Newsletter Term 4 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
Year 6 Transition to High School Day
On Wednesday 20th November, Year 6 had a taste of High School for the day. The day had the students split into different classes, walking around the school with their bags and resources for learning, and navigating a timetable.
We were very lucky to have the Year 7 2025-year advisor and Student Support Officer visit from Forest High School to present some information about what High School will be like. A big thank you to ex-students Rocco M and Jimmy M who came to answer questions and did a great job representing their school.
As we approach the orientation days for high school for our Year 6 students, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the significance of this pivotal milestone for both students and their families. Transitioning to high school marks a time of great change, filled with new opportunities for growth, learning, and social development. It is essential for parents to remain actively engaged during this period, as your support and encouragement can help ease any anxieties your child may have. Open communication with teachers, participation in school orientation events, and fostering discussions about what to expect can greatly assist in building your child's confidence as they embark on this exciting journey.
We also had a visit from Isaac A and Finn C from Balgowlah Boys to talk about the exciting things the students can anticipate in their high school journey.
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2024
Congratulations to the K-2 students who completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2024.The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools.
431,383 students across NSW took part in the PRC this year, with a record 323,328 students completing the Challenge. Students read a combined total of 9,115,211 books - with this year's most read book being Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker.
The challenge will be open again in February 2025. Check the school newsletter next year for more details.
Selective high school and opportunity class applications are open from 7 November 2024 to 21 February 2025
Selective high school Year 7 entry in 2026: Apply when your child is at the end of Year 5 or the beginning of Year 6.
Opportunity class Year 5 entry in 2026: Apply when your child is at the end of Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4.
Selective high schools and opportunity classes are 2 of the ways the NSW Department of Education supports high potential and gifted students.
What are their benefits?
- Students learn alongside, and form friendships with, other high potential and gifted classmates.
- Special teaching methods allow students to learn at a quicker pace and in more detail.
- Research shows that students benefit both academically and socially when learning with classmates who have similar abilities.
Selective high schools and opportunity classes are not zoned so you can apply to ones outside your local enrolment area
kind regards
Brooke Keevers
Principal
Assistant Principal's News
This week, students across the school visited Healthy Harold in the Life Education van! Stage 2 particularly enjoyed their session titled ‘Friends & Feelings’, focussing on social and emotional wellbeing. Students learnt that being emotionally healthy not only enhances their own experiences but also strengthens their connections with friends and peers. A key aspect of the lesson is the development of assertive communication skills. Students are taught how to communicate their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully, which is vital for establishing, managing, and strengthening relationships. These skills empower them to express their needs while also listening to others, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Additionally, the lesson provides strategies for recognising, regulating, and self-managing emotions and behaviours. Students learn to identify their emotions and understand what triggers certain feelings, allowing them to respond in healthier ways. Techniques such as breathing and mindfulness are to help them manage strong emotions, which is essential for building resilience in the face of challenges. Students also explore key concepts such as inclusion, diversity, respect, empathy, consent and resilience, building on their knowledge from concepts taught throughout the year and our Learning Dispositions. These skills will be particularly useful as students transition into a new school year.
Below are some student reflections from the session. Life Education also provides resources for parents to explore at home, which can be accessed here: Resources for parents & carers - Life Ed Australia
Miss Olivia Wakelin
Stage 2 Assistant Principal
School News
Congratulations to our Mini-Lit students
Curiosity and Outdoor Learning
How might I depict the characteristics of a creature in our environment using natural objects?
Sports News
PSSA Training this week
There will be no cricket training this Friday 29th November. Our cricket teams have a Bye for the last week of PSSA. We will stay at school on Friday afternoon rather than going on the bus to Nolans Reserve. Thanks - Kerry Kelly Cricket Coach.
2/1C Class Snapshot
PBL Week 7
Admin News
Supervision at school
The school grounds are supervised from 8.30am, if you require for your child to be at school before this time please send them to Koolkuna.
Food
Please ensure your child/ren have sufficient food to sustain them for the school day.
How to set up notifications on the School Bytes Parent App
Transitioning from SchoolZine
We are starting to transition from SchoolZine to the School Bytes app in 2025.
Administration Team
Library News
Teacher Picks!
Mrs Gualter’s favourite picture book is:
‘The Very Cranky Bear’ by Nick Bland
Four animal friends cheer up a very cranky bear.
Nick Bland's expressive, adorable illustrations complement delightful, rhyming, read-aloud text in this lesson about the importance of sharing with others. Moose, Lion, Zebra, and Sheep take shelter in a cave on a cold and rainy day, only to realize that a bear is there. The bear roars loudly and says that he is trying to sleep. Not understanding why the bear is so cranky, the other animals come up with ways to cheer up the bear. Moose finds antlers for him, Lion gives him a mane, and Zebra paints on stripes. Is there anything the four well-meaning friends can do to help the bear sleep?- Amazon
“ I like this picture book because it is humorous and the illustrations are funny. The bear's friends are worried why the bear is so cranky! They all work together to help the bear by making a comfortable pillow for him to sleep on. I like how they all work together to help a friend and solve the problem. ”- Mr Gualter
Please ensure all library books are returned this week for our annual stocktake.
Scholastic Book Club Orders
All orders for Scholastic Book Club need to be submitted by Tuesday 3rd December to ensure delivery before the end of the school year.
Thank you for your cooperation and support!
Amanda Mason
Food Scrap Friday
Congratulations to our Food Scrap Friday winners Week 5 (5V) and week 6 (1M, 2H/L, 3R and 4M)
The Week Ahead
Monday 2 December 3-6 Celebration of Learning Assembly 9.15am
Tuesday 3 December K-2 Celebration of Learning Assembly 9.15am
Wednesday 4 December Instrumental Ensembles Performance Evening 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Friday 6 December Year 6 farewell
Saturday 7 December P & C Christmas Carnival
Friday 13 December Year 6 Fun Day
Wednesday 18 December Last day of school Year 6 clap out
P & C News
BNPS Christmas Carnival:
Tombola Jars
A huge thank you to the entire community for your tombola jar contributions over the past few weeks. We are delighted to announce that we collected 1,402 jars in total which will all go towards raising funds for our school at the tombola stall at the Christmas carnival.
We are very grateful for the incredible efforts of all of our classes in donating so many fun-filled jars and particularly to 2A who won the final tally with 172 jars in total and who will enjoy a P&C sponsored pizza party.
Baked Goods Needed for Cake Stall
As part of our fundraising activities at the Christmas Carnival, we will be holding a cake sale for the community to enjoy.
This week, children have been busy decorating cake boxes in class. They will come home with their cake boxes this Friday, 29 November. We would be grateful if you are able to fill your child’s box with whatever homemade baking you enjoy to then sell at the carnival. This can be a cake, cupcakes, biscuits, slices, meringues, crumbles or any of your family’s favourites. Specific drop off instructions will be provided.
Earlybird Price for Ride Wristbands Extended!
Earlybird ride wristbands for $40 have been extended until this Friday, the 26th of November. They can be purchased here.
Calling All Jam Makers!
We are looking for people to help us make jam for our jam stall at the carnival. If you are keen to assist, please drop your homemade jams/preserves to 58 Woodbine Street by the 1st of December.
Volunteer on the Day:
Thank you to those who have signed up to help us at the carnival! We are still seeking volunteers to help us with pack down as well as on a few stalls like sand art, waste warriors, and cold drinks. Please see here to assist.
Christmas Stall
The BNPS Christmas Carnival Committee
Band News
Learn About our 2025 String Program – Thursday mornings before school
Join us on Thursday mornings before school in the Library to hear our string group and find out about our string program. Kindergarten and Year 1 students learnt all about the string instruments from our string ensemble members at a Meet The Strings session last week. Year 1 students asked some great questions. In a show of hands, many said they were interested in learning a string instrument and joining the beginner strings group next year. You can find out more information about strings on our website https://bnpsband.wixsite.com/website. If you would like to chat in person, please come along to a strings rehearsal to meet the conductor and chat about your child joining strings - Thursday mornings before school from 8am in the library.
Further information - bhpsband@hotmail.com
Junior Band 2025 – instrument offers are out. It’s not too late to join.
Instrument offers have been issued to those families who registered to join the band. There is still time to join and to obtain information from us regarding the right instrument for your child. Fill in the registration from https://forms.gle/MizpCoPXuCByN18u5
Open Rehearsals – this week and next week. What Does Happen at Rehearsals
Any Balgowlah North parent is welcome to drop into the Hall to see a rehearsal in action. Bands rehearse on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings plus Monday and Thursday lunchtime. Come along and say ‘Hi’.
Upcoming Performances for Band and Strings
We are looking forward to the following performances:
Celebration of Learning Assemblies next week
Band/Strings Performance Evening – Thursday 4 December
Christmas Carnival – Saturday 7 December
Farmhouse Montessori Christmas Concert – Monday 9 December
Congratulations to Junior Band for the excellent performance
Caroline Fechner
Koolkuna News
Please find attached the XMAS and 2025 Summer 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.
Year 3 2025
This is a reminder for all children who are currently in Year 2, going into Year 3 in 2025, please ensure you book in for the 3-6 Vacation Care Program.
Kindergarten 2025
If your child is beginning Kindergarten in 2025, please ensure you only book your child in from the 13th January 2025 and not the pre-XMAS period or first week of Vacation Care. We also highly recommend that parents consider the changes in routine that your child will be facing and the new expectations of a regular school day. This will be an exhausting time period for your child and we encourage children beginning in Kindergarten to attend between the hours of 9am-3pm to support this transition and their emotional regulation.
Reverse Advent Calendar
As we approach the holiday season Sustainable OSHC is participating in a Reverse Advent Calendar. In support of One Meal - Northern Beaches, Sustainable OSHC will be collecting a range of goods to donate to those families doing it tough these holidays. Our Reverse Advent Calendar will begin on Monday 19th November and run for 24 week days until Friday 20th December. Refer to our Reverse Advent Calendar on display at the Sign In/Out Area to identify which products we are collecting on each day. We hope our families will support this initiative by encouraging your children to drop the goods under the Koolkuna OSHC Christmas Tree.
Canteen News
Flexischools update
Look out for the new "Multi Order" function on flexi schools, coming soon. The Multi-order function will allow parents to place orders for several students across different services and dates. This is currently available via desktop but will be released to app soon.
School Community News
Evie H has been selected to join the Junior Representative U14 Women’s Basketball team with the Manly Sea Eagles. Well done Evie!
Olivia S & Evie R were selected to play in Academy teams who participated in the A-League Unite Cup last weekend. A national tournament with over 70 teams and 700 players aged from 8 to 12 from around the country the girls did BNPS proud, Olivia's team finished 3rd for the under 10's and Evie who played up for the under 11's finished 4th. Well done girls!
School Sponsors
