Principal's Report

Welcome back and what an amazing start last week. It was wonderful to see the incredibly settled nature across the school and focus on learning, which was very evident. We have another big year in front of us and we have plenty to be proud of at BPS. Our teaching and learning programs are second to none.

For those who may not have seen at the end of 2024, The Age newspaper named Blackburn Primary as one of 15 Primary Schools outperforming our private school counterparts. Something we value greatly, but also feel that it confirms the work that we have done over a number of years and the approaches we are taking.

As always there was a lot of excitement about returning to school and you may have seen some of our Foundation students on the Channel Ten News last week.

https://www.facebook.com/10NewsMelb/videos/1382348115741686

WELCOME TO NEW FAMILIES AND STAFF

We would like to officially welcome all our new staff and families to the school. Please do not hesitate to contact wonderful office, Marianne or myself if you need any further assistance. We are certain there are also many families of the school that will assist you in settling into our community in no time at all. Included below are some introductions to our new staff.

If you're anything like my two children the joy (and tiredness!) of being back at school, doesn't always translate when you ask them how their day was. I recently came across this article, which I thought you may find useful to reshape the dinner table questions.

Hello! My name is Eileen Crabb and I am very excited to be taking 1C this year. I have been living and teaching over in London for the last 2 years and have already been lucky enough to be welcomed by multiple members of our lovely school community.

In my spare time I love going to the beach, finding good coffee and spending time with family and friends. Any extended spare time is spent travelling! I look forward to meeting you all.

Hello! My name is Emily Tainsh and this is my first year at BPS!! I feel very lucky to be teaching Grade 5 this year. In my spare time I love spending time with friends and family and being active. I am looking forward to a full year in the classroom and getting to know more of you!

Hello, I’m Molly Lawlor and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the teacher of 6 L this year. When I’m not in the classroom you can find me crafting – I love to sew my own clothes - or cycling around Melbourne’s scenic routes on my bike. Being my first year at BPS, I’m looking forward to the year ahead, familiarising myself with the community and getting to know each of you more!

Hello, My name is Kate Ferguson and this year I will be teaching with Mrs Chetcuti in 4AF. I have been a teacher for eight years and last year I was a casual relief teacher here at BPS. I love spending time with my young son and family. I also enjoy playing tennis and going to the movies. I am looking forward to getting to know the BPS community.

I am very excited to be joining the Foundation team here at Blackburn Primary School. Every day in my classroom is full of learning experiences that promote teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. I cannot wait to see what students accomplish!

A little bit about me... I am a lover of all animals, especially sea otters and ducklings. On the weekends I enjoy going on walks with my dogs and I think that Oreos are the best biscuit that has ever been created.

INFORMATION NIGHT

A big thank you to those families who attended our information nights this week. It's a great opportunity for you to meet your child's teacher and here more about the upcoming year. With the consistent approaches we have across our school means the transition from year to year for students is generally quite straight forward and we look forward to the milestone moments in each year level.

PARENT TEACHER EXCHANGE

These meetings are for parents to provide information to the teachers with specific learning needs or requirements, some families may choose that they do not need to attend and the questionnaire may be sufficient.

A reminder that these are not intended to be a parent-teacher meeting.

There has also been an extensive handover between your child's teacher and last year's teacher to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the 2024 teachers have a sound understanding of the needs of your child.

Please book in a time via Compass conferences (same as mid-year interviews), if you feel that the questionnaire is not sufficient.

A questionnaire about your child has been distributed by your child's class teacher on Compass.

FACILITIES WORKS

Beginning later this term we have a number of building projects happening around the school. As these progress I will send more details to the community via compass, some of the work that will be done throughout 2024 to ensure that BPS facilities are second-to-none including -

Running Track Upgrade
Access upgrades to our school to ensure every member of our community has access to all buildings
Installation of a solar panel system on the Junior Building to reduce our electricity bills
Repairs to our exist ramps and handrails
Installation of furniture into the science room.
Upgrade to the flooring in the gym toilets.

PARENT VOLUNTEERING FOR 2024

We are always incredibly grateful for the work that parents, grandparents, friends and family members do for our school over the year. Many thanks to our volunteers who keep many programs afloat and enhance the learning and wellbeing of our students. There will be many and varied activities, special events and programs that require volunteer helpers next year so please connect in with surveys and volunteer offers as they come to light in the newsletter.

ANNUAL PRIVACY REMINDER 2024

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages.

SUNSMART

A reminder that as per our SunSmart policy from the start of Term One through to the end of Term Four. ALL BPS students are expected to wear hats during recess and lunch and for all outdoor activities, especially Physical Education. Students not wearing hats are to sit under the shade seating on the Schoolhouse.

With the warm weather about, it is vital that all students wear their school, SunSmart hat when outside. Students should also be drinking water regularly and taking breaks from play if they are getting too hot. We would appreciate these reminders being reinforced at home.

MOBILE PHONES AND SMART WATCHES

A reminder that the Department of Education has in place a mobile phone ban that requires students who bring mobiles phones to school to have them switched off and securely put away during school hours.

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.

The ban applies equally to all government schools right across the state.

This helps ensure that school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions.

Emergencies: In the event of an emergency or if you need to immediately contact your child, I ask that families contact the school office who will pass on a message as required.

Parent support: The Mobile phones in schools webpage provides links to resources for families to help them balance their children’s time using mobile phones.

I ask for the support of all our families, staff and students in continuing to support the implementation of this policy in our school.

SCHOOL REVIEW 2024

The Department of Education (DE) conducts reviews of schools every 4 years. This rigorous process is conducted by a DE appointed reviewer who consults with all stake holders to help determine the school’s needs and how to meet these over the following 4 year period. The result of this is the development of the School Strategic Plan (SSP).

The consultation process will take place over Semester Two of 2024 and leading into our Review in Term Four.

More information will be circulated as it comes to hand. If you have any questions about this process please feel free to contact me.

CURRICULUM DAYS 2024

The following dates have now been confirmed by school council for the student free curriculum days for 2024:

29th January

26th April

15th August - Professional Practice Day (Student-free)

4th November

20th December

TheirCare will be offering a program on these days and will be open their bookings for these days shortly. Please see compass for more information about TheirCare and also their holiday program flier.