Bourchier Mail

Dear Families,

As we reach the end of Term 2, we periodically reflect on the work that has been done over the course of the Semester. It is always a useful exercise to ponder how far we have come and reset for the work that needs to be done in the upcoming Semester. One thing I have been thinking about a lot is the exciting development that has been shaping teaching and learning across our school this year including a growing emphasis on structured approaches to literacy.

At Bourchier Street, we have always been committed to strong, evidence-informed literacy teaching. What we are doing now is building on that foundation by refining and strengthening our approach in response to the latest research and the evolving needs of our students.

This refinement is about leaning more deliberately into explicit, structured teaching. It ensures that every student receives clear, sequenced instruction in areas such as phonics, vocabulary, sentence structure and comprehension. It is not a shift away from the great work we have been doing. It is an adjustment that helps us make the most of every learning moment.

In Foundation to Year 2, our teachers have been using Phonics Plus, a consistent and systematic approach to phonics instruction. Lessons involve carefully designed visuals, sound pattern recognition and regular opportunities for students to practice decoding and spelling. This structure creates clarity and confidence for students and gives teachers a strong framework to build on.

In Years 3 to 6, the focus has been on morphology and vocabulary development, exploring how words are built and what they mean. This work is woven into rich, text-based units and supports students to unpack more complex language, helping them grow into confident, capable readers and writers.

What ties it all together is intention. Every lesson is purposefully designed, ensuring that students know exactly what they are learning, why it matters and how to be successful.

Structured literacy does not mean rigid or robotic teaching. Quite the opposite. It creates space for creativity by reducing confusion and making expectations clear. It supports all learners, especially those who need a bit more guidance to thrive.

Already, we are seeing a noticeable boost in student confidence when tackling unfamiliar words and texts, along with consistent routines that support student engagement and independence. Our Victorian Curriculum data shows steady gains in Reading and Number and Algebra, and we have identified Writing as an area we will prioritise in the second half of the year.

This term, all teaching staff also participated in a professional learning session focused on how classroom environments impact learning. Teachers worked in teams to explore how seating, classroom layout and consistent routines can support student focus. Many classrooms have since made small, thoughtful changes that support the more structured approach to teaching now underway.

To our families, thank you. Your support at home helps these efforts go further. Whether it is encouraging your child to read, helping with routines or simply having conversations about school, we appreciate the many ways you partner with us.

Attendance has remained strong this semester, with most year levels averaging above 90 percent. That reflects our community’s commitment to learning and wellbeing, and we will continue to work with families where attendance remains a challenge. Every day matters, and being at school consistently allows students to fully access the benefits of structured, high-impact learning.

As we look to Term 3, we will continue to build on this momentum. We are excited about what lies ahead, not just in literacy, but also in wellbeing, community engagement and student voice.

We have had some wonderful moments this term, from the Kitchen Garden and lunchtime interviews to our Mercy Place visits and the upcoming Year 6 Countries of the World Expo. These experiences remind us that while structure supports learning, it is joy and connection that bring it to life.

Have a safe and restful break, and thank you again for being part of such a wonderful community.

With Gratitude,

Gary D'arma

Principal

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 thank you to all the families who placed orders in our recent pie drive.

Pies will be delivered in a coolroom today and will be available for collection from 3:00 PM – 4.20PM at the front office. (LOOK FOR THE COOL ROOM)

If you can’t make pick up today, you will need to pick up order from Dunkirk Butcher on Friday.

Enjoy your delicious pies — perfect for the winter freeze

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 27th June - 2.30pm

Last Friday, our Foundation students came to school dressed in their pyjamas and brought along their favourite teddies and toys.

It was a wintry day, so everyone was feeling cosy and snug — the perfect setting for a day of fun and comfort in the classroom. The children had a wonderful time sharing their toys, enjoying stories, and spending the day in their PJs!

Over 700 girls from across Victoria tried out for the State School Netball Team, and we’re incredibly proud to share that Isla Schultz from Bourchier Street made it into the top 35!

Tuesday gone, Isla travelled to Melbourne for the final round of trials, where selectors will now choose the top 12 players to represent Victoria. What an outstanding achievement already — we’re so proud of you, Isla!

We wish her all the very best as she awaits the results.

Term 2 ends Friday 4th July at 2.15pm. The canteen will be closed on last day of term for spring cleaning. We wish all our Bourchier families a happy and safe holiday!

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!

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.

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.

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!

Bourchier Street Policies

Our school regularly reviews and updates its policies to ensure they reflect current practices and support our students and families. We invite parents to read through our policies, which can be accessed via the link above. Your feedback is always welcome — please contact the front office

on 58 213 488 if you have any comments or suggestions.

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