Principal's Report 

As I sit down to write my first ever Principal's Report, I am reflecting on two and a half magnificent weeks of getting to know a community that is invigorating and connected, endlessly positive and proactive, and where care is present in much the same way we have air around us. It has warmed my heart to be made so welcome in this beautiful community.

Meeting The Students

I have prioritised relationships in my first weeks at Beaumaris North Primary School. Day one was a joyful opportunity to visit every single class and give them a small plant as my gift and metaphor for learning. I described to our young people the common things a plant needs - light, water, care - in order to grow. I explained that some plants need more or less water or sunlight, and some need alkaline soil while others like a bit of acidity. This is how I see learning at school. All students need our care, and they need much of the same curriculum and pedagogy. Some, however, need a different dosage or environmental condition for optimal learning growth, and that is my passion as an educator. 

I am here to find the common strategies and teaching techniques that make students the best they can be. I am also committed to figuring out the exact right conditions for individual young people to thrive, and make sure they get what they need, when they need it. If they need more 'sunlight', I am going to find it for them.

Meeting The Staff

It has been my privilege to meet (almost) all of the BNPS staff in 1:1 chats. My calendar has been fully booked so I can hear each of the wonderful professionals who work at our school tell me about their work, their lives, and what they see as the next best thing for the students and our community. The list of great ideas is out of control, but at least I know I am never going to get bored! I know I have landed in a place of integrity and where the children come first. I couldn't be happier.

Camps

Going on Year 4 camp was an absolute delight. These children are special, and I hope they know it. Having said that - I did manage to make a rather embarrassing misstep on day one. I made my way down to the lake, helped a few students into their yellow canoes, fixed up a twisted life jacket, took a few selfies with the kids, and even screamed wild encouragement from the shoreline. I discovered at dinner, however, these were not my kids! I sheepishly approached the staff and introduced myself, explaining I had only been the principal for seven days, then asked them to watch me while I deleted photos of their children. Sigh… I don't think our BNPS staff are going to let me live this down, but I am glad to have given everyone such a good laugh.

What impressed me most at camp was the encouragement I saw between both students and staff. Everyone got in and had a go at every activity, always making sure nobody was left out. The disco showed me just who could dance the night away, and meals were times where I sat back and watched in awe as the children devoured huge plates of food. I absolutely loved it. 

My sincerest thanks go to the teachers who tirelessly demonstrated extreme care and love for our students.

Year 5 camp at Golden Valley Adventure Camp in Flinders gave me a glimpse of the stunning people we will welcome as leaders of the school in 2026. The year 5 students are breathtakingly clever, chaotic on mass, and have a seemingly boundless reserve of energy which they put to good use during all activities - there are going to be a lot of tired young people getting off that bus this afternoon. 

The Year 5s are funny! I found myself in the most fascinating conversations which demonstrated their sense of humour, but more interestingly, their excellent general world knowledge. If I was worried that 'the kids today' don't know much beyond their own fences, my mind has been put at ease. 

I see this across the school and feel grateful that our commitment to global citizenship is real, and that our parents are clearly exposing the children to real world events. Once again, I have to comment on the exceptional care and skill of our teachers. Thank you for doing the exhausting work or organising and running a camp while continuing to smile and encourage.

Meeting The Parents

You're next, parents. Now that I am back from camp(s), I will be contacting you in year level groups to arrange times for us to meet. I am deeply interested in our partnership and look forward to purposefully working together to help me understand the priorities of our families, and to share my vision for BNPS.

My Principal's Report won't always be this long. Thank you to those who persevered to the very end. Please say hello if you see me around the school; I am always happy for a chat.

Julia Stoppa

Principal