Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of Term 2 and mark the midpoint of the school year, it’s a timely moment to pause and celebrate how far our students have come. Staff have been busily writing Semester 1 reports and reflecting on the amazing growth of our students. The students’ progress, that I have been reading about as I read draft reports, is a testament to the dedication of our exceptional staff and the ongoing support of our school community. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and the learning growth they have all demonstrated. The school reports will be released to families on Thursday the 3rd July, via Compass. 

When reading over the report, please take the opportunity with your child, to consider the following:

• celebrate your child’s achievements and focus on their strengths.
• discuss areas in which they can improve and ask your child what they would like to be better at. Then brainstorm two or three practical actions that they can take to improve on the identified areas.
• keep the ongoing conversation and partnership with the classroom teacher.

 The staff and students look forward to discussing your child’s progress at the Student Led Conferences next term. Bookings can be made through Compass soon.

 Staying healthy during flu season

As we move into the colder months and with increasing cases of influenza across the state, it’s important that we prioritise and support the health and wellbeing of our students. Here are a few simple strategies to help keep everyone healthy during flu season:

• Encourage regular hand washing with soap and water.
• Remind children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.
• Ensure children get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
• Keep your child at home if they are unwell, especially with cold or flu-like symptoms.

Staff are reiterating these messages at school and air purifiers continue to be used in classrooms.

End of term reminder
A reminder that Term 2 will finish next Friday at 2:15pm. Please ensure arrangements are in place for the earlier pickup time.

Principals for the Day

William C, Evie J, Vivi M.

Thank you to our wonderful Principals William, Evie and Vivi for their amazing assistance this week! 

A warm welcome to Jamie Daniel – Educational Support 

My name is Jamie, and I live in Rosebud with my wife and our two sons aged 19 and 21. Last term I was working at Balcombe Grammar in Education Support. Prior to that I ran a family owned business with my mother called Growing Child. We sold educational and developmental toys, games, art and craft. We have now sold the business and I am thrilled to be working here at Boneo Primary School. I am eager to empower all students to reach their potential and make their school experience a fulfilling one. I love cooking, gardening, and especially growing fruit and vegetables. I am a keen surfer, enjoy bushwalking and camping. Couta boat racing is another activity I do as a member of the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club. The last Sunday of every month I go bushwalking with a group of men and women.

We all take turns in leading the walks. We can be anywhere from the Mornington Peninsula, Dandenong Ranges, the You Yangs, Brisbane Ranges, Mount Macedon, the Black Spur or the Cathedral Ranges. It is lots of fun. Just as it is here working at Boneo Primary School.

National NAIDOC Week

This year’s National NAIDOC Week celebrations will run from 6 July to 13 July, with each nationwide event honouring the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures. This year’s theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vitality & Legacy, representing not only the achievements of past but the bright future ahead, empowered by strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.

https://www.naidoc.org.au/posters/poster-gallery/2025-national-naidoc-week-poster

What’s on for NAIDOC Week on The Mornington Peninsula

This year’s National NAIDOC Week celebrations will run from 6 July to 13 July, with each nationwide event honouring the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures. This year’s theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vitality & Legacy, representing not only the achievements of past but the bright future ahead, empowered by strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.

Unveiling of youth artwork  

Monday 30 June, Tounnin Wominjeka Youth Hub, 

We’re kicking things off a little early this year with something special. First Nations students from four local schools have worked alongside an artist, learning about Aboriginal art and sharing their own ideas. Each student designed a unique boomerang, now featured in a stunning new artwork that celebrates both individuality and community spirit. 

New public art exhibition: Heart of Country by Skyla Lauch 
Launch: Sunday 6 July, 10.30am – 12pm. Exhibition runs until Sunday12 October. Mornington Library 

Skyla’s Heart of Country artwork celebrates the interconnectedness of community, land, and culture. Featuring vibrant colours and meaningful symbols, it reflects the strength, unity, and enduring legacy of First Nations peoples.

At its heart, the piece underscores the deep love and care we must hold for our land, reminding us that every individual path contributes to the greater whole. The artwork stands as a tribute to the next generation, while honouring the Elders who have shaped our journey.  

Community events for everyone

There are events to cater for all ages and interests. Make sure to check the links for bookings.  

Local events

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/naidoc-week-2025-with-skyla-lauch-strength-vision-legacy-tickets-1422766736609

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celebrate-naidoc-week-with-indigenous-art-somerville-library-tickets-1388765427779

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celebrate-naidoc-week-with-indigenous-art-mornington-library-tickets-1388685599009 

 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celebrate-naidoc-week-with-indigenous-art-rosebud-library-tickets-1388730693889 

 https://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/events/naidoc-week-at-peninsula-hot-springs

https://deadlystory.com/page/culture/events-calendar/NAIDOC/NAIDOC_Dinner_Dance_-_FRANKSTON_MORNINGTON_PENINSULA

 Film Screening: In My Blood It Runs: Sunday, July 6th, 2pm at Rosebud Cinema. A powerful film about family, culture, and growing up Indigenous in Australia. 

 Traditional Bush Tucker, Medicine & Artefacts Workshop: Monday, July 7th, 3pm at Dromana Community House. Learn about native foods, traditional medicines, and artefacts. 

Yidaki (Didgeridoo) Workshop: 

Wednesday 9th July, 5pm Rosebud & District’s Men’s Shed, Men and boys only for cultural reasons.

Weaving Workshops: Workshops where participants can learn weaving techniques. Saturday 12 July, 12pm & 2.30pm, Good Shepherd Community House, Hastings 
(Women and girls only, for cultural reasons.)

 Yarning Circle: A relaxed space for sharing and connecting through conversation. 

NAIDOC Week Fest: Sunday, July 14th, 11am – 1:30pm at Flinders Civic Hall. This event includes native-inspired canapés, local Indigenous stallholders, face painting, a balloon artist, smoking ceremony, dancers, yidaki meditation, and the unveiling of a temporary public artwork.Briars Aboriginal Cultural Walk: 

Peninsula Hot Springs Events:

• Sand Art Meditation with Salty One: Friday, July 11th, 2pm – 4:30pm.
• Wayapa Wuurrk with Alana Marsh: Friday, July 11th, 3pm – 3:30pm.
• Showcase Performance with Dan Sultan: Friday, July 11th, 6pm – 7:15pm. 

Other:

• NAIDOC Dinner Dance: Friday, July 4th, 6pm – 11:30pm in Frankston & Mornington Peninsula 

Remember to check the links for booking information and specific details on each event.

Circus Rio Carnival – Free Children’s Passes

Circus Rio is coming to Rosebud from July 25th to August 3rd, and we have a number of free children’s passes available!

Please note to redeem a voucher, that a minimum of one adult ticket must be purchased.

If you’d like a free children’s pass, simply drop by the school office.

Boneo Primary School Table Tennis Champions! 

There was some fantastic sportsmanship on display, lightning-fast rallies, and lots of excitement in the hall over the past few weeks. We had strong competition from both the boys and girls across the senior years.

Thank you to all the amazing students who participated in this year’s Table Tennis Championships and for our Year 6 House Leaders for running the event

Roller Coaster Engineers in Training
Our Year 5/6 students are diving into the science of motion and exploring potential and kinetic energy through the thrilling world of roller coasters. They have planned, designed, built, and tested their very own paper marble runs – combining physics, creativity, and hands-on fun in STEM.