesday certainly delivered perfect conditions for the event. For me, unfortunately, this also meant I was unable to attend. I have been undertaking a 5-day training course in phonics instruction, but I will tell you more about that in the next newsletter.

A huge thank you to Kirsty Hall for organising our major sporting carnivals. It is no small undertaking. I would also like to acknowledge Doug Bray and Dani Wilson, who helped set everything up bright and early in the crisp morning air. As is so often the case at BNPS, our community stepped in to help, with parent Mel G assisting on the day, and our wonderful education support staff members Nicole R and Jenny B helping pack everything away afterwards.

Cross Country Warm Up

To all the students who participated: you are all champions. Well done for getting involved, giving your best effort, and supporting your House. To the students now heading to District Cross Country on Wednesday — good luck!

As families know by now, the staff at BNPS are lifelong learners. As we continue developing our expertise in explicit instruction, teachers dedicate time each week to strengthening their professional practice. On 1 May, while students enjoyed a Curriculum Day, teachers and intervention staff joined colleagues from Brighton PS, Black Rock PS and Sandringham PS to learn from Dr Lorraine Hammond. 

It was an inspiring day spent alongside like-minded educators, challenging our thinking and deepening our knowledge. Already, as I visit classrooms, I can see this learning coming to life with students. Truly, our staff are among the most dedicated educators I have worked with, and we are fortunate to have them at BNPS.

Last week, I once again saw our wonderful community come together for a special occasion — Mothers and Special Friends Day. 

Thank you to everyone who organised and ran the stall. Events like these may appear simple, but they represent many hours of planning and preparation behind the scenes. 

Special Thanks to Alison and Kerryn for the planning orgainsiation and running of this special event.

Having recently attended the Parents and Friends meeting, I continue to feel humbled to lead a school community where families contribute so generously.

Over recent weeks, I have spent many hours proudly touring prospective families around our school, sharing stories about our community, our learning programs, and the importance we place on literacy and numeracy. 

Visitors are consistently amazed by the creativity and sophistication of student work. In the Art Room, our Prep students’ flags are beautiful, while the Year 6 mythology-inspired 3D cardboard constructions are truly impressive. We also often stumble across music lessons and hear students confidently playing the ukulele — and sounding terrific while doing it! 

These moments leave a strong impression on prospective families because they showcase the breadth and richness of opportunities available at BNPS. I have been able to add an exciting element to my tours by inviting Year 6 students to join me. Their insights about our school are breathtaking. 

I would like to thank those students who have supported tours and spoken so beautifully with our visitors. You exceptional ambassadors because our prospective families listen to you and want their kids to grow up to be just as lovely as you are. Thanks!

Sadly, it is becoming increasingly clear that vandalism and misuse of our grounds are reaching a point where they are becoming difficult to manage. In addition to damage around the school, staff are regularly required to clean up dog waste left on school grounds — or, worse, assist children who have accidentally stepped in it. Our school grounds should be a place where children can play freely and safely. 

Our Year 4 teachers will soon work with students to write letters to local residents, asking for support in helping us care for and protect our beautiful grounds. We hope a community letter drop may help raise awareness and make a positive difference.

Finally, as mentioned previously, we continue to monitor the industrial action relating to fair pay and conditions for school staff. At present, there is a pause on the rolling half-day stop-work action. However, should negotiations not progress, proposed industrial action on 21 May may still proceed. Any updates will be communicated through Compass, and we will provide as much notice as possible.

School Newsletter April 1968

Please take a look at our School Newsletter from April 1968, kindly dropped into the office by a past grandfather. It is a wonderful snapshot of school life from decades ago and a reminder of the strong connections within our community across generations. Interestingly, the printing of the newsletter was undertaken by the grandfather of one of our current students, Jordan S from 3B.

Wishing everyone a wonderful couple of weeks ahead.

Julia Stoppa

Principal