Dear Families,

A comedian gave me a bit of parenting advice this week that stuck with me. Jimmy Carr, who’s usually known for quick one-liners, was asked by a parent of a toddler if he had any words of wisdom. He paused for a second, then said, seriously:

“Hard decisions now, easy life later.”

He went on to talk about how we all want to be kind to our kids, but reminded us that part of that kindness has to be about who they’re becoming, not just who they are now. We might think we’re doing the right thing by not pushing them to eat vegetables, or letting them stay on the iPad a bit longer, but sometimes what feels easy now makes things harder down the track.

That message has really stayed with me this fortnight. Not just as a dad, but as a school leader. Because honestly, I’ve seen it playing out across our school in different ways.

Some of our senior students have been knee-deep in their novel studies over the past couple of weeks, and some of these texts haven’t been easy. The work’s been challenging, the discussions have been deep, and the effort required has been real. But they’ve pushed through. They’ve stretched themselves. One student summed it up perfectly when they said, “It was hard… but I think that’s why I liked it.”

While they were wrestling with complex texts, Pat and I were down in Melbourne at the Statewide Principals Conference. We heard from the Education Minister and a whole host of policy and education leaders. The big message? As a state we are doing well but have more hard work to do. A lot of what we heard aligned with the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, especially around the power of explicit teaching. And I couldn’t agree more. When we’re clear about what kids need to learn, when we teach it directly, and revisit it often, they thrive. There’s no secret sauce. Just clarity, purpose, and consistency.

Back at school, our teaching teams have been doing some writing moderation across year levels, and it’s been incredible to see the growth. Kids who couldn’t write a full sentence in Term 1 are now producing full paragraphs. Some students who used to avoid writing are now proudly sharing their work. These aren’t isolated wins. They’re the result of good, steady, deliberate teaching. The kind that takes effort but pays off over time.

You can see that kind of growth taking root early too. Our Foundation to Year 2 students have been working through Phonics Plus, a systematic phonics approach that’s helping build really strong early literacy skills. It’s not fancy, but some early signs are showing that it is working. The moments when a child finally cracks a tricky word or makes a spelling connection, are huge.

One of our juniors, Tyler, has been putting in the work on this. When I asked him what he does when he comes to a tricky word, he said:
“If I don’t know a word, I stop, breathe, then try again. That’s what good readers do.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself!

Learning is happening not just in our classrooms. I know I have written about lunchtime clubs before, but I wanted to mention again all the great activities our students have access to. Silent Disco, Bracelet Making, Frisbee Golf, Dodgeball, Auslan, Chess and more. I have just recently attended a Chess Club session and a Year 1 student got a bit frustrated and told me, “His horse took my prawn.” I probably should’ve corrected him… but honestly, I just let that one slide.

I’ve also seen some beautiful examples of our school values, Respect, Learning and Contribution, playing out across the yard. Kids quietly picking up litter without being asked. Helping others join in. Saying “thanks” to teachers before heading off to play. These little things add up!

As we head towards the end of term, I want to thank you all for the work you do to get kids to school on time. I know how busy getting ready can be in the morning, but being here by 8:45am really sets the tone for the day, and we appreciate your efforts in making that a priority.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Whole School Assembly – this Friday at 2:30pm
  
  

• Last Day of Term 2 – Friday 4 July, with an early 2:15pm finish
  
  

• Parents and Friends Committee Meet and Greet on the 25th June at 5pm. Feel free to come along! RSVP here: https://forms.gle/fWx5rsKV25G9HjDr9
  
  

Thanks for doing the hard stuff with us!

With Gratitude,

Gary Darma
Principal

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!

Our Semester One Reports will be published on the Compass Portal Wednesday 2nd July.

These Semester Reports are used alongside SeeSaw to give you a comprehensive idea of your child’s progress for the first half of the year.

If you require your Compass username and password, please phone front office. 58 213 488

It has been a great Semester, and we are very proud of the effort and progress our learners have made.

A big congratulations to Liarna Gagliardi and Ed Adams on graduating with their Bachelor of Teaching!

From students to inspiring educators—Ed, a former Bourchier student and teacher, is now teaching in Melbourne, while Liarna has joined our team, working with our Foundation students in FLG.

We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved. With their passion, dedication, and heart for teaching, there's no doubt they will make exceptional educators. Their future students will be fortunate to have such thoughtful and caring guides to support them on their learning journey and beyond. We wish them all the very best as they begin this exciting new chapter in their careers.

We’re proud to share that nine of our dedicated Education Support (ES) staff at Bourchier Street Primary School; Kyle Hanna, Hope Davies, Parris Sanders, Kade O’Dwyer, Imogen Finlayson, Jack Bergamin, Ella Cirillo, Ebony Boyd and Raeley Davidson, are currently studying to become qualified teachers — a powerful example of learning and earning in action.

Recently interviewed by the Shepparton Education Plan, these incredible team members are not only contributing meaningfully to student growth each day but are also investing in their own professional futures.

This local pathway to teaching is building the next generation of educators — and we’re thrilled to be part of the journey.

Parents and carers are invited to attend our whole school assembly! Come along to see student awards, class presentations, performances, and special announcements. It’s a great way to celebrate student achievements, share in the fun, and stay connected to school life.

Assemblies are a proud part of our community, and we’d love to see you there!

Where: Basketball courts or school hall depending on weather.

When: Friday 13th June - 2.30pm

Students rolled out their own homemade pasta and paired it with a fresh, leafy salad 🥗. To top off their delicious meal, they enjoyed poached pears finished with a drizzle of orange syrup, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 🍐🍯🍊.

What a fun (and tasty!) way to learn new skills and get creative in the kitchen!

Bourchier St Primary School is teaming up with Dunkirk Food Store for this year’s Pie Drive.

All pies will be freshly baked and suitable to go straight into the freezer, if you wish.

To increase your order, encourage work colleagues, family and friends to order. The more you order the more you help our school.

Make your choice from the list below, and pay for your order via QKR or CREDIT CARD.

ATTACHED BELOW IS ORDER FORM FOR YOU TO COMPLETE AND RETURN

Orders close: Wednesday 18th June 2025

Order collection will be on Thursday 26th June 2025

A big thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in joining our P&F group—it’s fantastic to see such strong community spirit!

Even if you didn’t register your interest, you’re still very welcome to come along to our upcoming information session. To attend, simply click the link below to accept the meeting invitation—we’d love to see you there and share how you can get involved.

When: Wednesday 25 June at 5:00pm, here at school.

It will be a relaxed opportunity to connect, hear a little more about what the committee might get involved in, and start shaping some ideas together.

To help with planning, please let us know if you’ll be attending by filling in this quick RSVP form:
👉 https://forms.gle/Tu6gTXo3fd5Twu1k8

Looking forward to seeing many of you there!

If you hold a current Health Care Card, you will be eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) payment of

$154 per student.

If you have recently received a new Health Care Card, please contact the front office as soon as possible to complete the necessary form so we can lodge your claim. Claims close at the end of this term, so don’t miss out.

Once your claim is lodged and approved, the CSEF payment is ongoing as long as your card is active—there’s no need to reapply each year.

If you’d like to help out at school—as a classroom helper, on excursions, or at Fruity Friday—Victorian law requires you to hold a current Volunteer Working with Children Check.

Apply (it’s free for volunteers):

workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au ▸ “Apply for a check”

(This link takes you to the Service Victoria portal where the whole application is completed online.)

Quick notes for families

• The online form takes about 15 minutes; you’ll need proof‑of‑identity documents.
• Once approved, you’ll get a physical card and a free digital card inside the Service Victoria app (handy if you forget the plastic one).
• Please bring either card to the office before your first volunteer session so we can record your WWCC number and expiry date.

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe while strengthening our school community!

Beanies - $15

Bomber Jacket $40

The winter chill has well and truly set in, and it’s the perfect time to rug up in our warm Bourchier Street bomber jackets and beanies. Both items are available to purchase through the QKR app and can be delivered directly to your child’s classroom!

Keep your child warm and looking great in our official school winter gear!

The latest Scholastic Book Club is out now. Orders close Friday 20th June

https://scholastic.com.au/.../book-club.../issue-preview/

https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/

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.

Please make it a priority to arrive at school on time.

8.45am - music starts & students make their way to class.

8.55am - Class begins.

If your child/ren arrive to school after 9am they MUST come into the front office to get signed in otherwise our records could show them as absent.

It is extremely important for our school to keep strict attendance records.

When students are punctual, they are more likely to enter the classroom with a clear and open mind, ready to absorb information and engage actively in the day's curriculum.

As the cold weather arrives, so do coughs, colds, stomach bugs and other respiratory illnesses.
It is important that we practice good hygiene, such as washing our hands, hand sanitiser, and using tissues when we cough or sneeze.
If your child is away due to sickness, please update their absence via our Compass App.

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.

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.

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!

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