Here’s what’s new at Bendigo schools in 2024

As Bendigo school kids prepare to go back to school for Term 1, 2024, their schools have new and exciting things waiting for them. See what’s new at your school this year.

Here’s what’s new at Bendigo schools in 2024.

As Bendigo school kids return to school in 2024, there are some new things waiting for them in Term 1.

Here’s the new things coming to your school in 2024.

Girton Grammar School

Girton Grammar’s Principal Dr Emma O'Reilly said she was excited to welcome students and parents to the 2024 school year.

Girton Grammar School principal Emma O'Rielly. Picture: Contributed.

Dr O’Rielly announced a new covered outdoor learning areas in the junior school to “provide more opportunities for outdoor learning, play and assemblies, regardless of the weather conditions”.

In other exciting news, the school’s annual theatre productions will be based on Disney favourites.

“Our Senior School will be performing The Little Mermaid at the Ulumbarra Theatre in June, our Middle School will be staging Frozen at our school’s Black Box Theatre in September, and our Junior School will be performing Finding Nemo in October,” Ms O’Rielly said.

Girton ArtsFest will also be going ahead this year, displaying student artworks and films.

“This year we will be taking the event into the community by staging it at the Bendigo Town Hall, accompanied by performances from our talented music students,” Dr O’Rielly said.

Girton will also be introducing the Writing Revolution program to all years after a successful trial in 2023 to help maximise “student learning outcomes, engagement, confidence, information retention and critical thinking”.

Girton Grammar School, Bendigo. Picture: Contributed.

“Recognising writing as a skill that is vital for success not only in English but across every subject in the curriculum and in life beyond school, this program aims to empower our students with the capabilities and confidence they need to excel as writers,” Dr O’Rielly said.

Girton is also introducing “Co-Connect” sessions to the Senior School timetable, a “unique program” that sets time apart for students to build connections with their peers, teachers and “the broader Bendigo community” through student-led activities such as performance assemblies and teacher-led activities like the teaching of social and emotional learning skills

Bendigo Senior Secondary College

Bendigo Senior Secondary College. Picture: Facebook

Principal Dale Pearce said he was looking forward to welcoming almost 1000 new students to BSSC for the 2024 school year, with enrolments up by 140 for 2024.

Bendigo Senior Secondary College Principal Dale Pearce. Picture: Contributed.

Mr Pearce said 16 new teaching staff were starting and five more were returning from leave this year.

Students made a start to their 2024 studies during their two-week Step Up program in December, Mr Pearce said, and wouldbe ready to fly into the new year.

“This promises to be a really exciting year for our college,” Mr Pearce said.

“I’m excited to see how our Year 12s perform. Last year we had significant participation in help and extension sessions, revision lectures and exam preparation and we saw how that paid off for our students so we’re keen to continue that trend in 2024.”

Bendigo Violet Street Primary School

Term 1 will see new grade 1-2 teacher Skye starting her teaching career in Bendigo.

Skye has moved from Mildura to Bendigo with her family.

Bendigo Violet Street Primary School. Picture: Contributed.

Principal Carolyn Tavener said she was looking forward to welcoming 26 preps to their school journey in 2024.

You can see the photos of their first days here.

Ms Tavener announced students would have a fluffy friend to help with the trepidation of starting their next year of school, with visits from a canine comprehension teaching dog.

Bendigo Violet Street Primary School principal Carolyn Tavener. Picture: Contributed.

“Increasing number of students have higher levels of anxiety,” she said.

“But also a lot of students have pets. Having a nice furry friend would be really nice to have in the school to help them settle in.”

St Peter’s Primary School

Co-principal Jenny Roberts announced two new teachers would be starting at St Peter’s in 2024.

Jo-Anne will teach grades 3-4 and Sharna will teach 1-2.

St Peter’s Primary School Bendigo. Picture: Contributed.

The two new teachers will be joined by 21 new preps starting their learning journey at the school.

Another new addition is a new Dogs Connect teaching dog, Oreo, who will be coming to help kids at school, joining therapy dog Lexi who has been with the school for five years.

Ms Roberts also announced a school building on campus had been refurbished, providing three new classrooms for grades 5 and 6s and a gathering space.

The exciting news will be officially celebrated with an opening ceremony in March.

Camp Hill Primary School

After multiple parents made generous $50 ICT contributions last year, students at Camp Hill will start the year with access to 40 new notebooks.

“This is just one of the many examples of where the school relies on parents to contribute to the voluntary funds to support our programs,” principal Chris Baker said.