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Why Choose BPS

In addition to our strong learning programs, at BPS we strongly believe that our extra curricular programs and community connections set us apart. We offer many opportunities for learning and development beyond the classroom and we are committed to developing the whole child, including a focus on wellbeing and emotional resilience.

We have spacious and secure school grounds, modern classrooms and 3 seperate playground areas to cater for different ages.

In addition to these offerings, we run and facilitate a variety of clubs before and after school and lunchtimes. Some of these clubs include chess club, Fizz Kids science club, coding, dance, taekwondo, karate, tennis and soccer. 

BPS Band

The Band Program is an incredible opportunity for BPS students to hone their musical talents alongside a community of like-minded musicians and taught by experts in their field. Our Band has a prestigious past as is 100 years strong. Taking part in an award winning ensemble of this scale in a primary school setting is an incredibly unique experience and we are lucky to offer this opportunity to our students from Grades 3 to 6.

Students have an individual lesson each week on their instrument and attend a band rehearsal or ensemble session. Band rehearsals are held before school and lessons during the school day on a rotating timetable so students do not miss the same subject each week. Available instruments include: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, bass guitar, percussion and guitar. 

Through their lessons, students learn a variety of music for soloists or small groups and many undertake Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) exams. Our bands perform several times across the school year at school events and concerts, and OXFAM Concert and Victorian School Music Festival. Students in the program also showcase their talents at many of our whole school special events and notable celebrations. 

The Band Program is a user pays system, and all students must provide their own instrument. Entry into the program takes place after the annual Band Recruitment Evening held in February each year: all Grade 3 and above students are invited to attend this event. We look forward to seeing you there.

Chaplaincy Program

Blackburn Primary School welcomes Carly Cassidy to the team as the School Chaplain. 

Chaplaincy services aim to support the emotional wellbeing of students by providing pastoral care services and strategies that support the emotional wellbeing of the broader school community. Pastoral care means looking after the wellbeing and personal needs of students, not just their academic needs. Information about chaplaincy services in Victoria can be found at:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/health/mentalhealth/Pages/nscpchaplaincy.aspx

 Chaplaincy services may be provided in any of the following forms:

(a) On an individual basis (one on one discussions with a student)

(b) In a group setting (discussions with groups of students)

(c) or a combination of both (a) and (b)

If you would like your student to access the Chaplaincy program at Blackburn Primary School, please talk to your child’s teacher. You will then be asked to fill out a form to consent to your child receiving the chaplaincy services. You may also be asked to fill out a referral form. This form contains relevant information to be provided to the chaplain so that he/she can provide appropriate services to the student. 

If you need any assistance or clarification please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Patch

The Patch Program is a kitchen garden program with a difference. We include all students in the program from Foundation to Grade 6. Our aim is to bring integrated studies to life by engaging students in various kinds of investigations both in the natural environment and in the classroom. Students learn to plant, care for, harvest fruit and vegetables and prepare, cook and eat food from their own garden. We are fortunate to have a large sustainable garden accessed by the entire school. Students have built the garden themselves using recyclable materials.

Students enjoy:

  • learning about indigenous cultures through growing and eating bush tucker foods;
  • practising recycling through caring for worm farms and composting food scraps;
  • bringing history into the present through cooking and gardening experiences; and
  • applying literacy and numeracy skills in gardening projects and scientific explorations.

We have our very own kitchen/garden teacher that collaborates with classroom teachers to create lessons that link to the curriculum and allow students to experience hands on learning in a natural setting.

Chinese Sister Schools & Study Tour

Blackburn Primary School is currently working closely with two sister schools from China. We established a sister school partnership with Nanjing Fuxing Primary School in 2011 and with Beijing FCD International Yuan Yang Primary School in 2015. Our sister school partnership is based on the principles of mutual benefit and cooperation in promoting Chinese & English language learning and in-depth exchanges in the fields of Sports, Art, Science and other subjects. This partnership aims to encourage our Chinese friends to learn better English and motivate us to work hard on improving our Mandarin speaking skills. The sister school program enriches our learning experiences, broadens our students’ perspectives and develops their intercultural understanding. The project positively contributes and builds teacher and student communication, learning and collaboration.

From 2011 to 2018, Blackburn Primary School has organised seven successful China Study Tours. More than fifty B.P.S. families and nine teachers have participated in these Tours in the past seven years. Trips typically go for fourteen days and students are exposed to modern Chinese culture while exploring the past and rich historical culture too. Students journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing, Suzhou and Shanghai and immersed ourselves in the languages, the art and the history. Another important part of the Tour is spending time with both of our sister schools and experiencing daily school life in China. These fascinating visits strengthen the sister school partnership. 

How to Enrol

Enrolments are welcome in all year levels and are being taken now – please see below how to enrol your child to Blackburn Primary School.

Choosing a school for your child is an important decision, and we are here to support you through this process as much as possible. A school tour with our principal team is a great opportunity to see our school in action and to get a ‘feel’ for the school and assess if it will meet the learning needs for your child. Interested parents are encouraged to book a school tour.

How to Enrol

  1. Complete an enrolment form. Forms can be obtained in person during a school tour or by contacting the school office by telephoning 9878 1483 or by emailing blackburn.ps@education.vic.gov.au
  2. Complete the enrolment form and return it to the school by post, email or in person.
  3. Foundation enrolments must have attached:
    -a copy of the child’s birth certificate (all foundation students for 2024 must turn five by 30 April 2024)
    -an immunisation certificate (available from your local Council on presentation of immunisation records or from Medicare offices).

Note: Enrolment forms can be submitted now and birth and immunisation certificates provided as you are able to access them – they must be received before the end of the year prior to your child starting school.

School Tours

2023 SCHOOL TOUR DATES AVAILABLE THROUGH “BOOK A TOUR” LINK
We extend an invitation to parents/guardians considering enrolment at Blackburn Primary School to attend a tour of the school. You will get an opportunity to see our school in action and visit our classrooms, guided by one of our principals. An information pack, including enrolment forms, will be offered at the end of the tour. 

All Term 4 tours are by appointment only. Please call the school to arrange a tour in Term 4

Booking is essential. Please call 9878 1483 or book online.

School Zone

Blackburn Primary School zone is available on findmyschool.vic.gov.au.
Findmyschool.vic.gov.au hosts the most up-to-date information about Victorian school zones.

Students residing in this zone are guaranteed a place at our school, which is determined on the basis of your permanent residential address.

The Department provides guidance through the School Placement Policy to ensure that students have access to their designated neighbourhood school and the freedom to choose other schools, subject to facility limitations. Currently BPS has the capacity to accept enrolments outside of our nominated school zone.

You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the Department’s website under School zones.