Newsletter – Friday 23rd February, 2024 (Term 1, Week 4)

The Preps have been focusing on our school values: ‘Be Resilient, Be Respectful, Be Kind’. Students are exploring these values while engaging in various activities that support their personal and social development.  

Last week, a number of Year 6 students performed role plays for the Preps to demonstrate the school values during outdoor playtime. They showcased problem solving strategies related to sharing, seeking help, inclusion, and using playground equipment safely.

Our Prep students are adapting well to school routines and gaining confidence when playing outside. A big thank you to our Year 6 students for their collaborative efforts and their continued support through the buddy program. The Preps value their time with their Year 6 buddies and appreciate the guidance they provide in understanding our school community.

Today 5 Bellaire students competed at the District Tennis competition at Grovedale Tennis Club.  Blake M, Lachie B, Harvey T and Jack H competed for the boys while Maive M was the only girl representing Bellaire. Special mention to Pierce O who was in the team but injured himself, get well soon!

The competition was fierce between the schools who played but we had some wonderful results. Harvey and Jack narrowly missed the semi finals, only missing by a matter of games! Lachie and Blake progressed through their pools to the final, along with Maive.

Congratulations to Lachie and Maive who progressed through to the Division round to be played in April. Well done to everyone who competed today, you did Bellaire proud!

Council received an update on the capital works program, which has now fully commenced following further delays over the summer break. These have now been resolved and we look forward to seeing this work ramp up in the coming weeks.

Council commends the considerable work done over the holiday period on the grounds with the completion of the Gaga Pit, two new cubby houses (built by the Mt Duneed Men’s Shed) and the mulch have improved the ‘dirt’ area outside the BER building.

A range of financial reports and policies for review were discussed and we look forward to working with the Bellaire Parents Group on community and fundraising initiatives over the year.

Finally, we would like to extend a special thank you to Angela Sormaz, Cameron Knell, Alex Forssman and Matilda Fitzgerald for their dedication and involvement on the School Council over the last few years, in particular Angela as a former School Council President for several years. We are grateful for their time, input, and commitment to making Bellaire a better place.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

Schools provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard Victorian Curriculum and we want to assure you that all contributions are voluntary. Nevertheless, the ongoing support of our families ensures that our school can offer the best possible education and support for our students. We want to thank you for all your support, whether that is through fundraising or volunteering your time. This makes a huge difference to our school and the programs we can offer.

Your contributions assist us to enhance and broaden the educational experience for our students. It has allowed us to provide: additional classroom resources, art supplies, science supplies, inquiry consumables including craft items and constructions supplies, sports equipment, online subscriptions including Sunshine Online, Seesaw, JAMF and others.

The School Council understands that voluntary financial support may not be possible for some families. If you are unable or choose not to make financial contributions, please be assured your child will not be disadvantaged or denied access to the resources required to deliver the curriculum. We remain very mindful of individual circumstances, and Bellaire will always provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard Victorian curriculum.

For those who might still have such means, and have not yet contributed, the School Council asks you to consider making a voluntary contribution for the 2024 school year. Payment plans are available, if that helps. Government funding will always cover the core curriculum however parent contributions are vital to ensure our kids have access to a rich and fulfilling learning environment.

Voluntary contributions can be made through QKR or in person at the school office. Please note that contributions to the School Building Funds are tax deductible.

To check if you have made a contribution refer to QKR and the Activity tab to sign in and see your receipts. If you believe you have paid via EFTPOS or B-Pay contact the school office to check if you have made a contribution. Please make sure you have an approximate date and the amount you would have paid to assist with tracking your contribution. The school office can be contacted at any time if you have further enquiries regarding contributions.

Once again, we are extremely grateful for the contributions of families and community members in helping to provide our students with the best opportunities

Western Heights College is a co-educational secondary college focused on learning with best practice in modern facilities and classrooms. Conveniently located in Hamlyn Heights, WHC provides an array of educational opportunities to empower students to strive for success and excellence in their educational, vocational, and personal pathways to discover their “I can moment”.

Please join us for our Information and Open Evening for Year 7 2025 on Wednesday 28th February, 6pm-8pm. The evening will commence with a formal welcome from our College Captains and the College Principal Fiona Taylor, followed by presentations and guided tours of the College. The presentations will share information on the school vision and values, learning and curriculum programs (including the Accelerate Program for High Ability Students, the Specialist Sports Program – AFL/basketball/netball/soccer, and the Aspiring Athlete Program).

The guided tours will enable prospective students, parents and carers to view the college facilities and grounds, ask questions, understand the Year 7 2024 enrolment process and timelines. We look forward to welcoming all guests to our Information and Open Night to discover more about our WHC community. Please RSVP via the link below: https://compasstix.com/e/h6954993kc