Newsletter Term 1 Week 4 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

Engaging learning environments

Wonderful to see our latest mural installation last week. Our students were very excited to watch the installation process last Wednesday and Thursday as our front playground and office walls were transformed. Thank you to Alice Pond who worked with the graphic designers to bring together a visual vision that inspires our student's creativity, curiosity and imagination.

Opportunities to Connect

I would like to extend my thanks to those who have volunteered to be the P&C class parents for 2025. It’s wonderful to see several new faces stepping into this important role this year.

We are excited to invite all parents to join us next Wednesday afternoon. This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teacher, ask questions about classroom organisation, and engage with your child's learning environment. Our students take great pride in showing off their classrooms, and these connections are invaluable.

I also look forward to catching up with parents at the P&C meeting tonight at 7:30 PM in the library. Our new Assistant Principal, Kate La Peyre, who supervises Stage One, will be joining me. This will be a fantastic chance to meet her and discuss our plans for the year ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I hope to see you all soon!

Brooke Keevers

Principal

Years 3-6 Friday and Interschool Sport Information 2025
Interschool Sport on a Friday is when selected teams from BNPS travel to compete against the other schools in the Manly Zone area; this is Interschool sport, coordinated by teachers and Principals of the Manly Zone.  Interschool sport is open to all students in Years 3-6.  Trials for summer sports are underway, and it is pleasing to see the enthusiasm on the oval on Friday afternoon!  At the beginning of each season coaches issue a code of conduct which is signed by participating students and their parents. This code of conduct details the expected behaviour of students representing our school in their chosen sport.

Summer Sport is played in Terms 1 & 4. Students selected for a sport in Term 1 continue in the team in Term 4.
Sports: Cricket, Eagle Tag Boys & Girls, Volleyball
Students register and try out for a sport over 2/3 Fridays, weeks 2, 3, 4. Teams will be posted Monday Week 5.
Round 1 starts week 5, Friday 28 February.

The number of teams sent to Interschool Sport is governed by student interest and staff available to take the teams.  This year we have changed summer sports based on the student surveys completed in Term 4 2024.   Volleyball has been introduced as a summer sport. 

Teams travel by bus to the fields. Cost for Interschool Sport is $100 per term. Summer Interschool Sport has 12 rounds with 2 buses per week to the various destinations. Summer Interschool Sport bus costs are $17280.00

2025 sport training for all teams will be at 8am Friday Mornings
Cricket - in the cricket nets
Eagle Tag on the school oval
Volleyball on the netball court area

Winter sport is played in Terms 2 & 3. Students selected for a sport in Term 2 continue in the team in Term 3.
Sports: Netball and Soccer (TBC after student surveys are completed)

Students register and try out for a sport over 2 Fridays, Term 1, week 10, & Term 2, Week 1&2. Teams will be posted Monday Week 3.

The number of teams sent to Interschool Sport is governed by student interest and staff available to take the teams.

As per Summer sport, teams travel by bus to the fields and there is a cost of $100 term. Winter Interschool Sport has 12 rounds with 2 buses per week to the various destinations. Winter Interschool Sport bus costs are $17280.00

Students who do not play have the options to play Tennis at Voyager Tennis Centre or School Sport. The cost of Tennis is $12 per week. The number of weeks changes from term to term depending on the Interschool Sport calendar. Students register each term via the School Bytes portal – click on the student you are registering – statement of account – other – Tennis.

Each term the school staff, often supported by specialised coaches, provide skill development and engaging sports activities to all students who are not at Interschool Sport or tennis lessons.   

All of the above is subject to weather. Fees will be charged per term. If weeks are rained out and there is no option to make that week up, fees will be adjusted in the next term.

Further Information regarding Interschool Sport & PSSA guidelines from our school sports policy:

• Junior division is for those students who turn 8, 9 or 10 years of age in the current calendar year.
• Senior division is for those students who turn 11 years and over in the current calendar year. 
• If a child is absent due to illness or family circumstances and has missed all selection trials, another selection trial will only be held if the team still requires additional members.
• Representatives have additional responsibilities including attending training, wearing school sports uniform, adhering to school rules, understanding and adhering to the rules specific to the activity, meeting any associated costs and reading, signing and committing to the code of conduct.
• All students selected into a sport team and/or participating in a PSSA Sport carnival must abide by the Code of Conduct and the BNPS Behaviour Support and Management Procedures. Breaches of this code will lead to the removal of the student from the team or competition.

Interschool Sport Selection Procedures

Interested students are required to nominate themselves for consideration in a team. 

• Selections will be held over two sessions (minimum). To be selected for a team, students must attend at least one trial date to be considered for a position in a team.
• The selections will be made according to performance at selection sessions. Teachers facilitating the trials will assess performance in accordance with the required skills of each sport.
• General school behaviour, attitude and sportsmanship are taken into account when selecting teams.
• Children who are absent due to illness or holidays on all selection days may not be considered unless additional players are required to form the team.
• If a child is absent for the selection days, due to other school commitments i.e. Zone sports or Selective High School Tests, then another training session will be held to determine if he/she is worthy of being selected.
• Where there are two children of equal ability the child from the higher school grade will be selected.

• Children do not have to participate in this sport out of school to be eligible to try out for the team, but experience, including out of school participation and representation will be considered.
• The final selection of teams will be conducted by teachers and reviewed by the school sport teacher.
• Once selections have been made, decisions are final and must be respect

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.

Assistant Principal's News

2025 is off to a productive start with engaging lessons happening across all classrooms. Stage One students have enjoyed settling back into school life, enjoying opportunities to ask questions, explore new concepts and build upon their existing skills and understanding.

This year, we will continue to integrate opportunities that nurture the potential of high potential and gifted (HPG) students across all areas of our curriculum. Our ongoing emphasis on the Creative Domain will not only benefit students who exhibit talent in the creative and performing arts but also those who possess natural abilities in imagination, innovation, and originality.

As a theatre enthusiast with a long history and interest in the performing arts, I’m looking forward to taking an active role with our school bands this year. I was fortunate enough to pop in to see the first rehearsal for our new junior band members this week. It was great to see so many budding musicians ready to join the BNPS team of creative talents.

This week all students engaged in a performance by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers Kadul, featuring Ryka Ali. The event included interactive dances and the exploration of instruments, artefacts, and costumes unique to the Islands. Ryka introduced students to Aboriginal culture demonstrating native dances and showcasing the didgeridoo. Both teachers and students spoke highly of the learning experience.

Kate La Peyre
Assistant Principal Stage 1

School News

The new BNPS Choir - Years 2-4
Calling all aspiring Swifties and Sheerios!

Ms Saab is thrilled to be coordinating the new BNPS Choir for all interested students in Years 2, 3 and 4. In line with all other BNPS creative activities, the choir will be student-led, with a focus on expression, confidence, and sheer joy.

Please note, this is not a ‘drop-in’ activity as practice will take place before the school bell, from 8.15-8.45 on Thursday mornings (in 1SL). We expect students to show commitment and focus from the get-go! The Choir will perform at school assemblies and other school events.

Parents should discuss this opportunity with their children and give permission via the link that will be sent out via School Bytes. Practice commences on Thursday 27th February.

Carol Saab 

 Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO)

In our school, we have a designated Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO). This role is currently assigned to Mrs Katherine Evans and Mrs Amanda Mason. An ARCO is a teacher chosen by the principal to help teach everyone about stopping racism in our school. The ARCO helps the principal by:

• Helping teachers understand how racism affects students' learning and feelings.
• Giving advice to students and teachers on what to do when they see or hear racism.
• Suggesting ways the school can fight against racism.

The ARCO is also trained to help parents, teachers, and students know what to do if someone reports racism. If someone needs it, the ARCO can be there to support them or speak up for them during the process.

If you or your child experiences or witnesses an incident of concern please report to our ARCO via the school email. Students are also welcome to report via the ARCO box which is located in the library office.

Eco Warriors - Making a compost bin

"Me and my friends are working really hard in the Sensory Garden making a stone lizard hotel and are finally done! It took 5 days and it was really tiring. My friends are Charlie, Sebastian, Charlie K, Jackson, Zac, Lachlan and Flynn"

Liam R 3R

PBL Week 4

Admin News

Student Department emails
If you need your child's email address this can be found on the "Dashboard" of your School Bytes Parent Portal, at the bottom on the page under "Student details".

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

Administration Team

Library News

Library Monitors for Term 1 and 2
This year, all Stage 3 students had the opportunity to become library monitors! Being a library monitor is a fantastic way to contribute to a welcoming and well-organised space for their peers. Surrounded by books and knowledge, they will develop valuable skills like leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.

We were thrilled by the overwhelming number of Year 5 students who signed up! To ensure everyone gets a chance, Year 6 students will serve as monitors for the entire year, while Year 5 students will take turns, with each group serving for one semester. 

The library monitors for term 1 and 2 are:

Benny M, Jasper C, Abbi H, Maali H, Henry Y, Aria B, Alyssa S, Frankie J, Laila W, Claire Z and Kora P.

Library Monitor badges will be presented at the whole school assembly in week 5

I look forward to wokling with the library monitors as they embrace this opportunity to shine and inspire others through the magic of books!

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.  

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

Wednesday 19 February        P & C Meeting 7.30pm 
Saturday 22 February            Kindy Drinks
Monday 24 February              K-6 Whole School Assembly 1.45pm
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.   

Green Grove
Lunchtime on Tuesday 11th February at The Greengrove was an active and fun place!

Our new Garden Lady, Cate Webster met 20 of BNPS's enthusiastic young green thumbs! Everyone chose from a list of tasks, either looking after the garden or chickens, and engaging in a fun nature game. Students also voted on some seeds/ plants they would like to grow in the coming weeks. If your child enjoys being outdoors and learning about gardening and caring for chickens tell them to come along to The Green Grove every Tuesday at lunchtime. Each week we will be doing a new nature game as well, with the goal of connecting students with the natural environment.

Also, if your family is interested in helping out with the chickens (feeding, watering, cleaning, collecting eggs), please reach out to Cate and she will add you to a 'Chicken Whatsapp group'. There is no regular commitment required, just the occasional willingness to visit the chickens and give them some love!Finally, if you have any egg cartons we could use, these would also be gratefully received please drop off in the office. Please contact Cate on 0422037732.

Canteen News

Band News

Band is Back!
Exciting that our bands started rehearsals this week and our numbers coming into the program are looking good.  Near 40% or Year 3 students have joined the band, doubling the numbers from last year.  Looking forward to hearing the great sound they will produce together.

The Junior Band met Mrs Clain and had a lovely time learning about respect for each other and the conductor, setting up the band, watching the conductor with starting and stopping and other skills they use in band.  They had fun.

Concert Band also had their first rehearsal with Mrs Clain and then a second rehearsal with Mr Bullough on Tuesday.  A bit of a slow start as a few members were unable to attend due to signing up for other activities in the school but we hope to see the entire group at rehearsal next Monday.

Performance band will have their first rehearsal on Thursday morning with Mrs Clain. 

String program started last Thursday.  Our numbers in strings are lower this year due to students leaving the program for other schools or other activities.   We are hopeful that some beginners will join to fill out the numbers.  If your child is interested  please contact bnpsband@hotmail.com

Sign Up to Join the Band
We are always seeking new members.  You can find all the information you need about joining band on our website - https://bnpsband.wixsite.com/website

If you would like to now more please contact bnpsband@hotmail.com

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