Newsletter Term 3 Week 8 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
What a wonderful opportunity our girls have had, in the NSWPSSA Netball Knockout.
“On Thursday morning the Balgowlah North netball team of Evelyn S, Sammy D, Abbey M, Tess P, Freya van R, Evie H, Sophia C and Louisa O travelled out to Penrith to play the Orchard Hill PS, winners of the Sydney South/Sydney East Region in the NSWPSSA Netball Knockout. After easily accounting for all the other teams in the PSSA and Knockout competitions, the Balgowlah North Senior A’s had won an incredible 16 games straight. In the first half, each player gave their all, making every move count and putting us up by one at halftime with a score of 13-12. By the third quarter, the game was tied at 17-17. Our teamwork and strategic play were crucial to our success, proving us to be a formidable force on the court. However, in the final two minutes, the opposition capitalised on a few of our mistakes and pulled ahead to win 24-20.
Girls, what a journey! You have shown grit and determination during this tournament. I have been very proud of your sportsmanship and conduct throughout the season. A big thank you to Sarah Olofinsky who helped me transport the girls throughout the tournament.”
Susie Stock
P&C Movie Night
Thank you to our wonderful P&C for the fantastic movie night last Friday. A packed house! We could not have wished for a better night, with the weather turning it on. What an A-MAZING event! Another huge thank you to the fundraising crew, in particular both Jin and Josie for the delicious sushi!
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 you could complete the form below if your children are moving schools in 2025 and we are not yet aware.
Staffing for 2025
Congratulations to Kate Le Peyre and Olivia Wakelin who have both been successful at interview and will commence in the Assistant Principal roles for 2025 at Balgowlah North. Jenny Reinhardt and Belinda Norrie have moved to Newcastle and the Northern Rivers to pursue leadership roles. Thank you to Karen Ciano for her representation of our school community and Eliza McAllister as the teacher representative on the interview panel. Georgia Witton will not be returning to BNPS as she will continue to live in the United Kingdom in 2025.
Kindergarten Family Picnic
We look forward to connecting with our new kindergarten students and their families next Tuesday morning in our kindergarten playground. We are hopeful that we still have some siblings yet to enrol, so please get your enrolment form in asap to join us on the day.
Wishing you all a wonderful break, enjoy the next few weeks and then the holidays. I look forward to connecting with you all in Week 3 next term when I return from holidays.
Thank you
Brooke Keevers
Principal
Assistant Principal's News
Students K-6 have been engaging in exciting mathematical experiences in their classrooms this term. Your child may have even come home excited about something called ‘Problem Strings’.
A Problem String is a powerful teaching tool based on the idea that learning mathematics is about constructing relationships and connections.
This teaching tool is a series of related problems purposefully sequenced to help students construct mathematical relationships so that powerful strategies become their natural instincts. Problem Strings are designed to help students mentally construct mathematical relationships instead of rote memorisation of number facts.
By using models and problem strings in a systematic way, we can build on students' current understanding and support their continued development, while simultaneously helping those who lack that understanding, gain the foundational understanding they need.
The power of a Problem String lies in the carefully crafted conversation as students solve problems, one at a time, and the teacher makes student thinking visible and draws out important connections and relationships.
Please stay tuned for more information around Problem Strings and how to best support your child's mathematical journey from home.
Julia Gough
School News
Curiosity and Outdoor Learning
Onomatopoeia - the sounds we hear in nature can be dramatised when we use our imaginations creatively!
Class Snapshot 1M
Sports News
Term 4 Sport years 3-6
PSSA- Summer
Round 5 commences Friday 20 September.
Please note: If your child played PSSA in Term 1 they will play in the same team in Term 4.
Eagle tag boys - Millers Reserve (training Friday mornings 8am from Friday week 9)
Eagle tag girls - David Thomas Reserve (training Friday mornings 8am from Friday week 9)
Cricket - Nolan Reserve (training Thursday 3.00pm-3.45pm week 9)
AFL - Reub Hudson Reserve or Denzil Joyce Reserve (training Thursday lunchtimes from Friday week 9)
Tennis
First lesson commences Friday 20 September x 8 weeks.
There are still places available, please register via the email sent from School Bytes on 4 September titled Tennis Term 4.
School Sport
Professional coaches will be running workshops in Netball and Cricket for students participating in School Sport.
Library News
Imagine setting sail on a grand adventure as a daring pirate, with the wind in your hair and the sea as your guide! As you explore hidden islands and mysterious caves, you'll uncover ancient maps that lead to buried treasure. With your trusty crew by your side and a book in hand, every page turns into a thrilling new quest. Who knows what magical creatures or sparkling jewels you'll discover next? Being a pirate isn't just about finding gold—it's about the excitement of the journey and the stories that come to life along the way!
Scholastic Book Club Orders
All orders for Scholastic Book Club need to be submitted by Friday 13th September
Teacher Picks!
Mrs Keever’s favourite picture book is:
‘Imagine’ by Alison Lester
A wonderful introduction to the natural world, with pictures to explore again and again. Imagine yourself deep in the jungle, under the sea, in a land of ice and snow, on a farm, in the moonlit bush, on an African plain, in a prehistoric swamp...Then turn the page and find all the animals living there.- Booktopia
I especially love all Alison Lester books. Imagine is a personal favourite as one of my children really loved this book and is now looking to work in Vet Science because of the book's connection with all the animals. He could name every animal and place in ‘Imagine’when he was five years of age.- Mrs Keever’s
Admin News
Positive Behaviour for Learning
The Week Ahead
Thursday 12 September R U OK Day
Thursday 12 September Kindergarten School Tour 3
Monday 16 September K-2 Assembly 2.30pm
Tuesday 17 September Teddy Bears Picnic
Wednesday 18 September Starlight Foundation Mufti/PJ Day
Thursday 19 September Kindergarten School Tour 4
Monday 23 September Regional Athletics
Monday 23 September Year 5 Dance Sports Gala
Monday 23 September K-6 Assembly 1.45pm
Tuesday 24 September Kindy and Year 6 Zoo excursion
Wednesday 25 September NBLA Writers Workshop
Friday 27 September Last day of Term 3
Waste Free Wednesday
P & C News
Father's Day Stall
A huge thank you to Nikki and Sophie, and all the other volunteers who made the Father's Day Stall event another success!
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
Canteen News
Band News
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
Don’t forget! Bookings are now open for Spring Vacation Care via the Xplor Home App. Please find attached the 2024 Spring Vacation Care Program.
Changes or cancellations will be accepted up until 2 weeks prior to your booking and must be requested via email.
School Community News
School Sponsors
