New staff
I’d like to welcome Mrs Michelle Lucas and Mrs Blair Blackburn to our teaching team in 2025. Mrs Lucas has replaced Mrs Emma Mason in 5B, and Mrs Blackburn has come on board one-day per week (Mondays) to teach 6C while Mr Justin North is released from teaching duties to undertake the High-abilities practice leader and digital technologies leader role.
Both Mrs Lucas and Mrs Blackburn come to us as experienced teachers. Mrs Lucas previously worked as a classroom teacher and Learning Specialist at Eltham North PS, and Mrs Blackburn is working two-days per week at Bimbadeen Heights PS.
I would also like to welcome Miss Monique Brotto and Mrs Tannia Sherriff to our Education Support team. Miss Angela Harrower will also be joining the ES on a casual basis.
Student Attitudes to School Survey
The Student Attitudes to School Survey is currently being administered to students in Years 4-6 this week. This is an annual state-wide survey that is managed by the Department. Results from this survey help inform the school about future planning and are key measurement tools in the School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan. Mrs Foster, Mrs Hodgson, Mrs Hollingsworth, Mrs Weichert and I are facilitating the conduct of the survey in classrooms.
Education Week
Well done to all on another successful Education Week. The classrooms looked great, and it was clear the kids took enormous pride in showing their work. A special mention to our specialist crew – Ms Henstock, Mr Fox, Mr Warren, Miss Lu, Mrs Cook and Mrs Sutterby- who prepared the activities for Open Day and Night. Well done also to Mr Fox and Mrs Ascenzo for preparing the choirs and band students for an exceptional mini concert. I spoke to many families who were glowing in their praise for the positive culture we have at BHPS.
This is the third year I have been a part of the National Simultaneous Storytime. Well done to the Library leaders who read the book to everyone – there’s some budding audio book actors amongst that group! With the Education Week theme this year being “Celebration of Cultures”, it was quite fitting that the book, “The Truck Cat”, is about a man who emigrated to Australia who takes his cat wherever he goes in his B-Double truck. The story highlights the challenges faced by migrant families who try hard to adjust to life in a foreign country, not speaking the language or understanding the cultural complexities in a completely different society. The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) select the book each year, and this one was quite different to previous years in a good way. “The Truck Cat” gives our teachers a chance to discuss themes of immigration, home, connection and feeling like the outsider.
Congratulations to Miss Hindmarsh
Since my last newsletter message, Miss Kim Hindmarsh (Prep C) celebrated her wedding to her (now) husband, Nick. Congratulations to Kim and Nick on their special day. Miss Hindmarsh will now be known as Mrs Hollingsworth.
Enjoy your week.
Mat Anderton
Principal