I hope you’ve had a great week and are enjoying the warm weather, even though it’s been a bit wild at times. Some schools in the Knox Network were disrupted by power outages as a result of the storms a couple of weeks ago, but thankfully we were spared with no damage or impact to operations. A number of schools in the Dandenong Ranges were closed following the storms, mostly due to no power, water or safe access. It’s very rare for schools to be closed. The most common reason for school closure is due to bush fire risk, but given we aren’t considered to be in a high risk bushfire setting, the chances of us closing is extremely unlikely. If there ever came a time where the school had no power for extended periods (let’s hope it never happens!), we will continue to operate, modify our programs accordingly and communicate what’s happening to the school community.
Attendance tracker
Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Kids learn new things at school every day, and missing school puts them behind which then affects their educational outcomes. At BHPS, we’re committed to improving student attendance. One of the targets in the School Strategic Plan is, “By 2027, decrease the percentage of students with 20+ days absence from 46% (2022) to 30%, as per the student attendance data”. I know this is an achievable target because last year our data indicated that 27% of students had 20+ days absence. This was a massive improvement, so our goal now is to do even better. That’s why in each newsletter from now until the end of the year, I will publish our current attendance rate and the percentage of students with 20+ days absent.
Here’s how we’re tracking so far:
Student Awards
We’re “levelling up” our student awards this year, with some key changes to the way we recognise students who demonstrate our school CARE Values. Here’s what’s changing:
CARE Awards
Each week at assembly, one student per year level will receive a new CARE Award certificate. This is awarded to a student who best demonstrates our school values, with the focus being Community (Term 1), Achievement (Term 2), Respect (Term 3) and Engagement (Term 4). These students will be announced by the student leaders at each assembly. Their award will be read out and they will come up the front to receive their certificate. The intention is that these awards are seen as more valuable and are given to students who exemplify our CARE values.
Principal’s Award
At the final assembly of each term, one student per year level is awarded the Principal’s Award. This student is nominated by their teachers based on the value of Respect and the attributes that sit under it: Kindness, Gratitude, Integrity, Empathy, Equality, Compassion and Honesty. These kids will receive a special badge they can add to their uniform.
Students of the Week
Classroom teachers will present one student per week with a “Student of the Week” certificate. These children will receive their award in the classroom, with their name published in the Year Level Newsletters.
Campers
Twenty Year 5 and 6 students have just returned from Somers Camp, and they had an absolute ball. For those who may not be aware, Somers Camp is owned by the Department of Education and they offer limited places to school’s all across the state every two years. We were fortunate to be able to offer spots to 20 kids given that we had two teachers attending as visiting teachers. I went to Somers on Friday afternoon for a lovely lunch and a catch up with a few kids and staff. I saw the kids doing activities such as bike ed, boating, surfing, orienteering, flying fox and enjoying some free time with new friends. It is a nine-day camp experience which is quite long for primary school students, so they were all exhausted when they returned on Wednesday morning. However, lots of happy memories were made and I’m sure they’ll have great stories to tell for years to come.
The Year 4 students and teachers are gearing up for the Phillip Island Camp which starts on Monday. I’m joining the campers this year and am really excited to be part of the fun. For parents of kids in Year 4, please check all the details on Compass to ensure the kids are well prepared to attend camp.
Racism
Disappointingly, the leadership team and teachers have had to manage a few incidents of racist remarks made by students towards other students in the last couple of weeks. Racism in any form is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Boronia Heights PS. We have worked hard to build a culture of respect and safety, so incidents of racism are taken seriously to prevent this behaviour from being repeated. It is important that students feel comfortable reporting incidents of racist bullying so that we can respond proportionately, consistently and find a positive solution for those involved.
Boronia Heights has a number of programs and strategies in place to build a positive and inclusive school culture. Our whole school approach is informed by the Berry Street Educational Model and the Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships curriculum. We use these programs to teach kids appropriate social skills, self-regulation, kindness and positive relationships with others.
When we hear about racist bullying, our teachers and leaders speak to the students involved to get accurate details, speak to the parents of the students, and determine an appropriate response that can restore and repair hurt caused by the remarks. We typically work through a staged-response that includes wellbeing support, counselling and mediation. Disciplinary consequences for the perpetrating student may include removal of privileges, recess detentions and suspensions if appropriate and consistent with Department policy.
I am determined to put an end to racism at BHPS, and I’d appreciate the support of all families in helping us with the message that bullying and racism have no place in our school community.
Gates left open on Fridays
I am seeking the support of those families who might live on the surrounding streets of the school regarding our school gates. If you happen to notice any gates left open on Friday nights or weekends, it would be great if you can close them please. The only nights we leave gates open are Monday to Thursday due to local basketball clubs using the gym to train. We’ve got a plan in place to check gates on Friday nights anyway, so hopefully it doesn’t happen again.
Enjoy your week!
Mat Anderton
Principal