Bourchier Mail

Dear Bourchier families,

Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of travelling overseas with Ebony Peters, visiting schools in Singapore and Finland as part of a professional learning tour. It was an incredible experience, and I want to start by thanking Patrick and the team here at Bourchier for holding the fort while I was away.

Both Singapore and Finland have been in the educational spotlight over the last decade or so for topping the international standings in PISA, which is a worldwide study that measures how well 15-year-olds can apply what they’ve learned in reading, mathematics and science to real-life situations. Singapore has been at number one for a number of years, and before Singapore, Finland held that top spot for quite some time. I’ve always been interested in learning about the success stories of education systems that are different from our own.

Singapore

Singapore was fascinating. I visited several schools and the National Institute of Education, where every teacher in the country completes their training. The system is structured, purposeful and clearly focused on strong academic outcomes, but what stood out most to me wasn’t the data or the discipline. It was the people.

Everywhere we went, we were met with warmth, courtesy and genuine respect. Kindness seemed to be woven into the culture, and that came through in every school we visited. Students were polite, welcoming and thoughtful. It was clear that looking after one another is just as important as achieving strong results.

Another thing that stood out was how naturally bilingual most students are. Learning English alongside their mother tongue, whether that’s Mandarin, Malay or Tamil, gives them a real sense of cultural awareness and confidence in communicating with others. This was also a feature of Finland, and I just thought it was really great that students are supported to know more than one language from such an early age in both countries.

Finland

Finland was completely different in style but equally impressive. Schools there have a calm, grounded feel, and what really stood out to me was the deep respect the community has for teachers. Teaching is seen as a highly valued and trusted profession, right up there with doctors and engineers, and that level of respect shines through in how schools operate.

There’s also a strong connection to nature. Every preschool we visited included outdoor learning, often in nearby forests, no matter the weather. Students are encouraged to explore, take risks and learn by doing. It’s simple, but it clearly builds resilience and curiosity.

I was also struck by how independent Finnish students are. It’s normal to see young children riding their bikes to school, taking responsibility for themselves and each other. There’s a quiet confidence in the way Finnish communities raise their kids, plenty of freedom balanced with trust.

Back Home!

I am now comfortably back at home. The trip gave me a lot to think about. Singapore showed the power of purpose, structure and care. Finland reminded me how far trust and respect can go, not just within schools, but across an entire community.

At Bourchier Street, we’re building our own version of that balance — a school that values both high expectations and genuine care, where students are kind and capable, and teachers are respected and supported to do their best work.

I came home feeling proud of our school, grateful for the experience, and inspired by what’s possible when education is built on trust, respect and community.

Best always,
Gary

Last Wednesday, Grade 2 went to the Discovery Centre in Bendigo. Here is what some of the students said about it:

“We were split up into three groups, but there were four activities. One was the general exhibits. The second one was the planetarium. There was a vertical slide, and there was a chemistry lab.” – Connor 2SV

“We went to the Bendigo Discovery Centre. There were so many cool things to do and learn. My favourite activity was looking at all the exhibits. I loved the train because the wheels moved.” – Braylen 2CS

“My favourite thing there was the chemistry because I am thinking about being a scientist.” Harper 2CS

“My favourite activity was the mirror maze because it was tricky which made it fun going through it.” Waverly 2CS

“The vertical slide was scary, but I did it!” Gelael 2CS

Students in Years 3 to 6 have the opportunity to take part in a golf program at Bourchier Street on 27th October, led by Dave McPherson.

The cost will be $15 per student.

Places are limited to 50 students, and we already have 35 spots filled, so please get in quickly!

If your child would like to participate, please phone the school to register their name. Once we reach 50 students, we won’t be able to accept any more registrations.

Please email: bourchier.ps@education.vic.gov.au

All families are invited to attend our next Assembly tomorrow, Friday 17th October.

Assembly is a great way to celebrate student achievements, share in the fun, and stay connected to school life and we’d love to see you there!

Where: Basketball courts or school hall depending on weather.

When: Friday 17th October - 2.45 pm

It is school policy that all students wear a hat during Term 4. With the warmer weather and increased UV levels, it’s important that children are protected from the sun when playing and learning outdoors. Wearing a hat helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, while also encouraging lifelong sun-safe habits. Please ensure your child brings their school hat each day so they can participate safely in outdoor activities. Hats can be purchased from front office or simply order via the QKR app - $10

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.

Click to place your order

Issue 7 of the Scholastic Book Club is out now! You can place your order online or send your order form and correct money to the front office. Orders close on Monday, 27 October.

Reading is one of the most important ways to support your child’s learning. It helps build imagination, vocabulary, and a lifelong love of stories and discovery. Encouraging regular reading at home is one of the best gifts we can give our children!

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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

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!

Woolworths Cricket Blast (Age 5-8)

Commences: Thursday 23rd October 2025

Until: Thursday 11th December 2025

Time: 5 – 545pm

Cost $100

All equipment provided

For further information please contact the Woolworths Blast Coordinator:

Luke McPhillamy

0476 148 552

luke.mcphillamy@gmail.com

Register on: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/16ae4b

Program will be held at Kialla Main Oval

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xTf6ABASjFCpEYdP9

Bourchier Street Primary School Shepparton is committed to providing an environment where students are safe and feel safe.

Our child safety framework includes policies, codes and procedures that explain how we support and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and protect them from harm. These documents are available on our website: Bourchier Street Policies

We are also committed to continuous improvement of our child safety framework. We are currently reviewing our child safety policies and practices to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.

Our students and families are important partners in this process. We welcome your feedback or ideas on ways we can improve our approach to child safety and wellbeing

If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact Bourchier Street Primary School Shepparton on 03 5821 3488 or at bourchier.ps@education.vic.gov.au

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.

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