BFPS Newsletter

There are infinite reasons why I am proud to be the principal of our little school, which are on display for me every single day. This past fortnight has continued to present me with even further proof of why our unique and gorgeous school is so special. 

Firstly, take the incredible Film By The Waters festival. The primary students have toiled for months on creating their short film. Seeing it on the big screen in a real cinema setting was an incredible experience, one I know will be treasured by students, staff, and families for many years to come. From the bus ride to and from Raymond Terrace, where we made friends from other local schools along the way, to dressing up to the nines and strutting the red carpet, the festival produced some wonderful moments and memories for us all to share. 

The primary students also ventured to the other end of Port Stephens last Thursday, to Shoal Bay and Tomaree Mountain, to investigate first-hand some of the concepts they have been exploring in science, especially coastal erosion. 

Then there was the Pillow Talk incursion, where Karen and Margaret from The Red Cross came to talk with the whole school about how to stay calm in an emergency and what to pack in the event of an evacuation. Students produced some creative and effective pillowcase designs to help them remember the essentials that should be packed, as well as items to help them stay calm and happy. 

There's been the never-ending, always fascinating curve balls that continue to be thrown our way, such as dead animals under the admin building, live snakes in the playground, through to the little plover family calling the patchy back oval home. These are all intriguing reminders of our beautiful little rural setting and the wonders that bring us excitement and spontaneous opportunities to learn every single day. 

My favourite part, however, will always be how our community come together. I was so thrilled to see so many of our family members join us for the shirt designing workshop with Jill from BME Group of Clothing. Thank you to all who took part and to those who've shared their ideas and creativity with us. Please join us on Wednesday, 24th September, from 8.40am, to review the designs and help us select the final ideas to send to the shirt company designer. If you're not able to join us but would like an opportunity to have a say, please send an email to the office. We will be sure to add your voice to the discussion. See your emails for details what's expected and the design ideas that have already been submitted by students and families.

You also know you live, work and play in a special community when locals become so invested in their school that they want to jump in, get their hands dirty and do whatever they can to help make it a beautiful place to be. The Hodgson family are certainly truly valued members of our school community, with several family members frequently giving up their time on weekends to come and help around the school. Mr Hodgson (aka Hodgo) stepped in recently to help cover for Mr Menchin as he was unwell. Unable to access the oval area since Term 1 due to the consistent rain we've had, we have finally had enough fine days recently for the area to dry out. This meant Mr Hodgson spent most of his Sunday zooming around on the mower and whipper snipping his big heart out. All the while, Mrs Hodgson and son, Van, pitched in to give our classrooms and admin building a good spring clean. Thank you, Hodgsons, for helping make our school an even more beautiful place to learn and play!

With this being the last week of term, I'll take this opportunity to thank you all again for continuing to support the school and our students. It takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes, and we are all so lucky that we have such a caring and engaged community as that village. 

Stay safe, enjoy the school holidays and we look forward to seeing you next term. Remember, students return on TUESDAY 14th, OCTOBER. 

Mrs Baxter