Newsletter Term 1 Week 3 2025
"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
Welcome
We are thrilled to welcome our Kindergarten students who joined us last Thursday! It has been heartwarming to see how quickly they have settled into their classes. On Friday, they had the delightful opportunity to meet their buddies and participate in their first morning lines. We recognise that this transition can be a bittersweet moment for parents as your child embarks on their educational journey. Thank you for all the positive preparation you have undertaken to build their confidence and ensure a wonderful start to this exciting chapter.
As we move forward, please keep in mind that it takes time for our teachers to get to know each student. We invite you to our upcoming "Meet the Teacher" event, which is a fantastic opportunity to step into your child’s classroom and connect with their class teacher on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM.
We understand that the beginning of a new school year can bring about feelings of anxiety for both parents and children. Rest assured, our teachers are committed to nurturing relationships and providing a supportive environment as students adjust to their new routines. We have conducted thorough handovers from last year's teachers and will be holding parent-teacher interviews later this term to further support your child’s progress.
If there are any urgent needs for your child that require immediate communication, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. Otherwise, we encourage you to allow time for these important relationships to develop between teachers and students.
Buddies 2025
Catchment Area changes for Balgowlah Boys and MacKellar Girls
At the end of 2024, the NSW Government announced changes regarding enrolments at Northern Beaches Secondary College. Starting in 2026, all students in the Balgowlah North Public School catchment will be eligible for enrolment at the Mackellar Girls Campus and Balgowlah Boys Campus as well as Forest High School. This is an exciting change and we will continue to deepen our ties with these three fantastic Public High schools. Our students are extremely fortunate to have access to these schools, having the opportunity for ALL our students to have access to these schools provides an opportunity to continue to connect with local families and provide equity and choice for all students.
Mackellar Girls Campus will be holding an open day on Tuesday 18th February 2025 between 9:15am and 12:30pm. In addition to this, applications for High Potential and Gifted Education Programs for 2026 are available via the Mackellar Girls Campus school website and will close on February 21st 2025. Students interested in applying for HPGE programs in 2026 will participate in an Academic test on March 13th 2025.
Please contact Mackellar Girls Campus for further information.
BNPS P&C Class Parent 2025
What is the role of the class parent?
- Help with communication between the families of children in the class, with the teacher, school and P&C committees.
- Help to make new families feel part of the school
What does the class parent do?
- Organize social events for class families
- Attend P&C meetings or read the minutes if unable to attend.
- Support the class teacher as required
- Make a list of names and contact details of class families
How do we choose a class parent?
- An expression of interest is sent out to all parents
- If more than 1 parent volunteers the position is offered to the parent who has not filled this role before
Please complete the link below by Friday the 14th of February. There will be a class morning tea to welcome all class parents and a time to ask questions of the role. The morning tea is scheduled for 8.30am on the 26th of February in the school library.
Staff list for 2025
Wellbeing and Diverse Learner’s Team
Diverse Learner’s Team
Our Diverse Learner’s Team (DLT) monitors student academic, social, emotional and behavioural development and works with families, external agencies and students to ensure students are supported to thrive. Referrals to the DLT can be made through Classroom Teachers or parents.
The DLT for 2025 is comprised of:
Brooke Keevers (Principal)
Rachel Ridley (Assistant Principal- Wellbeing)
Joy Thompson (School Counsellor)
Anna Harris (Learning and Support Teacher)
Katherine Evans (Learning and Support teacher)
Stage Assistant Principal and Classroom Teacher of identified student
Many of our identified students can be supported through differentiated programming and classroom support modifications that can be implemented by the Classroom Teacher. Where individual adjustments require greater support, an Individualised Learning Plan or Individual Behaviour Support Plan will be developed in conjunction with the student and their parents. This may occur after 10 weeks of adjustments.
We ask that parents ensure all reports from external health professionals including pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists and speech therapists are provided to the Diverse Learners Team so that we can ensure we have a complete understanding of how we can best support your child’s development. Please send these directly to the school email titled CONFIDENTIAL.
If you are commencing therapy or assessment with an external clinician and they require the Classroom Teacher to complete a questionnaire or an observational report from the School Counsellor, you will need to complete a parent DLT referral to enable us to exchange information with the external provider.
Joy Thompson, our school counsellor, will work at our school on Wednesday and Thursday this year. Our DLT works with Mrs Thompson to manage her caseload and prioritise referrals by acuity. We ask for your patience and understanding that there may be some wait time for student observations and assessments that do not have an immediate impact on student wellbeing.
Please contact the school office if you have any questions about the DLT or require a DLT referral form.
https://balgowlahn-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/rules-and-policies.html
Attendance of appointments with external support providers during the school day
Some students benefit from the support of external support providers to assist them in specific aspects of their social, emotional and academic development. This may include the ongoing support of psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists or speech therapists. We encourage these appointments to be made outside of the school day wherever possible.
In circumstances where a parent wishes for their child to attend an appointment during the school day on an ongoing basis, an application must be made to the Diverse Leaner's Team (DLT) for consideration by the DLT and Principal. Your application must be accompanied by a current DLT referral and should detail the goals of the therapy and if your child is accessing this support through NDIS funding. All applications will be considered and reviewed individually, and a partial exemption of attendance will be granted for the maximum period of one term only. Applications for exemption from attendance must be submitted every term for the partial attendance to be justified.
Assistant Principal's News
Assistant, Principal, Curriculum & Instruction (APC&I)
Dear Parents & Careers.
Welcome to another exciting year of learning and growth for all our students. As the Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction, my primary focus is to ensure that literacy and numeracy skills are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum and assessments, while continuously enhancing high-quality teaching practices to improve student learning outcomes across all subject areas.
In 2025, our focus will shift from Mathematics to Literacy. I will be working closely with our dedicated Stage 2 teachers to collaboratively plan, deliver, and assess the impact of evidence-based teaching strategies around specific literacy skills.
By harnessing shared expertise, promoting consistency and alignment, supporting differentiated instruction, and engaging in ongoing reflective practices, this collaboration will further strengthen the integration of literacy across the curriculum, driving enhanced student outcomes and success for all our students.
Julia Gough
APC&I
School News
Stage 3 Tower Challenge
On our first day Stage 3 used curiosity, collaboration, and innovation by designing and constructing the strongest possible structure using just 10 pieces of newspaper and tape. The goal is for the structure to stand independently and hold a basketball, encouraging our students to test different building techniques like folding, rolling, or crumpling the newspaper. Through this process, they engaged in critical thinking and problem-solving, experimented with new ideas, and collaborated with others to refine their design. This activity promotes teamwork, creative exploration, and engineering skills, all while having fun with their peers and fostering a love for learning.
Stage 3 Team
CAPA CORNER (Creative and Performing Arts)
Dance and Music for K-6
DANCE! - This term students are participating in weekly Dance lessons with Mrs McAllister in the CAPA room. We are learning about performing, composing and dance influences with the dance elements. Lessons include a warm up/stretch, explicit teaching, learning activities, reflection and a cool down. The learning will also have a focus on Aboriginal Dance and dance through various cultures, commencing with a dance incursion next week (see below).
Students will be having lessons in Music in Term 2 with Mrs McAllister.
We are looking forward to a busy and exciting term in Creative Arts.
Eliza McAllister
Dance and Music Teacher
Incursion opportunity for K-6
On Tuesday 18th February students will appreciate a one hour performance by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers Kadul with Ryka Ali. Beginning with the Torres Strait Islands, Ryka will perform an introductory dance then talk about the flag. The show includes participatory dances with students & also explorations of various instruments, artifacts & costumes specific to the Islands. Ryka will then introduce the Aboriginal culture, ‘painting up’ with ochre (along with student volunteers) & explaining its importance & the significance of the designs. Ryka will perform & teach native dances for audience participation ending with a demonstration of the didgeridoo. The cost for this experience will be included in term invoices.
Wakakirri project for Years 3-6
Our school will have the chance to showcase our talents this year in Dance, Drama and Visual Arts in a short performance for everyone. In 2025, the theme is 'Mind Over Matter: Tales of Inner Strength and all ideas will be student directed.
If your child is interested in participating in this nationwide festival called Wakakirri we will have a signup sheet on class doors next week and please note there are costs involved. Students will need to commit to rehearsals every week on a Thursday at lunchtime until Term 3 and the final performances will be early Term 3. If you are taking any holidays during this time please consider these dates are set. Please discuss this exciting opportunity with your child and find more information about Wakakirri here www.wakakirri.com.au
2025 Higher Potential and G&T in Creative Arts opportunities for K-6
There are numerous additional and external Creative Arts opportunities (Dance, Drama, Visual Arts and Music) provided by the Arts Units NSW. The following suggestions provide students with unique extension experiences in Creative Arts. If you are interested in any of the experiences for your child below please view further information and apply online individually.
Music
Instrumental and vocal items for state music festivals
Sydney North Public Schools Vocal Ensembles
Combined Schools Singing Choir
Dance
2025 NSW Public Schools Dance Ensemble
2025 NSW public schools boys dance ensemble
Drama
Visual Arts
COMBINED
School spectacular for individuals
Circus arts, instrumentalists, vocalists, dance (+ boys hip hop), drama, creative ideas, production, hosts, visual arts
Art, Dance, Drama, Music
PBL Week 3
Admin News
Student Medication
All expired mediation up to 2024 has been disposed of.
If your child requires medication during the school day this year, please provide in date medication in its original packaging to the school office along with a completed Student Health Support Request form. This form can be completed online by going into your School Bytes Portal under the FORMS tab.
Student Contact Details
Please ensure you email the school if you have any changes to your contact details, email, address or emergency contacts.
Transitioning from SchoolZine to School Bytes
We are starting to transition from the SchoolZine app to the School Bytes app in 2025.
How to set up notifications on the School Bytes Parent App
Administration Team
Library News
The year kicked off in the library with an amazing vibe of enthusiastic borrowing! In the coming weeks, every class will be spending 40 minutes in the library, where students can explore and borrow from our diverse collection. All students will have the opportunity to borrow books. Please ensure they bring a protective bag to school to put their borrowed library books in to transport home. Students will be unable to borrow unless they have a bag.
A library bag provides a designated space to carry your borrowed books, preventing them from getting damaged or misplaced in your backpack along with other items. A library bag also encourages responsibility and respect for borrowed materials. By keeping books separate from other belongings, students are more likely to handle them with care and return them on time, promoting good library etiquette.
Please note :
This year K- 2 students will have the opportunity to borrow during their library lesson.
3-6 students will borrow every fortnight (even weeks), beginning Monday 17th February (wk 4)
Premiers Reading Challenge
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. If you need help using the website and the answer cannot be found on the PRC Support site, please contact - prc@det.nsw.edu.au
The 2025 Challenge dates are as follows:
Challenge opens: Monday 24 February 2025
Challenge closes to students: Friday 22 August 2025
Students use their DoE login details – the same one they use to access computers and the internet at school.
Note: Students are unable to log onto the PRC website until the Challenge opens
For more information and an updated booklist please check the Premier’s Reading Challenge website https://online.education.nsw.gov.au/prc
URL for Student Experience Site: https://online.education.nsw.gov.au/prc/studentExperience.html#/
Digital platforms
I'll also be reminding everyone about the various digital platforms available over the next couple of weeks.
These include:
- eBook and Audio Book library.
These can be found at http://balgowlahnorthps.wheelers.co/ or by downloading the EPlatform by wheelers app and finding our school. To borrow a book on this platform, students use their DET username and password.
- Storybox Library – a fantastic collection of videos of favourite stories read by wonderful storytellers.
password: booksbnps
username: books
- World Book Online – online encyclopedia. Username and password: bnps
Students are welcome to come to our library at lunchtime at 1:15pm (second half lunch) on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They will have the opportunity to play with Lego, draw or read books. Students can also borrow at this time.
The library is seeking any bulk plain paper that students can draw on during this time. If you have any, please drop it into the library or school office. It would be much appreciated.
Scholastic Book Club Orders
All orders for Scholastic Book Club need to be submitted by Friday 21st February 2025
The Week Ahead
Tuesday 18 February Aboriginal Dance Incursion
Wednesday 19 February Masters Academy Debating
Wednesday 19 February P & C Meeting 7.30pm
Saturday 22 February Kindy Drinks
Wednesday 26 February Class Parent Morning Tea 8.30am in the library
Wednesday 26 February Meet the Teacher 3.15pm-3.45pm
Thursday 27 February SEAT begins
Friday 28 February Clean Up Australia Day
P & C News
P&C Meeting - Wednesday, 19 February
The first P&C meeting for the year will be held on Wednesday, 19 February at 7.30pm at the school library. We welcome your attendance as we discuss the plan for the year ahead.
Kindy Drinks
Parent's Night Out - Saturday, 8 March
Throw on your toga, grab a drink and let's party like the gods! Parents deserve a night off!
- Early bird tickets $65 each, available until 19 February.
- Regular tickets, $70 each, available until 6 March.
- Tickets include entry and food.
- Raffle tickets available for $10 each.
Tickets available only on Flexischools.
Event contact is Bec Sheridan (410 459 780)
Sponsorships and Donations
As always, the P&C has an exciting calendar of events as we fundraise for the school, as well as having lots of fun doing it. Are you interested in being a major sponsor for the year?
Please contact Dan Brabant on 0434 004 797 for further information.
Band News
Band and Strings News
We started the term with our conductor catch ups where 2024 band members met with our new Director of Bands, Emma Clain to show her their abilities on their instruments in preparation to form the bands. The children are taking it all in their stride with lots of happy faces and excitement about returning to band.
New Director of Bands and Conductor
We welcome Emma Clain who will be our Director of Bands. Emma comes to BNPS bringing years of conducting and tutoring experience in public and private schools. A graduate of Sydney Conservatorium and a local primary schools band program, Emma is keen to sprinkle her magic at BNPS after a year off looking after 1 year old, Chelsea. The Concert Band students have met Emma before so she will be a familiar face.
Also new to the team is Chris Brasche. Chris' conducting, tutoring and performance CV is extensive across private and public schools, and he has performed with well-known artists and at various festivals. A graduate of Sydney Conservatorium Chris has over 30 years' experience to bring to BNPS. Chris is also available of brass tutoring after school on Wednesdays. We look forward to seeing him work with the students.
Of course, our long-term conductor, Angus Bullough is also returning to fill out the conducting team.
New Strings Conductor Our wonderful conductor for the last couple of years, Charlotte, has taken a position working at the Sydney Conservatorium as a Strings Administrator and tutor. Replacing her is the equally wonderful, Marianne Edwards who recently retired from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra after 15 years. She has held positions in the Australia Chamber Orchestra. Marianne is keen to nurture the next generation of string players and is looking to develop the strings program and take on more private tutoring.
Rehearsal Schedule Always a challenge, the rehearsal schedule has to work around school commitments/activities, conductor availability, hall access and more. We have arrived at a schedule below which sees each band have one morning and one lunchtime rehearsal. Emma will see each band and Chris and Angus will share the other rehearsals.
Monday morning 7.40am – Junior Band – Emma Clain
Monday Lunch – Senior Band – Emma Clain
Tuesday morning 7.40am – Senior Band – Angus Bullough
Tuesday lunch – Concert Band - Chris Brasche
Wednesday Lunch – Junior Band - Chris Brasche
Thursday morning 7.40am – Concert Band – Emma Clain
Thursday morning 7.45am - Strings - Marianne Edwards (Library)
Rehearsals Begin - Week 4 (W/b 17 Feb)
Band rehearsals will begin on Monday 17 February as per schedule above.
Strings rehearsals will begin on Thursday 13 February from 7.50am in the Library for all strings (beginner and 2024 ensemble members).
Want to join the Band or Strings? It’s not too late
Please get in touch with our Band Administrator, Caroline to learn how you can be part of this wonderful program – bnpsband@hotmail.com.
Read all about the programs on our website https://bnpsband.wixsite.com/website
Koolkuna News
Dear Families,Koolkuna
OSHC is very excited to welcome back, Motiv8 Sports as part of the After School Care Curriculum for Term 1 after such amazing feedback from the families who participated in 2024! Term 2 Additional Activity
Motiv8 Sports - Kindy - Year 6On Thursday afternoons in Term 1, Koolkuna OSHC will be joined by the Motiv8 Sports Team who will be running sports clinics to provide an opportunity to learn new skills across a range of sports and develop healthier lifestyle habits. Each clinic emphasizes on fun and inclusion, with inflatable obstacles, prizes and music to pump you up when participating in Flag ball Battle, Ultimate League, Gauntlet, Sponge Wars, Super Soccer, Super Sports Challenge and a final week Party Face Off.
Time: Thursday 3:30-4:45pmCost: $100/child for 6 week program $20/child for a one-off session
Dates: Term 1 Weeks 4-10 (27th Feb - 4th April
Please send an email to kkoshc@sustainableoshc.com.au or come to the service to enquire.
School Community News
School Sponsors
