Newsletter Term 4 week 1 2023
"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."
Principal's message
Welcome back to Term 4. Our favourite time of the year, with many events, opportunities for learning and celebrations of our wonderful students. We look forward to sharing their learning and showcasing some of their work throughout the term.
What a fantastic start to the term our regional representatives had an incredible day yesterday competing at Homebush. We are very proud of all the students who competed. Lexie B, Aria B, Jess D, Matthew D, Harrison E, Edward G, Evie H, Frankie J, Alice O, Josie P, Jamison S and Isaac R. We had some fantastic results that Mrs Kelly will share with us all, at this point in time we have three students who will be representing us at the State Championships for Athletics (Jamison S, Matthew D & Isaac R).
Planning for 2024
The school leadership team has commenced planning for 2024. At this point in time we have strong enrolments for 2024, with 75 kindergarten enrolments and new students coming from overseas and local schools. The future is bright for us, at this point in time we will have 17 classes for 2024.
We are extremely fortunate at BNPS to have highly skilled, professional and passionate teachers. Creating classes is an extremely rigorous process that teachers take very seriously. Our aim is to provide equity for all students based on their academic, social and emotional needs. We will be creating composite (multi stage) classes in 2024. These classes as all our classes will be created carefully to create best fit for all our students at BNPS. Please see the attachment for further information .
If your child has any social, academic or emotional needs that we are unaware of which may have an impact on their class placement for 2024 please email the school - attention Brooke Keevers. This information must be submitted by Friday 3rd of November. Requests for specific teachers will not be taken into consideration.
Students not returning for 2024
If your child will not be returning in 2024 could you please complete the google link below. This information is very important because it has an impact on our class structures and staffing of the school.
Principal for A Day
This year the P&C music sub committee is continuing to raise funds to support the incredible opportunity for our students to be part of our band and strings programs which continues to grow each year. They are selling tickets to go in the draw for your child to be Principal for the Day. I am very excited about this and am looking forward to sharing this opportunity with the lucky winner!
K-2 Parent Workshop
With curriculum changes to our Mathematics syllabus our teachers are providing an opportunity for you to have a stronger understanding of the new syllabus. They will be providing opportunities for you to engage with activities that your children use in the classroom, and they will be able to answer any questions about how Mathematics is taught at Balgowlah North Public School. Timing for parent events can often be tricky, we are hoping that this will be a valuable opportunity for you to be able to attend next Wednesday afternoon, the 18th of October at 3.30 - 4.30pm. Please add your name to the link below so that we can ensure we have enough resources and space for everyone to participate.
K-2 Maths Workshop (Parents and Carers Survey) - Google Forms
Kind regards
Brooke Keevers
Principal
Assistant Principals News
Tell Them From Me
This term, students in Years 4-6 will be taking part in the Tell Them From Me survey again. This survey follows on from the previous survey conducted at the end of Term 2. Tell Them From Me values student voice, providing students the opportunity to provide us with valuable feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. The online anonymous survey takes about 15-30 minutes for students to complete in class.
Along with students, staff will also be completing the survey this term. With the same aim, staff have the opportunity reflect on the important drivers of student learning and effective classroom practice present within the school. We use this insight as a planning tool to focus on the development of effective professional learning strategies that meet the needs of teachers to improve student learning outcomes.
Participating in the survey is voluntary. If any survey questions make your child uncomfortable, your child can skip the question or can choose to stop the survey at any time. If you do not want your child/children to take part in the survey, please complete the Google Form via the link below by Friday 20th October.
https://forms.gle/fgGu4Mu7rtduaKvL6
More information about the survey and the research is available in English at education.nsw.gov.au/ttfm
ICAS Results
In Term 3, many of our students sat the ICAS academic competition in English, Mathematics, Science and Writing. ICAS is academically challenging and designed to extend students beyond the curriculum, assessing their higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities.It is not necessarily connected with our curriculum content.
We are so proud of all of our students who chose to take part and would like to celebrate the success of our students who achieved commendable results.
- High Distinction Certificate– awarded to the top 1% of participants
- Distinction Certificate– awarded to the next 10% of participants
- Credit Certificate– awarded to the next 25% of participants
- Merit Certificate– awarded to the next 10% of participants
- Participation Certificate– awarded to all remaining participants.
ICAS certificates for all students who participated will be sent home later this term. Students who achieved credits, distinctions and high distinctions will be awarded their certificates at the 3-6 assembly.
Student results can be accessed online using the TAP-ID and PIN which are printed on the results letter that will be sent home. Parents can also request student TAP-ID and PIN information via this website:
https://www.icasassessments.com/results-portal/
Check In
Check-in assessments for Years 3-5 will take place over the next 2 weeks in class time. All students complete a reading assessment and a numeracy assessment that are mapped to the NSW Syllabuses and National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions.
The assessment will supplement existing school practices to identify how students are performing in literacy and numeracy and to help teachers tailor their teaching more specifically to student needs.
Olivia Wakelin
R/Assistant Principal
School News
Congratulations to Amelia M who received the year 3-6 Citizenship Award
Admin News
Kindergarten enrolments
We are putting together groups for our Kindergarten orientation sessions that commence on Thursday 26th October. If you have not done so already, can you please submit an enrolment for your child. If you have already submitted your forms but have more paperwork you need to submit please bring it to the office as soon as you can.
School Bytes Parent Portal
For any parents who still have not set up the School Bytes Parent Portal, please find instructions below:
Admin Team
Waste Free Wednesday
Congratulations to 1E/S and 6/5H for being this week's winners of Waste Free Wednesday
Class Snapshot - 3V
Positive Behaviour for Learning
The Week Ahead
Thursday 12 October - NBLA Writers Workshop
Wednesday 18 October - K-2 Maths Workshop
Wednesday 18 October - Kyds Wellbeing Workshop- Stage 3
Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 October Year 2 Band Recruitment (lunchtime)
Thursday 26 October - Kindergarten Orientation Session 9.30am -10.45am
Wednesday 25 October - P & C Meeting 7.30pm
Thursday 26 October - Band Information Evening 6.30pm-7.30pm
Friday 27 October - World Teacher's Day
Sunday 29 October - Mall Music Showcase 12.00pm-1.00pm
Thursday 2 November - Kindergarten Orientation Session 9.30am -10.45am
Koolkuna News
Dear Families, We are so excited for our Term 4 additional activity is Rolling Coaches! Please be reminded that your child must be signed up for Koolkuna OSHC for the appropriate day of ASC in order to participate in the additional activities.
Term 4 Additional Activity
Rolling Coaches - Kindy - Year 6
On Monday afternoons in Term 4, OSHC will be welcoming the professional coaches at Rolling Coaches who will be running skate sessions for children in years K-6 and teaching us the basics in skateboarding, scootering and rollerblading for children of all ages and skill levels.
Dates: Term 4 Weeks 2-9 (16th Oct - 4th Dec 2023)Time: 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Cost: $180/child for 8 week program
Please contact Koolkuna on kkoshc@sustainableoshc.com.au if you wish to sign up your child to Rolling Coaches.
Koolkuna OSHC Admin
P & C News
Mums Night Out
Don't forget to get your raffle tickets! Ticket purchases close Thursday 12 October.
Principal for the day
Would your child love to be Principal for a Day?
P & C Meeting
The next P & C Meeting will be help on Wednesday 25 October at 7.30pm.
School Community news
Forster Surf Carnival
Congratulations to Milly G on her fantastic Forster Surf Carnival results. She came 1st in the U11 iron women, 1st in the swim and was the U11 overall female winner.
Athletics NSW All Schools Championships
Well done to Isaac Robinson & Matthew Dunn who both represented BNPS at the Athletics NSW All Schools Championships. Matthew D finishing 9th in the 800m. Isaac R finished 4th in the 200m, 1st in the 800m & 1st in the 1500m.
School Sponsors
