Newsletter Term 3 week 3 2024

"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

Celebrating the richness, diversity and inclusivity of NSW Public Schools is something we do each and every day. This week, we join together in showcasing the work of our students and staff. This week has begun with the official  burying of our time capsule, celebrating the 175 years of Public Education + 1!

We are ALL proud to belong to such a wonderful school community that supports our strong sense of belonging and our positive school community where EVERY child is recognised. Every individual who makes up the tapestry of our school makes a difference. 

Stopping to reflect on the gift of education, and the opportunities we provide for students in Australia is something for us all to feel very proud of.

Our students are excited to be sharing their morning with you on Thursday.

Forest High School cultural exchange program
On Monday the 5th of August we welcomed 20 students from Hyogokenritsu Takaraduka Kita High School to our school. 

These students are currently being hosted by The Forest High School and we were delighted to have them visit us for a day of immersion in an Australian primary school. The Japanese high school students participated in classroom activities from Kindergarten to Year 6 and joined in games of handball, soccer and lead origami making in the playground at lunch time.

Balgowlah North’s involvement in this cultural exchange program was instigated by our ongoing relationship with The Forest High School, where we work collaboratively to facilitate stronger teaching and learning for students across our network.

Celebrating 100 Days of Kindergarten!
Last Thursday, our Kindergarten students celebrated 100 days of school. There was a dance party, costume parade, crown making and all sorts of activities related to the number 100! 

The teachers loved seeing all the different and creative ways students decided to dress up! We had 100 year olds with grey hair and walking sticks, 100 googly eyes to show ‘eye made it!’, 100 expertly-crafted Lego men, 100 love hearts, a dinosaur that was discovered 100 years ago and so much more! Well done Kindergarten on your first 100 days of learning - you are all 100 days BRIGHTER!

Cross Network Aspiring leaders
Congratulations to Steph Rooleht and Karina Lewis on completing their aspiring leaders project. They have worked for twelve months with 30 teachers, leaders and the School Leadership Institute to lead learning in mathematics and build stronger programs in Student Voice at BNPS. Thank you for your hard work, reflection and commitment to continuing to build your own capacity within our school.

Brooke Keevers
Principal

Assistant Principal's News

School News

Premier’s Debating Challenge Update
Last Friday, BNPS Team Manning visited Beauty Point PS for round 3b of the 2024 Premier’s Debating Challenge. The topic was ‘that parents should pay their kids whenever they do chores or housework’. BNPS won the toss and were the affirmative team. Team Manning were narrowly defeated by two points to one.

A great effort from Olivia C,Evie H-A, Finn E, and Talon D.!

Team Bardoo takes on Allambie Heights on the 15th of August. 

Chris McCall
Debating Coordinator

Paul MacDonald incursion!
On Thursday the 1st of August 2024, Stage 3 was lucky enough to have an author incursion. The author that visited our school was called Paul MacDonald, who is a successful writer and even owns his own book shop. He was very engaging to listen to and taught us that the most important part of reading and books are for the pure joy of it. He also told us that writing and reading go hand in hand and if you want to be good at writing the best thing to do is read!!!

In this fun experience, we learnt some fun facts about reading and writing, we got ‘good book’ recommendations for us and even some people won a book from answering interesting questions about… you guessed it… BOOKS! Stage 3 all enjoyed the engaging, and very informative, speech about writing, reading, and the importance of books. We all were very grateful to get this privilege and will take his recommendations and suggestions into great consideration.

Thank you teachers for this wonderful opportunity and experience you provided for us, we all had a BLAST!

Jess M & Charli K (6/5H)

Curiosity and Outdoor Learning

Dinosaur Dig!
Stage one students are studying dinosaurs this term as part of the science unit, “Hear it Roar’. Our Curiosity and Outdoor Learning program enabled the perfect opportunity to become apprentice paleontologists by uncovering dinosaurs buried in the sand using just a paintbrush and delicate strokes. Careful observation skills were used to try and match their discoveries with the species on display - a very rewarding achievement!

Katherine Evans - Program Coordinator

Class Snapshot 4/3W

Sports News

PSSA Zone Golf Trial
Congratulations to Max S for competing in the zone golf trial on Monday and making the Sydney North Regional team to compete in Hunter Valley in September.

Athletics Carnival
Today we will finish the last of the field events. All results from the carnival will be published next week in the newsletter. 

Creative Arts

Wakakirri 
Our team of 81 students from 3-6 are getting ready to perform with a busy week ahead. We will continue having parent working bees on Wednesday at lunch and in the afternoon to get everything completed this week and next! We are so excited and can’t wait to perform for the school next Wednesday after lunch under the COLA!

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Christopher H, Halle B, Heidi P, Rosie P, Lachie P, Louise O, Benjamin H, Jake I and Isaac R who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2024.

A reminder that the challenge concludes on Friday 23 August 2024

Scholastic Book Club Orders
All orders for Scholastic Book Club need to be submitted by Friday 9th August

Teacher Picks!

Miss Wakelin’s favourite picture book is:

‘The Smoos and the Smeds ‘ by Julia Donaldson 

‘The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove. But peace is restored and love conquers all’.- Julia Donaldson

I love this book because it makes me laugh. It is a cute story about two unsuspecting aliens, who come together and then bring their families and other people together- Miss Wakelin

Admin News

Positive Behaviour for Learning

The Week Ahead

Thursday 8 August                 Public Education Week Open Day
                                                 Showcase Viewing Times: 8:15 - 9:00am & 3:00pm - 3:45pm BNPS School Hall
                                                 Band Performances: 8.00 - 9.00am on the deck         
                                                 Open classrooms: 9.00am - 9.45am followed by morning tea at 10.00am. 
Friday 9 August                        Year 5 Dance Sport

Monday 12 August                  K-2 Assembly 2.30pm
Wednesday 14 August           Wakakirri Performance 1.40pm-3.00pm

Thursday 15 August               ICAS English 7.45am
Thursday 15 August               Maybe a Miracle Incursion  

Waste Free Wednesday

P & C News

Christmas Carnival Volunteers
The carnival planning is now well and truly underway now! Thank you to our amazing team of organisers. 
Do you love being part of the school community? The P&C would love the school community to help out with the planning and event management on the day of the event. There are volunteering opportunities available in the following areas:

• Information tent
• BBQ
• Food and drinks
• Games and stalls
• Finance and admin
• Marketing and comms implementation 

Stay tuned for further information on how to register your interest. 

There will be no P & C meeting this week.

Koolkuna News

Dear Families,

Every week the children get involved in a “Bake off activity” during the week and on Friday afternoons. We would like to take an opportunity to make it a bit more special by having parents send in their favourite family recipes for us to incorporate. 

If you have a cherished recipe you would like to share with us please send it in to kkoshc@sustainableoshc.com.au . Your contributions will help us create a really fun and memorable moment at the centre.

Koolkuna OSHC

School Community News

School Sponsors