Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

With only 6 days of term left, we are busy preparing for our traditional end of year events. On Monday 16^th December at 9:30am, our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony will be held in the Undercover Area.  This will be followed by the evening dinner/dance at Tomkins-On-Swan.  On Tuesday 17^th December, the Semester 2 Student Reports will be sent out to parents via Connect.  If you have not yet accessed Connect, you will need to activate your password, please see information on Page 4 of this newsletter.  On Wednesday 18^th December at 9:00am, all families are invited to attend our Year 1 to 5 Award Presentation Assembly where class awards are presented and our instrumental music students showcase their skills.  A highlight will be the performance of the Bannister Creek School Band.  Our final goodbye to the Year 6’s students will be held at the Super Draw Assembly, Thursday at 2:10pm.

Last Monday, our Pre-Primary and Year 1 students commenced swimming lessons.  It’s great to see their excitement and enjoyment in the lessons.  Staff have been very impressed with the responsible attitude that students have shown managing changing, travelling on buses and  following instructions from swimming teachers.

2020 Teaching Staff Changes

I wish to acknowledge and thank our fixed term, part time teaching staff for their ongoing support and commitment this year. They have often stepped in with short notice and worked hard to ensure a smooth transition for students. Thank you to Mrs Sasha Findlay, Mrs Naomi Hinchcliffe and Mrs  Bianca Zall-Ilahi.  Your contribution to our school and staff team have been valued.  We hope your support will continue in the future.

Some of our permanent teaching staff are not returning:

Mrs Kerrie Bright: will be taking leave in 2020 to study.

Mrs Justine McDonald: is preparing for the imminent birth of her baby and will take leave for the year.

Mrs Margaret Elstermann: has been on leave for several years and is now retiring at the end of this year.

Mrs Rana Nazar: has been on extended leave and has made the decision to resign her position at BCPS.

Mrs Judith Annan: retired early in 2019.

Mrs Cathy Harrison: will be taking Long Service Leave (LSL) in Term 1 2020.

And finally… I will not be returning next year, I’m taking LSL then transitioning to retirement. 

After 43 years in education, I believe it is time for a change in lifestyle and to re-focus on family, friends and leisure. I have loved the last 6 years as Principal of this great school.  I’m so proud of the community culture of involvement and support that we have built. 

Our students inspire me every day, it is rewarding to see their engagement,  joy in learning and outstanding achievements.  I’m particularly proud of the gains we have made in building student leadership opportunities and giving students a voice in their education.  I value the huge parent support base that make whole school events such memorable celebrations.  It has been such a pleasure to work with our School Board and P&C as they strive to add value for our students and school community.  We are fortunate to have such a professional, committed staff team who collaboratively support each other and continually give so much of their time and care to ensure the best outcome for our students and families. This positive focus on relationships contributes to the welcoming, friendly vibe that is embedded in the BCPS culture. 

Thank you everyone for your support.  Bannister Creek Primary School will always hold a special place in my heart.

Kind Regards,
Lyn Macauley
PRINCIPAL

Thursday, 12 December	Year 6 Big Day Out Rooms 10 & 11 CREEC Excursion
Monday, 16 December	Year 6 Graduation Ceremony – 9:20am.  Year 6 parents and family members are encouraged to attend. Pre-Primary / Year 1 Swimming Lessons continue
Tuesday, 17 December	Semester 2 Student Reports will be available via Connect
Wednesday, 18 December	Year 1 to 5 Presentation Assembly – 8:50am.  Parents and family members are encouraged to attend
Thursday, 19 December	Students’ last day of Term P&C Christmas Stall and Raffle

The final School Board meeting for 2019 was held on Monday 9^th December 2019.  The Board was interested to hear that 619 people in our school community have joined Connect – the platform that the school is now using to send  information and updates to the school community.  The Board was concerned to learn that despite this high level of uptake only about 150 people look at the school newsletter each issue.  Along with showcasing the achievements of our students, the newsletter provides necessary information regarding dates and reminders for school events and is your go to source of information.

The Board was provided an overview of the independent school review which will be undertaken early in 2020 and was pleased to note the progress that has been made against the review criteria.  A finance update was provided and it was noted by the Board that there is a 42% reduction in funds available to be rolled over into 2020, making payment of your voluntary contributions for 2020 even more crucial.

The Board also endorsed the School’s updated Mobile Phone and Smart Watch Policy to bring it in line with newly released Education Department guidelines. 

Bannister Creek Primary School teachers recently exhibited at the STEM Innovation Showcase held at Perth Exhibition Centre.  The Board was very pleased to learn that BCPS is seen as a leader in the implementation of the BYOD program and everyday STEM practice in the classroom.

There will be some changes to Board membership in 2020.  I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr Miller and Mrs Stone for their membership on the Board.  In addition, Mrs Macauley is leaving us and on behalf of the Board I would like to take the opportunity to thank her for the excellent guidance and support she has provided the Board and the leadership she has brought to our school.  We wish her the very best in her retirement.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday season.

Liesl Ludgerus, School Board Chair

The School Board held a public meeting on Monday 4^th November and were delighted to receive an update on the excellent results our students achieved in NAPLAN testing this year. Despite some glitches with the newly rolled out online testing, our Year Three and Year Five students exceeded the Australian, State and like school averages across all areas of testing. Fantastic results are a reflection of the high quality teachers and teaching programs at Bannister Creek.  

The Board received an update on the success of the new BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) initiative (including the fact that there were no breakages or losses of devices this year!) and the expansion of the BYOD program to include Years 2-5 students in 2020.  We were also advised that the Department of Education recently announced one-off funding for school maintenance and funds received by our school will be spent on new carpets for 7 classrooms, resurfacing and line marking of the basketball courts and professional cleaning to high ceilings and alcove areas. 

One of our community members, Jodie Wyatt informed us of her meetings with Baldja Waangkiny and the Board were very interested to hear of the leadership and initiatives the parents of our Aboriginal students are providing.  Finally, the Board was advised of the upcoming 2020 Public School Review which will take place in first term next year.  The School’s self-reflection processes and progress against the Business Plan are audited at this time.

The last meeting of the Board for 2019 will be held on Monday 9^th December at 3:30pm in the school staffroom, as always you are welcome to observe the meeting.

Liesl Ludgerus

School Board Chair

From Wednesday 23rd October, Bannister Creek PS will have a new number:

9366 0900

From that date, the old phone number will no longer work.

In 2020, the Bannister Creek Primary Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program will expand to Years 2 – 5. This means that students who are currently in Year 1 and 2 will join the program as of next year. These parent information sessions are designed to provide the parents and carers of our Year 1 and 2 students with all the information they need about the program and answer any questions they may have.  Click on the link below to make a reservation.

https://www.trybooking.com/BDWXV

Due to recent changes by the company that provides access to the Skoolbag communication App, we are no longer able to provide communication to our school community through this service.  The school has made the decision to use the Department of Education supported Connect service.  This change will be effective from the beginning of Term 3, Monday 22^nd July.

Connect is a secure online environment developed by the Department of Education for staff, students and parents in public schools.   For you, Connect provides easy access to information relevant to your child’s classes and learning such as assessments, teacher feedback and attendance data.

Schools can use Connect to keep you updated with important information.  Things like up-coming events, excursions, classroom activities, photos and stories can be send to you via email or, if you prefer, via a push notification on your phone.  

The Connect Now app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

You will soon receive your login details via the email address we have on file for you.  If you have recently changed your email address, please let us know by phoning 9350 9588 or emailing bannistercreek.ps@education.wa.edu.au so we can update your details.

How do I find out more?

· Check out the short video clip on Connect at https://vimeo.com/connectwa/welcome

· Parent information sessions will be held early in Term 3

On Thursday evening, 20 parents and community members braved the cold weather and attended our information session on the school BYOD program.  A big thank you goes out to our Year 4 teacher Mrs McDonald and Year 3 teacher, Miss Howard for the presentation they prepared and delivered.  Thank you also to all the other staff members who came along and supported the evening.

Participants got the opportunity to have a hands on experience using iPads in the innovative and creative ways that they are being used in our classrooms.  The session provided a showcase of how our students involved in the BYOD program are focused on using the iPads as a tool to create evidence of learning as opposed to the consumption of online content.  Many of those attending the session had the opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions, which were able to be answered  by staff attending.

As the year progresses, more information will become available to our school community on the growth of our BYOD program into 2020.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me through the office.

Travis Miller, Deputy Principal

Our service contract with Helping Hands concludes this term.  We have taken the opportunity to review the contract and have talked with a range of OHSC providers.  After much consideration, our School Board has endorsed the decision to partner with Camp Australia to deliver our before and after school and holiday club programs.  The Helping Hands program will cease on the last day of the July holidays, Friday19^th July.  Camp Australia OSHC will commence on the first day of Term 3, Monday 22^nd July.

The decision to change providers has not been taken lightly and was based on increased partnership links and resources provided to the school.  We are working closely with Helping Hands and Camp Australia to ensure continuity, clear communication and support to families using the service.  Our children are the priority, as we transition to a new provider.

You can register for an account and manage your bookings at campaustralia.com.au or call their Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343.

Friday 31 May 2019 – School Development Day

Monday 3 June 2019 – WA Day Public Holiday