Dear Families,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Bourchier Mail.

Fresh in our minds is the powerful professional learning session staff took part in on Monday. Nairn Walker’s session on Celebrating Student Capacity left us with plenty to reflect on and reassured us that our work in developing high expectations relationships is exactly where our focus should be. Students have returned from the student free day energised and ready to learn.

It’s hard to believe we are already in Week 4 of the term. It sounds repetitive to say, but time really does fly. This term, we’ve welcomed a number of new faces to our teaching support team.

Alice Peters and Donna Brooks have joined us to support students in the Junior area, while Georgia Wilson is now part of the Senior team. Ash McMahon is lending a hand in Middle School, and we’re thrilled to welcome back Hope Davies after a short time away.

We’re incredibly grateful for the important work our support staff do. Our school simply couldn’t run the way it does without them.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their generous support of our Fun Run. A special shoutout goes to the teams behind Jaxx Wellington and Koa Bragge, who each raised over $2000, an incredible effort. Altogether, we raised more than $21,000. These funds are vital to our ongoing school improvement efforts. Our next big project is redeveloping the courtyard area between the portables and the Middle School building, and this funding will go a long way towards bringing that space to life.

We’ve had some exciting personal news among our staff. Matthew Bartlett and his wife Hannah have welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Elsie, into their family. And if it’s not babies, it’s weddings. Jason Snelling and his partner Kayla were married last week. We’re thrilled for both Matt and Jason and wish them all the very best.

Our student leaders recently attended the Leadership Conference at Eastbank. The day was packed with interactive games, learning, and leadership lessons. We’re proud of how our students represented our school. Hopefully they’ve brought back some valuable insights to share.

Downball Competition
There has been plenty of healthy competition and great sportsmanship on display in our lunchtime Downball Tournament. With students from all year levels getting involved, it has been fantastic to see them playing, cheering each other on, and enjoying some friendly rivalry. Finals are happening this week and we look forward to announcing the winning team at assembly.

Cross Country Success
Congratulations to all students who participated in our recent Cross Country event. We saw some incredible determination and resilience from our runners. A number of students have qualified to represent our school at the next level and we are so proud of their efforts. Best of luck to those moving on. We know you will do us proud.

Speak Up!

We also have a Public Speaking competition coming up next week at Kialla Central. It has been great to see so much interest, with more than 30 students giving up their lunchtimes to practise and participate. We’re looking forward to seeing what they bring to the stage.

Finally, a quick reminder. Sandy is still looking for volunteers to help out in the canteen. If you're interested and available, please contact the school office.

Warm regards,

Gary D'Arma

Inviting new families to come and explore Bourchier Street Primary School on a guided tour with our Principal Team!

See our facilities, learn about our programs, and experience what makes our school special.

We can't wait to meet you and show you around!

We look forward to students joining in the National Walk to School Day TOMORROW. They will receive a drink & a piece of fruit on arrival to school.

Walking offers numerous benefits for children, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. It promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and enhances cognitive function. Walking also reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood, and provides opportunities for social interaction and environmental exploration. So put your runners on and park the car a couple of blocks away and join in the walk!

The Foundation students had an unforgettable day during their trip to the Melbourne Aquarium. Traveling by bus, they were thrilled to explore the underwater world, getting up close to fascinating sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish. It was an exciting and educational experience, sparking curiosity and wonder about ocean life. The students were buzzing with excitement as they shared their favorite moments from the day, making memories that will last a lifetime!

A big thank you to all the wonderful mums/special people who joined us for our Mother’s Day Breakfast last week. It was lovely to see so many of you enjoying a croissant with ham and cheese, a hot coffee, and some great conversation to start the day.

We also hope your children chose something special from our Mother’s Day stall and that you were thoroughly spoilt last Sunday.

Mothers/special people play such a special role in our children’s lives – from the cuddles and care to getting everyone out the door and to school on time. We appreciate everything you do and hope you had a truly lovely Mother’s Day!

Check out Mothers day video to hear why our students think their Mum/Special person are the BEST!

Click here

Take a look at this fantastic group photo of the people who make our school the vibrant, caring, and successful place it is!

Every staff member plays a vital role in creating a positive and supportive environment where students can thrive. Their dedication, passion, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.

Education is a shared journey, and we’re proud to have such an outstanding team guiding and supporting our students every day.

Thank you to our amazing staff for all that you do!

Friday, students wore blue to remember Dolly and take a stand against bullying.

With 1 in 6 Australian students being bullied every week, it’s more important than ever to spread kindness — online and in real life.

Our student leaders and peers have come together to share what kindness means to them and to help continue Dolly’s Dream: a kinder, safer world for all young people. CLICK FOR VIDEO

Let’s choose kindness. Let’s speak up. And if you can, please consider donating to support Dolly's Dream

This week marked the inaugural Down Ball tournament at the Shepparton Basketball Stadium, and what a fantastic day it was for everyone involved! It was especially successful for our school, with two of our senior teams making it all the way to the grand final in the top division. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and effort our students have put in, proving we had the two strongest teams in the competition. A huge congratulations to everyone who took part, and a special shoutout to the two teams who faced off for the title of best in our local area. Bourchier Street came out on top—go Bourchier! 💙💛

Enjoy delicious homemade baking with a different treat every week!

Check Newsletter and FB each week for our yummy specials. Order via QKR app under snacks.

Free Playgroup at Bourchier Street – Everyone’s Welcome!

Come along to our free playgroup, held every Wednesday of the school term from 9:15am to 11:00am.

It’s a relaxed and friendly space with tea and coffee provided, and it’s run by the Shepparton Council with our lovely facilitator Syeda, who makes everyone feel welcome.

The playgroup is open to children aged 0–5 and their families — mums, dads, grandparents, carers — everyone’s welcome! Bring the kids along to make new friends and enjoy a fun morning of art and craft, educational play, block building, with story and rhyme time to finish the session.

If you wish to use any portion of the $400 SSB on Camps or Excursions, please note that you must go into the SSB Portal and allocate the money to “Activities”. You are not selecting a specific activity at this stage, rather an amount you wish to have available to use at the school.

Excursion Levy is $100 per child

Please note: Any unspent SSB funds at 1 July 2025 will sit in your Family account for you to use when needed.

The Canberra Camp will be from Monday 24th to Thursday 27th November.

The Canberra trip is a highlight for the Year 6 students and incorporates many educational activities also with a lot of fund experiences.

The cost of the Camp will be $460.00

Suggested Payment Schedule:

• $125 - Deposit 30th May 2025
• $135 - 1st installment 25th July 2025
• $100 - 2nd installment 19th September 2025
• $100 - Final Instalment 31st October 2025

QKR is the preferred method of payment. Please check with the office if you have any CSEF or SSB that can be used for this camp.

Every child is welcome to our Breakfast Program each morning from 8am to 8.45am.

If you have a NEW Health Care Card, please complete the attached CSEF form.

Families who have a HCC are eligible to claim $150 PER STUDENT for camps, excursions and swimming.

A well-balanced, nutritious lunch helps children stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. We encourage families to pack lunches with a variety of fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. A good mix of nutrients supports brain function and keeps students feeling their best.

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 BSPS25

Direct Link: https://byod.jbhifi.education/auth?code=BSPS25 or scan the barcode below.

If you would like more information on the program, please visit the BYOD page on our website.

Arriving to school on time is crucial for both students and staff. It sets a positive tone for the day, ensures that you don’t miss important instructions or activities, and demonstrates respect for the school community’s time and schedule. Here are a few tips to help ensure timely arrival:

1. Prepare the night before: Lay out clothes, pack your bag, and prepare lunch the night before to avoid morning delays.

2. Set an alarm: This will help give you ample time to get ready and commute to school.

3. Stay organized: Keep track of your schedule and any special activities or events that might require you to arrive earlier than usual.

Being on time helps create a structured and efficient learning environment for everyone involved.

If a parent/guardian needs to pick up their student early from school for an appointment or any other significant reason, please notify your child’s teacher or the front office, with as much notice possible.

Often students are in a specialist program or out of the classroom, so if no notice is given it puts pressure on the office staff when trying to find students whilst answering phones and tending to sick bay.

Please be mindful as we have quite a few students leaving school early which interrupts the classroom as well as their learning time so please avoid this when possible.

Attached below is the costs of the 2025 Parent Payment Arrangements.

Excursion Levy has been increased to $100 which will include a “Major Excursion” so there will now be no extra payment requested. CSEF can be used to cover this – for those who don’t receive CSEF they can use their School Saving Bonus.

Parent payment can be made via QKR

Parent payment $220 per student

Excursion Levy $100 per student

If you have a Health Care Card and claimed CSEF, you will receive $150 credit which can be used for camps and excursions only.

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. Shepparton 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

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.

Please note that the Balaclava Road Child Care Carpark is a private carpark, please avoid parking there at all times.

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

Did you know Bourchier St. has an e-library?

Students are able to borrow books to read on their ipad.
You can access the e-library via the website below:

Search Bourchier St. Primary School
Visit our library
Sign in details will be your child’s cases code and the password is ebook01
Or download the App

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.

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!

Make a Difference in Your Community!

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura Surrounding

Area

Hello!

My name is Josie, and I am the Regional Coordinator for the Shepparton area. Our organization is currently seeking compassionate Italian and English-speaking male and female volunteers to visit lonely and isolated elderly individuals in our community.

What’s Involved:

· You will visit elderly person who would appreciate a friendly chat.

· Volunteers are asked to visit once a week for approximately 1 hour.

· Your visits will help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

If you have just an hour a week to spare, you can make a real difference in someone’s life while enjoying a cup of coffee and a conversation.

Why Volunteer?

· Help reduce loneliness and isolation in the elderly community.

· Make a positive impact on someone’s life and create rewarding experiences for yourself.

· Enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling connection with someone in your community.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer or would like more information, please reach out! We have wonderful volunteers who generously donate their time, and we would love to welcome you into our team.

Contact Information: COASIT

Regional Coordinator
Josie Pellegrino

0481 603 740

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools "Privacy Collection Notice below.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy below, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

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.

Bourchier Street Policies

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