Newsletter Term 3 week 5 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 Magic of Reading

This year, our theme is "Reading is Magic," where we believe in the transformative power of books.

Book Fair 
As a school community, we have been incredibly fortunate to receive generous donations of books over the years, enriching our library and classrooms with a wealth of knowledge and imagination. This year, we are excited to take our gratitude a step further by pledging to donate all books purchased at our upcoming Book Fair to a charitable cause—the Share-A-Book (SAB) program. SAB provides new and quality pre-loved books to Indigenous, refugee, and marginalized communities in need of resources.

This decision reflects our commitment to giving back and spreading the joy of reading beyond our school walls. Through this initiative, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, ensuring that the gift of literature continues to inspire and empower individuals in need.

Dads and Books a Magical combination!

The coffee van is booked and Flexischools is open to order breakfast for our Father's Day celebration next Thursday morning from 8am. Our bands have been practicing and our students are looking forward to sharing the morning with our Father figures. We hope you are able to pop in for some time before your workday commences.   

Student safety

We are investigating some changes with council around the parking signage at/and near the teacher carpark on Bardoo Ave. The teacher carpark has teachers arriving at school between 6.30 and 8.30am every day. Please be aware that there were two near miss accidents for staff this week with parents driving in and using this as a drop off zone for band students. Please be considerate and respectful to everyone, park in the designated street parking spots, as this is the safest option for our students.

Wakakirri

The school is buzzing with excitement today! Our 90 performers are sharing their story dance with us all today. We are all very proud of the high energy, enthusiasm and commitment that our students AND teachers have shown over the past two months. These opportunities only happen when you have passionate, committed educators who are prepared to harness their creativity, time and passion, THANK YOU to Eliza McAllister, Eliza Ross, Steph Rooleht, Michelle Mandalidis, Anna Harris, Rachel Adams and Claudia Mete. Creating a story, script, weekly rehearsals, building props and sets, choreographing numerous dance groups, singers and combining this into a story that creates context and meaning has been a powerful opportunity for our students to own a creative process. We know that you will shine brightly tomorrow night at Parramatta Riverside Theatre. Congratulations to you ALL.

We are so proud of you!!

Brooke Keevers

Assistant Principal's News

The Reel Deal Film Festival
The Stage 3 Reel Deal Film Festival is Balgowlah North’s premier short film festival, known for celebrating the creativity and talent of our young filmmakers. The groups of approximately 5 to 6 students will be tasked with creating films centred around the theme "I AM CURIOUS." Each film will delve into the concept of curiosity, encouraging students to explore and express this theme in unique and imaginative ways. With a minimum length of 3 minutes, these films provide ample opportunity for students to craft compelling narratives that engage and captivate their audience.

Participating in the Reel Deal Film Festival is an exciting and multifaceted experience that involves all aspects of filmmaking. The journey begins with collaborative scriptwriting, where students work together to develop a storyline that effectively captures the essence of curiosity. From there, the focus shifts to designing costumes that enhance the characters and the story, adding depth and visual interest. Camera angles are carefully planned to convey the right emotions and perspectives, while skilful editing is employed to refine and polish the final product.

Throughout this process, collaboration and teamwork are essential. Each group member contributes their unique strengths and ideas, ensuring that the final film is a true reflection of their combined creativity. The Reel Deal Film Festival not only provides a platform for students to showcase their filmmaking skills but also fosters an environment where communication, cooperation, and creativity are at the forefront, making it one of the most anticipated events of the school year.

Stage 3 Quotes

“It meant I could use technology to film and edit our videos.”
Cameron B

“I like the Reel Deal because I can express my creativity and skills.”
Julian C.

‘I liked that the Real Deal allowed us to show our creative side and come up with lots of fun and think outside the box.”
Louisa O

“It tests and challenges our creativity.
Logan P

“We’re getting to know each other better through collaborating with our classmates.”
Olive H

It helps us to learn about filmmaking and expressing our ideas through camera positions.”
Charli K

Susie Stock

Assistant Principal (Relieving)

School News

Maybe a Miracle 
Last Thursday K-6 students were entertained by Roy and Sophie who played the characters- mum, Charlie and Susie- in the Maybe a Miracle performance. The performance was nothing short of magical, perhaps even a miracle, as the actors brought characters to life with astounding energy and grace. Their acting, singing and dancing were seamless, capturing the audience’s attention from the first moment. What made it even more captivating was the interactive nature of the show, with students not just watching but becoming part of the story. Themes from the CBCA shortlisted books for 2024 - The Concrete Garden, Every Night at Midnight, Countrytown and Timeless - were woven into the narrative, with important messages of resilience, friendship, curiosity and the importance of quality time shared through song, dance, and dialogue, making it both educational and unforgettable.

The show was really funny. I like how the sister annoyed her brother- Lulu

I liked everything- Isaac

I loved how the mum was dancing and we were able to as well - Isla

I really liked when the wolf walked around. It was interesting how he went around all the crowd- Oscar

Curiosity and Outdoor Learning

What are fossils and how are they formed?

Class Snapshot 3R

Sports News

Netball Knockout BNPS vs Terrigal PS
On a dreary, rain-soaked Thursday morning, the Balgowlah North Senior A netball team played the semi-final round of the NSWPSSA Netball Knockout. A big thank you to Mr. Gualter, who made it possible for us to play by going out and buying a couple of squidgies that helped remove a lot of the excess water from the court. The game against Terrigal Public School was hard fought with a great defensive effort from Sophia C, Louisa O, and Frey van R. Tess P and Abbey M who worked hard in the centre third to make sure our shooters had plenty of the ball. As the halftime hooter sounded, we were up by 10 goals. The girls had a quick drink and pep talk as the second half loomed! Terrigal rebounded and came back at us, but Sammy D and Evelyn S combined well to get the ball into the goal. The girls combined as a team well to make the score count. Congratulations girls, you played with great heart and determination to finish the day 29 – 9 to advance to the regional final.

As per the above calendar, winter PSSA will have the last round this week.  There will be no PSSA training outside of school hours during weeks 6-8.  Summer PSSA training will begin on Friday afternoons on the 6th and 13th September during school time. 

Library News

Get ready for an enchanting week of literary celebration with 

Book Week happening in Week 6 (26-30th August)

This year, our theme is "Reading is Magic," where we believe in the transformative power of books.

Book Fair 

This week your child will be invited to ‘check out’ the Book Fair and may come home with a wish list as seen below. If you would like to purchase a book to donate to the Share-A-Book program please follow the instructions and return the proof of purchase to the school by Thursday 29th August or visit the Book Fair on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th (8:15am -9 am and 3pm-3:30pm) 

All purchases will be tap and go or prepaid. No cash will be accepted.

Please use the following site for payments if needed:

https://scholastic.com.au/book-fairs/payments/

A reminder that this Book Fair is only for the purchasing of books to be donated to the Share-A- Book program. 

All students who purchase a book to donate to the Share-A-Book program will receive a wooden bookmark that they can decorate, as well as have a chance to participate in the “Guess the Number of Lollies in the Jar” competition. They will also be able to write a special message to the future reader of the book they have donated.

We hope you join us in celebrating the spirit of generosity and the magic of reading as we embark on this special journey together!

Please support this wonderful cause. More information on the Share-A-Book program can be found at the following site.

https://alnf.org/program/share-a-book/

If you are able to spare some time to help with the Book Fair on Wednesday 28th or Thursday 29th August from 8.15- 9am and 3pm - 3:30pm please send the office an email. 

Celebrate books at the Father’s Day breakfast
We invite all dads and special friends to pop into their child’s classroom from 9-9.30am to read their favourite book with their child, or perhaps continue reading a text from school.

Daily Storytime in the Yarning Circle
Teachers will be sharing their favourite books with students during lunchtime.
We look forward to celebrating Book Week with you!
Amanda Mason

Teacher Picks!

Ms Saab’s favourite picture book is:

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ’ by Roald Dahl

‘Charlie, a young boy from an impoverished family, and four other kids win a tour of an amazing chocolate factory run by an imaginative chocolatier, Willy Wonka, and his staff of Oompa-Loompas’ - IMBd

“I love this book as it has  rich vocabulary and vivid characters.”- Ms Saab

Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Cooper I, Isabelle G and Jackson Q who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2024.
A reminder that the challenge concludes this Friday 23 August 2024. 
All registration of books must be recorded by this date.

Admin News

Positive Behaviour for Learning

The Week Ahead

Thursday 22 August               Wakakirri Performance 7.15pm
Monday 26 August                 Book Week begins 
Monday 26 August                 3-6 Assembly 2.30pm
Monday 26 August                 Zone Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 27 August                ICAS Maths 7.45am
Tuesday 27 August                Stage 2 Bear Pit
Wednesday 28 August           Stage 3 Quarantine Station Excursion
Wednesday 28 August           P&C AGM Meeting 7.30pm
Thursday 29 August               Father's Day celebrations from 8am

Waste Free Wednesday

P & C News

P&C AGM
Please join us at the P&C Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held in the Library at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 28 August.

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 now available. Please register your interest using the link below.  
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAEA923A2FECF8-50658414-bnps 

Band News

Congratulations to Concert Band on a wonderful assembly performance on Monday. Students from K-6 were entertained by the concert band's rendition of The Lion Sleeps Tonight, clearly well known by the audience members, particularly the Year 1 and 2's who enthusiastically sang along.  The second piece was Counting Stars, which brought smiles and warmth to the event. 

All three bands and string ensemble performed for parents and friends as part of the Education Open Morning celebrations.  All ensembles managed the challenges of performing outdoors with no fuss and gave excellent performances to the appreciative audience.   Well done to all and thanks to Charlotte and Angus for conducting.

Upcoming Performances
A treat for parents at the Father's Day Breakfast on Thursday 29 August where all bands and strings will play
Junior Band is also hard at work and excited to perform for the next K-6 Assembly in Week 10 (23rd of September).
Next term, we have scheduled Year 1 & 2 class visits, instrumental demonstrations and a special Year 2 lunch concert early next term. More details to come.

Music is a great gift for every child and band is a wonderful way to cultivate a lifelong appreciation. Benefits across academic, social and personal growth are well documented, and well it is pretty fun.

If you don’t believe us – view this video of education expert, Anita Collins

 https://www.ted.com/talks/anita_collins_how_playing_an_instrument_benefits_your_brain?subtitle=en

Canteen News

We will be providing a Father's Day Breakfast on Thursday 29th August. Food and drinks will be available to order on Flexischools from today.

Koolkuna News

Dear Families, 

We would appreciate if all families could take a few moments of their time to complete the Koolkuna OSHC Survey below. We value the ongoing feedback and opinions from parents, guardians & children to help us understand your needs and how we can provide a more engaging and supportive program for your family. 

Koolkuna OSHC Survey

Koolkuna OSHC

School Community News

School Sponsors