Heights Happenings – 2026 – Term 3, Week 4

Celebrating Diane’s 40 years of service as crossing supervisor

There are some people who become such a familiar part of our daily lives that it’s hard to imagine our community without them. If you and your children use the crossing on Landscape Drive each morning and afternoon, you’ll know I’m talking about Diane.

This year, Diane celebrates an incredible 40 years as a school crossing supervisor at Boronia Heights Primary School. What an achievement that is!

For four decades, Diane has been there to greet students and families, helping children and parents safely make their way to and from school each day. Through generations of families, Diane has remained a constant presence in our community.

Many of our parents will remember crossing the road with Diane when they were students themselves. Today, she is helping their children cross safely. That is a remarkable legacy.

Anyone who knows Diane knows that she brings far more than a stop sign to her role. Her friendly smile and cheerful greetings through rain, hail or shine, Diane has been there welcoming everyone and always looking out for others.

We are incredibly fortunate to have had someone so dedicated supporting our community for so long. On behalf of everyone at Boronia Heights Primary School, thank you, Diane. We are grateful for the thousands of safe crossings you have helped make possible over the past 40 years.

Congratulations on this amazing milestone. We hope you know just how much you are appreciated.

School Disco

Last Friday night’s school disco was another fantastic school event, with plenty of dancing, singing and excitement from start to finish. The K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack was still a clear favourite, with students belting out every word. The other big hits of the night were the Michael Jackson songs. I couldn’t believe how many kids knew the lyrics for Beat it!

A huge thank you to Rachel Husar, Holly Watson and their amazing team of parent volunteers for making the night such a success. Events like this don’t happen by accident, and we’re incredibly grateful for the time, energy and organisation they put in behind the scenes. The feedback from students and families has been overwhelmingly positive, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces throughout the evening.

Attendance at school is way up!

Thanks to the support from families and the value you place on your child attending school each day, our attendance data is looking much better this year. Your support is making a real difference.

One of our key goals has been to reduce the number of students missing significant amounts of school. In 2025, 30% of students were absent for 20 or more days across the year, meeting our school target and matching our strong result from 2023. This was also a better result than similar schools, the Knox network and the Victorian state average.

Our overall attendance rate in 2025 was 91.5%, the highest it has been since the years impacted by COVID. Even more encouraging is that our 2026 attendance data is currently tracking ahead of last year’s results. If this trend continues, we expect average student absences to reduce significantly and our attendance rate to improve to approximately 93.5%.

Like most schools, the main reasons students miss school are illness and family holidays. While family time is incredibly valuable, we encourage families to book holidays during school holiday periods whenever possible to minimise the impact on learning.

Our staff continue to closely monitor attendance and follow up unexplained absences or extended periods away from school. We know that students who attend school regularly achieve stronger learning outcomes, build positive relationships and feel more connected to their school community.

Improving attendance is one of the most challenging areas for schools because so much relies on family circumstances and decisions. That is why we are especially grateful for the support of our families. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every child has the best opportunity to learn, grow and thrive by being at school every day they can.

Have a great weekend.

Mat Anderton
Principal

Hello everyone, I’m Jasmine and I’m one of the 2026 school captains for BHPS. One thing I love about this school are the many incursions and excursions Boronia Heights get to do. There are many fun and exciting excursions such as Surf Day, going to the Melbourne Zoo, Year 4, 5, and 6 Camp, and many more. Some incursions are the Rugby Clinic, a famous author like Andy Griffiths, and a scientist coming in during STEAM. One of my personal favourites was Market Day, where a group of 4-6 would come up with an idea for a stall, buy all of the materials needed, and put it all together for others to buy from them. It teaches kids to work in a group and show flexibility to adjust to others ideas and opinions.

– Jasmine T

Hi, my name is Lucy P.

I am one of the school captains. Being at this school has been so much fun and taught me so many things, such as being able to write paragraphs like this. My favourite subjects are History, PE, STEAM and Art. The reason I love art is because we get to be so creative, such as last week we made earrings and in STEAM we’re making chocolate.

Some of my favourite hobbies are: Basketball, Athletics (which I got into regionals for, but sadly I missed out on going to state), Circus/Silk and Volleyball. Oh yeah, I can’t forget reading, I love reading! I am currently reading the books called Nevermoor by Jessica Townsted, Case Closed by Lauren Magaziner and Matilda by Roald Dahl.

The person who inspires me the most is Dr Lynne McPherson, who is a world-renowned University Professor and her expertise is in child safety. Also, fun fact, she is my grandmother.

I am excited to help write the next Captains Corner segment.

– Lucy P

Hi I’m Noah C from 6A and I am one of the four School Captains. My favourite subjects are maths, geography and PE. Maths is great because it has great extension programs like Maths Olympiad and ICAS if you’re really good at it like me.

I am very sporty and play a few sports outside of school. The sports I play are footy, cricket and basketball. My favourite sport is cricket. I love to watch the Big Bash and the Melbourne Stars along with Australian test cricket and I like playing cricket with my friends. My second favourite sport is basketball, I follow the NBA and love to play. I also love footy and I follow the Hawks.

When I’m not playing sports, I like hanging out with friends, reading, travelling and playing Switch.

I like all the opportunities BHPS offers such as Cross Country, Athletics, Interschool sports and the school production, just to name a few.

Being a school captain is a great opportunity that I am grateful for and I am enjoying my role as school captain for Boronia Heights.

– Noah C

Hi everyone. My name is Zara and I am one of the school captains here at Boronia Heights for 2026. One of my favourite things about BHPS is that there is a wide range of things to do and the amazing specialists that we get to do every week. Music, German, STEAM, P.E, Art and Library are all fun lessons that I always look forward to during the week. The school did a really good job at picking the lessons. All the teachers are friendly and will always help you.

There is always a lunch time club to do with friends or when you are bored and have no clue what to do. Look at some sheets around the school and they will tell you what time the clubs are on. They are normally up on a class’s door. Some examples of lunchtime clubs are STEAM Club, Art Club, Uno Club, Construction Club. These are just to name a few. One of my favourite lunch time clubs is Dance Club on Fridays in the gym. It is really fun and one of the best to do with friends.

Some things I do out of school are basketball, football, swimming, karate and I learn a second language that is Thai. I learn it because my mum is from Thailand and I learn it to talk to family and understand the culture. It is sometimes hard, but always rewarding. I love food (both eating and making) and hanging out with my family and friends.

– Zara O

BHPS School Captains

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 2026

We will also be celebrating National Science Week 2026 during Weeks 5 and 6 of term (10^th – 21^st August), with this year’s theme, “Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All.” To celebrate, every class will take part in a special hands-on STEAM activity that combines the theme with Chemical Sciences, melting, creativity and even a little space science! There may even be a delicious scientific challenge involved… I’ll share more details with students soon!

As part of our Science Week celebrations, our Grade 5 and 6 students will participate in a free DNA extraction incursion on Friday 21^st August, 2026, generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific, where they will extract DNA from strawberries and experience real-world biotechnology in action.

As part of our Science Week 2026 celebrations, families will also have the opportunity to support our STEAM program through an online Science Week Pop-Up Science Stall through Science Supply Australia (SSA) in Mitcham who stock fun and educational Science related kits, toys and gift ideas.  I have had a long-standing association with SSA who will generously return 10% of all sales back to BHPS as fundraising for our STEAM program to provide additional resources and equipment for classes.

The online shop will be open from the 10^th – 23^rd August, 2026 and delivery of purchases will be made to BHPS during the school week ending the 28^th August, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to daniela@ssapl.com.au

Some examples of the items on offer will be included at the end of our newsletter.

Helen Clark – STEAM Specialist

Canteen closure on Mondays

As from 24 August the Canteen will not be open on Monday’s for the rest of the year.

The last Monday you can order from the canteen is Monday 17th August.

Canteen will still be running as normal on Friday’s.

Somers School Camp 

At the start of Term 3, 20 brave students set out for Somers School Camp, not knowing what the next 9 days will hold they hopped on the bus ready for the challenge! A camp full of 160 kids, new teachers, new surrounds and challenging activities. Their days were filled with everything from making their beds, duty groups, helping at meal times and activities testing heights, environmental knowledge and most importantly their resilience.

It was amazing to see this group of wonderful students grow after 9 days away from family but making new and meaningful connections and life long friends along the way. Well done all of you who came to Somers camp, I hope you grew from your experiences and made memories that will last forever!

-Mr Blenner

What a privilege it was to join the Year 5 and 6 students on Somers Camp! It was an incredibly rewarding experience, watching BHPS students step outside of their comfort zones, develop independence and build friendships with students from other schools. It was fantastic to support students in building their resilience and confidence through the wide range of activities and learning experiences and to see our students challenge themselves, face fears, work together and embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm. 

I have no doubt they have returned with long lasting memories, new friendships and a greater belief in themselves.

-Miss O’Hare 

When I got to Somers I just hung out with Alyssa and Izzy because I didn’t know anyone. Then when we got into the groups I met everyone I was really worried because I still didn’t know anyone. Then I met this girl called Summer and we became really good friends. We did the flying fox, abseiling, giant swing, orienteering and lots more! My favourite thing was the flying fox and bike riding. If you get the chance SIGN UP! It is amazing!

-Evie

My time at Somers was exciting, happy, amazing and most of all epic. There were so many activities. When l got to Somers l was so happy that l got off the bus. l went to get into my group. l saw the cabins and they looked amazing. At Somers my favourite activities were abseiling, giant swing, flying fox, drama and ES when my group walked to the beach. l would do anything to go again. lf you get the chance to go l 100% recommend going. It’s an experience of a lifetime.

-Alyssa

My time at Somers was amazing. When I got there at first I didn’t know what to do because I had just got there and I was still a bit worried. But after a little bit I was absolutely fine because I had made new friends and I had so much fun. All the activities were so fun, there was a giant swing, flying fox, bush cooking and so many more. I would give up anything just to go back again.

-Liam

State School Spectacular

We’re proud to have 25 of our senior choir students representing us as part of the massed choir in the 2026 Victorian State Schools Spectacular – This Is Me.

Students from across the state will take to the stage at John Cain Arena on Saturday 29 August (1pm and 6:30pm), performing to an audience of around 12,000.

Talented students will feature on stage, while many other students will work behind the scenes, gaining professional experience under the mentorship of Creative Director Neill Gladwin, Musical Director Chong Lim AM and Dance Director Yvette Lee.

Get ready to be amazed by the powerful pop anthems, moving ballads, high-energy choreography, awe-inspiring aerialists and circus performers.

For a wonderful, family entertainment experience, and to cheer on our students from the audience, be quick to secure tickets when they go on sale at 11am Thursday 16 July via www.ticketek.com.au/spectacular

Ticket prices:

• Adult:                           $40
• Child (under 15):          $20
• Concession:                $30

Group Offer:

Buy 10 tickets and get one adult ticket for free.
Group Bookings can be made by calling 1300 364 001.

2026 Book Week (August 24th – 28th)

Book Week Celebrations are coming!

On Monday 24th August, we will start with our Book Character Dress up day. Students can come dressed as their favourite Book Character and we will hold a whole school parade at 9.15am. You may like to decorate a hat, decorate a t-shirt or use any items you have at home to represent your favourite book character.
On Friday 28th August we have an amazing incursion with a live performance titled Something Special. Perform Education will provide us with an educational musical adventure linked to this year’s Book Week theme, Symphony of Stories. The production will run two sessions, Prep – 3, aimed at junior students and a 4 – 6 production for senior primary students.
This incursion has been booked with an early bird fee for families of $8.50 per student. This is payable through Compass and due no later than Monday 24th August.
Our annual Book Fair will begin on Monday 24th of August and finish Friday 28th of August. The Book Fair will be open to students during their Library session where students can bring cash in a named envelope to purchase new, fantastic quality and popular books. Junior and senior fiction books, activity packs, journals, picture story books and non-fiction books will all be available for as little as $2 and up to $30. Book Fair will also be open to families between 3.30pm and 4pm each day, in the Library. Be sure to come and check it out!
To run a smooth and successful Book Fair we are asking for parent volunteers to help out after school each day for half an hour. If you are available and able to support us as a cashier or supervising, can you please email me at leanne.bentley@education.vic.gov.au
Your time and support are always greatly appreciated.

Cash sales and EFTPOS will be available at the Book Fair.

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Leanne Bentley
Librarian

Cyber Safety

Cyber Safe Parents – Online Safety Webinars for Families

 We’re thrilled to announce our school has partnered with Cyber Safety Project to offer parents access to the Cyber Safe Parents 2026 Webinar Series. These practical, easy-to-understand sessions, available live or on-demand, will provide simple strategies to help families manage online safety, screen time, AI, and digital wellbeing. Pop these important dates into your calendars now:

2026 Topics & Dates:

1. Cyber Safety at Home (Family session) – 10 March
2. AI & Critical Thinking (Parent/Guardian session)  – 20 May
3. Balancing Life & Tech (Parent/Guardian session)   – 3 August
4. Cyberbullying & Resilience (Parent/Guardian session)  – 27 October

All sessions start at 7.30pm AEDT/AEST.

Can’t attend live? Register to receive the recording and resources to watch at a time that suits you.

 👉 Register here: https://cybersafetyproject.com/parents-2026 (do not share this link on social media)

Please click above to watch the first webinar from 10^th March. We will send out communication to you before the next webinar dates if you want to attend online at the same time, otherwise they will always be available to watch when it suits you.

Last week we had our first ever involvement in a Year 2 Mini Hoops basketball program. It was wonderful to see 44 of our Year 2 students involved with some of them getting to experience a large basketball complex and basketball matches for the first time. The event was made of a combination of fun games and a basketball clinic, followed by some basketball matches. The students had a great time and will all hopefully return to participate in the Year 3 Hoop Time event next year. And given its success, I look forward to hopefully being able to run another Year 2 Mini Hoops program next year. I would like to thank Ms Lightfoot, Ms Casey and Ms Hodgkiss for their support on the day as well as the following parent helpers: Kerrie Bibby, Melissa Letson, Rachel Husar, Simon Jones, Mel Jones, Dan Thomas, Ash McDonald, Alycia Bray, & Dan Battisti.

Last Friday our Girls’ Tee Ball team competed at the Knox Divisional Tee Ball finals. The girls did wonderfully well, winning two out of their three round robin matches, before just falling short in the 3^rd position play-off. Congratulations to the entire team and thank you to Ms Wilkinson and Nicole Bateman for assisting the team on the day with coaching and supervision.

A friendly reminder that Compass registration for and Year 3 & 4 students closes on Friday 14^th August – we already have our 100 students registered with training sessions at school to begin on 25^th August.

The District Summer interschool sports event that our Year 5 & 6 will participate in is fast approaching … Day 1 on 19^th August, and Day 2 on 27^th August. In the event that the teacher strike goes ahead on the 19^th August, or if one of the days is cancelled due to the weather, we will utilise the reserve day of September 14^th. If any parents would like to assist with supervising and/or coaching your child’s sports team, can you please email Mr. Warren.

The District Athletics event is coming up on 14^th August and it has been wonderful to see so many students attend the optional before school training sessions. We wish everyone involved the best of luck for this event!

I’m exciting to announce that our school has been invited to attend a VERY SPECIAL event at Government House of September 1^st. Some very lucky Year 6 students will get to meet the Governor of Victoria, be taken on a tour of Government House, participate in a cricket match on the lawns of Government House, before enjoying a BBQ there. I can’t wait to hear about your day!

Lastly, the days in which our Year 5 & 6 students and grades will attend their surfing and water safety excursion have now been finalised:

5B & 6B: Thursday 19^th November.

5C & 6A: Wednesday 25^th November.

5A & 6C: Tuesday 1^st December.

2026 Sports events:

Term 3

Aug 14^th: District Athletics (selected Yr 3-6 students).

Aug 19^th: District Summer interschool sports – day 1 (all Yr 5-6 students). *parent volunteers requested.

Aug 27^th: District Summer interschool sports – day 2 (all Yr 5-6 students). *parent volunteers requested.

Sep 1^st: Government House & Cricket Victoria excursion for selected Yr 6 students.

Sep 14^th: District Summer interschool sports – reserve day.

Sep 15^th: Yr 3-4 Hoop Time event at State Basketball Centre. *parent volunteers requested.

Term 4

Nov 19^th: Surfing excursion – group 1: 5B & 6B

Nov 25^th: Surfing excursion – group 2: 5C & 6A

Dec 1^st: Surfing excursion – group 3: 5A & 6C

Shae Warren
Physical Education Teacher and Sport Co-ordinator

Proudly supporting Bullying No Way: National week of action

This year Boronia Heights Primary School will be participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action, 17 to 21 August 2026.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The theme for this year’s campaign is Small Acts, Big Impact.

It takes a community to address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can make a big impact through small acts of kindness and support for others being bullied. Trusted adults are there to guide children and young people as they learn how small, thoughtful actions can create a positive difference and encourage reporting of bullying.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re encouraging you to embrace the theme Small Acts, Big Impact. Show kindness, support others and take meaningful steps to stand up against bullying.

In Week 6, our students will take part in multi-age activities to explore how they can use Small Acts, Big Impact. As part of these activities, our Year 3 students will visit Alchester Village Pre-School to buddy up with the kindergarten children and participate in a range of fun, age-appropriate activities that promote kindness, inclusion and respect. Together, they will learn how small acts of kindness can make a big difference and help create safe, supportive communities where everyone feels they belong.

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website. Click on Small acts below for video

Wear It Purple Day – Friday 28 August

“Courage is not just expressed in big moments, but in everyday choices to live proudly and invite others into understanding, acceptance and celebration.”

 On Friday 28 August, our school will be recognising Wear It Purple Day, a day that celebrates kindness, respect and inclusion, and reminds everyone that they belong.

Students are invited to wear a small touch of purple with their school uniform. This could be a purple ribbon, hair tie, socks, scrunchie, headband, wristband or badge. Wearing a splash of purple is a simple way to show that we value diversity and that everyone deserves to feel safe, supported and included at school.

We look forward to seeing our school community come together to celebrate kindness and inclusion!

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader
Sarah Weichert

Sarah.weichert@education.vic.gov.au

CARE Awards

CARE Ticket Winners- Term 3 Week 2

Specialist awards- Term 3 Week 4

Year 6 Melbourne Art Excursion

On Wednesday, our Year 6 students enjoyed an exciting day exploring some of Melbourne’s most iconic arts and cultural destinations. The excursion included visits to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Hosier Lane, the Ian Potter Centre and ACMI.

Throughout the day, students experienced a diverse range of artistic styles, from historical masterpieces and contemporary artworks to Melbourne’s vibrant street art. They explored how artists communicate ideas, emotions and stories through different mediums, while making connections to their own learning in Visual Arts and Literacy.

A highlight for many students was ACMI, where they immersed themselves in interactive exhibits exploring the world of film, animation and the moving image. The hands-on activities encouraged creativity and gave students a deeper understanding of how stories can be told through digital media.

It was a fantastic day of creativity, inspiration and discovery, with students returning to school full of ideas to incorporate into their own artistic and narrative work.

Kind Regards,

Prue Baum

MARKET NIGHT & ART SHOW – Friday October 30th

Leah Hodgson
Boronia Heights Hubsters