From the Principal Team

Welcome to this week's newsletter in another busy week here under the blue skies of Banyule Primary School. 

Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to Mr Nedelkos and the staff for organising two very successful athletics days. A huge thank you also to the team of volunteers helping out on the day. Well done to all of our students for smiling, encouraging each other and being willing to have a go, even when there may have been some initial trepidation. It is wonderful to see so many students having the opportunity to stretch themselves and shine as they try something new or outside of their comfort zone.

Prep 2025 enrolment process

This week we hosted a very successful information evening. Next week we are running two group tours on Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9.30am. Please let anyone with school aged children know they are welcome to come along. Existing/current families are able to request an enrolment pack from our office at any time.

Homework

We understand that many parents are aware of the current research into the effectiveness of homework for primary aged students. With the evidence of that research pointing to minimal impact on student achievement for this age group. We provide our homework to children and families with this in mind and are more than happy for families to opt out of homework for their children (simply email your child's teacher). With that being said, we do however encourage regular reading. 

Some activities you could engage with instead; 

• have a family conversation at the dinner table about current topics
• spend time outdoors exploring the local parks, riding bikes or playing sports
• practice playing musical instruments
• practice mindfulness; journaling, meditation, gratitude diary
• cook a meal together
• help with household organisation, write shopping lists, chore charts
• play board games (as well as building basic numeracy and strategic thinking skills, they are also a great opportunity for children to experience loss in a safe environment like home. Invaluable for supporting children to manage set backs later in life.)

Swimming Program

This year we are introducing a swimming lesson program for our Year 2 students. We will also continue with the water safety program in Year 5. The cost of pool entry and the lessons/program will be covered by a Swimming in Schools grant. Parents will be responsible for the costs of bus transportation. More information will be provided closer to the time.

Building Program

Exciting news! We finally have a move in date. We will be moving into our new building from Monday the 24th of June. We have two days to decant from the remaining 'old' building before it is demolished to make way for the playground. Stay tuned as we will be needing some volunteers during that week to help us move in!

Neighbourhood Watch

You will have seen that we did have some disappointing activity in our school after hours earlier in the week. We have reported some minor vandalism to the police and are fortunate that this is a rare event. Our community can be our greatest protectors and while we know we have respectful people playing on the oval, shooting hoops or letting toddlers have a play on the playground after hours, if you're bike riding with the kids, walking the dog or going past in the car,  we encourage anyone that sees anything untoward occurring in the school and building site to please report it to Heidelberg police. 

Play Time

Last week we shared some great images of our children having fun outside. This week we're sharing some happy snaps of children opting for some of the passive lunchtime activities. The children in these photos are having a blast at drawing club, being creative and hanging with friends, and look as happy as a kid in the 80s that finally scored that pack of 72 Derwents for their birthday...

Enjoy the long weekend,

Natalie, Sam and Claire