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."

Principal's message

What a wonderful term we have had. I had the opportunity to share the excitement and engagement of our Stage 3 students as they proudly displayed their homework projects connected with their learning over the term around Natural Disasters. Creating games, websites, suitcases, dioramas .. opportunities to create, choose and transfer their knowledge over the course of their learning. They were really proud of what they had done.

"This semester, our geography assignment was about exploring the ‘Factors that Influence a Place’. We were presented with three options and selected the one that appealed to us.
The first option was ’Safety in a Suitcase. This was a topic where you have to gather essentials which you would use in a natural disaster, like a first aid kit, identification and tinned food. Then you would pack them in a bag or suitcase and show why you packed those items and we did either a slideshow or a poster.
There was also another activity which was where you would make a ‘Natural Disaster’ themed board game. This activity seemed to intrigue lots of people, because through thorough research you gained an understanding of natural disasters and what causes them, while still having fun by playing and making a game.
The last activity was making a ‘Museum’ exhibition about one natural disaster. This activity was mostly done on slides or posters. You could do this activity by making a poster with some facts about the natural disaster and some pictures.
We both did different activities which we were interested in. We chose Safety in a Suitcase and a Museum Exhibition piece on a poster. We both thoroughly enjoyed the research and being given the opportunity to do it in our time frame."

Remy RR and Kurt H

Stage one classes culminated their learning with a design and make project building a sustainable chicken coop, such great collaboration and problem solving. Stage 2 students came and shared their coding and storyboarding that they have been working on over the term, all this amongst the rain and swim school!

We are in the final stages of our new school plan, which I will share with our school community early next term. Thank you to our fantastic school staff, our administration team who keep our systems and communication processes clear and smooth, to our learning and support staff and our wonderful teachers who keep our students front and centre of everything we do. We are a school with a HUGE heart.

Congratulations to our wonderful swimmers who represented Manly Zone at the regional carnival last week. We are very proud of them all:
Meg A, Benjamin B, Freya Van R, Amelia S, Liam D, Vincenzo M, Alice O, Mille G, Edward G, Billy B, Nic H, Toby S and Jamison S. We look forward to tracking their progress to the next level of competition, state!

Have a wonderful holiday, spend time together and take some time to relax. We look forward to seeing you all back at school on Tuesday 30th April.

Kind regards
Brooke Keevers
Principal

Assistant Principal's News

An update from the APC&I

As we approach the end of Term 1, I wanted to take a moment to thank the teachers and students for their continuous hard work and dedication to their learning. It has been a busy and highly productive journey of learning and growth in the past several weeks.

The new Mathematics Syllabus in the 3-6 space is in full swing and teachers have been exploring best practices in mathematics instruction and developing strategies to meet the diverse needs of all learners in their classes. As we’ve embarked on the implementation of the new Syllabus, it has been essential to consider effective strategies for enhancing students' cognitive development and deepening their understanding of mathematical concepts through the lense of differentiated structures.

One powerful framework for achieving these goals is Solo Taxonomy, a model that provides a structured approach to thinking and learning. By integrating Solo Taxonomy into the classroom, teachers can create a learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and deep conceptual understanding, empowering students to become confident and proficient mathematicians.

Term 2 will be filled with more exciting opportunities for teachers and students alike. I look forward to continuing to partner with our 3-6 teachers to empower students to take ownership of their academic journey and strive for excellence by fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Julia Gough
Assistant, Principal, Curriculum, and Instruction

School News

Creative Arts Corner - Dance Term 1 ‘Dance through time’

This term, students learnt about the history of dance, from ancient traditions to modern expressions. They began by exploring the storytelling of Aboriginal dance, learning about Australian animals, deep cultural significance and connection to the land. Students discovered the dances of early settlers, understanding how these reflected the experiences of people arriving in Australia and how they met each other. They then shimmered through Charleston (dancing in secret in the 1920’s), jived to rock and roll in pairs, grooved into disco with the soul train, and even had a hip hop battle from the 1980s!

Each style was a reflection of its era and social movements. Students composed their own dances, drawing from their learnings to create performances that reflected their understanding. It has been an amazing historical exploration where students learnt not just about dance, but their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Next term we will be focusing on Music and we will revisit dance again in Term 4.

Mrs McAllister

Award winners

Interrelate
The Interrelate Program commences on Wednesday, May 8th, for all Stage 3 students. Interrelate is dedicated to empowering our students with essential knowledge for thriving in their relationships’. Facilitated by experienced educators, students will engage in two distinct programs. Explore the outline of what our students will learn over the following three weeks.

Moving Into the Teen Years: Year 5 Program

The program focus:
• Acknowledge personal differences and promote respect for, and acceptance of, others
• increased awareness of personal safety and protective behaviours
• Develop students’ understanding of physical development at puberty, and provide strategies for managing these changes
• Discuss different types of relationships and strategies for managing conflict

Moving Into the Teen Years: Year 6 Program

The program focus:
• Revisit development at puberty
• Outline the process of human reproduction, including conception, foetal development and birth
• Explore respectful relationships with self, friends and family
• Enhance students’ self-esteem, communication and decision-making skills in relation to taking responsibility, taking care of themselves and respecting others
• Assist students to become aware of the influences on their personal choices and the potential consequences of those choices
• Raise awareness of technology and its influence on teens, including strategies for cybersafety
• Discuss expectations in high school

Susie Stock
Stage 3 Assistant Principal (Relieving)

Poppies
Mrs Watson will be selling ANZAC Poppies on Friday 13th (last day of term 1) at the front of the school near the flagpoles from 8.30 to 9am. The cost is $5 which supports our veterans (cash payments only)

Thank you for your support.
Carolyn Watson.

Outdoor Learning

Our BNPS Stage 1 outdoor learning lessons this term have provided students with the opportunity to collaborate with their peers while engaging in a wide range of problem-solving activities in the outdoor environment. Watching the curiosity and excitement blossom across the students’ faces as they gained enlightenment was wonderful. Many theories were enthusiastically shared relating to their new discoveries.

Our final STEM project was to design and construct a model chicken coop after studying our Green Grove chicken coop. Enquiry questions included:

What materials are most effective for building a safe and sturdy chicken coop? What is required to house happy and healthy chickens?

The resulting creations were happily and knowledgably shared.

Katherine Evans - program coordinator

Sports News

Regional Swimming

Good luck to our swimmers who will compete at the NSW PSSA swimming championships on Thursday and Friday this week.
There were many notable results from the Sydney North Championship. All times and results are available on the school sport unit website. Go to Sydney North Sport and then primary swimming.
A massive congratulations to our entire team that swam at Regionals. Out of all the schools that competed on the day, Balgowlah North Public finished 1st with the most points from any school at the carnival!!

Congratulations to Jamison S who was awarded Age Champion in the Multiclass Boys division.

Top 10 finishes:

PSSA
We had 192 student responses to our Year 3-6 PSSA survey. When asked which sport students would have interest in playing this winter season, the most popular responses were for junior boys soccer and senior girls netball. Interestingly, girls soccer has grown in popularity this year. Unfortunately there was not enough interest in Rugby League to form a squad.

Based on the results of this survey the sports that we are able to offer students for winter PSSA are:

Junior Boys soccer (2 teams)
Senior Boys soccer (2 teams)
Senior Girls Netball ( 2 teams)
Junior Girls Netball (2 Teams)
Senior Girls soccer (1 team)
Junior Girls Soccer (1 team)

Students were asked to sign up last week and trials will begin on Friday this week. They will continue on Fridays in week 1 and 2 of next term. Please ensure that your child comes prepared for trials this Friday.

Cross Country Carnival - Tuesday 14th May
It’s time to start training. The school Cross Country carnival will take place on Tuesday 14th May. We will run the same course as last year - around the footpath on the outside of the school.

Students who are turning 8 in 2024 have the choice to run 1km around the school or 2km around the school. The 2km race will be combined with 9 year olds and the top 6 runners from the combined age group will move on to the zone competition. We will be walking the course and discussing the distance during sports lessons before the carnival.

Students are permitted to wear a house-coloured T-shirt but it is not compulsory. For those who wish to shop during the holidays here are the colours:

Kangaroo: Red
Koala: Yellow
Wombat: Blue
Wallabies: Green

Please make sure any shirt is appropriately sun safe.

Cross Country Race Schedule – GUIDE ONLY

Finishing time: 2:30pm (approx)
Presentation of Winners: First six students in the 2km and 3 km races represent Balgowlah North at Zone. 7th and 8th place are reserves. (Reserves don’t go to Zone unless someone is injured or sick.)
Zone:Thursday 30th May
Ribbons Presentation: At assemblies

Library News

Congratulations to
Lily W, Lucas J, Lydia P and Cameron B who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2024.

ANZAC Day is a special day when we remember the brave soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fought in wars to keep us safe. It's a time to honour their courage, sacrifice, and the bond they shared. We wear poppies and take a moment of silence to show our respect and gratitude. Let's never forget the heroes who gave so much for our freedom. Lest we forget.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. You don't need a cape or superpowers to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of courage. Be the hero in someone's story today. Believe in yourself, for anyone can be a superhero in their own unique way.

Admin News

School Bytes
As School Bytes will be our only platform from Term 2, please make sure you are registered before the end of term.

Method 1 - Parent Portal - accessed via this link: https://portal.schoolbytes.education
Method 2 - Parent App
App Store - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/school-bytes/id6463097826
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=education.schoolbytes

Absences:
Can now be submitted via the School Bytes parent portal - absences.
Absences require an explanation within 7 calendar days from the first day of absence.

Illness:
With the change of seasons there will be an increase in cold and flu symptoms. If your child is unwell please keep them home to prevent the spread of illness in our school community. If your child exhibits symptoms they will be sent home.

Many thanks

Admin Team

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Waste Free Wednesday

The Week Ahead

Friday 12 April ANZAC Day Service 9:15am
Friday 12 April Last day of Term 1
Tuesday 30 April First day of Term 2

P & C News

Koolkuna News

Can you believe Term 1 is already wrapping up?! We have had so many exciting activities planned and implemented throughout the Term, from Bake Off’s to Science Experiments, Eco Warriors to Sensory Play, Bricks 4 Kidz to Capture the Flag! Here are a few of our favourite moments from Term 1.

Happy Holidays!

Canteen News

School Community News

The NSW Health Go4Fun Program will take place at Brookvale Public School in Term 2, 2024.
Go4Fun is a free NSW Health program for children aged 7 to 13 years and their families. Run by trained health and community professionals, it’s a fun way to build self-esteem and learn about eating well, staying active and living a healthy life.

Program information:

10 weeks throughout Term 2
Wednesdays, 1May to 3 July, 4-6pm at Brookvale Public School
Group learning and fun game-based activities focused on living a healthy lifestyle

The benefits of Go4Fun include:

Better overall health
Improved self-esteem and confidence
Improved team work and communication
Improved diet that means better concentration, moods and behaviour
Improved sporting skills and fitness

Since 2017, the NSLHD Go4Fun programs have positively engaged with 233 families. What parent’s are saying about the program –

“We found the program to be really rewarding, it gave my child a true source of ownership and belonging with a new group of friends”.
“The program keeps reminding us how to choose a better and energetic life.”

For more information visit Go4Fun, email NSLHD-Go4Fun@health.nsw.gov.au or contact 8797 7296.