Newsletter Term 3 Week 7 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 News
Senior A PSSA Netball Knockout
What an incredible team we have this year! Congratulations to the Senior A netball team who are the PSSA Netball Knockout Sydney North/Sydney East Regional winners. On Friday they demonstrated exceptional skill and determination to beat Woongarrah Public School 36 -16. Sophia C, Louisa O and Freya van R are known for their defensive prowess and they consistently prevented the opponents' attacks, turning potential threats into opportunities. Tess P and Abbey M showed exceptional ability to transition seamlessly from defence to offense allowing Evelyn S and Sammy D to create plays in the offensive third, setting up goals with precision. Each player brought their best, ensuring that every move counted, ultimately leading the team to victory. Their teamwork and strategic play have been the key to their success, proving them to be a formidable force on the court.
A special mention to Susie Stock, her passion, energy and drive have supported this team to bring great commitment, teamwork and positivity to every game they have played. Our teachers inspire our students in many different ways each and everyday. THANK YOU Susie.
Planning for 2025
Wow the year is just zipping past! I can’t believe that we are heading towards the end of term 3. Planning is underway for staffing for next year. It would very much be appreciated that if your children are moving schools in 2025 and we are not aware, could you please complete the form below.
P&C AGM
Thank you to our wonderful P&C for all you do to support our students, staff and our whole school community. Thank you again to Lisa Foster who has passed the treasurer's role to Anthony Lang. Lisa has been a tower of strength for many years in the P&C through her commitment to the Balgowlah North school community. The P&C positions for 2024/2025 are as follows.
President - Karen Ciano
Vice President - Dan Brabant
Secretary - Cath Mc Millian
Treasurer - Anthony Lang
Fundraising - Lucy Orth and Laura Ferguson
Thank you to Dan Brabant for successfully procuring for the P&C a community grant of $18,000, we look forward to a new cubby and fort in the K-1 play space. Planning is underway for the refurbishment of the front of the school playground as well.
Look out for a new mural that will be installed near the yarning circle, thank you to Alice Pond and the Stage 2 students who have come up with the concept ideas that will sit behind the mural.
Wonderful to have our fathers celebrate with our students last Thursday. Great to see so many families looking forward to the annual movie night this Friday. Lots of planning going into our Christmas Carnival as well!
Father's Day 2024
Stage Planning Days
Over the next two weeks our staff will come together to reflect on their teaching programs, share consistent assessments, and plan forward for Term 4. Having time for deep dialogue, shared learning and time to plan rich teaching and learning tasks ensures we continue to have consistency across our school in teaching pedagogy.
The new syllabi have been a wonderful opportunity for teachers to continue to build knowledge of practice, refine assessments and provide high expectations for each and every student.
NAPLAN
Thank you to our parents who came to our presentation of NAPLAN last Wednesday night. Please see attached a copy of the presentation. We are very proud of our results as we continue to go from strength to strength.
President of the P&C AGM report
Thank you to Brooke and the leadership team, teachers, office and support staff, parent community and my P&C committee.
Thank you to the Canteen, Koolkuna staff, Sadie in the Green Grove and the band program facilitators for all their work throughout the year.
What a great year as we celebrate all that our school community has accomplished. Our amazing new junior playground being the major of this year, adding a large contribution to the school's amount to build this. We have collaborated with the school on bringing digital safety programs to our school, students and parents also.
We have continued our amazing fundraising, parents' events, an excellent and very successful family movie night, gift stalls and building community events.
We have continued to support our children in their sports, as many punching well above our weight for the size of our school. We should all be very proud of what these kids have put into their training. We'd really like to look at how we can support more kids in their area of interest and talents across sport, academic and creativity this coming year.
Thank you to Cate and her involvement in the Green Grove and the families who have taken time to care for our chickens and be involved in working bees. I can't thank all our volunteers enough, whether it's on the barbecue, reading groups or our SEAT teachers. Volunteers and volunteering in any capacity, your time and dedication are what make our school such a special place.
Thank you to our fundraising event sponsors.
Dan has put some big work into securing an $18,000 grant this year. Thank you very much.
Thank you for the support of our committee, especially a huge thank you to Lisa as our outgoing treasurer.
We look forward to another successful year in supporting our children, Brooke and the team, to continue to make Balgowlah North the best school it can be.
Thank you
Karen Ciano
P & C President
School News
Stage 1 Excursion to the Australian Museum
Huh, where am I? Have I been transported to the Dinosaur Age? No, it can’t be! There are velociraptors, diplodocus, T-Rex, and triceratops fossils. Wait, I am in the incredible Australian Museum! That’s why there are so many fascinating discoveries and dinosaur fossils. This is going to be spectacular. Do you think you’ll ever uncover a fossil?
Look at these amazing dinosaur bones, but wait, this giant museum doesn’t only have dinosaurs, it has all of our precious history. Like the Ice Age! Wooly mammoths were one of the biggest Ice Age animals, isn’t that amazing! Do you know what made the fierce Ice Age disappear? My prediction is that there was a giant snow storm.
There was all sorts of history in the museum. There was a massive model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex that was injured. It had an eye and tooth missing and its leg chopped off. What do you think made the dinosaurs extinct? Scientists think it was due to an active volcano eruption or a meteorite or asteroid hit the ground. Then the climate changed on Earth and the dinosaurs died. Did you know chickens are related to the T-Rex? Also some birds are actually in the same family as dinosaurs. I don’t think you can believe that!
I loved exploring all the incredible fossils at the Australian Museum. Imagine living in the Dinosaur World today. I would be horrified!
By Jacob P (2/1C)
Stage 3 Ghost Boy Excursion
The Quarantine Station excursion provides invaluable support to the study of our English programs historical fiction Ghost Boy. During the visit, our students were able to immerse themselves in the historical perspective of Thaddeus and his family's arrival in Sydney amidst a smallpox outbreak. By exploring the very place where many immigrants were quarantined, students gained a deeper understanding of the harsh realities faced by those who lived through such challenging times. This firsthand experience not only improved their comprehension of the novel but also allowed them to connect with the characters and the historical events that shaped our country.
Susie Stock
(Assistant Principal Relieving )
On Wednesday, the 28th of August stage 3 travelled to the Quarantine station in Manly where we met our tour guides. A few weeks prior to this excursion we started reading a book called Ghost Boy, written by Felicity Pulman. The text is a timeslip novel which is set in the Quarantine Station late 1800’s, when smallpox was flourishing and in Balgowlah. This is why we travelled to this particular spot. We visited many locations including the shower block where new arrivals would have acid showers, the luggage shed where their luggage got disinfected and the asiatic area where chinese people stayed. Stage 3 thoroughly enjoyed this excursion because we learnt so much and it was an engaging tour.
Olive H
Last Wednesday Stage 3 went on an excursion to the Quarantine station. Recently a few weeks ago we started reading Ghost Boy, a book written by Felicity Pulman. The novel was set in the Q station in Manly, set in the late 1800’s. Ghost Boy is a timeslip text going in between the 1880’s and the 2000’s where the outburst of smallpox was alive. We met our tour guides at the entrance to go throughout the Q station and discover more about smallpox, and what had happened. There was so much to learn that ghost boy hadn't told us already. One of which was a shower block, where our guide informed us that they used to have acid showers. They thought it was their layer of skin that held the disease, so they tried to burn it off. Plus showing us how they would offload their luggage as it got disinfected, the hospital which had been demolished then rebuilt, and the asiatic area for non english speaking people, technically asians. Stage 3 deeply enjoyed this excursion as it was not only factual but an enjoyable tour.
Josie C
Stage 3 has recently been to the Quarantine Station to learn about what life was like during that period of time. We have been reading a book called ‘Ghost Boy’ that was based around the Quarantine Station. We went on a special tour that explained the book and where everything was set. We learned many things including how when the immigrants got off the ship their luggage was put in a hot steam furnace that burned all germs and the people had to shower once in carbolic acid to get rid of lice and fleas. We loved our visit and hope to go again soon!
Elke D
On the 28th of August, Stage 3 got the chance to go and visit the Quarantine Station in North Head where we learnt a lot more about the current novel we’re reading at the moment, Ghost Boy. We were split off into our individual classes each led by a different tour guide. Our class first stopped at a beautiful lookout over the Manly Harbour, where we were taught a quick, but thorough history lesson on how Manly got its name. He told us that Froggy (who was one of the main characters) jumped off the ledge in the distance which we got the chance to see from our lookout, Dobroyd Point. We all went to have a look at the hospital where patients who had smallpox were treated. The beds weren’t very comfortable and many people died from the disease or from other illnesses, many children died as well as quite a few teens who were buried on a hill overlooking the Harbour. Our class got the chance to visit Sam’s house, who, we were told, is a spirit living inside. We took a look on the inside and it looked like a regular old house, however we were all skittish on whether Sam was anywhere. It was quite an interesting experience to come and visit this place and especially to be able to relate back to the book on where the characters might have been standing. It was like going to a movie set as nearly everything was there.
Sophia C
On the 28th of August Stage 3 went on an excursion to visit the Quarantine Station in North head. We were taken on an amazing tour around the 60 acres of land that contained the Quarantine station. The tour showed us many places that appear in the book we have been reading in class, Ghost Boy. From the choppy, yet beautiful Dobroyd Head where Tad jumped to his death, to the dark, depressing hospital that saw many people pass away. Although many may think that the period of history that the Quarantine Station was used was fairly boring and unimportant, I am sure that stage 3 could all agree that it was none of these things and that the Quarantine station was actually extremely interesting and vital to the health of all Australian citizens. As we walked off down the bus to start the excursion at the Q - station we had known only the bare minimum of the history of the Quarantine station. But as we hopped onto the bus at the end of the day our heads were filled to the brim with interesting facts and tidbits about life at the station and just how lucky we are to be living in a world with such advanced medicine.
Finn E
I found the quarantine station extremely interesting. It had many new and exciting things I’ve never seen before. It was also cool because I could relate to the book Ghost Boy and when I’m reading it, I think I will be able to get a much clearer picture of it. It was extremely fascinating because a lot of the things they had I would not see today and they would have been modified into new things. The old buildings were fun to look at because it was like we were in the 1800’s.
Sasha H
Our Stage 3 classes took a trip to the Quarantine Station to learn about how it was used in the past and also the book “Ghost Boy.” During this excursion we learnt all about the history of Smallpox, Spanish Flu and our tour guide took us to places like the shower room, the hospital, old breakfast cafe and the first class dining room. When we explored these places, it gave us a great understanding of the lifestyle and the way people went about their day when they were interned at the Quarantine Station. I enjoyed the day.
Remy de B
On the 28th of August Stage 3 went to the Quarantine Station. This helped us get a better understanding of the book, Ghost Boy. We saw Dobroyd Head and learnt a lot about Australia's amazing history. We imagined the lives of the people living at the Q Station and stepped into their shoes while looking around the place, seeing the smoking room for boys, knitting room for girls and more. We also learned about how they showered in water of 5% acid, showing the people there were tough as it felt like getting sunburned all over your body to get rid of smallpox, Spanish Flu or Cowpox. In conclusion, I learnt a lot more about Felicity Pulman's novel Ghost Boy and Australia’s history.
Talia P
On the 28th of August 2024 we went on an excursion to the Quarantine Station where we learned a lot of new information and broadened our understanding about the book Ghost Boy. We learned about the processes of getting rid of the disease, how long people had to Quarantine for and some other interesting facts about smallpox. Did you know that smallpox can live in a dead person's body for over 100 years and therefore the bodies have not been dug up because scientists are worried that that could lead to another smallpox outbreak? During the tour we saw Dobroyd Head, which was where Froggy had jumped into the water, the upper class dining rooms, the hospital and more areas around the Q-station. The Quarantine Station closed down in 1970 and is now part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. 580 people died during the smallpox but thousands lived and that is why it was so successful and why Australia is what it is now.
Max S
The day at the Quarantine Station was informational, factual and really interesting. We started the day off with a seat on the hill and had a wonderful view of our beautiful city while we listened to the tour guide tell us the history and the importance of the Quarantine station. We learned what life was like if you were on one of the ships that came into Sydney Harbor with smallpox in 1858. Jill, our tour guide, taught us what it was like to live in that period of time like smallpox, the plague and the Spanish Flu. We took a fun photo in the old showers as we pretended that we were one of the healthy people on the ship getting an acid and water shower. As we enjoyed recess, we had a look at where Froggy jumped off the cliff from Felicity Pulman’s amazing book “Ghost Boy”. We visited so many rooms that all had a deep meaning and story behind it. I enjoyed asking lots of questions and learning lots of facts. Overall, the Quarantine Station was lots of fun and a great experience.
Isabelle G
On Wednesday the 28th of August Stage 3 went to the Quarantine station. When we got off the bus, we were welcomed by our wonderful tour guide, Jill. She took us to the National Park Office and asked us where we are up to in the book, Ghost Boy . She then took us to a nice grassy area where Grace spoke the Acknowledgement of country. Afterwards Jill asked Talon to recite theirs. Later in the morning we went to where sick people were isolated from the rich and healthy. Even though the people who had not caught the virus/disease still had to have a shower in carbolic acid. This was so you couldn't catch any diseases. Your bags and suitcases got steamed in a special machine to get rid of diseases. I had a very fun time at the Quarantine station learning new things and exploring.
Khloe L
Wakakirri
Wakakirri was a very wild ride. All the people who wanted to do it went to the hall and gave ideas of what we could do for the performance. Everybody had to commit to coming to every Wednesday and working as a team. We also had to come to additional rehearsals after school and show the school our powerful story and hard work. Even though the stage crew was not seen that much they made the performance such a success. For me on the 22nd August, it was such an amazing day. Not just for me, but for everybody.
Archer T
Wakakirri was fun and energetic. It taught us about being true to ourselves and most of all, having fun. We presented at Riverside on the 22nd August as a team. We have amazing dancers and drama acts. We also had stage crew helping us make all the sets. In Wakakirri we had all sorts of ups and downs but in the end we were all very happy with the end result.
Alyssa S
Curiosity and Outdoor Learning
Class Snapshot 5V
Sports News
Winter PSSA Success
Junior Netball
The Junior A netball team placed third. We congratulate them on a great season. The girls worked hard and so much progress was achieved. A wonderful season!
Players Player for the season: Alice O and Frankie J
Coaches Award: Kobi P
PREMIERS!!! The Junior B's won the overall PSSA Junior B Netball competition. From the beginning of the season, these girls have improved their skills and have become a lovely team. Congratulations on a wonderful season. They demonstrated sportsmanship and this win is well deserved!
Players Player for the season: Faith G
Coaches Award: Zara R
Senior Netball
PREMIERS!!! Both the Senior netball teams were undefeated this season. This is an incredible achievement - rarely if ever occurring! The senior girls are a well-oiled netball machine and are formidable opponents on the court. We are so proud of them all. Congratulations to both teams!!!!
Players Player for the season Senior A: Sophia C
Coaches Award Senior A: Evelyn S
Players Player for the season Senior B: Evie H
Coaches Award Senior B: Grace C
Girls Soccer
PREMIERS!!! Congratulations to our Junior Girls soccer team who showed improvement in team and positional play across the season. It was a pleasure to work with this spirited bunch of young ladies. They were only defeated on one occasion. A well deserved championship for this team!
Players Player for the season: Aria B
Coaches Award: Evie H
Our Senior Girls soccer team placed 9th in the zone. This group of girls had a fun season, and many girls improved their skills throughout the games. Well done team!!
Players Player for the season: Jessica M
Coaches Award: Amy G
Boys Soccer - B Teams
PREMIERS!!! 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.
Players Player for the season Junior B: Matthew C
Coaches Award Junior B: Isaac R
Players Player for the season Senior B: Will G
Coaches Award Senior B: Will
Boys Soccer - A Teams
Both teams faced challenges in 2024 and didn't achieve the success they hoped for. Our Senior A team finished up in 9th place on the table and our Junior A team came a creditable 5th in the zone. All the teams played with enthusiasm and represented our school with pride.
Players Player for the season Junior A: Nic H
Coaches Award Junior A: Nic H
Players Player for the season Senior A: Harrison E
Coaches Award Senior A: Matthew R
Library News
Thank you
A huge thank you to everyone who purchased and donated books to the Share-A-Book organisation!
Thanks to our incredible school community, a total of 255 books were donated—a truly amazing contribution.
Congratulations to Bella K who guessed the correct number of 142 lollies in the jar.
Scholastic Book Club Orders
All orders for Scholastic Book Club need to be submitted by Friday 13th September
Teacher Picks!
Miss Vitale’s favourite picture book is:
‘Commotion in the Ocean’ by Giles Andreae
‘This delightful collection of poems includes fun rhymes about the creatures who live in and around the ocean. Children will delight in the snappy poems and colorful illustrations about whales, walruses, penguins, polar bears, stingrays, and sharks.’- Google books
“ I enjoy reading it because of the rhyme, description used and how engaging it is. The images are also great.” - Miss Vitalie
Admin News
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
Friday 6 September P & C Movie Night
Monday 9 September 3-6 Assembly 2.30pm
Thursday 12 September R U OK Day
Thursday 12 September Kindergarten School Tour 3
Monday 16 September K-2 Assembly 2.30pm
Monday 23 September Regional Athletics
Monday 23 September Dance sports Gala
Monday 23 September K-6 Assembly 1.45pm
Friday 27 September Last day of Term 3
Waste Free Wednesday
P & C News
P&C Appointment - new Treasurer
A big welcome to Anthony Lang to the position of Treasurer. Thanks for joining the team!
Band Fundraiser - Democracy Sausage Sizzle
The band will be raising funds by hosting a sausage sizzle on Election Day at the school. If you would like to help out on the day, please register you interest using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A9AA2CA1F8C52-44635147-bnps
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 – THIS FRIDAY!
NOTE: Tickets for the event have now closed, but last minute food orders are still available.
A small collection of ice-creams and lolly bags can be purchased on the night. Sushi can only be pre-ordered till Wednesday 4 September 2024 - no sushi sales on the night.
A big thank you to all our generous sponsors for this year’s movie night!
Band News
Band News
Bands Give the dads a Great Start to Their Day
It was lovely to see so many dad’s, Grandads and special visitors enjoying the music at the Father’s Day Breakfast. Our bands and strings performed while the visitors enjoyed their breakfast.
Congratulations to all our musicians for providing the music to give parents and friends a great start to the day.
Aural Assessments Give Valuable Information
Next week all Year 2 students will be participating in an aural assessment to measure their musical ability across a range of areas. The assessments are carried out with all the Year 2s together where they answer some simple questions. The data from these assessments gives the band directors an idea of the musical ability and strengths of each student. It’s really useful information when guiding the students in choosing the instrument they are likely to have the most success on, when they join band. Stay tuned for more information.
Election Day Sausage Sizzle and Cake Stall – Saturday 14 September. Helping Hands Appreciated.
Our band and strings program will be raising funds on Election Day to assist with running the ensemble programs, purchase equipment and provide other opportunities and experiences for the ensemble members.
We are always grateful for the help from the school community with serving and cooking on the day. Please access volunteer sign up and add your name if you can spare an hour or two.
Also, if you would like to contribute some baked goodies for the cake stall, all will be gratefully received. Please bring to the stall from 7.30am on the morning of the election – Saturday 14 Sept. Please provide an ingredients label also.
Sign up to volunteer at the stall on Election Day https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A9AA2CA1F8C52-44635147-bnps
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
School Community News
Congratulations to Parker C who entered the Dymocks Beyond Words story writing competition. His story ‘The Dragon’ has been selected for the longlist - the Top 100 out of over 3,500 entries from primary and high school students.
Stories were judged with the identity and ages of the entrants being anonymous to the judges and he is the only Year 1 student to make the list! Great work Parker.
SUBARU State Interschools Snowsport Championships
Congratulations to Jake I and John S who took part in the SUBARU State Interschools Snowsport Championships, great results for both of them. With Jake coming 46th in the Alpine State Championship Race, and 50th in the
Ski Cross State Championship Race. John was placed 16th in the Cross Country Classic, will go through to Nationals
and compete on the 6th of September.
School Sponsors
