2025 Planning has commenced  
At the end of last term, our teachers met to discuss class groupings for 2025. An essential piece of information that directly affects our construction of 2025 classes is having the most accurate information about our total student numbers.  This is essential to decide our actual class groupings and number of classes for 2025. If you believe that next year your child will be enrolled in another school please advise the office now as we urgently require this information.  

Our goal is to create the most equitable classes possible by balancing gender, learning ability, social connections etc. Whilst parents have one child to consider (in a given class), we have approximately 330 children to consider.  We have dedicated, hardworking teachers who are collectively responsible for all of our children.  No matter what grade or class, each child in this school will be taught by quality teachers in a school culture of high expectations.  

We understand and appreciate that some parents/carers may have particular educational information they would like considered as part of this process.  If there is any special information that you feel is important for us to take into account, there is an opportunity to speak (in person or by phone) to myself or Mrs Louise Rawlings by the end of this term. We are asking for important information that relates specifically to your child’s needs (including relevant educational/family/social/historical information) that will assist us in making the best class placement for your child/ren.    

Staffing Update 

Louise Rawlings

I am pleased to share with you that Mrs Louise Rawlings has been successfully nominated as our  substantive Assistant Principal (AP). This is a significant milestone that reflects her dedication, hard work, and commitment to the success and well-being of our students. 

Andrew Woodard

I would  also like to share some important news regarding one of our valued team members. Mr. Andrew Woodard, who has been a dedicated and beloved part of our BPS community since 2017, will be transferring to Penguin District School in 2025. 

Over the past seven years, Andrew has made a significant impact on the lives of many students and families through his passion for teaching and his unwavering commitment to student success. His contributions have extended beyond the classroom as well, where he has actively supported various school initiatives and extracurricular programs that have enriched our students' educational experience. 

Andrew’s ability to inspire and engage with students, coupled with his collaborative spirit with fellow staff members, has been instrumental in helping create the warm and nurturing environment that BPS is known for. While we will deeply miss his presence at our school, we are excited for him as he embarks on this new opportunity at PDS, and we know he will continue to shine in his new role. 

Sue Smith

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the upcoming retirement of Mrs Sue Smith, who has been a dedicated and cherished member of our BPS community since 2017. After years of exceptional service, Sue will be retiring at the end of this school year in 2025. 

Throughout her time at BPS, Sue has made a meaningful contribution to the lives of many students, families, and staff members. Her dedication to creating and fostering a positive and engaging learning environment has positively impacted those she has worked with.  Sue’s commitment to helping students grow both academically and personally has been appreciated, and her efforts will be remembered by the school community for years to come.  

As Sue prepares to begin her well-deserved retirement, we extend our heartfelt thanks for her years of unwavering dedication to BPS. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life, and we hope she enjoys a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures. 

Please join us in celebrating Sue’s incredible contributions to our school and in wishing her a happy and fulfilling retirement. 

Welcome  

This term, we welcome Hunter (3/4B) and Hunter (5/6D) and their families to the Burnie Primary School community.  

Lock Down – Proactive Safety Practices in Schools    
This term, we are continuing to review many of our school policies and procedures and you will notice our Lock Down posters in all classrooms. These simple visual reminders will ensure we all respond consistently if ever required to Lock Down our school site.   

Listen to the music   
Out of sight in buildings   
Close blinds, lock doors and windows    
Keep quiet and listen to the adults   
DOWN   

It is a requirement for all school sites to practice clear procedures when the school may require extra safety measures for response to such things as a severe storm, dangerous animals, angry visitors, a dangerous situation or an emergency where students are required to remain indoors or return to classrooms.   

This term, staff will be teaching students about the importance of these procedures prior to us having some practices. We appropriately teach all levels of safety at school and this is another important one for us to learn about; it is not meant to alarm anyone.   

Our signal to commence a Lock Down is an announcement over our PA system. This term, our introductory practices will be announced to the school prior to commencing. We are not aiming to alarm children and it is important for staff to use these early practices as new learning opportunities.   

Today we share with you an updated calendar of our major 2024 events.

Congratulations to all students who received a Courage Token

On the first day of term 4 students in Prep to Grade 2 enjoyed the sun shine whilst participating in a Cricket Clinic during their PE lesson. The clinic was a taster of Cricket Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes Cricket Blast Program. Students played mini games focused on the 3 main skills used when playing cricket; throwing, catching and striking. Following the session students received some giveaways, and some information about after school Cricket Blast Programs in our local area. On behalf of Burnie Primary, I would like to thank Caleb and Claire for delivering these sessions to our students.

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