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 News

School Support Recognition Week
Our SASS and other staff in non-teaching roles play a vital role in keeping schools running smoothly. Whether it’s greeting our school visitors, managing essential school finances, maintaining school grounds or providing technology support, these colleagues are the backbone of our school community.

Thank you to our wonderful team, Colleen Tobler, our business manager, who runs our school office. Our front of desk staff Ruth Skeeles, Beth Saunders, Deb Elder and Ann Parkinson. Our student learning support officers (SLSO) who support our students in classrooms and on the playground are a team of dedicated, caring and kind professionals. Thank you Sally De Hennin, Helen Brady, Rachel Robinson, Sarah Watson and Elena Bueno. Sushant keeps our IT up to date and well maintained. Finally, Ashley Gualter who maintains our school grounds and Steve Hill and Robbie our cleaning staff. We have a very dedicated team who support us all in everything that we do. THANK YOU

WEEK 5 - Highlight
Thank you for an amazing week. Our Wakakirri performance last Thursday night at Riverside was incredible. A HUGE thank you to the Wakka team led by the amazing Eliza M. The smiles on faces and absolute joy that our students had was why we do what we do. THANK YOU to Eliza, Steph, Michelle, Anna, Rachel and Claudia who brought fun, passion, excitement and sheer RAZZLE DAZZLE!

Our Feedback
Balgowlah North Public School "Little Penguins of Manly"

Ambassador comment
"A vibrant and wonderful performance delivering an important awareness message, that the penguins and the need to return and protecting. " - Wayne Scott Kermond, Wakakirri Ambassador.

Show Awards
Storytelling Award for a Great Story
Ensemble Award for Overall Performance
Ensemble Award for Group Dance
Creative production award for Set Design
Production award for Overall Staging

Ambassador feedback
"A vibrant and wonderful performance delivering awareness, with passion and commitment to the local wildlife the Manly Penguins. The cast’s performance was terrific. It was delivered with passion, energy and conviction. There were so many highlights though out the whole story dance including the Tap Dancing Penguins, who were fantastic. It was very well rehearsed, plenty of variety, creating an all round performance with great sets, props and costumes. Big congrats on a terrific first time performance at Wakakirri, a wonderful highlight, looking forward to seeing what you have installed for next year. Great Work." - Wayne Scott Kermond, Wakakirri Ambassador.

Parent Feedback
Dear staff,
A massive congratulations to all the students and staff involved in the Wakakirri - what a sensational showcase of talent this evening!

The storyline, the costumes, the performance, dancing, and music was all outstanding!!! The way the students performed with such joy, enthusiasm and passion was inspiring to watch!

A big big thank you to all the staff involved for generously giving their time in organising, coaching, mentoring and supporting the students in making tonight such a success...in particular...Mrs McAllister, Mrs Harris, Miss Ross, Miss Rooleht, Mrs Mandalidis, Miss Mete and Mrs Adams. Thank you to Mrs Tobler for helping with all of the admin and ordering everything that was needed.

And finally, thank you to Mrs Keevers for supporting the staff and students and giving them an opportunity to shine at the event tonight! We thoroughly enjoyed the performance by BNPS tonight and can't wait to see future performances!

Prue Jackson

Staffing changes
From Friday the 13th of September I will be taking extended leave until Monday the 28th of October. During this time staffing changes will occur -

R/Principal - Rachel Ridley
R/ Assistant Principal Wellbeing – Olivia Wakelin supervising Stage 2, learning and Support, SLSO and coordinating Diverse Learners Team
R/Assistant Principal Stage 1 - Mon/Tues Amy Mussett
4/3W - class teacher David Alagna

These are important opportunities for staff to continue to stretch themselves and grow as they take on new learning.

P&C
P&C AGM will be held tonight at 7.30pm in the school library. Julia Gough will also be presenting an analysis of our whole school NAPLAN results for 2024. We hope to see you there.

Father’s Day breakfast on Thursday
Coffee van will be onsite on Thursday, music on the deck and croissants in the oven. We hope all our dads and father figures can pop by for a few minutes to share the morning with us

Enjoy the sunshine, spring is in the air.

Brooke Keevers

Principal

Assistant Principal's News

Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition
The Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition is open to the Manly electorate’s primary schools. This term students across the school participated in the school Bear Pit Public Speaking competition. This year’s topics in Years 3-6 ranged from epic pranks to life through a dog’s eyes. Students wrote their speeches in class and presented their ideas in front of their peers. Three finalists from each class in Stage 2 and Stage 3 continued on in the competition to present their speeches at the stage finals today!

Congratulations to Thomas G from Stage 2 and Jess M from Stage 3 for being selected to represent our school at Parliament House on the 16th of September! We wish you both the best of luck!

Congratulations to all of the following stage finalists:

3R Julian M, Seren B, Matilda D
4/3P Alice O, Eloise C, Oscar S.
4/3W Thomas G, Cameron M, Sadie S.
4M Amelia M, Katya R, Frankie J.
5V Cooper C, Lucas H, Max M
6/5M Charlie B, Finn E, Freya van R
6/5H Jess M, Josh N, Blake M
6S Meg A, Talon D, Evelyn S

School News

Forest High Friday Fitness
As a way of easing the transition to high school, The Forest High School invited their Year 7 class of 2025 cohort to attend last week's Friday Fitness session. It was fantastic to have over 40, Year 6 students join their weekly 7:30am session. Students participated in a range of activities including boxing and body weight strength exercises with Principal Mr Lawler and other Forest High staff. After the success of the morning, they will be hosting another session later this year.

Beverley Barnett

Class Snapshot KMS

Sports News

NSW National Cross-Country Championships
Congratulations to Jamison Sheather who won 3 gold medals at the National Cross-Country Championships in Victoria.
1st 12 years boys MC
1st NSW MC relay
1st NSW MC team

Well done to both the junior and senior B soccer teams on an incredible season and winning their competitions. Both teams won almost every single game and represented our school with such passion and sportsmanship.

Zone Athletics
On Monday, 50 students from Balgowlah North PS travelled out to the warmup arena at Sydney Olympic Park to compete in this year's Manly Zone Athletics carnival. A huge thank you to the many parents who assisted in transporting students to and from the venue in time for their events. Your support on the day was truly appreciated by students and staff alike. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and we had some fantastic results. I was really proud of the team for their sportsmanship. It was also great to see some wonderful camaraderie with competitors from other schools. I love that our students strive for personal best performances and there were a few!

BALGOWLAH NORTH CHAMPION SCHOOL OVERALL AND ON HANDICAP!

CONGRATULATIONS TEAM!
We wish the following students all the very best at the regional carnival which will take place on Monday 23rd September: Lachlan P, Harrison E, Jamison S, Anna R, Aria B, Alice O, Frankie J, Louisa O, Hazel H, Edward G, Eddie S, Nic H, Henri O, Benjamin B, Jake I (Reserve)

Kerry Kelly and Anna Harris - Zone Athletics Teachers

Top 5 Finishes and 100m Finals Places

Library News

Storytime in the Yarning Circle
In the heart of Book Week, the Yarning Circle came alive with the joy of storytelling. The sun filtered gently through the trees, casting a warm glow over the circle, where students sat eagerly, their faces lit with anticipation. The soft rustle of pages turning and the melodic cadence of the reader's voice created an atmosphere of connection and wonder. As stories unfolded, rich with diverse characters and adventures, the students were transported to new worlds, their imaginations kindled by the magic of books. The Yarning Circle, with its deep roots in sharing and learning, provided the perfect setting for this special event to celebrate Book Week.

Thank you

A big thank you to everyone who has purchased and donated books to the Share- A - Book organisation

The Book Fair is open tomorrow

Thursday 29th August

8:15 am- 9 am

3 pm-3:30 pm

Teacher Picks!

Mrs Horsley’s favourite picture book is:

‘Blueback’ by Tim Winton
An achingly beautiful story about family, belonging and living a life in tune with the environment, from one of Australia's best-loved authors, Tim Winton. Abel Jackson has lived by the sea at Longboat Bay ever since he could remember. He helps his mother each day and loves to dive. One day he meets Blueback, the biggest and most beautiful fish he's ever seen.When Abel's mother is approached by developers she decides she must do something to protect their fragile piece of coastline, But can Abel and his mother save Blueback and Longboat Bay in time?- Farrels.

“This book incorporates the ocean, environment, and the beautiful Australian nature. It also highlights the importance of sustainablity and looking after our environment for the future. It celebrates a beautiful relationship between a son and his mother”- Mrs Horsley

Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Liam D, Grace K, Innes R Bronte S, Oscar S and Laila W have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2024. The Premier’s Reading Challenge has now concluded.

It was truly wonderful to see so many students enthusiastically participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge. Their commitment to reading and exploring new worlds through books was inspiring, and it created a vibrant atmosphere of learning and imagination throughout the school. The challenge not only encouraged a love for reading but also fostered a sense of achievement as students reached their goals. Now that the challenge has concluded, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of all who took part, knowing that the skills and passion for reading they've developed will stay with them long after.

Admin News

Late arrivals
If your child arrives at school after 9.01am please ensure they come to the office for a late note. If they do not come to the office, they may be marked as absent, and you will receive an automatically generated email asking for an explanation.

Parking
Please adhere to the parking signage on the roads around our school. Wardens will be patrolling periodically.

Kindergarten 2025
Reminder to anyone with siblings commencing Kindergarten next year, please submit your enrolment asap. Online Enrolment Application (nsw.gov.au)

Please see the flyer below for important dates and if you would like to book a tour call the office on 9949 4499.

Admin Team

Positive Behaviour for Learning

The Week Ahead

Wednesday 28 August P & C AGM Meeting in the library
Friday 30 August Stage 1 Australian Museum Excursion
Monday 2 September K-2 Assembly 2.30pm
Wednesday 4 September Indigenous Literacy Day
Friday 6 September P & C Movie Night
Monday 9 September 3-6 Assembly 2.30pm

Waste Free Wednesday

P & C News

P&C AGM Wednesday 28 August
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
There are volunteering opportunities now available. Please register your interest using the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAEA923A2FECF8-50658414-bnps

Movie Night Friday 6 September
Tickets to BNPS Movie Night are now LIVE on Flexischools! Get in quick to secure your early bird tickets before 30/8. This year, Sushi World 🍱🍣 are our major sponsor and are generously providing delicious sushi for our event. All money from sales will go directly to the school 👏👏

Head to Flexischools to order as well as drinks, ice creams and movie bags! 🧃🍦🍬

Band News

Koolkuna News

Please find attached the 2024 Spring Vacation Care Program. Bookings are now open via the Xplor Home App.
Please use the Xplor Home App to find the bookings tab and book into the appropriate sessions labelled "Vacation Care K-2" or "Vacation Care 3-6" where you will be able to book each child in for the days requested. When a solid orange circle is displayed above, your child is successfully booked in for that day.Changes or cancellations will be accepted up until 2 weeks prior to your booking and must be requested via Email.
If your Xplor Home account is currently showing as “Inactive” – please contact Koolkuna OSHC on kkoshc@sustainableoshc.com.au to reactivate your account.

We would appreciate if 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 and 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