Balgowlah North Public School eNewsletter

"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

This week has been a vibrant and engaging experience for our students as they participated in a range of challenging activities designed to stimulate collaboration, curiosity and challenge across dance, physical education, drama, visual art, research, and literature. Our RFF (Release from Face-to-Face) team, alongside Julia Gough, Rachel Ridley, and myself, have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with our students and guide them through these engaging lessons.

As part of our commitment to fostering an environment of curiosity, creativity, and resilience, we are focusing this semester on enhancing our teachers' knowledge of the new Creative Arts syllabus, continuing a deep dive into English and mathematics with specific targeted areas in each stage.

Professional learning will also continue to strengthen our practices in Inclusive Education and support for High Potential and Gifted students in our classrooms. Our goal is to ensure that every student develops a strong sense of meaning and purpose in their learning journey.

We believe that by building individual and collective wellbeing through a climate of care and positivity, we can empower our students to become confident and resilient learners. We encourage them to stretch their capabilities, take risks in their learning, and develop self-discipline and effort—key skills that contribute to lifelong learning.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for our students.

School community connections
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful P&C for their generous pledge of $60,000 towards the refurbishment of our front of school playground. This significant investment will enhance our students' outdoor experience, and I appreciate the invaluable feedback we’ve received from our students and families regarding this space. Our plans are currently with School Infrastructure, and we look forward to seeing this work commence soon!

It was also a pleasure to meet many of our new Kindergarten parents at the event last Saturday night. A special thank you to Frances Macdonald for hosting such a warm and welcoming gathering.

Kind regards
Brooke Keevers

This term, Stage 3 students will engage in an exciting, hands-on exploration of our solar system, using curiosity, collaboration, and real-world connections to deepen their understanding of space. As they investigate the solar system as part of one of billions of galaxies, students will work together to create a model representing the planets, the Sun, and other celestial bodies. Through research and discussion, they will identify key astronomical features beyond our solar system, including stars, nebulae, exoplanets, and black holes.

By constructing and interacting with their model, students will develop a tangible connection to the vastness of space while considering how technological advancements have expanded our knowledge. They will also explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ understanding of the Sun, Moon, and stars, applying this knowledge to navigation and wayfinding. Through collaboration and inquiry, students will bring the wonders of the Universe to life, fostering a deeper appreciation of our place within it.

Rachel Ridley
Assistant Principal

CAPA CORNER (Creative and Performing Arts)

Incursion opportunity for K-6
On Tuesday 18th February students enjoyed a one hour performance by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers Kadul with Ryka Ali. The students wrote some wonderful reviews below;

‘The music started and everyone was so excited with lots of people getting ochre painted on their faces. We tried the didgeridoo and got to do a dance, including the teachers too which was really funny. I’ll always remember when I got to dance up the front of the stage and I just loved it!’

-Liam 3W

‘We had a visit from Kadul which means saltwater crocodile. They did a welcome dance and then did a dance with us all. We had ochre painted on us and they showed us how to throw a boomerang. I really enjoyed when they played the didgeridoo but my favourite part was when the teachers did a kangaroo dance! They were hopping around like crazy and it was so funny!’ -Frankie 4M

‘Kulaps clapping and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders dancers moving as animals, the performance was mind blowing. It deserved a 5 star rating as they even got the teachers to dance, they painted oche on our faces and played the didgeridoo but tradition only allows the boys which has been scientifically proven!’

-Harry 4P

Wakakirri project for Years 3-6
Our school will showcase our talents this year in Dance, Drama and Visual Arts in a short performance with the theme 'Mind Over Matter: Tales of Inner Strength' and all ideas will be student directed.

We will be starting Wakakirri this Thursday at every lunch time and we have had signup sheets on classroom doors. Please note there are costs involved and students will need to commit to weekly rehearsals on a Thursday at lunchtime. The final performances will be early Term 3 so please consider if you are taking any holidays during this time. For more information about Wakakirri please chat with Mrs McAllister in the Music/Dance room or visit the website here www.wakakirri.com.au

Eliza McAllister
Dance and Music Teacher

Curiosity and Critical Thinking

As part of our Stage One history unit, ‘The Past in the Present’, students undertook the role of budding archaeologists to discover what outdoor artefacts in our school tell us about the past.

Is the tennis court fence wiring primary or secondary evidence of the past? Why does the brown wiring feel hard and rough but the silver wiring alongside feel smooth and looks clean? What does this tell us?

Archaeology is fun!

Katherine Evans

NAPLAN_2025.pdf

Sports News

2025 BNPS Swimming Carnival
The swimming carnival for all students in years 3-6 and competitive 8-year-old swimmers in year 2, will take place at Manly Aquatic on Wednesday 5th March. All swimming entries should already be in. The deadline for race entry is this FRIDAY 28th February.

Please see below for important carnival information and some reminders from Manly Aquatic Centre:

Please let parents know that if they are staying to watch the carnival a $4.40 spectator fee is payable.
Students must remain in the booking area - no swimming in other pools during the carnival.
If students are signed out of the school’s care before the end of the carnival – we ask students to leave the venue.
If parents and children wish to swim after the carnival – they need to pay casual entry swimming fees and get a wristband from reception.
Please see attached information about the impacts of swimming when you are sick.

House coloured caps must be worn. They are available from the sports captains outside the office before school this week for a cost of $5 each - cash only.

We look forward to a fun day at the pool!

Kerry Kelly

PBL Week 5

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 working 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.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday 26 February Meet the Teacher 3.15pm-3.45pm
Thursday 27 February SEAT begins
Friday 28 February Clean Up Australia Day
Friday 28 February PSSA begins
Monday 3 March 3-6 Assembly
Wednesday 5 March BNPS Swimming Carnival
Monday 10 March K-2 Assembly
Wednesday 12 March NAPLAN Writing
Thursday 13 March NAPLAN Reading
Thursday 13 March Kindy Parents Reading Workshop
Friday 14 March NAPLAN Language Conventions
Wednesday 12 March NAPLAN Writing
Monday 17 March NAPLAN Numeracy
Tuesday 18 March School Photos

P & C News

Kindy Drinks
A big thank you to Frances and Alex for generously hosting the kindy drinks on Saturday night. It was well attended by both new and returning families.

Parent's Night Out - Saturday, 8 March

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.

Canteen News

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 6
On 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

Congratulations to Chloe M, Jake I, Alice O and Frankie J. They were lucky enough to represent Manly Warringah Touch at the Junior State Cup. They did BNPS proud playing over 10 games each across 3 massive days in the Dubbo heat! Chloe’s (U10) team made it to the quarter finals and Jake (U10), Alice and Frankie’s (U12) teams made it to the grand final and were the championships runners up in their age groups!