Principal's Report

Welcome to 2019!

I hope all of our families had a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break over the summer holidays.

I would particularly like to warmly welcome our Foundation students and the new students in other grades and their families. I am sure you will find your time at our school to be rewarding in many ways.

 

Preparing For The New School Year

The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for students and parents alike. We are very proud of the way our students have settled and transitioned into their new year levels and classes. I would like to thank our teachers, Education Support, administration and maintenance staff for the many hours they  spent  preparing the school and classrooms prior to the first day.

Congratulations

Congratulations to staff members who celebrated major life events over the summer holiday

break.

Mrs Katrina Hutchins, along with husband Michael, welcomed their second child into the world, the gorgeous Laila Sue.

 

Miss Hayley Rings celebrated her marriage to new husband Kev. It looked like an amazing day and we wish Hayley all the best in this next exciting chapter of her life.

Term 1 Community Events

I look forward to catching up with all families at community events throughout the course of the year, beginning with our “Welcome Picnic & Running Colour” event on Friday 22nd February.  We hope to see all new and returning families at what promises to be a wonderful social event for all. 

Please refer to the Compass Calendar and News Feed updates for details of this and future events throughout the year.

Oval Upgrade Update

As we commence the new school year, many parents have inquired about the state of our school oval and the progress that we are making to secure an urgently needed upgrade to the quality of the surface. Please be assured that this project remains the highest priority for the school and every available avenue is being pursued behind the scenes to make the development a reality. Please read the "Oval Update 2019" page in this newsletter for a comprehensive outline of the project's history and current status from parent Michele Rowse, on behalf of the School Council Oval Sub-committee.

Parent Payments and Voluntary Contributions

The Compass Portal is live now for families to log in and complete all school payments.

The BRPS School Council, staff and school community have high expectations of all     curriculum programs, resources and facilities that the school provides. Parent voluntary contributions are a vital aspect of maintaining these high standards and we thank our parent community for their generous support in this area to benefit all students across the school.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences (student-led conferences will continue for Year 5/6) will take place on Wednesday 27th February. 

We believe that it is important for parents and teachers to meet early in the year so parents are able to share information about their child with their new classroom teacher. 

Parents will be able to book appointment times online via COMPASS.  Please check your News Feed frequently as booking details will be provided next week.

 

2019 Year Level Information

Prior to the Parent/Teacher conferences a digital information booklet will be sent out particular to your child/children’s year level. The booklet will contain important information regarding curriculum, expectations, routines and important dates. It would be fantastic if parents could read the information before the interviews. If you require any clarification, the interview could be a great opportunity to ask any questions about the year ahead.

SECA Cricket

BRPS is very proud of Year 6 student Alex P, who was selected to play in the SECA’s (South East Cricket Association) Mitchell Shield Team and participated in the VMCU tournament during the school holidays here in Victoria. It was a very exciting 2 weeks with a high level of competition and a fabulous grand final in which SECA prevailed and took the Premiership. Well done Alex!

Important Information and Reminders

Although many of you will be familiar with the policies and procedures outlined on the "Student Administration Reminders" page of this newsletter, it is necessary for us to communicate this important information, as a reminder, at the beginning of each year. We also have many new Foundation families and new families with children commencing in other year levels who will find this information particularly useful. 

 

COMPASS School Manager

Compass School Manager, through private and secure family portals, is our primary platform for communicating with families. We strongly recommend that parents install the native app on their mobile device (Apple iOs or Android) and set it up to receive notifications. This will allow instant and convenient access to all relevant school communications.

With many optional education events such as excursions, incursions and sporting events across all year levels beginning this week I encourage all parents to log on to Compass at your earliest convenience and ensure that all details and payments are up-to-date. Parents are also encouraged to check the Compass Calendar and News Feed

 

The "Student Administration Reminders" page in this newsletter is an essential reference to support parents to navigate and manage important school processes. 

 

Please take the time to read through the items on the following pages and contact the Office should you have any queries. However, I would particularly like to draw your attention to the following points:

  • It is very important to check the Compass News Feed and Calendar daily to stay informed of the latest news and upcoming events.
  • Absences MUST be reported via Compass on the day of absence (early in the morning or ahead of time where possible).
  • Online consent/payment for incursions and excursions must be received by the due date in order for your child to participate/attend.
  • Students must NOT be left alone in the school grounds before 8.45am or after 3.45pm.
  • The 'Kiss N Go' zone on Arkaringa Crescent is for dropping/collecting your child within a two-minute time frame.
  • Parents and students are NOT permitted to walk through staff car parks OR use them for parking.
  • Riding of scooters, bikes, skateboards etc., is NOT permitted in the school grounds at drop-off or pick-up (school and non-school children).
  • Please be aware of our dog policy which is outlined on signs at all entrance points to the school.

Have a wonderful fortnight.

 

Sam Tyndall

PRINCIPAL