Blackburn Primary School Weekly

Principal's Report

I trust all families are out enjoying the nice change in weather and the upcoming longer weekend coming up with a Curriculum Day Monday followed by the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.

School Review 

The school review model supports each school to differentiate its improvement journey by building on current strengths and assisting it to respond to challenges. It emphasises continuous improvement and affirms that every student, no matter their background or circumstances, has a right to learn in a school committed to improvement. It maintains that every school can improve.  

 

This week the panel will finalise our 2025-2028 Strategic plan. This is a fabulous piece of work to have completed this term and means we can begin 2025 with the new strategic plan in place and have some clear directions for our professional learning and focuses for 2025 and beyond.

 

The panel has shared with me some initial findings and I am pleased to share with the community some of their observations - 

  • The very settled school we have – calm, orderly and safe environment
  • Excellent student behaviour
  • Highly articulate and engaged students 
  • Students were very clear on what they were learning and what they were to do in the task
  • Excellent teacher knowledge, collegiality and professional learning
  • Shared language and approaches
  • High level curriculum documentation and planning
  • School Culture
  • Excellent academic results

A huge thank you to Anthony De Castella, School Council President, for his involvement as part of the review panel and representation of our school parent community.

STUDENT FREE DAY

A reminder as previously communicated we have student free day coming up on Monday 4th 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.

EARLY ARRIVALS AT SCHOOL

A reminder that we have been seeing more and more students on the school grounds before 8.30am.  I would like to remind all students and families that staff do not officially commence duty until 8.45am.  Whilst it is lovely to see students keen to be at school and spending time with their friends, we are not in a position to supervise games and activities and would hate to see an accident or incident occur when there is no supervision or assistance.  I would ask that students arrive from 8.45am when adequate supervision can be provided.  Children arriving prior to 8.45am will be sent to the office and families contacted or children delivered to TheirCare.

Stepping Up Program

In Term 4 every year, students from Foundation to Year 5 take part in a whole school Stepping Up session. The opportunity to step up to the next year level helps prepare each student for the next stage in their educational journey. The school recognises that a successful transition is vital to a child's educational, social and emotional development. Students will participate in a range of activities to familiarise themselves with some of the changes that will be taking place in their new grade level for 2025. You can support your child through the transition process by asking positive questions such as:

  • What are you looking forward to the most next year?
  • What things are you really good at?
  • How can you make new friends?
  • What would you like me to tell your new teacher about you?

STUDENTS LEAVING BPS

As much as this would sadden us, we know that many families might have a change in circumstances in 2025. To support our forward planning, we would really appreciate knowledge of any student/s that might be leaving BPS at the end of 2024. 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.

HATS AND DRINK BOTTLES

With the warm weather about to start, it is vital that all students wear their school, SunSmart hat when outside. Students who do not have a hat will be asked to sit in the shade, under the amphitheatre. Students should also be drinking water regularly and taking breaks from play if they are getting too hot. Please ensure all items are clearly named.

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches 

We expect all students to exhibit exemplary online behaviour both in and out of school. At school, students use digital devices and technology regularly and are learning about the appropriate use of these.  It is Department of Education policy that students keep their digital devices in the office during school hours.

 

Smart watches are able to be switched to 'School Mode' (Do Not Disturb) between the times of 9am - 3.30pm - allowing them to function only as a watch and therefore do not have to be handed in. These devices are not permitted or required on school camps and excursions. All, and any, communication should be directed through your child's teacher or the school office. If students are found to be using them for communication during the school day they will be required to hand them to office daily.

 

Our Mobile Phone can be found here - https://blackburnps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Mobile-Phones-2024.pdf