Principal's Report

Farewell Ms Goulding

There is no doubt that with Ms Goulding retiring at the end of the term, that the school has indeed been fortunate to have her as a highly valued staff member. Ms Goulding is always passionate about kids and their education and her ability to support students to reach beyond what they believed themselves capable of, never accepting less than their best. She challenged students daily with their thinking, decisions, actions and messages. For me personally, I so appreciated Judy Goulding coming out of retirement and returning back to Boronia Heights to support our students, especially in German. I know that you will join with me to thank Judy for her dedication to BHPS over many years, for her passion and love for teaching the students that she impacted in her many years at the school. 

Principal Forum

Last week my Assistant Principals and I attended a Principal Forum for all principals in the Outer East Network. While listening to David Howes, who is the Deputy Secretary for the Victorian Education Department, we were reminded of the importance of reconnecting our students back to school. Professor John Hattie, from the University of Melbourne, has stated that the role that schools play as social institutions is profound. 

This affirmed how we’ve structured our learning for this term with a focus on reconnecting, collaboration, teamwork and leadership for our senior school students. David likened our experience of returning back to school to the process of a deep-sea diver resurfacing. We can’t return straight to the surface (pre lockdown functioning) but must stage our return. While we would like to return back to school as it was before lockdown, as well as, trying to pack in excursions and events to make up for what was missed during lockdown, it is crucial to take care as we transition back as to not cause overwhelm or exhaustion which can lead to stress and anxiety. 

Literacy and Numeracy learning are also a primary focus during our return. Students have just completed author studies in Literacy and completed maths investigations to engage them in their learning while also providing collaborative opportunities. You may have heard your children talk about assessments being undertaken in these areas at the moment. These assessments provide valuable information for teachers to ascertain where their students are to teach at their point of need. Our focus is to provide learning opportunities to progress students from where they are, instead of framing it as ‘catching up’.

Masks

This is just a reminder that parents coming into the school buildings must wear a mask, unless they have a medical exemption. If you do need to come into the school, please do not walk through the corridors. We ask that you discuss your issues or queries at the window of the school office, where you will receive whatever assistance you require.

If you however require to enter the school building, you only do so at the main entrance and go to the office, where you will receive assistance and direction.

Icy poles are back- 50 cents each

A huge thankyou to Ms Baker and her Year 6 student leaders for providing icy poles to our students at recess on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Bike Education

It has been an absolute joy to watch and listen to our year 4 students learning and practicing their bike skills and knowledge on the front netball court and throughout to school.  It is so important that students reaching an age whereby they can venture out on their bikes have the ability to be confident, knowledgeable and skilfully riding their bikes, around the community.  Congratulations to staff and students on fantastic participation in the program and your obvious enjoyment in further developing your bike skills. 

Christmas Appeal

Thank you to all our families that have so far donated to our Christmas Appeal. We are collecting donations of food and gifts for our annual Christmas appeal.  Our chosen charities this year are CHAMPION and the Salvation Army.  All donations can be left in your child’s classrooms.  All donations will be collected from school on the 15th December.

State-Wide Transition Day 

All schools in Victoria are encouraged to hold their final transition sessions for students for 2022 on the 7th of December.  All of BHPS students from Prep to Year 6 will be meeting the students who will be in their grade for next year, as well as, their teacher.  This is a very exciting time for students and staff as we focus on expectations for next year, special activities to look forward to and adding to their already list of new and exciting things that are on offer.  This morning aims to get students familiar with the new students in their grade, meet and learn about their teacher for next year and experience some fun, engaging learning activities that introduce them to their new grade level. 

Parent Contributions

Thank to all those families that have already paid their parent contributions for 2022.  Payments can continue to be made anytime on COMPASS or by contacting the school and speaking to Lori to arrange a payment plan.  These funds are crucial to our schools so we can continue to offer our high level of buildings and grounds and extra  curricula activities.  We are incredibly fortunate to have 5 specialist areas that run weekly in our school and many of them require specialised equipment and resources.  We appreciate every family that contributes to our amazing school.

Softball Clinic in PE Lessons

Over the last few weeks our year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in softball clinics organised by Ms Russell with Softball Victoria.  A huge thankyou to Ms Russell for these workshops the students had a fantastic time. 

Excursions and Incursions

Our wonderful staff have really gone all out to give all students many things to look forward to this term.  Yesterday the Year 3 students went to the Enchanted Adventure Park, staff commented on the kid’s absolute appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful day.  What great kids we have in our school.  Years 1 and 4 also had the Bricks for Kidz incursion which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Who doesn’t like some time with Lego!! 

Wedding Bells

I am thrilled to announce that two of our staff members will be getting married next week.  Ms Sajani Gammampila and Ms Tayla Russell will finally be able to hold their weddings, that have been postponed many times.  I know you will join me in wishing them both, with their partners, a very special day. 

Take Care and have a Great Weekend.

Leanne Jennings

Principal