Bourchier Mail
School Newsletter - 17th Edition - 19th October 2023
Calender
Dear Newsletter Readers,
I hope everyone is doing great and has enjoyed the last couple of weeks! We have been continuing to focus on learning and fun here and there has been lots of both! I just wanted to update everyone on a couple of important things that have been happening lately.
Learning Walks: A Glimpse into Classroom Learning
At Bourchier, we value continual improvement, and a significant part of our commitment to improving is through Learning Walks. These walks involve groups of dedicated teachers visiting classrooms during specialist time to observe and learn from one another. We aim to take inspiration and ideas that can improve our teaching and, of course, student outcomes.
During these walks, our teachers can engage with students by asking them essential questions, which provide us with valuable insights into the learning happening in each class:
- What are you learning?
- How are you going with it?
- How can you improve?
- Where can you go for help?
The conversations that we have after learning walks are rich and powerful and help us tailor our teaching better to match the needs and interests of our students.
During this weeks learning walks, our teachers have been exploring the world of Writer's Notebooks. Writers notebooks are personal journals where students can jot down their thoughts, ideas, stories, and creative expressions. They are a platform for students to experiment, brainstorm, and explore their imagination through writing and drawing. Writer's Notebooks help nurture creativity, storytelling skills, and writing abilities. They are a fantastic tool for your child to express themselves and embrace the joy of writing.
Senior Students busy with School Production
Our senior students have been ramping up the practice on the upcoming school production. While there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, the excitement is building! The night will kick off at 7pm on the 1st of November at Eastbank. Tickets are still available for purchase on QKR and at our front office for just $10. It's a fantastic opportunity to support our students and enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Lunchtime Clubs are in full swing!
We're excited that our lunchtime clubs are back in full swing for Term Four! There are multiple activities happening each day during lunchtimes. Whether your child is interested in arts and crafts, sports, science, or many other interests, there's something for everyone. You can find the complete list of activities later in this edition of our newsletter.
With all these engaging opportunities and initiatives, there's certainly no reason for any student to be bored! We're dedicated to ensuring there is lots to do for everyone!
Thank you for your continued support, and if you have any questions or would like to learn more about these activities, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Kind Regards,
Gary D'Arma
Foundation students visit Mr Pooles farm
They were also lucky enough to meet a baby foal that was born early that morning.
foundation swimming program
All of our foundation students enjoyed their time in the pool and were very tired by the end of the week!
How our Foundation students feel about swimming!
Marlie FJD - I went to Aquamoves with my class to swim. I am in the pigeon group.
Eva FJD - We went to the pool. We go on a bus to Aquamoves. We had lots of fun swimming.
Shabi FJD - This week I went to Aquamoves and I went to the pool with my friends. I am in the shark group and it was fun. I did swimming with Subaha and Alicia and Maleek.
Subaha FJD - I went to Aquamoves with my class and it was fun. I am in the shark group. Shabi and Alicia and Eva are in my group.
Hollie FSB - I like swimming because it is fun.
Fynn FSB - I like swimming because we can learn how to swim.
Archer FSB - I like swimming because we get to learn more stuff.
Connor FSB - I like swimming because it’s so much fun and we learn lots of new tricks.
Piper FSB - I like swimming because I like to learn new things.
Adalynn FSB - I was a bit scared but I like it.
Shaheer FSB - like swimming because I can jump on the noodle.
offsite evacuation drill
Last Thursday we practiced our Off-Site Evacuation Drill at Ford Reserve, involving one class per year level.
We would like to thank the teachers and students involved in this drill.
Regularly rehearsing our emergency drills is so important in ensuring students and staff have a clear understanding of what to do in an event of an emergency.
We take pride in keeping our students and staff safe!
bookfair - last day!
A flyer went home last week inviting families to our bookfair which encourages children to get excited about reading.
The books have been on display to families and friends the last couple of days and can be purchased via EFTPOS and cash.
DATE: Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th October
WHEN: Before and after school in our school library.
This is a great opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping and help the school purchase new library books.
You can also order books from the flyer sent home last week!
Senior Production tickets for sale
A flyer was sent home with different payment options.
School Hats are temporarily unavailble
Unfortunately our supplier has had distribution problems, and cannot supply us for another month. You can go to the uniform shops in Shepparton to purchase a Bourchier Street Hat in the mean time. Students can wear an appropriate hat from home in the interim.
Book club
Book Club catalogues have been disturbed.
Orders will close Friday 20th October.
Parents can order through LOOP
View the latest catalogue online
Book Club | Scholastic Australia
For cash payments, please ensure you have the correct money and that the envelope is securely sealed with your completed order form and child’s details.
Picking your child up early from school?
If you wish to collect your child(ren) early from school you must contact our front office prior on 5821 3488 to advise what time.
The office staff will arrange for your child(ren) to be waiting at the front office at the required time.
Having notice avoids any disruption to our students learning time in the classroom.
Please try to arrange any appointments outside of school hours (8.45am-3.15pm)
Your child’s attendance at school is critical for their learning and development.
All children are expected to wear full school uniform
The wearing of school uniform helps children develop a sense of identity with the school community.
The school uniform helps promote a positive image of both students and the school to the general community. The wearing of school uniform promotes equality.
The school uniform is to be worn during school hours, while traveling to and from school, and when the students are on school excursions.
All school uniform must be clearly named so that lost items can be identified.
Jackets and hats can be purchased from the school. Several retail shops stock the entire uniform. The school endeavors to provide pre-loved items at the cheapest possible cost.
Please refer to our Student Dress Code Policy
The Resilience Project have some great ideas for practicing Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness at home. These examples incorporate First Nation's Perspectives to wellbeing.
YEAR 6 CANBERRA CAMP Tuesday 28th November - Friday 1st December 2023
Just a reminder to keep up the payments for the Year 6 Canberra Camp via QKR or phone the office to make a payment over the phone.
The Canberra trip is a highlight for the Year 6 students and incorporates many educational activities and some fun experiences such as a pool night, Questacon, rock climbing and a visit to AIS.
Students being dropped off and picked up from School
Please do not pull into either STAFF CAR PARK to drop your children off or pick them up.
The staff car park is out of bounds and choosing to use these areas is endangering
our children.
We have many teachers entering and exiting the car park before and after school, so this is a child free zone.
The Balaclava Rd. child care centre is a private park, so please refrain from parking there.
Kiss & Go
This is designed for parents to pull in, say goodbye to their children and exit within
2 minutes. Parents are not to leave the car. The council will be monitoring time
limits and will issue fines if parents are not adhering to the rules.
Please respect other people’s private driveways, and adhere to parking signage or you may receive a fine.
Thanks so much
A healthy dish to create!
BSPS Breakfast Program - Donations appreciated
Every child is welcome to our Breakfast Program each morning (except Monday), from 8am to 8.40am.
We serve toast, milo & fruit cups for all kids. Something warm just before they go into class during winter, is great for the kids.
This is just a top up, even if they have already had breakfast at home. It is OK for them to come and enjoy the atmosphere with their friends to have just a little more breaky.
Student Absence Using Compass
When your child is absent from school, please log onto the parent portal, COMPASS and enter the absence along with the reason.
You need a username and password which has been distributed to families, but we can easily resend you the logon details by phoning or emailing the front office Bourchier.ps@education.vic.edu.au
Refer to the instructions below
Alert!!! Head Lice
We have had reported cases of students with live head lice so we are asking parents to be vigilant and check your child/ren’s hair.
We do regular checks at Bourchier Street and any child that is found to have live lice, parents/guardians will be contacted for the child to be collected and treated before returning to school. On returning to school the child will be checked again by staff. This is in accordance with school policy.
Children with long hair are required to
have it tied back.
CLEARLY NAMED ITEMS
Please ensure that your child’s, clothes, lunch box, drink bottle and property are CLEARLY named. All named property will be returned to the student in the classroom. Unnamed items will be sent to lost property in the hall foyer.
BYOD
Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program allows devices to be brought into the school, and connected to our secure network
Our school has an online BYOD portal organised by JB-Hifi where you can access discounted rates on approved devices. THE PASSWORD IS BSPS23
If you would like more information on the program, please visit the BYOD page on our website or open the attached BYOD toolkit for parents.
Compass
Often Bourchier Street communicates to our families via the Compass app, important information of what is happening within the school. Sometimes you are prompted through your email to open important news items. Please make sure your email is up to date, so you do not miss valuable information. Please phone front office 58 213 488 if your email address needs updating. If your child is absent from School, please logon to Compass to document this.
Qkr!
Every family needs to download the Qkr! app which will enable you to pay school payments, purchase hats/jackets, order lunch through the canteen and purchase tickets for special productions etc.
Simply download on your phone and you will see how easy it is to manage!
Before/After school care at BSPS 0447 010 696
community news
Thank you to our supporters!
link for all Bourchier Street school policies
Attached is the updated Parent Payment Arrangement Policy which was approved by School Council.
Child Safe Policy
Bourchier Street Primary School has a zero tolerance of any form of child abuse. The school is committed to acting in children’s best interests. The safety and wellbeing of children at this school is our highest priority. We want children to be safe, happy and empowered.
About Us
Email: bourchier.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Website: bourchierps.vic.edu.au
Location: 1-19 Bourchier Street, Shepparton VIC, Australia
Phone: (03) 5821 3488
Facebook: facebook.com/bourchierps
Twitter: @bourchierps