Newsletter Term 4 week 4 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

Principal For A Day by Lexie B
On Monday I got to be Principal for the Day. It was very fun. I had an amazing time. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I got to read to the kindergarten classes. It was very fun visiting other classrooms and asking them about their learning. I got to help in activities and ask questions with Mrs Reinhardt and Mrs Ridley.  It was interesting seeing the office and what jobs different people do, I unpacked the christmas craft and picked the songs for the bell. I got to contribute  to a student leaders meeting. I got to hand out awards at the K-2 assembly and give out Principal’s stickers to students working hard and doing their best. Overall I had a lot of fun being Principal for the Day. 

State Drama Festival
We were thrilled to be invited to attend the State Drama Festival last Thursday and were so proud to see Isla in 6S perform. Isla represented our school as she was chosen to host the entire evening with another student. Isla also featured after the interval in her item for the NSW State Drama Ensemble which she was selected for earlier this year. This has been an incredible process for Isla and a huge commitment for her dedicated family with rehearsals weekly. Isla was a stand out of the evening and we know she will continue sharing her amazing talents as she continues in High School. Well Done Isla, you are a superstar!

State Athletics Championships
Congratulations to Jamison S who won a gold and 3 silvers at the State Athletics championships last week. He came 1st in multiclass 200m, 2nd in multiclass 100m, 800m and long jump. Such a wonderful acheivement!

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.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevF22CKG1yS5KMZ1AMyGn3PQMaXy1yuaIhyPMA6FRRWOVZSg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Planning 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.

Kind regards

Brooke Keevers
Principal

Assistant Principals News

Stage 3 Leadership
Balgowlah North Public School aims to develop leadership skills in Stage 3 students by encouraging their involvement in programs such as the Student Representative Council, Playmates Program, Year 5 Leadership Program, Peer Mentor Program and Year 6 Buddies.

Our leadership journey for our Year 5 students includes two full day sessions over two semesters and explicitly teaches personal and public leadership skills. The program teaches the building blocks of leadership (organisation, teamwork, responsibility and presentation skills) and prepares students as role models in public leadership.   

Early in Term 1 of Year 6, students who have been elected to a student leadership position will take part in a Northern Beaches Learning Alliance Leadership Day. The focus of this day is to develop friendships with other student leaders, develop leadership skills, team building, appropriate cooperative skills and to challenge students physically and mentally.

They also attend the Halogen Youth Leadership Day. The purpose being to prepare them for their positions of leadership and provide them with a greater understanding of leadership in general.  All Year 6 students will have an opportunity during the year to display leadership skills through our House Captain, Band Captains, Sound Crew, Library Monitor and Buddies Programs. 

Year 5: Student Leadership Day (Day 2)
All Year 5 students will take part in a Leadership Development Program on Wednesday 15th November. The development of life-long leadership skills is one of the learning opportunities offered to all students at Balgowlah North Public School. Having effective student leaders supports the development of our school’s core values of respectful, responsible and safe behaviour. 

• The aim of the day is to provide opportunities for all Year 5 students to develop their leadership skills.
• Dress for the day: school uniform

Leadership Positions: 
Student Leaders: (8 positions)

• 2 x Captains
• 2 x Vice Captains
• 4 x Prefects

Nomination for the Year School Leaders  

• All Year 5 students will participate in a structured leadership program
• Students then self-nominate for Student Leaders

Speeches for the Roles of Student leaders:   Wednesday 29th November
A successful student wishing to gain a Captain, Vice-Captain or Prefect position will be required to present a 2-minute speech to their Year 5 peers. Speeches are written at school prior to presenting to their peers. Each student will be given half an hour to prepare their speech. Voting will follow immediately after the speeches are completed.

Voting for School Leaders
The Voting procedure will proceed as follows:

• Eligible voters include: all Year 5 students and all teaching staff
• Students will vote for two students
• Positions will be filled in order of the number of votes received
• Results of the voting will be announced at the final K-6 assembly of the year

House Captains: (8 Positions - 2 students from each Sport house: Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies, Wombats)

Speeches for the Roles of House Captains:   Friday 1st December
A successful student wishing to gain House Captain will be required to present a 2-minute speech to their Year 4 and 5 students. Speeches are written at school prior to presenting to their Houses. Each student will be given half an hour to prepare their speech. Voting will follow immediately after the speeches are completed. These positions will be decided in 2023.

Band Captains: (2 positions) (Term 1)
A successful student wishing to gain Band Captain will be required to present a 2-minute speech to their Concert Band students. Speeches are written at school prior to presenting to the band students. Each student will be given half an hour to prepare their speech. Voting will follow immediately after the speeches are completed.

These positions are decided in Term 1:

• Library Monitors
• Sound Crew

Susie Stock 
Stage 3 Assistant Principal (relieving)

School News

BNPS Music and Dance Performance Showcase

Wednesday 22nd November (in school hall)
5:00pm-6:00pm: All students in K-2 perform
6:45pm-7:45pm: All students in 3-6 perform

We invite you to join us for an evening performance so save the date in your diary, plan your evening and get ready to be amazed! A dress rehearsal will be held during the day to prepare students for their performance and this is an opportunity for students to watch each other too. 

The students are so lucky to have this experience and space to perform especially with so many schools without a hall. We are fortunate enough to have the teaching staff with enough expertise, experience and confidence to be able to hold this event showcasing our students’ Music and Dance talents. Students have listened to music, organised their own sound and chosen how to make music. They appreciated the way others danced, chose their own movements and space to dance. This event truly is special after years of students being unable to perform and this is an opportunity for all students to have their moment on stage, sharing their own ideas. Make sure you are there as it’ll be spectacular!

Costumes will be provided in Week 6 but some basic items will be required for students to wear from home. Please ensure you have the following items at home or borrow/buy if needed;

(Due to hall capacity, please note that attendance is for 2 parents/carers per family only.)

Mrs McAllister and The BNPS Creative Arts Commitee
(Mrs Pond, Mrs Harris, Mrs Lewis and Mrs Keevers)

6S’s Day with Author Pip Harry
Today 6S had a captivating incursion filled with learning and fun experiences, Pip Harry was an entertaining and enchanting individual telling fascinating stories of her upbringing and the complications of her writing career. Ensuing this we gained a greater understanding of a verse poem from an expert in summary 6S had an exhilarating and intriguing incursion with Pip Harry.

Jacob Storer & Nova Sebel

Amazing artwork from Eva B
This term we have been learning about coral reefs and have learnt to draw turtles. My favourite part of my artwork is the turtle shell because I like the rainbow colour look.

Sports News

Admin News

Waste Free Wednesday

Class Snapshot - 2M/R

Positive Behaviour for Learning

The Week Ahead

Band News

Join The Band 2024 - Register for your child to tryout on the instruments
Instrument Tryouts are being held next Thursday 2 November @ 7.30am in the Hall.   Access this link to register https://forms.office.com/r/arE0rJ75TW

More information can be found on https://bnpsband.wixsite.com/website

Balgowlah North Bands Rock The Mall Music Schools Showcase
Last Sunday, our Junior Band and Performance Band entertained shoppers at Warringah Mall with excellent performances as part of the Mall Music Schools Showcase.  Congratulations

Did you miss the Band Information Evening?   No problem, we captured it so we could share it with you.  Hear our Director of Bands talk about Joining our Band Program

Band Co-ordinator

Canteen News

We have been advised that lots of these soy sauce packets have been left around the playground. Can you please remind your children to put them into the bin once they have finished.

Mel and Alex - Canteen

Koolkuna News

A very big thank you for all families across our three Sustainable OSHC centres, Koolkuna, Manly Vale and Belrose, for your generous donations for our Smiles2U collection.  

We dropped off the donations last week and Smiles2U was very grateful for the large amount of considerate donations. They are sure the donations will bring so much joy and happiness to the recipients of the Smile2U bags in hospital. 

Koolkuna OSHC Admin

P & C News

P&C Fundraising Information Evening
Each year the P&C raises funds to support the school across a range of initiatives, from funding PSSA sports uniforms to co-funding the installation of solar on the roofs of the school. The P&C hosts various events throughout the year for this cause and it is the Year 2 parents who are annually tasked with coordinating the events. On Wednesday, 29 November at 7.00pm - 7.30pm at the school library, there will be an information evening for the 2024 Year 2 parents, to gain an understanding of the fun events planned for next year, and how you can get involved. So please diarise this date and come along and get involved. Help support the future growth of our school.

Final P&C Meeting 2023
The final P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday, 29 November at 7.30pm at the school library. We welcome your attendance as we discuss the wrap up of the year and plan for the year ahead. 
Dad's Night Out

Dads night out
A reminder that there has been a change of dates and location for the Dad's Night Out. Tickets are on sale on Flexischools from Thursday, 2 November. 

School Community News

Remembrance Day Poppy sale
Poppies will be on sale Wednesday 8th November from 8.30am to 9am near the flagploes in the front playground. They are $5 each (cash only), supporting our veterans. 

School Sponsors