Principal's Report
"Today you lead the school, tomorrow your students will lead the world.”
It is wonderful to see so many parents taking advantage of the opportunity to engage in their child's learning, reflect on all that has been accomplished throughout Semester 1 and discuss strategies for embracing the opportunities for learning during the second half of the year.
Student Led Conferences develop a sense of empowerment and ownership. The conferences also develop student oral communication skills and help to build self-confidence.
Students have responded positively to the challenge of presenting their goals and work samples to their parents which highlight the amazing teaching and learning that underpins our school.
Our final Student Led Conferences will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday (27 & 28 August), please see Compass for booking details if you haven't already booked.
Staff Performance Reviews
All staff have now completed their Mid-Cycle Performance Development Reviews and the data presented has been very pleasing. Amongst other things, the reviews are designed to support the school in meeting its responsibilities to students, parents and to government through linking employee performance with achievement of school and government policies and targets.
I would like to congratulate all staff on the amazing job they are doing - the care and commitment to everything they do on a daily basis is exemplary.
Book Week
I would like to sincerely thank Crissa Cody-Smith (Library Teacher) for organising today's Book Parade to celebrate Book Week. There were some wonderful and very creative costumes to support this year's Book Week theme, 'Reading is My Secret Power!’.
Please take a look at the photos on the 'Book Parade' page of this newsletter.
Professional Development
Last week teaching staff attended the Beachside Southern Cluster Meetings at Sandringham East Primary School and Sandringham Secondary College. The focus was 'Literacy practices in our classrooms' and provided the opportunity for teachers to reflect on the Term 2 Curriculum Day presented by Misty Adoniou, and to celebrate the huge successes they have made this semester.
At the end of last week the Leadership Team attended a two-day international conference in Melbourne - 'Evidence to Implementation - Maximising Learning and Impact'. There were many inspiring presentations from highly regarded educators and world class speakers such as Professor John Hattie, Shirley Clarke, Douglas Fisher, Dr Simon Breakspear and Anthony MacKay.
Father's Day Celebrations
Next week is all about the wonderful men who play a very important role in helping to raise and care for our students. The Prep students are looking forward to a special morning with their Dads or special friends in the Prep Learning Centre (Wednesday 28 August, 8.45 – 9.30am) and we have our fabulous Father's Day stall on Friday 30 August.
I would sincerely like to thank Lisa Ward, Ros Wells and Anna Holmes for organising our Father's Day Stall which includes everything from ordering stock, preparing a PowerPoint presentation for the students to view before attending (so there are no double ups) and of course setting up, serving students and packing up on the day. Thank you also to the many parents who have volunteered to help at the stall on the day.
I would like to wish all of the BNPS fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers and other special men, a very special Father’s Day for next Sunday.
Looking Ahead...
Our Year 3 - 6 students are gearing up for the House Athletics Carnival (27 August) which was postponed due to inclement weather. I wish everyone the best of luck and hope that the weather is kind this time around!
I do hope everyone has a wonderful night on Saturday and a HUGE thank you once again to the Gala Committee for organising this wonderful social opportunity for our families and raising funds for our school grounds and play equipment.
Sherril Duffy
Principal