Welcome back to school for Term 2! I hope everyone had a restful and happy school term break and, for those who celebrate, an enjoyable Easter.
I’d like to thank all staff, parents and students who have welcomed me so graciously into BHPS. Last Wednesday, I was able to visit all classrooms and see the fabulous work the kids are doing. I am so impressed with the artwork on display around the school – it’s clear that the students and staff take great pride in presenting the school in a positive way that emphasises the children’s work.
I’d like to make special mention of the efforts of our student leaders who all introduced themselves to me and talked about their role. It’s made the first couple of weeks overwhelmingly positive. I’m keen to continue the work happening here and lead the school as Principal for the remainder of term 2.
Whole school cross country
It was a beautiful morning on Friday for our whole school Cross Country. I loved seeing all the kids try so hard to compete and give their absolute best. One of the outstanding things I noticed was how some of the older children helped the younger ones by supporting them on track, whether that be leading the run or following behind so those students at the back of the field weren’t left behind. A special mention to Mrs Taylah Smith for organising the event, and to all our parent helpers for volunteering their time to supervise areas of the course.
3-6 Athletics Day
While I wasn’t here to attend the Year 3-6 Athletics Day, by all reports it was a fun-filled day of healthy competition. It was wonderful to be able to hold the event at the Bill Sewart Athletics Track, with a fabulous atmosphere with many parents and grandparents able to join in on the day. Events such as these take a lot of planning and preparation, and once again I’d like to send a big congratulations to Taylah Smith for her organisation on the day, as well as the teachers and parents who helped with marshalling and supervision. We had many students take home ribbons, with 67 students progressing to the Knox District Athletics Meet on Friday 12th May.
Education Week
Education Week begins on May 15 and we’ve got a big week planned, with the theme this year being “Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate”. The highlight of the week is our Open Morning and Night on Wednesday May 17th. The school will be open from 9am until 10:10am for parents to visit their child’s classroom. A BYO morning tea will follow the classroom activities which will allow the children to share morning tea with their parents and/or special guests from 10:20-10:40am. We will conclude the day by hosting an ‘Open Night’ from 6pm to 6:50pm. Buskers will be playing throughout the school from 6pm onwards. We will also be hosting a Showcase Concert from 7pm to 7:30pm. Leadership will also be available to talk to prospective parents about the school and programs. It would be wonderful to welcome a large crowd to this event so we can show the community what a great school we have.
Swimming Prep-Year 4
All students in Prep-Year 4 will be going swimming in Weeks 5 and 6 of Term 2. The location has moved this year to Knox Leisureworks given the pool in Kilsyth has closed. Swimming is an activity that I strongly encourage all children to learn. Whilst the school swimming program doesn’t provide everything a child needs to know to be a competent swimmer, it does give kids a chance to learn about water safety and developing confidence in the pool. Later in the year, the Year 5 and 6 students will go to Smiths Beach for an open water education day where they will learn to surf, recognises dangers in the water and know how to be safe around open water.
Year 6 Camp
The Year 6 students and staff are off to Camp Campaspe in Kyneton on Monday and returning on Wednesday. I’m sure they will enjoy the camp immensely and I wish them all the best.
I remember fondly all the school camps I attended at primary school. By spending time away from home, you learn how to adapt to different environments, build resilience and become more self-reliant. I certainly created lasting memories with my classmates and formed stronger bonds with teachers. I’m sure our Year 6 students will feel the same.
This is a reminder to all parents of Year 6 students that Thursday and Friday following camp, the teachers and ES staff who attended camp will not be at work due to time-in-lieu arrangements. On these days, should you choose to send your child to school, they will be dispersed into the Year 4 and 5 classrooms.
Take care and enjoy the rest of your week.
Mat Anderton
Acting Principal