Newsletter Term 1 Week 8 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
Harmony and Neurodiversity Week
As we celebrate Harmony and Neurodiversity Week, we take this opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities that make our school community so vibrant and unique. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of our differences.
Throughout the week, our students will engage in a variety of activities designed to promote awareness and empathy. These activities include discussions and creative projects that highlight the significance of neurodiversity and the various cultural perspectives within our community. We believe that by exposing our students to these concepts, we can foster a greater understanding of the challenges and strengths that come with different ways of thinking and living.
We encourage families to participate in this celebration by discussing the themes of harmony and neurodiversity at home. Together, we can create a supportive environment that emphasises the value of every individual and inspires our children to embrace diversity in all its forms.
All our students and teachers will wear a touch of orange with their uniform on Thursday.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher bookings will open this Friday, the 21st of March, at 8am. These important interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, the 8th, and Wednesday, the 9th of April, with sessions commencing at 12.30pm and running through until 5pm each day. A red banner with a hyper link will appear on the top of your School Bytes Parent Portal notifying you that parent-teacher interviews are now available for booking.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teacher and gain insight into how your child has settled into Term One. Together, we can discuss their progress and explore ways to collaboratively support their learning goals.
I would also like to acknowledge that some parents have already met with their child’s class teacher to discuss individualised learning plans. Your engagement in your child’s education is invaluable, and we encourage all parents to take advantage of this opportunity.
Looking forward to seeing you all!
NAPLAN
As our students complete the NAPLAN assessments, I want to take a moment to commend their hard work and dedication. This was an important opportunity for them to demonstrate their learning and showcase their personal best. We encouraged all students to approach these assessments with confidence, knowing that their efforts reflect their growth and knowledge. Thank you for your support in helping them prepare and for fostering a positive mindset throughout this process.
Zone swimming carnival
Our zone swimmers are competing at Warringah Aquatic Centre today - we wish them all the very best. Congratulations to the following students who also broke records at our school carnival.
Joshua S broke the Junior Boys 200m Individual Medley record.
In the Junior Boys Breaststroke - the record which has been held since 2005 was broken by 4 students this year: Arlo L, Harry O, Liam D and Joshua S.
Thank you to Kerry Kelly and Jenny Mercer for accompanying the team. Thank you to our wonderful parents for supporting their children with transportation and moral support!
Kind regards
Brooke Keevers
Principal
Assistant Principal's News
Attendance Matters
Do you know how to monitor your child’s attendance rate?
This is easy to do through the School Bytes app and something we encourage our families to actively engage with as part of supporting their child’s successful participation in all aspects of learning.
You can check your child’s attendance rate at any time by logging into the School Bytes portal and selecting the ‘Attendance’ icon. You will see a calendar of absences with a percentage of attendance at the bottom of the calendar.
While the vast majority of our school community consistently maintain high rates of attendance, it also may surprise some of our families how quickly attendance rates can decline with the ‘odd day off here and there’.
Department of Education Attendance Policy recommends school closely monitor and implement intervention strategies for any students whose attendance falls lower than 90%.
As you will see in the graphic below, missing just one or two days of school per fortnight on average equates to years of learning lost over time.
Rachel Ridley
Assistant Principal- Wellbeing
Kindergarten Parent Reading Workshop
School News
Creative Arts Corner
Exploring Cultures Through Dance
Students across all grades are diving into the world of cultural dance in weekly lessons with Mrs McAllister, learning traditional movements that reflect the rich cultures of different regions.
Kindergarten – Australia and Our Neighbours - Our youngest dancers are discovering the traditions of Australia and the Pacific. They are learning the storytelling movements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, the powerful haka from New Zealand, and the joyful Bula dance from Fiji. They are also having fun with the fast-paced hip-shaking of Tahitian ‘Ori, gaining rhythm and confidence along the way!
Years 1 & 2 – Asia and Surrounds - Students in Years 1 and 2 are stepping into the vibrant world of Asian dance. They are mastering the tricky footwork of the Tinikling from the Philippines and keeping up with the synchronized rhythms of Saman from Indonesia. They are also learning about the powerful Dragon and Lion Dances from China, performed to bring good luck and celebrate important festivals.
Years 3 & 4 – North and South America - Students in Years 3 and 4 are traveling through the Americas with their dance steps. They are trying out the spinning and weaving of the Hoop Dance, the lively partner movements of Salsa, and the energetic foot stomping of Mexico’s Jarabe Tapatío. They are also exploring the graceful and dramatic movements of Tango from Argentina and the unique mix of acrobatics and rhythm in Brazil’s Capoeira.
Years 5 & 6 – Africa and Europe - Our senior students are exploring the rich dance traditions of Africa and Europe. They are practicing the powerful warrior-like stomps of South Africa’s Indlamu, the rapid beats of Ghana’s Kpanlogo, and the mesmerizing shoulder movements of Ethiopia’s Eskista. Meanwhile, they are also taking on Europe’s fast footwork with the Irish Step Dance, the lively spinning of Sirtaki from Greece, and the dramatic stomps and claps of Spain’s Flamenco.
Students are also encouraged to explore dances they have a personal connection with, whether through their cultural background, family tradition, places they’ve travelled or simply an interest in a particular style. Through this exciting journey, they are not just learning steps—they are building connections, celebrating diversity and developing a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance!
BNPS Dance and Music Google Classroom: Join by using this code - va2bp75
Mrs McAllister - Dance and Music teacher
Wakakirri
Over 100 children from 3-6 have been selected to join the Balgowlah North Wakakirri Group and students will develop and showcase skills in dance, drama, and/or visual arts. The group will help to create and perform a short story through dance this year.
Key Information
- Performance Details: Students will perform in Term 3, Week 1 and 2
(during any date between July 21st -August 1st) at school and at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta.
- Rehearsals:
- Held every Thursday at lunchtime (12:50PM - 1:40PM) in the school hall, after 10 minutes of eating.
- Additional mandatory rehearsals will be scheduled in Term 3
- Additional Visual Arts afternoons will be scheduled in Term 2
- Costs: An invoice will be issued to cover participation fees, costumes, props, sets and transport.
- Attendance Requirement: If your child will be away for more than a week in Term 2 or early Term 3, they are unable to participate.
Expectations to participate (at school and off-site)
- Commitment and dedication with regular attendance/punctuality
- Safe dance and drama practices
- Respectful and supportive collaboration, including listening to others
- Contribution to the creative process through choreography and contributing ideas
- Ability to learn dance skills and emotional expression or storytelling skills
- Openness to feedback and making adjustments
Google Classroom: Join by using this code - 7sfbycw
For your child to participate, please sign and return the permission slip to Mrs McAllister.
We are so excited to begin this journey with your children and look forward to a fantastic experience.
Eliza McAllister, Anna Harris, Eliza Ross , Steph Rooleht & Meghan Parsons
Curiosity and Critical Thinking
Sports News
PBL Week 8
Admin News
Messages from school
We are currently transitioning from SchoolZine to School Bytes for messaging. From the start of Term 2 app messages will only be sent via School Bytes app. Please ensure you have the School Bytes app and that you have notifications turned on.
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".
Emailing the school
When you email the school, please include yours and your child's surname.
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
Meet our Tuesday Library Monitors
Their favourite books are
Aria B - We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad
Frankie J - Catch Me If I Fall by Barry Jonsberg
Alyssa S - Rabbit, Soldier , Angel Thief by Katrina Nannestad
Scholastic Book Club Orders- Issue 2
All orders for Scholastic Book Club need to be submitted by Friday 28th March 2025.
Apologies for the late delivery for Issue 1. There has been a delivery problem with some books. I have been in contact with Scholastic and they are on the case.
The Week Ahead
Wednesday 19 March Zone Swimming Carnival
Thursday 20 March Harmony/Neurodiversity Day
Monday 24 March K-2 Assembly 2.30pm
Thursday 27 March Peer Mediation (moved from 20 March)
Monday 31 March Whole School Assembly 1:45pm
Monday 31 March Year 2 Swim Scheme (wk 10 & 11)
Thursday 3 April World's Greatest Shave
P & C News
1. Save the Date - Trivia Night
Please save the date for the next big event on 21 June 2025. We look forward to seeing you all there!
2. Sponsorships and Donations
We are always looking for new sponsors for our events. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Dan Brabant on 0434 004 797 for further information.
Green Grove
Canteen News
Koolkuna News
Dear Families,
Please find attached the 2025 Autumn 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.
School Community News
School Sponsors
