Principal's Report 

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day in Australia commemorates the noble sacrifices of armed forces and civilians during times of war. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, one minute’s silence is observed to mark the cessation of hostilities on the Western front during World War 1. On Remembrance Day, our School Captains, Charlie and Cooper, read the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ and led the school in one minute’s silence as a sign of respect and remembrance for those who have served and have made sacrifices so that the things we hold dear as Australians endure for future generations. Once again, we supported the Lilydale RSL’s Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal through the sale of poppy merchandise through the office in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day. Thank you to our community members who supported this important cause.

Poetry Competition

It was an absolute pleasure, judging this year’s Poetry Reading Competition. Students at each Year Level had the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a piece of poetry as part of our Poetry Reading Unit of Work that is a key feature of our Reading curriculum each year. 

While most of our students and finalists presented their poem virtually this year, it provided the added challenge of how to engage their audience through a screen, resulting in some incredible performances and elaborate use of props. Our staff have been very impressed with the enthusiasm, persistence, and confidence that students have shown whilst reciting their poems in front of their peers. 

Congratulations to the following students who were our year level finalists and winners. All finalists and winners received their certificate from their teacher and the year level winners were presented with their special winner’s medal during assembly today. 

We also enjoyed a video of each winners’ performance.

Year Level Winners

Year 1 – Aubrey S 1JG, Jordan S 1MG, Amelia M 1AJ, Shiven C 1BK

Year 2 – Evie G 2BT

Year 3 – Mariah R 3/4B

Year 4 – Lucca L 3/4F

Year 5 – Rose D 5PE

Year 6 – Tilly B 6NP

Finalists

Year 2 – Sophie M 2SE, Oakleigh B 2SB, Ben H 2BT, Hannah L 2SB, Alexis S 2SE

Year 3 – Isla L 3/4F, Pranati C 3/4M, Declan D 3/4R, Milo W 3/4P

Year 4 – Jessie S 3/4B, Willow S 3/4M, Lucy S 3/4R, Mackenzie T 3/4P 

Year 5 – Joshua C 5ER, Skyla T 5ER, Lucy S 5GS, Chloe S 5GS, Ella G 5PE

Year 6 – Cooper N 6NP, Hollie M 6JG, Racy C 6JG, Chloe B 6HC, Cooper L 6HC

Thank you, Methven Professionals

Thank you to Professionals, Methven Real Estate in Mooroolbark who have donated $500 to our school from the proceeds of a real estate sale in our community. 

We appreciate the ongoing support of Methven the Professionals who have supported our school for many years.

 Regina Atkinson presented Mrs George with a cheque last week and this was featured in Regina’s Methven Professionals Facebook Page. 

Mobile Phones

We would like to remind parents/carers that the Department of Education and Training and school’s Mobile Phone policy and processes continues to remain in place to ensure appropriate use of technology in schools. Students who bring a mobile phone to school will be required to sign their device in and out at the beginning and end of each day:

• Students in Year 5/6 will sign their device in and out at the BER building
• Students in Year 3/4 will sign their device in and out at Ms Ruscitti’s classroom.

Thank you to our students who are demonstrating our school value of integrity and responsibility by following this process each day.

Planning for Next Year

We are well into planning our school and classes for next year and need to have a clear idea of exactly who will be here. This information is very important for us as we form classes so we can ensure that our classes are balanced in all aspects including friendships. One child moving away can leave another child without a friend in the new class. If you know that your child will be moving away next year, please send us an email to bimbadeen.heights.ps@education.vic.gov.au letting us know where your child will be attending school next year. 

Parent and Carer COVID-19 Resources

The Department of Health has developed a fact sheet for parents and carers, focusing on young people and COVID-19. With a recent case in our community, we encourage our families to access the information and share it with your children.

The fact sheet includes information about: 

• symptoms and treatment 
• getting a COVID-19 test
• COVID-19 vaccines, including how to book an appointment
• wearing face masks
• resources to support conversations about COVID-19 with children
• resources to support mental health and wellbeing. 

The fact sheet is available in word or PDF formats: 

• Children, young people and COVID-19 – Word 
• Children, young people and COVID-19 – PDF

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, you can contact the Department of Education and Training’s COVID-19 phone line on 1800 338 663 (available 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am-3pm Saturday to Sunday, excluding public holidays). 

Changes to Semester 2 Student Reports

At Bimbadeen Heights we know it is vital to involve students and their parents/carers in learning. This includes providing a written report to parents/carers on student progress and achievement at least twice a year.

The Department of Education and Training has recently adjusted the expectations around student reporting for Semester 2 in recognition of the disruption caused by COVID-19. We will therefore provide a modified written report for the parent/carer of each student enrolled at the school for Semester 2, 2021 focusing on what progress has been made and what has been achieved by each child.

Reports will include:

· a description of the areas of the Victorian Curriculum Foundation to Level 10, including Towards Foundation Levels A to D, taught;

· for English and Mathematics:

             • student achievement information represented on a continuum of learning;

             • progress made since the last time these curriculum areas were reported on;

             • a five-point scale.

· for all other curriculum areas taught:

             • a short comment on progress and achievement across the semester.

Parents/carers are welcome to contact their child’s classroom teacher via Sentral message to arrange a time to discuss your child’s report. All discussions will be held via telephone or Webex.

2022 Foundation Transition

We are now over half-way through our transition program for our cohort of 2022 Foundation students. 

Information about the program has been sent directly to families of enrolled children about the remaining sessions to be held on:

          • Tuesday 30 November – Information Night

          • Tuesday 7 December – Orientation Day

          • Tuesday 14 December – Welcome BBQ.

Foundation classes commence on Monday 31 January 2022 in line with the start of the school year for all students. Foundation students have no school on Wednesdays until the week after the March long weekend to allow for important individual student testing to occur.

The following information has been taken from the Department of Education’s parent and carer information about how to support your childs start to school. These tips are helpful for all families of children beginning school or moving on to a new year level.

During the summer holidays

· Show your child where the school is and talk about how you will get there.

· Arrange play times with other families whose children will be going to the same school. It helps if your child knows another child at their school at the start of prep.

· Practise the things your child will need to do to get ready for school (e.g. putting things in their bag, remembering to take a hat).

· Confirm your before or after school care arrangements and explain these to your child.

· Be positive about starting school and enjoy your child’s excitement.

· Visit your local library and read books with your child about starting school.

The first day of school

· Make sure your child knows who will take them to school and pick them up on the first day.

· Help your child to organise their clothes, hat, shoes and socks the night before.

· Help your child to pack their school bag with a                                                                                   snack, drink, lunch, and a hat.

· Place a spare pair of underpants and a change of clothes in a plastic bag. Let your child know these clothes are in their bag in case of any accidents at school.

· Put sunscreen on your child in the morning if it's needed.

· Show your child where you will meet them at the end of the school day.

· At the end of the day talk to your child about what happened at school. A great way is to ask them what their highlight of the day was.

Early childhood services and schools will organise programs to help your child settle into school. Talk to your child’s early childhood educator or the school.

Further information about starting school for students beginning Primary School as well as Secondary School can be located at https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/going-to-school/Pages/tips-starting-school.aspx

We hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend with your families, and we are looking forward to another fantastic week of learning at Bimbadeen.

Adele Gregson and Sabrina George