Ibis Flyer

As I write this last newsletter submission for the year I am proud to reflect on what a great year we have had. It has brought me joy to see students achieving their best and to work in partnership with staff and parents/carers throughout the year. Earlier today a number of students came along to farewell Maisy and Daisy, the young goats that we have been caring for from Main Ridge Dairy. Today they return to the farm where they will live happily as milking goats. Participating in the graaaaaaduation ceremony for our goats was another moment that reminded me what a special school community we are. I would like to thank Jenny who oversees our relationship with Main Ridge Dairy and supports our Animal Shed Leaders and all students to care for our animals.

This also reminds me to acknowledge the graduation of our wonderful Year 6 students. We are so proud of everything they have achieved and contributed to our school. It has been a pleasure for me to get to know you since I started here at Balnarring Primary School. We wish you all the best for your Secondary School education and know you will have bright futures ahead. Thank you for being a caring and determined group of students.

Christmas spirit is alive with our Christmas Carols on the basketball court taking place on Thursday 11 December. Well done to all of our students for preparing and performing their Christmas Carols and to Mr Cornall for coordinating the event. I would also like to acknowledge our Choir who recently performed a selection of Christmas Carols at Balnarring Community Café and the Balnarring Shopping Precinct.

As you know we recently announced that we will be introducing Indonesian in 2026. Ms Hanafie will be our Indonesian teacher. Students in Year 3-6 will have Indonesian once per week for the whole year, Year 1 and 2 students will have Indonesian once per week for half of the year. With Mel Brooks leaving at the end of the year, Hillary will be taking our First Nations Studies program. Foundation students will have First Nations Studies once per week for the whole year and Year 1 and 2 students will have First Nations Studies for half of the year.

I am pleased to share that our Assistant Principal Ms Green was recently successful in being substantively appointed to the Assistant Principal position and will continue with us on a permanent basis. Since being appointed to the Acting Assistant Principal position at the beginning of Term 2, Ms Green has had a really positive impact on our school and has worked to support many students. Ms Green’s role involved overseeing Wellbeing, Inclusion and Mental Health in Primary Schools. This will mean that alongside me will be Krysha as Assistant Principal overseeing Teaching and Learning and Ms Green overseeing Wellbeing, Inclusion and Mental Health in Primary Schools.

Since the completion of the drainage works and our courtyard has opened, I have become aware that the retaining walls around the garden in the centre of the courtyard as well as the garden around the courtyard are quite damaged/rotten and need replacing. We are in the process of gathering quotes to get this work completed early in the new year however, wanted to remind families that if you would like to make an optional contribution towards our grounds, that these funds will be going towards covering the cost of replacing and repairing these retaining walls. Payments can be made via the optional parent payment information that was sent out previously or by contacting our school office.

With the year coming to an end, I would like to farewell some of our staff who will be leaving or taking leave at the end of the school year.

Mr Fraser joined Balnarring Primary School this year and has been teaching Year 4. Next year he will be moving on to Mornington Special Development School. Thank you Mr Fraser for all you have contributed to our school this year.

Georgia will be on leave for 2026 with her baby due in January. We wish Georgia all the best for the exciting journey into parent hood. You will be missed by all of our students, staff and families.

Erin Dawson has been on leave this year and has decided to resign from her position at Balnarring Primary School. Erin most recently shared our science teaching role with Kate and she has been missed this year. Sending best wishes to Erin for an exciting new chapter ahead.

Mrs Mackie will be working with an online school for 2026. We wish Mrs Mackie all the best for this exiting opportunity and we will really miss her next year.

Mel Brooks will also be leaving at the end of this year to take on a position at Clyde Creek Primary School. Mel has made a huge contribution during her time here at Balnarring Primary School and will be remembered for her dedication to our students, promoting First Nations Perspectives and Caring for Country, having a direct contribution to improving our grounds, supporting our relationship with the Balnarring Pre School including our participation in the Womindjeka Festival and for going after opportunities such as grants all for the benefit of our school.

In 2026 we will welcome some new staff to Balnarring Primary School. Jess Riches will be teaching in Year 1, Chloe Rathjen will be teaching in Year 2 and Tatiana Dorosh will be joining our Education Support staff team. We look forward to welcoming Jess, Chloe and Tatiana to our school in 2026.

I would like to wish all students and families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to another great year in 2026.

Bethany Jackson
Principal