Hello Bourchier Families!

Thanks for opening our Newsletter! As always, there is lots happening around the school, and we're excited to share some of the latest updates and highlights with you.

Our Year Twos and Year Fours have completed their week of swimming lessons at Aquamoves. It was pleasing to see so many kids make progress in the pool, and as I wrote about in the last newsletter, it reminds us all of the importance of enrolling children in swimming lessons.

We have had many lunchtime clubs launched throughout the last couple of weeks. I have enjoyed my time in Chess Club. I heard someone once refer to chess as going to the gym for your brain. That's why it was so good to see so many students keen to learn. It is full of strategy and endless possibilities. Check out some of the other clubs that are happening below:

Richard Poole and Tristan Miller have launched our Kids Shed program. The kids have been getting the Shed organised and are looking forward to getting started. The Kids Shed is looking for donations of building materials or tools if anyone in the community would like to help us out, please get in touch with the front office!

Also, last week we successfully relocated our shipping containers. We are going to use a couple of these containers to store Sports Equipment, which will provide more room in our Hall Area. This upgrade will streamline access to gear, facilitating smoother and more efficient physical education classes and sports events. A big shoutout to Mr. White for getting this project happening!

Our Student Leaders have been having lots of conversations about how to make our school more awesome. There are a number of leadership groups who are already thinking of some important actions for our school. Some of the student-led groups we have include:

Community Group: The launch of their upcoming podcast is creating buzz and excitement. This initiative aims to bridge connections between our school and the community, showcasing the incredible talents and stories within Bourchier.

Environment Group: Dedicated to making our school greener and more sustainable, this group is exploring innovative ways to enhance our surroundings. Their passion for the environment is infectious, encouraging us all to think more consciously about our ecological footprint.

Tech Group: With a focus on promoting responsible and effective technology use, this group is leading by example. Their efforts are instrumental in fostering a tech-savvy culture that respects and understands the power of digital tools.

I also wanted to just include a couple of reminders to everyone. Firstly, we can’t stress enough the importance of regular school attendance. The data speaks volumes! Being present at school not only enhances academic performance but also builds essential social skills and a sense of belonging among students. Every day missed is an opportunity lost for learning and growth. If anyone is experiencing difficulty getting to school every day, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lisa Logue (Assistant Principal) or myself.

It is also important to remind everyone about our Sunsmart policy. The weather has been very hot, and we need to ensure that everyone outside is wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. No hat = No Play! We are committed to staying vigilant to ensure that every child is sun-safe while enjoying outside time.

The anticipation is building for this Friday's Senior School Swimming Sports! This event is a highlight of our sporting calendar, showcasing the swimming talents of our students. It's a day filled with competitive spirit and fun. Parents are welcome to attend. The first events start at 10 am at Mooroopna Swimming Pool.

As always, I welcome anyone in our school community to come and have a chat with me about anything on your mind. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or simply wish to share a story, my door is always open. I would love to hear from you!

Have a great week!

Gary D'Arma

Last week the Grade 2 students had a visitor from the Shepparton Council to talk to us about waste and recycling. She showed us which bins different items of rubbish can go into and told us all about the different ways our council works to recycle as much as we can. We learnt lots of ways we can be responsible with waste in our community, our school and our homes.

On Monday 26th February 3JS walked down to Ave Maria to spend some time with the residents. We all enjoyed the morning very much and some beautiful friendships were formed! The residents enjoyed listening to the children read as well as performing the song “Herman the worm” which they did brilliantly!

We all enjoyed an exercise session together and a leisurely walk around the lake.

3JS cant wait to go and visit again in a fortnight!

Last Thursday we had some Bourchier students represent our school at the Division Swimming here in Shepparton. It was a wonderful day by the pool with some fantastic results. 8 students will be moving on to the Region Day in two weeks. Congratulations to all involved.

On Thursday 22nd the Walking school bus made its first journey of the year!

We had a lovely warm morning walk to school finding lots of interesting things along the way to stop and wonder at!! Friendships were formed and we all enjoyed the happy, fun walk to school. Ang greeted us for some yummy breakfast once we were at school. The walk home was a little warmer but we soldiered on and had a lovely walk.

The walking school bus will operate every Thursday leaving Tarcoola front gates at 8 am. Our return is around 4. There are still some spots available. Email me if you are interested!

Jane.shattock@education.vic.gov.au

Student learning conferences will be held on:

Wednesday evening, 27th March - 3.30pm - 8pm

Thursday 28th March - 8am 1.30pm

Bookings can be made via Compass NOW

You need a username and password to log into compass - please phone front office if you need us to reset for you.

It is importance for every parent/carer to attend SLC with your child as it is a great opportunity to learn about your child's academic, emotional and social development. You also get to know your child's teacher and talk about how you can both support your child.

Their Care will operate on Thursday for any family who wishes to use their service.

Bookclub order

Order online through loop or send your order into the school office with the correct money. Orders close Thursday 14th March!

We will be holding the School Fun Run as a major fundraising event this year on FRIDAY 26th APRIL!

Parents welcome down at Victoria Park Lake from 1pm to 2.30pm!

The money raised will go towards a new structure over our basketball courts to provide shade and shelter for our students.

Click on the picture to go straight to website & register and create a profile!

Monday 29th & 30th January – Staff PD

Thursday 28th March – Parent Teacher conferences

Monday 4th November – Report Writing Day

There will also be one Professional Practice Day later in year – it has been suggested that this be a collaborative day with all schools in Shepparton participating – no confirmation of date or details at present.

Parent Payment Arrangement forms went home to families earlier in the term.

Stationery is included in the Parent Payment along with ICT/Stem/Subscriptions & events.

Parent payment can be made via QKR

Parent payment $220 per student

Excursion Levy $80 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.

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

Families who have a Health Care Card are eligible to claim $150 PER STUDENT for Camps, Excursions and swimming, and money is paid directly to the 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.

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.

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

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 BSPS24

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.

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!

Click here to register

Children planning on playing netball with Bourchier St need to register before March 4th. Please click on the link to register your player (you can also purchase uniforms as well). March 4th the link will be closed and teams will be made so please register prior!

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