Bourchier Mail

Hi everyone,

It’s been another great fortnight at Bourchier Street Primary!

There’s a real buzz around the school at the moment, lots of learning, laughter and exciting projects coming to life.

Tomorrow we’ll be celebrating World Teachers’ Day. This serves as a chance to recognise the incredible work of our teaching and support staff. Every day, our teachers bring energy, care and creativity to their classrooms. I am very grateful for the work our teachers put in. They work very hard to make sure every child feels seen, supported and challenged in their learning. On behalf of our school community- thank you for everything you do!

Our Junior School Sleepover is happening tonight, and excitement levels are sky-high! Events like this build confidence, independence and connection and they’re often the moments kids remember most from primary school. A huge thanks to the staff who are giving up their Thursday night to make it such a special experience for our younger students.

We’re also thrilled to see some of our grounds projects progressing beautifully. The courtyard project is taking shape. Posts for new shade sails are being installed this week and new surface designs are currently being planned. WE hope it will prove to be a more inviting, flexible space for students to gather, learn and play. Our rebound wall project is also well underway, adding another great option for active play and lunchtime fun. We are also working on securing an artist to help with the design of the wall.

There’s plenty to look forward to as we head into the final stretch of term. It’s wonderful to see our students continuing to live our values of Respect, Learning and Contribution in all they do.

Have a great week everyone,

Gary Darma

In STEM Grade 1 have been learning about Simple Machines. Students made a fidget spinner and observed the Wagon Wheel effect in action.

The Grade 3 students had an incredible time on their recent excursion to the Werribee Open Range Zoo. The day was filled with excitement as they discovered a wide variety of animals, from majestic lions and graceful giraffes to playful zebras and powerful rhinos. It was wonderful to see the students connecting what they’ve been learning in the classroom to real-life experiences. A definite highlight of the day was the safari bus tour, where the children had the chance to see animals roaming freely in wide open spaces that closely resemble their natural environments. The students were full of curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions and sharing interesting facts!

All families are invited to attend our next Assembly tomorrow, Friday 31st 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 31st October - 2.45 pm

On Monday, 10th November, Bourchier Street will be selling poppies to honour and remember those who lost their lives in the First World War.

Red poppies are a symbol of remembrance.

Students will visit classrooms to sell poppy badges for a gold coin donation in memory of our soldiers.

Please note that the transition session originally scheduled for Friday, 7 November has been rescheduled as below.

Next Transition:

Our next transition session is on Wednesday 5th or Thursday 6th November. These sessions will run from 9am - 9.30am. If you haven't added your child's name to the list, please phone the school on 58 213 488 to select either Wednesday or Thursday.

Attached below is the costs of the 2026 Parent Payment Arrangements.

Excursion Levy - $100

This levy covers your child’s participation in swimming, sporting events, performances, cinemas and other incidental activities throughout the year. CSEF will cover Excursion Levy.

Parent Payment - $220

We also ask families to support student learning by contributing to classroom resources. This Parent Payment helps cover essential learning materials, and other items students require every day. Payment covers online subscriptions, ICT & STEM. These contributions are important to ensure we can continue providing rich and engaging learning experiences for all students. We greatly appreciate your support.

Payments can be made via QKR App or you can phone the school and pay by EFTPOS. Thank you

If you have a Health Care Card and claimed CSEF, you will receive $400 credit which can be used for camps and excursions only. If you have a new HCC, please contract the front office 58 213 488.

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.

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!

Saver Plus – Get $500 for Education Costs

Saver Plus is a free 10-month savings and financial education program that helps eligible families save for education expenses.

Program Highlights:

• Save $50/month for 10 months and receive $500 matched savings

• Use funds for laptops, uniforms, books, camps, excursions, and more

• Complete MoneyMinded financial education online workshops

• No fees to join

• Support provided throughout the program

Eligibility:

• Must be 18+ years old

• Hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card

• Receive an eligible Centrelink payment

• Have a child in school or be studying yourself

• Have regular income from work (you or your partner) inc child support and carers payments

• Not completed the program previously.

Contact & More Info: To learn more visit the Saver Plus program page or call 1300 610 355.

Forms sent home during week. We have extra's in the office.

Help Shape the Future of KidsTown!

KidsTown has been a much-loved part of our community for nearly 30 years - but it’s time for a refresh! Greater Shepparton City Council is developing a new Master Plan for KidsTown, and they want to hear from YOU.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or student - your ideas matter. What would you like to see at KidsTown before the design work begins? What features would make it more fun, inclusive and safe?

Have your say before 31 October 2025
Visit shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/kidstown to share your thoughts, ask questions, and vote on ideas from others.

Let’s make sure the next generation of KidsTown is shaped by the people who use it most - our families and children!

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