Engagement & Wellbeing
SWPB: Focus of the Week
This week at Buninyong Primary School, our classrooms have been buzzing with a very special focus: "Letting Others Learn." As part of our ongoing SWPB focus, students have been unpacking what it means to be a respectful member of a learning community and how their individual actions can have a huge impact on those around them.
We’ve been discussing how every student has a different "superpower" when it comes to focus. Some of our peers need total quiet to do their best work, while others have to work really hard to stay on task. When we whisper, move around the room, or call out, we can accidentally "tap" someone out of their learning zone. We are exploring ways at school for our students to maintain their focus for as long as possible!
NAPLAN: Looking Beyond the Test
NAPLAN kicks off next week! While the news and social media might start popping off with talk about tests and scores, we want to share what NAPLAN looks like here at our school.
Last year, we achieved something truly special: 100% participation. To me, that is one of the most important pieces of data we have. It’s a testament to the inclusive, low-pressure environment our staff work so hard to maintain. Inclusion is the heartbeat of our school.
Whether a student needs specific adjustments or just a bit of extra encouragement, we ensure no one is left behind. We want our kids to walk away from these experiences feeling a sense of accomplishment and excitement, rather than walking away from the challenge itself.
Here are some tips and tricks to use to support your child through NAPLAN
We work hard to keep the atmosphere light and positive. You can help us by keeping the vibes relaxed at home, too! Here’s how we ensure a stress-free week:
1. If you don’t make it a big deal, neither will they: At school, we’re treating the week as "business as usual." While the classroom setup might look a little different for a few hours, our routines, high-quality instruction, and playground fun remain exactly the same. Keeping the home routine predictable is the best way to keep the butterflies away!
2. Frame it as a positive experience: We see NAPLAN as a great opportunity to practice "having a go." At our school, we celebrate the courage and effort of participating, rather than focusing on the outcome. Remind your child that showing up and trying their best is already a win in our books.
3. Stick to the basics: As Nicole mentioned in the Teaching and Learning section, the best "test prep" it’s found in a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast. A well-rested mind and a full stomach are always the best tools a student can bring to school.
4. Downplay the "Test" factor If your child brings up NAPLAN, try framing it as a simple ‘check-in’ or a chance to show their teacher what they’ve been learning, rather than a ‘big exam.’ Remind them that NAPLAN is just one small snapshot of their learning journey and doesn't define who they are as a student.
Parenting Sessions: Coming in Term 2
We have been able to connect with some local external organisations to run some parenting programs at our school for our local community in Term 2- which I am pumped about!
I am looking to check in with our school community to see how many parents may be interested in exploring the following programs:
ADHD & Me
In this 2h workshop, the centre for Perinatal Health and Parenting will focus on empowering parents to explore all things ADHD! The session will cover:
· What does an ADHD diagnosis mean for my child?
· What techniques can I use to support ADHD sensory needs and behaviours in the home?
A space is provided for Q&A for any specific questions you might have about neurodiversity.
Tuning Into Kids: 6 Week Program
Tuning into Kids is a FREE 6-week program. The aims to help parents or carers to understand their children’s emotional needs.
The program focuses on the emotional connection between parents and children. The aim of the program is to teach parents emotion coaching skills to help their child understand and manage their emotions as well as improving communication and parent-child relationship. The program assists parents to help their child:
· Enhance their emotional intelligence
· Develop their social skills
· Manage frustrations
· Deal with conflict
· Connect and communicate
Parents will have a better understanding of their role in:
· Meeting their children’s needs
· Building strong attachment
· Fostering trust in relationship
Keen on registering your interest for either program? - Fill out the form below.
https://forms.gle/mUbVcY6RUTQ47JXS7
Bunjil Student Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Bunjil Award at last week’s Whole School Assembly.
| Yolandie | Senuka | Sophie | Ava |
| Margot | Jordie | Leo | Caitlin |
| May | Zara | James | Evie |
| Myla | Jack | Jacob | Raff |
Bunjil awards recognise student achievement and those who display our school values of being respectful, responsible and kind. Well done! All of our weekly winners enjoyed a hot chocolate or zooper dooper with a principal. This process is always a great chance for us to hear from the kids and ask them some questions about our school. Here’s a snippet of what the kids had to say!
“How do we think things are going at school with the changes to our school day?”
"I thought the STEM scholarship was after lunch, but instead it was after snack!" — Jacob
"I have the perfect teacher!" — Jordy
"It feels like we have a little less time during our breaks—the afternoon break feels a bit smaller." — Senuka
"When we go outside, we get super hungry, and then when we get back in there we can eat some food and then get heaps of energy to learn!" — Ava
"The last session is much easier to focus because it’s much shorter. The middle session is a lot harder to focus." — Yolandie
“What can we do to help support you during the middle block of learning, when you are feeling like it is super long?”
"Using some fidgets in the classroom." — James
"Making sure we eat our lunch." — Jacob
"Frequent brain breaks. Normally a game after the long session helps." — Yolandie
“What are some things we are proud of this year?”
- Getting a Bunjil Award
- Giving things a ‘go’
- Proud of my Maths work
Student Attendance
Breakfast Club
Volunteers Welcome on Mondays!
We’re seeking parent and community volunteers on a Monday to help make Breakfast Club a success. We have had a great start to the year, and any extra help would be greatly appreciated!
You can volunteer as often as suits you – there’s no requirement to commit every week. We aim to have 2–3 volunteers each session. If you are keen to put your hand up and help out, add your name to the list below for Monday mornings.