Heights Happenings

Principal's Report

Official Oval Opening

On Wednesday afternoon we held the official opening of our oval and garden facilities.  This day represented a project that went over many months due to Covid. However, the project is now completed, and we are all feeling incredibly grateful to have such an amazing facility in our school.  A place our students will have for many years to come. The oval is a 21st Century sporting facility that will enable our students to play, run, compete and enjoy. Thank you to Jackson Taylor who was a huge supporter in our school gaining the 1,312,000 dollars for these outdoor learning spaces. Thankyou to our community for joining us for the opening, it was lovely to be able to share this celebration with our community and students.

 

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence- Dress up in something orange

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence was held today. The theme for 2022 is “Take Action Together”. At today’s assembly the focus will be on “The National Day of Bullying”.  All classes will be represented at the assembly and showcase something that they have been working on.  This day is now a regular on our school calendar and a wonderful reminder to everyone to be kind and considerate and say NO WAY! All children are encouraged to wear something orange on the day and are not required to wear school uniform.

 

Easter Raffle

It’s time for our annual Easter Raffle.  We are asking for easter donations, easter eggs, chocolate, and anything else related to Easter. Please leave your donations at the office or with your classroom teacher. Our wonderful Hubsters organise the raffle and draw out our lucky winners at Happy Hour on the last day of Term 1. The raffle will be drawn at “Happy Hour” on Friday 8th April starting at approximately 11.30am. For all of our new families we celebrate the end of term with a festive music concert held at the front of the school. All grades perform a song that they have been working on in music classes. Please bring your chairs along and join us on the front netball court. 

We rely on your support with Easter egg donations to make this raffle a success and to kick off our fundraising for the year. If everyone made a small donation our prizes would indeed be amazing. Thanking you in advance for your continued support. Raffle Tickets and a flyer will be sent home in the coming weeks.  More tickets can be sent home if required.  Thank you to those families that are able to sell many tickets at their workplaces or sporting events etc. we appreciate your efforts. 

 

School Tours 

This week I started school tours for 2023 prep enrolments.  If you know anyone that would be interested in our school, please extend an invitation to them to call and make a tour time at the office. Our first round of school tours started on the 17th of March. Tours can also be booked on the website.

 

Curriculum Day

On Tuesday this week our school held a curriculum day on Student Voice.  In collaboration with students and staff we have devised our definition of Student Voice. 

Student Voice is….

“Where we share thoughts, ideas and realistic suggestions in a respectful environment where we are willing to take action for what needs to be done”

The key aspects that were covered on the day covered were:

  • Consolidating our Berry Street Model and unpacking our new values to incorporate them across all teaching and learning
  • How to develop and encourage more student voice in the classroom/across all specialist areas and across the school
  • Developing a sense of belonging and inclusion for all students
  • Focussing on student self-worth, character strengths and an overall strength-based approach
  • Celebrating and reflecting current practises that benefit our school community

Respectful Relationship

In 2022 BHPS staff will have Professional Development on implementing respectful relationship to integrate into our current Berry Street Model. Five staff will be completing this course and delivering the course to all members of our staff this year.  I have included a link to a video for parents and adults in the community to inform our community about action against violence.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB7Pkcue9Rk&t=51s

 

Ralph Holland – VALE

After a long battle and brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease, we farewelled our Music Maestro and BHPS Assistant Principal, Ralph Holland on Wednesday 16th March 2022.

Ralph was an energetic and enthusiastic contributor to the school’s environment, 

development and culture.  His interpersonal skills were exceptional, he was dedicated and embraced the strong sense of community our school offered.

 

Together with the then Principal, Marianne Schriever they were a formidable, dedicated duo who complimented each other in creating a common vision, took up new educational initiatives, and set goals for our “school with a view”.

 

He was known for his great sense of humour, cheeky grin and insatiable appetite when it came to staff morning teas! Any social event or special occasion at school was always celebrated with a personal song, that he personally wrote lyrics to for the various staff members.  Mr Holland was also responsible for many a working bee, making sure our grounds and maintenance were up to speed and boy, did he love the FETE!  Another one of his “babies” that he would organise with his trusty fete committee.

 

Ralph’s integrity and his exceptional musical talents won the respect and admiration of the community.  When not fulfilling his AP duties, he also acted as a part time music teacher, and he was instrumental in introducing and leading the school’s marvellous history of musical productions – these were produced to the highest of standards and worthy of a 3 night Karralyka Theatre run. His legacy will continue to live on as the author and creator of our Boronia Heights Primary “School Song” which is still sung to this day with gusto at school events such as assemblies.

 

“Thank you for the music” –Mr Holland, may you Rest in Peace.

 

Have a great Weekend!

 

Leanne Jennings