Newsletter Term 3 Week 10 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
Relieving Principal’s Message
On Monday evening I had the great pleasure of watching our spectacular Year 5 students strap on their dancing shoes as they represented our school at the Dance Sports Gala Concert at Dee Why RSL. The culmination of a ten week program, Dance Sports provides students with the opportunity to learn a new skill and engage in healthy physical activity whilst also promoting mutual respect and cooperative relationships between boys and girls.
It was absolutely incredible to see each and every child shine under the bright lights of the dance floor! And even more heartening to look around the room at the crowd of parents, brimming with pride, as they watched their children jive, tango and cha cha as they showcased their skills and talents. Special mention to:
Charli K and Isaac R - 1st in the Cha Cha
Max H and Eva B - 2nd in the Jive and Harvey R
Harvey R and Abbey M - 2nd in the Tango
Well done Balgowlah North dancing superstars- you were magnificent! Huge thank you to Mrs Mercer, Ms Vitale and Mrs Horsley and Nicola Grogan, from Dance Sports, whose dediation made this program the success that it was.
The Regional Athletics carnival was also held on Monday, with several of our young athletes representing Manly Zone across track and field events. A massive thank you to Mrs Kelly for coordinating the team and congratulations to all of our students who competed at this prestigious level of competition: Ben B, Aria B, Harrison E, Edward G, Nic H, Hazel H, Jake I, Frankie J, Louisa O, Alice O, Lachie P, Anna R, Jamison S, Eddie S and Luc V.
As we approach the end of another wonderful term, I would like to ask the BNPS community to please support us in keeping our school safe over the school holiday period. We are aware of an increasing number of reports of dangerous, anti-social behaviour occurring outside of school hours.
E-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles and skateboards are not permitted on school grounds under any circumstances as their use jeopardises the safety of our community. Use of play equipment is prohibited outside of school hours and playing on school grounds after school and during the school holidays should always be under the supervision of an adult.
We understand that the community enjoy having access to the school grounds over the holidays so we urge you to please assist us in keeping our school safe by adhering to these protocols and notifying local police if you observe any concerning behaviour occurring on the school grounds.
Manly Police - 99768099
Dee Why Police - 9971 3399
Planning for 2025
Planning is underway for staffing for next year. It would very much be appreciated if you could complete the form below if your children are moving schools in 2025 and we are not yet aware.
Wishing you all a gorgeous school holidays where you can slow down, enjoy the sunshine and have the opportunity to enjoy some precious time with your families and friends.
Rachel Ridley
Principal (Relieving)
Assistant Principal's News
The role of Student Representative Council in our school community
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is organised into two age-appropriate groups, which is led by Student Leaders with support and guidance from teacher mentors. These mentors play a vital role in nurturing leadership skills among students. Instead of directing the meetings, the teachers act as observers, offering feedback to the Student Leaders at the end of each session. This feedback provides valuable insights into effective leadership, communication, and meeting management.
A new feature of the SRC is the encouragement of student-led initiatives, with older students often stepping into mentorship roles for younger peers. Throughout the term we have continued with our SRC led fun tradition of a 10-minute disco every Tuesday at the end of lunch, where students gather at the COLA for music and dancing with friends. Another highlight was the SRC's Starlight Foundation fundraiser, which featured a K-2 pajama day and a general mufti day for years 3-6. These initiatives not only brought joy to the students but also raised $563, reflecting their commitment to community service and growing leadership skills.
Susie Stock
Assistant Principal (Relieving)
School News
Would your child love to be Principal for a Day?
Go in the draw for them to be Principal of BNPS for the day on Monday 21st October. Get your raffle tickets on Flexischools now.
What will you do as principal? Visit classrooms, organise meetings, make announcements, talk at assembly, give out stickers and awards, choose songs for the bell, help on playground duty, have morning tea in the staffroom, and more. You might even have a special idea or project you would like to talk about.
Sales close 4pm Friday 18th October. The winner will be drawn at morning lines on Monday 21st October (Week 2). Money raised will support the band program, keeping fees down by contributing to costs throughout the year.
MiniLit
Congratulations to Henry H, Sebastien B, Vanessa P and Amelia C for completing the MiniLit program.
Dance Sport
The night of the dance sport gala was filled with so much fun but it was also filled with lots of nerves and laughter. I enjoyed getting to dance on a stage with my friends and dancing in front of an audience. It made it such a good experience that we got to dance against other schools, Cromer and Brookvale. My throat was dead by the end because the whole night we were screaming and cheering for our friends while they danced in semis and finals. It was nerve racking when the numbers appeared on the board our whole year gathered and hoped for a success. Our school did really well placing in every dance. We got one 1st for the Cha Cha, two 2nds for the Jive and Tango and one fourth for the Cha Cha. Our school also placed in the other positions for the finals. At the end of the night to round it off we finished with a fun finale with all the schools coming together in the middle of the floor and learned a dance. Overall the night was so fun and was a great experience.
Abbey M
On Monday 23rd of September, 40 year 5s came together to dance after learning the 3 dances Cha-cha , Tango and the Jive at Dee Why RSL. We were competing against 3 Cromer Public School and Brookvale Public School. All of the year 5s and 2 year 6 volunteers came together to make 2 lucky winners get 1st place in the Cha-Cha, 2 others came 2nd in the Tango and lastly 2 more came 2nd in the Jive. After the competition, to celebrate all our wins we had a dance party with all other schools. Lastly we went home to go to rest for our next big day of school!
Henry Y
The night of the Dancesport gala was nerve racking. There was our school and 2 other schools, Cromer and Brookvale. We were gathered in a big holding room while the first 2 schools did their showcase. Then it was our turn. 5V went on the dance floor while 6/5H and 6/5M were on the stage for the Cha Cha. Then for the Tango we switched and for the Jive we switched again. Next we had the golden round. The judges gave some of us wristbands that meant we were through to the semis. We danced the semis and a handful of us got through to the finals. After the finals we placed 1st in the cha cha, 2nd in the tango and 2nd in the Jive.
Sasha H
The year fives from 6/5H have been going to the hall every Friday to meet Nicola and do Dancesport with the other year fives from 6/5M. We all learnt the Cha Cha Cha, Tango and the Jive. There were lots of challenges along the way including learning all the steps of all the dances and picking up the courage to ask the other year fives to dance. It was a great experience to get to know all the dance moves over the ten week program.
Finn 6/5H
Dance sport was a dancing experience every Friday morning. We went to the hall with our instructor Nicola. We learned to dance with a partner which was extremely challenging. We have been doing this program for 10 weeks, learning and revising the dances. There are 3 dances, the cha cha, tango and jive. Some of the really challenging parts were dancing with a partner because I’ve never done that before. Personally, I found the jive the hardest because it has very small steps. It was also hard to count all the beats. Next Monday we will be performing at the Dee Why RSL.
Sasha 6/5M
Waste Free Wednesday Winners 5V and 4M
Curiosity & Outdoor Learning
For their final outdoor learning experience Stage 1 ventured to Manly Dam to create environmental statues from foraged natural resources.
Creative Arts Corner
In Music this term the students have been learning how to perform. We began a student directed project using listening skills to further understand how others make music and then used symbols to compose our own original musical ideas. I have loved watching the students exploring how they play, sing and move using the elements of music. We can’t wait to share these projects with you in Term 4!
Sports News
Regional Athletics Report
On Monday, 15 students from BNPS competed at Sydney Olympic park as part of the Manly Zone team. Manly Zone had a very strong team and it was a privilege to manage them on the day. Some exceptional running, jumping and throwing all round!
Congratulations to our BNPS athletes who gave it their all on the day. Thank you to all the parents for their wonderful support of the team.
Particular congratulations on the following results:
Jamison S
1st MC 100m
1st MC 200m
1st MC 800m
1st MC Long Jump
Harrison E
1st 1500m
2nd 800m
Frankie J
2nd High Jump
Edward G
1st Discus
1st Shot Put
Junior Girls Relay - Anna R, Aria B, Alice O and Frankie J - 1st Place!!
We wish all these athletes the very best of luck as they move through to compete at the NSW State championships as part of the Sydney North team.
Kerry Kelly
Library News
Teacher Picks!
Mrs Stock’s favourite picture book is:
‘Magic Beach’ by Alison Lester
Filled with fun rhymes and make-believe stories, this wonderfully illustrated children's tale offers an imaginative view of a beach that includes swimming, surfing, and splashing. ... Google Books
I love this book as this is my family. I participate in all activities that are represented in this book. It makes me feel very, very happy when reading this story. There is a strong text to self connection… I love the water and the beach. Can you find me in the illustrations? I am the one with the feather in my hair!
Mrs Stock
Admin News
How to see notes on the School Bytes Parent App
If you are wishing to see any excursion notes these can be found by going into the School Bytes parent app, clicking on your "activities tab" and then the event name.
Kindergarten 2025
If you have a student starting Kindergarten in 2025 and we have asked you for more paperwork, can you please come to the office when you are next in the school so we can finish your child's enrolment.
Many thanks and have a great holiday!
Admin
Positive Behaviour for Learning
The Week Ahead
Friday 27 September Last day of Term 3
Monday 14 October First day of Term 4
Monday 14 October 3-6 Assembly
Monday 21 October K-2 Assembly
Thursday 24 October Kindergarten Orientation 1
Thursday 31 October Kindergarten Orientation 2
Friday 25 October World Teachers Day
P & C News
Christmas Carnival
The BNPS Christmas Carnival is fast approaching, and we couldn't be more excited to bring it back to our community after 5 years! Please see below for a quick FAQ:
What Exactly is the Christmas Carnival?
Click in the link to see a short video on all the fun you and your family can expect to enjoy on the day.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HoH0TTdNMSZKGE2WKORLZXjbk1yoYBhQ/view?usp=drive_link
Can I Buy Tickets Yet?
Carnival entry is free, but early bird unlimited all-day wristbands are already on sale here for $40.
How Can I Help?
As you can imagine, an event of this scale cannot operate without the support of the entire school community. Here are a few ways you can help:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAEA923A2FECF8-50658414-bnps?useFullSite=true#
The BNPS Christmas Carnival Committee
Canteen News
Koolkuna News
And just like that we are almost in Term 4!! We also can't believe how quickly this year has gone. Each day the children have grown and participated in a variety of activities including science experiments, Jiu Jitsu, bake offs and finally having beautiful weather to utilise the new sensory garden. With time flying by so fast we wanted to share with you a few of our favourite moments from Term 3.
School Community News
School Sponsors
