We have welcomed new and returning members to the School Association Committee following the election held before COVID-19 changed our world – Jess Adams, Rachel Kenney, Pippa Mills, Kearah Baker, Laura Wilson and Sam Hayes.  They have joined Maire MacCana, Kathryn Dixon, Pip Sadler, Teresa Regan, Kristy Russell and Peter Brown as your representatives in 2020.

Office bearers elected:

Chairperson:              Kathryn Dixon

Vice Chairperson:      Pip Sadler

Secretary:                   Maire MacCana and Pippa Mills (shared position)

Treasurer:                   Teresa Regan

Outgoing members Mandy McNamara, Narelle Edwards, Georgette Moore and Merian Ellis were acknowledged for their contributions as Committee members over a number of years.

Some of the accomplishments of the School Association in this last year have included:

• the formation of sub-committees – the Parents & Friends Fundraising group and the Green Team
• input into the new highway, bus routes and student intake area
• review of several policies
• ongoing support of the Breakfast Club 

The Fundraising group’s most recent activity was the Father’s Day Stall last week, which raised $515.20. Their next fundraiser will be a Dim Sim and Chicken Nugget Day, to be held at lunchtime on Monday, 21^st September.  Keep an eye out for order forms, which will be sent home with students next week.  More information later in the newsletter.  If you have any queries, please contact Rachel Kenney on 0402 748 866.

A Green Team of parents and teachers has been created to look at ways we can be more sustainable across the school.  At the moment we are   looking for interested students to join in planning a ‘War on Waste’ audit, a BHPS kitchen garden and improving our energy use across the school.  If you’re interested in getting on board with the Green Team, contact Nadia on 0412 883 572 or at nadia.murphy@education.tas.gov.au

Breakfast Club is up and running, and plans are afoot for a special Pancake Day on Thursday, 24^th September – more information about this later in the newsletter.  A big thank you to those parents who have made donations to this program through Qkr! app. These extra dollars have been going towards the purchase of butter and spreads, which is an ongoing expense.  If you would like to contribute, maybe to “pay it forward” to help someone who may not have much in their lunchbox, payments may be made via Qkr! app, select School Payments.  If you have any queries, or would like to offer your assistance with this program, please leave your details at the school office.

A Parents & Friends Facebook page has been created, and already nearly 50% of the school parent community has joined – a great way to find out what you may be able to do to help, comment, or just keep up with what is happening. 

BHPS Parents and Friends Info Page 

It is interesting to note that over the past couple of months since school resumed we have had over 30 volunteers working in and for the school, through School Association committee, fundraising group, canteen helpers, Breakfast Club, Green team, and this is not including parent help!  At the last TASSO meeting, it was mentioned that most schools struggle to get even 5% parent involvement, so well done, BHPS!

We encourage all parents who would like to contribute to the life of our school in some way to make contact either through Facebook page, directly to School Association committee and sub-committee members, or via the school office. 

Reminder that valid Registration to Work with Vulnerable People is an essential requirement for all volunteers – more information about this is available from the office.