Balgowlah North Public School eNewsletter

"We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians on whose land our school rests. Their footsteps and whispers blow in the wind, drift on the clouds, remain deep in the sandstone and float on the waterways of this place. Their memories and Dreaming stories will continue to connect us to the land and guide future generations of our school community. Country is alive if you take the time to look, listen and learn."

**New Student leaders 2023**
**School Captains** - Darcy Y and Matthew D
**Vice Captains** - Jackson T, Scarlett P
Prefects- Noah S, Isaac A, Jess D and Emily M

Principal's message

Celebration of Learning Assemblies

Principal Address from K-2 Celebration of Learning

"What a lovely opportunity it was to celebrate together the achievements of our students of BNPS. It has been wonderful to be back in our school for a full year of learning.

Challenge – Our students have worked hard to challenge themselves. Striving to work hard and do their personal best is what we ultimately strive for as human beings. All the teachers and parents are very proud of you all. Regardless of whether you receive a medal today, stand tall and be proud of all you have achieved this year.

Creativity- We have had the opportunity to perform again this year, and our students have enjoyed performing at assemblies, singing and dancing during their music and dance lessons. Some I know are looking forward to joining our band and strings programs for 2023.

Connections – How lovely to be able to welcome our school community back on our school site. Our wonderful parents have provided opportunities for connection through our movie night, Battle of the Bands and a fabulous school disco!

I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the teachers at Balgowlah North. Our staff work hard to ensure our students are engaged, supported and set high expectations for all. Please join me in thanking them all.

I’d especially like to thank a very special staff member who is retiring this year after many years at BNPS. Mrs Amanda Baker we’d like to thank you for all you have done for all the students, teachers and the school community over many, many years. We are going to miss her creativity, her kindness and her care for everyone. I’d like to ask Mrs Baker to come to the stage as Mrs Ciano would like to present a gift on behalf of the P&C.

I’d finally like to thank our parent and school community. We appreciate the constant support that you have provided this year. It has been a year of hope and opportunities. Working together has brought us closer together as a school community ensuring that our students are central to everything we do.

Boys and girls we will continue to aim high, work hard and continue to care deeply about what we believe in we will continue to be the best versions of ourselves.

Take time out in the holidays to rest and recharge, spend time with you families and friends. 2022 will be another new year with new opportunities. A chance to build new friendships and connect with new teachers."

3-6 Celebration of Learning Assembly

Our sports stars were recognised with their medals at our 3- 6 Celebration, Mrs Kelly has detailed their accomplishments below.

Senior Sports Person of the Year 2022

What a year for sport at Balgowlah North 2022 has been! We have had so many wonderful achievements. Mrs Keevers and I have been kept busy all year - constantly signing representative forms for many of our students. For the first time in quite a while we have been unable to separate the sporting achievements of two of our students. : Chloe Gaudry and Chris Oakhill.

Chloe Gaudry

Chloe is an exceptional athlete and both on the track and in the pool has had huge success this year. She competed at zone, regional and state level in swimming. At the regional carnival Chloe was awarded age champion. She went on to the state swimming carnival where she came 1st in the 13 year freestyle in a new state record!

On the track Chloe sets a blistering pace especially over 100m. She won this event at zone and regionals, coming second at the state carnival putting her through to the national event.

To be the athlete that Chloe is requires natural talent, fitness and a driving will to win. She has all these qualities, but in addition she is a team player and a quiet champion. Chloe is highly competitive across all her sporting interests. Determination and perseverance are qualities which separate her from many of her peers.

Chris Oakhill

Chris is also an exceptional athlete and this year has been named in not one but two state teams. He represents NSW in both rugby union and rugby league. He has also competed at zone, regional and state level in swimming and went through to regional level with shot put in the athletics championships. He is a dedicated and committed team athlete. After one of the rugby championships, I received an email commending Chris on the care, compassion and sportsmanship he displayed.

To be the athlete that Chris is requires natural talent, fitness and a driving will to win. He is highly competitive across all his sporting interests. His determination, focus and perseverance are essential qualities for a talented young sportsperson.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2022

This award is given each year to someone who has stood out from the rest. It goes to someone who has achieved at the highest level in sport and who possesses particular personal qualities which have been instrumental in this achievement.

Isaac Robinson

Isaac is an exceptional athlete with enormous talent, dedication and determination. A phenomenal runner, it is an absolute joy to watch him on the track. Isaac has reached the pinnacle of his sport in his 10 year age group this year competing and achieving success at not one, but two national championships! He came second in Australia for the 10-year boys 2km cross country. He then went on to compete at zone, regionals, state and nationals for athletics in multiple events. Along the way he has smashed personal best after personal best. At nationals, he came 2nd in the 1500, 1st in the 800m, and 1st in the medley relay. He trains hard, is humble in his success, and is grateful for any help he receives along the way.

Isaac, we wish you continued success in your athletics and cross country. I'm sure you will continue to display the wonderful attributes that we have seen throughout the year...hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn. Keep running with courage. Know that not only your family, but the entire Balgowlah North community is so proud of you!

Premier’s Sporting medal

Toby Overhoff

The Premiers Sporting medal is intended to acknowledge students from NSW Public Schools for their outstanding:

commitment to fair play
effort and improved performance in a sporting context
contribution to the school’s weekly sport and physical activity programs.

The medal this year goes to Toby Overhoff.

Toby always tries his very best, encourages other students and always seeks to wholeheartedly participate in school sport and/or physical activity programs.

He is a talented cricketer and hockey player and should be congratulated on making the NSW hockey team this year. Toby always offers encouragement, help and advice to others on the sporting field – he is passionate about his sport and is a very deserving recipient of this award.

**2023 House/Sports Captains**
**Koalas** – Lila B/ Isaac R
**Wallabies** – Ruby T/ Ewan O
**Wombats**- Jimmy M/ Charlie o
**Kangaroos** – Van H/ Neve R

Thank you everyone stay safe and enjoy the holidays.
Brooke Keevers
Principal

Thank you to our 2022 Year 6 students for the fabulous gift to the school. The art installation will be a lovely memory of your time at Balgowlah North Public School.

School news

Year Six Farewell Dinner

It was the 9th of December and everyone was dressed up. We were greeted by slushies and a stunning black and gold hall. Everyone had fun taking photos in the photo booth dressing up in silly costumes. We danced the night away doing a lot of different dances as well as the Dancesport dances such as the waltz, the samba, Cha Cha and Tango. The food was delicious Japanese and we got to guess baby photos that were hung on a metal mesh board covered in balloons. We want to thank the P&C and parents who volunteered to set up and organize the night. It was lots of fun teaching our parents the cha-cha slide. Then to end the night was an emotional slideshow of us throughout the years. Most of us and our parents finished the night in tears. It was definitely a night none of us will ever forget.

By Issy, Lani, Emily, Milly & Talia

Class snapshot - KH

Sport news

PSSA Success

Our Junior Girls Eagle Tag Team were runners up in the Manly Zone PSSA summer competition! Congratulations to these girls and their coach Mrs Harris!

We have had great success with cricket this year. Our Junior Boys came runners up in the Manly Zone PSSA competition and our Seniors finished up as the Champion team! Well done to all of our cricketers and a special thanks to their dedicated coach Mr Stewart.

2022 BNPS Tennis Tournament

Throughout term 4, students in Stage 3 were invited to participate in a lunch time tennis tournament. We ran boys singles, girls singles and a mixed doubles tournament. All students who participated did so with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. A massive thank you to the teachers who gave up their lunch break to help umpire and run these tournaments.

Congratulations to our champions:

Rose Kirwan - Girls Singles Champion

Toby Overhoff - Boys Singles Champion

Matthew Dunn and Rose Kirwan - Mixed Doubles Champions

Parent Portal set up, consent & payment

Please open the link below for full details on setting up the Parent Portal.

2022 - Balgowlah North Public School (nsw.gov.au)

Parent Portal: Provide consent and payment for an excursion – School Bytes

P&C news

Thank you to our dedicated teachers, our amazing admin staff, grounds staff, Band co-ordinators, Koolkuna staff, Brooke & Rachel & to our awesome community. A special thanks to all our Teachers & Admin Staff who we are sad to see leave us this year, you have made a great impact on our children, for that we are very grateful. Good luck in your new endeavours. 2022 has been a big year bringing our community back together.

We’ve enjoyed being back into our fundraising events & doing everything we can to create a better school community for our children. Thank you to Richard Wokes, for everything, especially your passion for this school & our children. You have brought your amazing attitude into every part of your years as P&C President. I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside you.We wish you & your family all the best in your adventures overseas.

Thank you to our amazing parent volunteers for all the time & love put into helping do all the things we do. We absolutely couldn’t do it without you all.Huge thank you to Mandy Hunt, as she steps down from the Band Treasurer position. Mandy has kept it all on track & all in order.

Thank you to Brooke Mountford & Vanessa van Rijsijk, who have run the Second hand clothing stall for a few years, always there on a Wednesday with a smile. We’re delighted that Eve Harvey is taking on this role.Our Mother’s Day, Father’s Day & Christmas stalls have run like clockwork for the last few years, thanks to Emma Green, she is also passing on the baton.

A big thank you to Nikki Marenbach & our Class Parents, you do an amazing job to get all our communications out & create connections in our classes.

We’re looking forward to next year. Have a great holiday break.

Karen Ciano

P&C President