Principal's Report
Welcome to Term 4—the sprint to the finish. This term is always high tempo and high impact, with transition, assessment and reporting, key events, and the normal excellent teaching and learning. Our agenda is simple: keep the main thing the main thing—strong classroom practice, calm routines, and every child continuing to grow.
STUDENT FREE DAY
A reminder as previously communicated we have student free day coming up on Monday 3rd 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.
Breakfast Club
As previously communicated, I am pleased to share that we will be relaunching our Breakfast Club program. Please keep an eye on Compass this week for further details.
CLASS STRUCTURES 2026
As we finalise our enrolments for 2026 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 x4
Year One x3
Year One/Two x1
Year Two x3
Year Three x2
Year Three/Four x1
Year Four x2
Year Five x2
Year Five/Six x1
Year Six x2
STUDENT PLACEMENT 2026
During Term 4 our class teachers go through the process of placing students for the 2026 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. 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
- other relevant individual needs
As per our school approach parent requests based on Educational needs need to be directed to me in writing by Friday 17th 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.
STUDENTS LEAVING BPS
As much as this would sadden us, we know that many families might have a change in circumstances in 2026. To support our forward planning, we would really appreciate knowledge of any student/s that might be leaving BPS at the end of 2025. This does not include our Year 6 students, who we know will be graduating. Please email the school office on blackburn.ps@education.vic.gov.au to inform us.
2026 STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Our Year 5/6 team are currently working on the selection process for our 2026 Student Leadership positions. We are encouraging all Year 5 students to apply for these positions of responsibility. Heading into 2026 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 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 the successful 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.
Annabelle Colman
Many of you will remember the official launch of our school running track last year, where we were fortunate to have Australian athlete Annabelle Colman officially open the track.
I am very pleased to share that over the holiday break, Annabelle won a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi!
This is an outstanding achievement on the world stage, and on behalf of the entire BPS community, we extend our warmest congratulations to Annabelle. What a wonderful role model of resilience, determination and sporting excellence for our students.
SUNSMART
A reminder that as per our SunSmart policy from the start of Term 4 through to the end of Term One, and particularly given the fantastic weather over the last two days - ALL BPS students and staff are expected to wear hats during recess and lunch and for all outdoor activities, especially Physical Education. Students should also be drinking water regularly and taking breaks from play if they are getting too hot.
