Principal's Report
I am incredibly proud of our school community who have rallied together to create a sense of calm throughout these unprecedented times.
Our passionate, committed and professional staff have been working diligently to prepare for the likely transition to home learning to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). I am confident that we are now very well placed should this occur.
I would sincerely like to thank the many parents who have passed on their gratitude, popped in and even delivered treats for the staff during these trying times. Thank you also the BNPS Parents & Friends, led by Kristy Hamshare, for providing delicious treats for all staff to enjoy today. I cannot begin to tell you how much your immense support and words of encouragement mean to us all.
Keeping Ourselves Healthy & Safe
In addition to preparing for home learning, our teachers have continued their preparations for normal classes, supported students and exercised a huge amount of flexibility and adaptability. In lieu of Assembly, which was cancelled as one of our many risk minimisation strategies, students were shown a 'Keeping ourselves healthy and safe at BNPS' PowerPoint presentation. I invite you to scroll through the slides below which will give you a feel for the care and non-alarmist approach that has been undertaken in the best interest of our students.
Once again I would like to acknowledge the work of Lee and his team of cleaners who have gone above and beyond. Staff have been asked to remove everything from the floor before leaving for holidays, as all carpet in the school will be sanitised and steam cleaned during the break.
Community Spirit
Although many events and activities have been cancelled or postponed, including the Fete, our community spirit has not been dampened. In fact, the day after the postponement of the Fete, it was all hands on deck in true BNPS style. We had the wonderful FAC moving mulch around the school, the Ghost House team were undoing all of their work from the day before, parent volunteers and Office staff were working together to finalise the Silent Auction and draw the raffle, and the Fete Committee were putting plans in place to eliminate waste. We are thrilled that the Fete Committee have come up with a new date for our Fete and we love the clever Christmas inspired logo!
In addition to the excitement of a new date for the Fete, it has been lovely to see the children taking joy in various activities such as the Junior Council organised 'free-dress' day, the Guesstimate activities and the Lolly stall!
I would like to thank our many Term 1 volunteers who have helped out in the Canteen, Uniform Shop, classroom or with the Fete. Special mention to Ben Miskin for his assistance in the Canteen whilst Jenny Marashli (Canteen Manager) was away.
Year 6 Bomber Jackets
Another highlight was the long awaited arrival of the Year 6 Bomber Jackets last Friday. The jackets, printed with the Year 6 children’s names, teachers and the school year, are a very special part of a student's final year at BNPS.
Student Voice Badges
Yesterday, Moira Simpson (Assistant Principal) and myself were very pleased to present the Student Voice Team with their badges.
The Student Voice Team follow the Department’s Amplify guide. Amplify is a practice guide for school leaders and teachers. It explains how to create the conditions, employ the practices and develop the behaviours, attitudes and learning environments that are conducive to student voice, agency and leadership.
Contacting BNPS
Please note that at this time our phones are unattended. To contact the school, please email beaumaris.north.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au and refer to Compass for up-to-date information.
Looking Ahead...
It is very difficult to know what lies ahead but as a Government school, we are mandated to act on advice from the Department of Education. Please be assured that keeping our students and staff well and safe is our priority and we will let you know via the Compass News Feed as soon as further information comes to hand.
On a brighter note, we look forward to meeting with Prep siblings and parents next term in whatever form that may be (face-to-face or phone) to commence the enrolment process. Please see booking details on the 'General News & Reminders' page of this newsletter (also available on Compass).
Finally, I encourage you to COMPLETE OUR TERM 1 FEEDBACK & SUGGESTIONS SURVEY which closes at 11.30pm on Friday 27 March.
Term 2 commences on Wednesday 15 April at 9am (Tuesday 14 April is a pupil-free day) and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great term of learning, again in whatever form that may be - remote learning or back at school.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday break and thank you for your ongoing support as we navigate these very unusual times.
Sherril Duffy
Principal