Heights Happenings – 2025 – Term 1, Week 10

As we approach the end of Term 1, I thought it would be good to reflect on the memorable events that have happened at our school over the last 10 weeks.

• The surprise visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Jacinta Allen, Ministers of Education Jason Clare and Ben Carroll, local MPs Jackson Taylor and Mary Doyle, as well as senior executives from the Department of Education for the signing of the School Funding Agreement. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our school to the broader community.
• Four students represented our school at the Rowville District swimming event.
• A wide range of incursions took place including Year 2 Australian Animal Wildlife Lectures experience to improve writing skills, Year 4 Mind and Body, and the Year 1 and 2 “I’m Proud to be Me” theatre company performance.
• Year 4 Camp to Phillip Island.
• School Captains attending the Halogen Young Leaders Conference in Melbourne.
• Visits to and from Boronia K-12 College to help strengthen the relationship between our schools.
• Maths Explorers sessions as a Year 3 & 4 mathematics extension program.
• Harmony Day and Cultural Diversity Week.
• Whole school athletics and cross country
• Ride to School Days

This list doesn’t include all the amazing learning activities the students do each and every day. There’s lots more to come this year for the children to look forward to.

New Prep Playground

It’s so nice to have a brand new Prep playground for the children to enjoy. At BHPS, we’re big on student voice which is why every element and the colours of the playground was designed by the students. The company who supplied and installed the playground, Safe Play, were terrific to deal with. They listened to what the children wanted, including the little boat and race track, and designed a fun playground in a short space of time. Many thanks to the School Council for supporting this project and to Mrs Hodgson for coordinating everything.

Athletics and Cross Country

We had perfect days for the junior school mini-aths, school athletics and cross country events that have happened over the last two weeks. These events were expertly organised by Mr Warren and a team of volunteer parents. It was lovely to see so many children have fun in the outdoors and enjoying a bit of healthy competition. I was telling a few children at the athletics day that it doesn’t matter if you don’t come home with a ribbon – all that matters is that you do your best and try to improve on your last effort. Elite athletes will always say that they are incredibly proud of themselves if they can achieve a personal best at a world championship or Olympic Games, even if they don’t win a medal. Well done to everyone involved!

Curriculum Day April 24

The first week of school in Term 2 is going to be a lot shorter than normal, with the children attending school on Tuesday and Wednesday only. Thursday 24^th April is a Curriculum Day, with the teachers undertaking professional learning about the final module of the Berry Street Education Model. OSHClub will be open on this day for any family who needs their child supervised. Contact OSHClub on 0419 373 657 or make a booking on their website if needed.

School Tours for Prep Enrolments in 2026

I have begun taking families on a school tour to promote and encourage enrolments for Prep 2026. If you have a Prep child starting school next year, or know someone who does, please visit our website to book in for a school tour. Dates are available all throughout Term 2, with tours happening mostly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Enrolments are online and will open from 22nd April. Click here to enrol.

School Holidays and Celebrations

My final message of the term is to wish everyone a great holiday break. It’s a great chance to recharge and get ready for another term of schooling.

This time of year holds special significance for people of many different cultures and faiths. For Christians around the world, Easter is a celebration of new life and renewal. On behalf of everyone at BHPS, we wish you a very Happy Easter.

Many of our families have also recently observed Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. To those celebrating, I extend my warmest wishes—Eid Mubarak! May your family be blessed with joy, peace, and prosperity, and I hope your celebrations were filled with happiness and togetherness.

Lastly, to our families who celebrated Holi on March 14, I hope your day was filled with vibrant colours, love, and joy. This festival of colours is a beautiful reminder of unity, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil.

Take care, have a great holiday break and I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.

Mat Anderton
Principal

Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and Boronia Heights Primary School is excited to be taking part!

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 and aims to help young readers develop a lifelong love of reading.

To take part, children in grade 3 to 6 are encouraged to read 15 books with their parents and carers and those in Prep to grade 2 are encouraged to read 30 books. The challenge ends 5^th of September 2025.

After each book your child reads at home, enter the book into the Premier’s Reading Challenge website – https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au/home

Sign in under school coordinator or student – VPRC login – with the username and password provided by your classroom teacher.

Click on search books – search the full title/author – click on the title of the book read – click on add book – complete the review if you would like – click finished.

Go back to the Dashboard and click on finished for all books.

These books will then be verified at school.

Your child’s dashboard provides the number of books read and when the challenge is completed.

Your child will also receive a PRC Reading log, where you may choose to fill in all the books read then you can enter them all in one go, if you prefer.

We encourage students to keep entering books into the website, even after completing the challenge! The class who read the most books right up until September 5^th, will win a pizza lunch prize and our top 10 individual readers will also receive a book and PRC badge.

All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement.

This year, the Challenge is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the theme ‘20 years of words and wonder’.

Since it began in 2005, more than 4.5 million young readers have taken part and together read more than 63 million books.

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge

If you have any questions please contact me @ leanne.bentley@education.vic.gov.au

Good luck to all our families and happy reading!

Leanne Bentley
Librarian

Year 4 Camp – Phillip Island Camp

The Year 4 children had an amazing experience at camp on Phillip Island. Here are some pieces of work about camp.

Year 4 Camp was so much fun! We had a great time and some of the activities we did include the Giant Swing, the Flying Fox, Low Ropes Course, Pedal Carts, Archery and the Mechanical Rock wall, that moved as we climbed. We also went to the beach, played basketball and swam in the pool in our free time. There were lots of amazing meals and the cabins were great. Camp was really good fun!

By Liam P 4B

From the 3rd – 5th of March 2025, the Grade 4s, teachers and parent helpers went to Phillip Island by bus.  It was our first camp and a once in a lifetime experience. We stopped at San Remo or the pelican feeding then played on the playground. Finally, we arrived at camp, did our first round of activities and settled into our cabin. We went into the pool for a while then we had dinner. Then came the exciting penguin parade! The little penguins were so cute!

When morning came, it was day 2. We cleaned up our cabin for breakfast. After filling up on toast and cereal we had room inspections, but my cabin did not win. Before we went into the pool, we went to the beach, and it was super fun. When we got back to camp, we went into the pool till our fingers were wrinkly and it was free time. After having dinner, we watched a movie. Then the day was over waddling up the beach. By the time we got back from camp, it was sadly time for bed.

Finally, it was day 3 and as soon as we woke up, we cleaned our cabin, packed our bags and had free time until breakfast. Then we went to our final activities then we got on the bus ride to the koala sanctuary. After we explored, we had lunch then got back on the bus to go home.

In conclusion, camp was an awesome experience for having fun, trying new things and making new friends that will last a lifetime.

by Paige S 4B

Between the 3rd and 5th of March BHPS Grade 4 students went on camp to Phillip Island and did some activities every day. We travelled by bus and were excited to learn about Phillip Island and have fun. 

On day one we arrived at school and hopped on the bus. Then we had lunch at San Remo to see the pelicans get fed and we played on the playground. Next, we arrived at camp, we did our first activity. We jumped into the pool when we finished our activity then we settled into our rooms, we went on the bus to see the penguin parade. After that it was bedtime. I loved the penguin parade!

On day two we had a room inspection in the morning then we had three activities. Next, we walked to the beach, then jumped in the pool again. Then we had free time then watched a movie. Best day ever! 

On day three we packed then did two activities and we went on the bus to the

Koala Sanctuary, then we drove to school. Best camp ever!

by Izabelle J 4B

All of grade four went on a bus to Phillip Island from the 3rd – 5th of March. We did activities like the giant swing and the flying fox, as well as seeing penguins and koalas. We went there to experience a school camp for the first time!

On day 1 we all went on the bus to Phillip Island, stopping at Tooradin to have recess and after that we went to San Remo for the pelican feeding. When we got to CYC, we did one of our group activities, then we got our cabins. After that we had dinner, then went to the penguin parade.

On day Two we had room inspection Then we did activities then we went to the beach and swam in the pool. After we all freshened up we had dinner and then we watched Oddball the movie.

The next morning we packed up our stuff then completed our rounds of activities and did some shopping at the CYC shop. Then we went on a bus to the Koala Sanctuary, had lunch and then we went home.

Grade 4 camp at Phillip Island was the best!!

by Baxter C 4B

From the 3rd to the 5th of March the grade 4s went on camp to Phillip Island. We travelled by bus and were excited about having a camp experience.

After arriving at school, the grade 4s hopped on the bus and headed to Phillip Island. On the way they stopped to eat brain food and again for lunch and to what’s the time pelicans. Once arriving at camp we did our first activity, had dinner and went to the penguin parade.

On day two we ate breakfast did 3 rounds of activities and then went to the beach and then the pool. After we had free time we watched a movie called oddball .

On day three we packed up and did the last two activities then we went back on the bus and went to the koala sanctuary then went back home.

Camp was the best!

by Zippi M 4B

Traffic Changes Update

Prep
Action Painting Inspired by Jackson Pollock

The Prep artists explored action painting, inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock. They practised making movements in the air before letting the paint fall onto the paper, creating expressive and energetic marks.

Using shades of blue, they experimented with action painting techniques to create water-like effects. These artworks will become the background for their next art project.

Year 1
Bowerbirds

Year 1 students explored the fascinating world of bowerbirds and their incredible ability to create sculptural forms called bowers. After reading Bowerbird Blues, they learned about different hues of blue and how these birds carefully collect and arrange objects to attract a mate.

Inspired by this, students gathered twigs from around the school to construct their own ‘bower’ and decorated it with a collection of blue objects.

Tara Henstock
Visual Arts Co-ordinator

It has been an extremely busy finish to the term in relation to sports events and opportunities. Firstly, we had our very popular Active Club wrap-up. Incredibly, two dedicated and determined students have already run more than 42.2kms to earn themselves a marathon medal. Well done Bailey & Lucas!! Look out for Active Club starting up again in Term 4.

This year we celebrated the National Ride to School Day – although we spread it over two days to allow students to ride around the ovals on some makeshift courses. We had wonderful weather across both of the days and it was great to see so many students riding their bikes and scooters.

Another addition to this year’s events was the Prep-Year 2 Mini Athletics which we held at school. It was fantastic to involve our younger students in such an event where they were able to showcase what they had been learning in their recent PE lessons. We are incredibly lucky to have such great facilities at our school that allow us to hold such an event. I’d like to congratulate all students on their enthusiasm and effort on the day. I’d also like to thank the Year 6 House captains who ran each of the events.

Last week, we also had the Year 3-6 Athletics Day which was held at Ringwood Athletics Track. We had 18 parents volunteer their time to help with the nine different events that we offered which I really appreciate. Thank you to Sarah Kiss, Alexandra Barnes, Heidi Anicic, Suzanne Harvey, James Royle, Simon Gibbs, Anne Oliver, Leigh Worrell, Lisa Johnstone, Fiona Brown, Lyndal Jones, James Burrows, Hayley Marotta, Melanie Snibson, Karma Miles, Dan Fitzpatrick, Rachel Baker, and Ayako Jepson. Additionally, we had 14 Year 9-10 students from Boronia K-12 who were very helpful, we thank them as well! Apart from the new venue, this year’s event saw the addition of high jump for all students to try. We also incorporated timing gates to allow for bigger fields and more accurate timing results for the hurdles and 100m races. Students will be selected to represent our school at the District Athletics event in Term 3 from our Athletics Day results. Perhaps the most pleasing part of the day was seeing how many students volunteered to participate in the optional 800m race at the end of the day.

To round things off, we had our whole school Cross Country event this week. Once again, this event was made possible with the assistance of parents helping with marshalling for the older student races. Thank you to Jenny Lawrence, Jess Williams, Jeanine Edyvane, Nicole Smith, Hayley Marotta, Melanie Snibson, & Cat Devlin! Well done to all of the students who completed the designated race distances of: Prep – 640m, Year 1 – 1.28km, Year 2 – 1.6km, 8-10yo – 2km, 11yo & 12-13yo – 3km. The top ten place getters from the Year 3-6 races automatically qualify to represent our school at the Rowville District Cross Country event next term.

Don’t forget that consent and payment is now available on Compass for the Prep-Year 4 swimming lessons next term.

Dates to remember in Sports 2025

Shae Warren
Physical Education Teacher and Sport Co-ordinator

Holidays are almost upon us! I do hope you and your family enjoy a break from the usual school routine and are able to make the most of this glorious autumn weather! May it be a restful and relaxing break for you.

Although holidays can mean a slower pace, morning sleep ins and lazing around, it can also be a time when kids are saying they are bored and the days drag. Tempers can flare and family can get on each other’s nerves. It is always good to still have a bit of a routine happening for some kids over the holidays. This could mean a morning activity combined with a quiet afternoon. Or a whole day outing one day and a slower home day the next. It can mean some time on screen, and then having a break from screen by going to a local playground or spending time outside in the garden with the dog or on the trampoline or baking something with a parent or carer. It is also OK to let our kids say they are bored, suggest some home activities they can do, and then give them the opportunity to solve their own boredom.

Here are a couple of my go-to websites when it comes to doing wondering what activities I can do with my kids over the holidays.

https://www.mammaknowseast.com.au/

https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/see-and-do

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Family/School-holiday-activities

https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/news/school-holiday-activities-young-people-0

There are always things that we can do with our kids that are free or low cost. When things are tight, think on having a movie afternoon at home, with popcorn and cupcakes that you’ve baked together. Or a lunch picnic with BBQ sausages at a local park. Or a bushwalk in the Dandenongs. Or visiting Knox libraries and joining in with their holiday activities https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/search?keywords=school+holidays Spend the afternoon putting a tent up and then letting the kids star gaze and sleep in it overnight.

Need some more inspiration? Check out Maggie Dent’s videos on holidays https://www.maggiedent.com/?s=holidays

Have a fabulous break and I look forward ot hearing about what you got up to!

Sarah McIntosh
Student Welfare

The Importance of Respect

At our school, we believe that respect is one of the most important values children can learn. Respect means showing kindness, consideration, and care in our words and actions. We teach students that respect can be shown in three main ways: respect for ourselves, respect for others, and respect for the environment. By understanding and practicing these three areas of respect, children can build positive relationships, make good choices, and help create a safe and happy school community.

Respecting yourself means taking care of your body, mind, and feelings. This includes making healthy choices, believing in yourself, and doing your best in school and at home. We encourage children to show self-respect by speaking kindly to themselves, setting goals, and making choices that help them grow. Respecting others means treating people with kindness, listening to them, and considering their feelings. This can look like using polite words, sharing, taking turns, and being a good friend. Even small actions, like smiling at someone or saying “thank you,” show respect and help build a strong, caring community.

Respecting the environment means taking care of the world around us and understanding that different places have different behaviour expectations. At school, this means keeping classrooms tidy, looking after school supplies, and making sure shared spaces are clean and welcoming. Outdoors, it means treating nature gently, putting rubbish in the bin, and using play areas safely. It also includes understanding that different places—such as libraries, places of worship, or nature reserves—have different expectations for how we should behave. By teaching children to respect themselves, others, and the world around them, we are helping them grow into responsible, kind, and thoughtful individuals. We encourage families to talk about respect at home and celebrate the ways children demonstrate it every day!

Sarah Weichert
sarah.weichert@education.vic.gov.au

CARE Ticket Winners

Care Award Winners – Term 1 – Community

Specialist Award Winners

Term 1 Week 9

Prep Playground is open!

Our Preps are having an awesome time playing on our new playground. Come and check out. There are little seats for parents to sit on to supervise your toddlers playing before and after school, enjoy. Thank you to the Hubsters and our wonderful community for raising the funds for this.

Leah Hodgson

Assistant Principal

URGENT – Please complete…

We are still yet to receive the Media Release and Consent Forms for many many students.  If you are unsure if you have completed these two documents, check your email inbox. When you complete the Google Form it automatically sends you a completed copy of your responses.

Please check your NewsFeed on Compass for links.

School Saving Bonus

Thank you to everyone who has informed us how they would like to allocate their School Saving Bonus. For those who have not used any of their School Saving Bonus, please feel free to contact us at the office on 9729-2614.

2025 CSEF

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker and refugee families.

Payment amounts this year are $154 for eligible primary school. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

You can download the form here.

Check with the school office if you are unsure, and please return completed forms to the school office as soon as possible.

Name Your Belongings

We know you treasure your uniform and books. Please remember to label all uniform, books and belongings coming to school. Like most years, we have had an incredible amount of lost property through the year. The majority was unnamed, along with illegible tags. We would love lost items to boomerang back to your kids.

Easter Raffle

Thank you so much for your generous donations. Didn’t the hampers look great! Congratulations to the winners! Many thanks to Leia Barrett and the Hubsters for their tireless work raising funds to make our school awesome.

Future Fundraising Goals

Our next project that we are working towards is resurfacing the senior basketball court and extending the Senior Playground.

Mother’s Day Stall in Term 2

Leah Hodgson