Dear Parents and Carers,

Consistent attendance has a significant impact on students’ academic achievement, wellbeing and engagement in learning. We have observed an increasing number of students being collected early from school, in some cases for reasons that are not essential. While we understand that early pick-ups may occasionally be unavoidable due to medical appointments or family circumstances, we kindly ask families to prioritise full school days wherever possible. Frequent early departures can disrupt a child’s learning and classroom routines, and may contribute to missed opportunities for social interaction and curriculum content.

We appreciate your support in promoting full-day attendance to ensure that all students have the best chance to thrive and succeed at school.

Respectful Relationships – Making friends and positive play

At Boneo Primary School, we recognise that play is a vital part of every child’s school day. Recess and lunchtime provide valuable opportunities for students to build friendships, develop social skills, explore their interests and stay active. I am pleased to report that our Junior School Council has successfully trialled lunchtime clubs this term, which offer structured activities such as board games, Lego, drama, reading and yoga. These clubs provide a wonderful alternative for students seeking quieter or more focused play options, with staff volunteering their time to support them. Student feedback will be collected to ensure clubs offered moving forward will be engaging for students.

Making and maintaining friendships is an important part of growing up and of a child’s social and emotional development. Making new friends is exciting but sometimes hard to do. While for some, making friends comes naturally, others may need to be specifically taught and guided through the making friends process.

Equally important is to support children to understand the positive and respectful behaviours that they need to be displaying with their friends. We encourage families to talk with their children about how they’re spending their break times—what games they’re enjoying, who they’re playing with and how they’re including others. These conversations help support students to reflect on their choices and interactions during play.

Keeping students safe online – A quick tip

As our children spend time online, it’s important we help them develop safe and responsible habits. We encourage families to:

• Set clear boundaries around screen time and device use
• Keep devices in shared family spaces
• Talk regularly with your child about what they’re doing online
• Encourage them to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable.

Working together, we can help our children build positive and safe digital habits. Below are links to some advice from the Office of eSafety together with a Family Tech agreement which you may find useful.

Parental controls | How to keep your child safe

Family tech agreements | eSafety Commissioner

 Staffing update

This week, we welcomed Jamie Daniel to our school community in the role of Education Support Officer. Jamie is thrilled to be joining our team, and I’m confident he will receive a warm welcome from the Boneo community. Look out for Jamie’s bio in the next edition of the Buzz! 

Cross Country

A few weeks ago our 60 student strong cross country team competed at Truemans Road for District with an amazing 8 students making it through to Division having finished in the top 10 in their age group. A huge thankyou to the staff who attended and supported our students on the day and a big well done to all 60 students who made this year’s school team.

Last week the Division cross country event was held at Hastings Foreshore where Katiia B, Anabelle R, Matilda M, Freya D, Evie H, Billie P, Dylan B and Zeke G represented our school having finished in the top 10 at District level. Well done to all who competed and made it this far with special mention to Anabelle R who made it through to Regionals and will represent our school at that event next Wednesday. Amazing achievement Anabelle and we wish her all the best for next week. 

Garden to Kitchen 

Boys Netball

On Wednesday, the Year 5/6 Boys Netball teams competed at Truemans Road against lots of other schools in the area. Both teams showed excellent teamwork, supporting and giving each other opportunities to show off their skills (despite the wet and slippery conditions). Congratulations to Boneo A for 6 wins, a loss, and a draw, placing second overall. The boys gave all 8 games their best effort. Thank you to Miss H for coaching. A huge well done to Boneo B, who made the B Division finals by outscoring their closest competitor and placed 2nd out of 11 teams. 

Thank you to all family members that came out to show their support.