As we move quickly to the end of the school year, we have been reflecting on the achievements of students, teachers, staff and our school community as we plan for success in 2020. Teachers are preparing student ratings for end of year reports and we are planning classes for next year, to achieve our vision of a collaborative, creative and innovative learning community.  

Thanks to our Burnie Primary School P & F for organising the ‘Growing up Online’ Parent and student sessions last week with Susan McLean from CyberSafety Solutions. Susan is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cybersafety and presented some compelling messages for parents and our Grade 5 & 6 students. It was made clear that no Primary School student should have an account on any form of social media (facebook, instagram, snapchat, tic toc etc) as the terms and conditions clearly state that you need to be 13 to sign up to these sites in Australia. It was certainly disturbing to hear of the high percentage of Grade 5 & 6 students here at Burnie Primary who indicated that they had accounts and as such, parents would be found in breach of these conditions. As we participate more and more in an on-line mode, we need to ensure the safety of children and the responsibility we all have in ensuring safety on-line. I encourage you to visit Susan’s website at   https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/

Again this year we are looking to provide students with a different way of celebrating their learning at the end of term by having a ‘Big Day In’. We invite adult involvement in this day on the morning of Thursday 19^th December. It is a fantastic opportunity for the Parents and Friends of our school community to contribute to our students on a different level than is traditionally the case, by providing fun activities that students can choose from throughout the morning till 12:30. If you would like to offer an activity on the day or to help out on Thursday 19^th December please phone or email us here at school.

 The day before, Wednesday 18^th, we will be conducting our Transition Day where students will spend the day with their 2020 teachers in their next year classrooms. This day gives students an opportunity to not only get to meet with the other students in their class, but will also organise things like where to put your bag on the first day back and our expectations for ensuring we are achieving at our very best. We have also invited students from other schools who will be joining our school community for the first time next year to take advantage of this day. Teachers have been given the task of assisting students to prepare a short presentation for their 2020 teacher, introducing themselves as a learner and some aspects of their lives that they might like to share. This will be shared before Transition Day to enhance the experience.

We are engaging in many high quality learning excursions outside the classroom this term. The 3 day Grade 5 camp to Hagley Farm School, Gunns Plains Caves, Narawntapu National Park, and the various other excursions, and performances, highlights the high quality learning opportunities that Burnie Primary School offers students. It also highlights the ‘extra mile’ that teachers and office staff go to, to ensure that these experiences can proceed safely, and that all known risks are managed. Thanks also to those parents who have supported these extra learning activities, again, in partnership with your child’s learning.  

We still have raffle books for the P&F End of Year Raffle at the office, if you are able to sell some tickets at work or to friends & family, please come in and collect a raffle book. There are many fantastic prizes including a $2000 travel voucher. All funds raised will contribute to our new play equipment next year.