Newsletter Term 2 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
Reconciliation Week
As we approach National Reconciliation Week, held every year from 27 May to 3 June, we take the opportunity to pause, reflect, and deepen our understanding of our shared history. These dates mark two pivotal moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey—the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. Both events challenged us as a nation to consider what it means to walk together with respect, recognition, and purpose.
This year’s theme, "Bridging Now to Next," invites us to look at the important work that lies ahead while grounding ourselves in the lessons of the past. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a single moment or event—it’s an ongoing journey of learning, listening and leading with empathy.
At Balgowlah North, we are committed to fostering respectful relationships and building a culture that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives. Next week is a chance for our students - and all of us - to engage in meaningful conversations and activities that support understanding and unity.
The powerful imagery in the 2025 theme artwork, created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, features native plants known for their ability to regenerate after fire. These plants symbolise the strength and resilience within all of us, and the hope that comes with renewal and growth.
I encourage all families to reflect on the role we play in shaping a future that honours the voices, stories and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Together, we can continue to build a school and a nation where respect and reconciliation live not just in words, but in action.
Excellence, opportunity, and community – the best education is right here for your child in NSW public high schools
Families at Balgowlah North are fortunate to have access to some of the Northern Beaches’ most outstanding public high schools through the Northern Beaches Secondary College (NBSC). This unique collaboration of five campuses provides students with a wealth of opportunities, ensuring they can pursue their individual interests, abilities and career goals in a supportive and dynamic learning environment. Notably, Balgowlah Boys Campus and Mackellar Girls Campus are two of the most well-regarded schools on the Northern Beaches, each offering strong academic, sporting and cultural programs tailored to their students. As we now have access to these schools for ALL our students, consider our local public schools for opportunity, community AND excellence.
A key advantage of NBSC is the opportunity for senior students to access over 100 HSC courses across the five campuses. This means students are not limited to the subjects available at their home campus — they can customise a senior curriculum that suits their interests and future aspirations. Specific information about each campus is available through school tours and the school website.
Year 6 Jumpers
This week our Year 6 students received their highly coveted jumpers. The special jumpers are a long-standing tradition that our senior students look forward to as part of their final year of primary school. Some of our students reflect on what the jumper represents:
The sound of the clips on our jumper, pressing together, echoing the unity of our whole year coming together. The dark navy blue and white names on the back glow with pride .The Year 6 jackets signifying seven years of primary school, like climbing a mountain and finally reaching the top. Our friendships over the years grow and never stop, my classmates who I spend my last year of primary school with. The jackets will remind me of the best year ever.
Austin
Year 6 jackets are the most honoring uniform you might ever put on your body. Midnight blue colour, 43 names engraved on to the numbers 2 and 5, kindness and friendship sewn into the fabric. A most unique jacket because of the memories it holds and courage it shows. The 2 and 5 from the year 25 adding together to make 7, representing the 7 years we have spent together from Kindy to Year 6.
Sasha
Holding the memories of years of friendships, just like it holds warmth on cold winter days, The Year 6 jacket symbolises pride and unity. Names emblazoned on a huge 25, proudly telling the story of the 2025 class of Year 6.Our education is held forever in our mind for we shall remember every single piece of wisdom we have been gifted. Forever and ever our memories shall last as long as our soft cotton jackets. Our history together is a steppingstone to future.
Will J
Deep shadowy midnights, warming soft skies. Colours, light and dark, contrasted and mixed together to create ultimate warmth. Like all of our differences coming together as a team. The daunting thought of high school, like weights sitting on our hearts, or Mount Everest towering over our heads. Our Year 6 jumpers turn all of that around. They make Year 6 become the peak of the mountain. Like a big fluffy teddy bear spread across our skin. Putting down our worries and comforting us every step of the way. The four and the three from the 43 names emblazoned on the back of the jacket all added up to make the 7 years that we have helped each other through primary school.
Alice
Yesterday we got a jumper, not any jumper… THE jumper. The Year 6 jumper. Through later years we may forget the memories left in this school, but the jumper will transcend memories, happy memories, sad memories. But most of all, friendship will be taken from through this jumper. Friends' names flood the numbers of 25 on the back of the warm, cozy, snug jumpers. It feels like a relaxing mothers hug. The friends we made along the way help us the through later stages of our life as our bodies are separated but and our friendship is not. Buddies help us learn to care for kids that are younger than us. It teaches us how to sustain ourselves at every age possible
Henry Y
Brooke Keevers
Principal
Assistant Principal's News
Relationships Australia offer many wonderful resources for families who are experiencing challenges. Their Family Relationship Centre is a government funded service that provides affordable support, keeps the children as a primary focus and is an alternative to family court. It can help families come to agreement during or after separation with financial, property and parenting matters.
Here is a free online guide that explains what Family Dispute Resolution (Family Mediation) is: https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/blog/guide-to-family-dispute-resolution/
Relationships Australia also provide counselling services and Educational/ Support programs to further assist families.
You may be interested in engaging with some of their upcoming support programs:
School News
Kindergarten Enrolments 2026 - Help Us Spread the Word!
Exciting times are ahead, we kindly ask for your help in spreading the word to friends and neighbours who have little ones ready to embark on their educational journey next year. Our enrolments are officially open, and we have a school tour scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th. This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective families to explore our vibrant school, meet our enthusiastic student leaders, and begin forging connections within our community.
If you have a child currently attending Balgowlah North and a sibling who will be joining us next year, please take a moment to fill out the online enrolment form linked below. We have a wonderful lineup of connection events planned for the upcoming terms, and we can’t wait to welcome our new families. Thank you for your support in making our community even stronger!
Curiosity and Outdoor Learning
This week students learnt all about forces and investigated the answers to two questions:
1. What force do I have to use to move this equipment?
2. What 3D constructions can I create using objects from the environment?
Class Snapshot - 3R
Creative Arts Corner
Music Lessons…for Every Continent! Exploring the Sounds of the World:
This month in our K–6 music classes, we’ve been on a musical journey around the world! From the beating drums of Africa to the gentle melodies of Asia, our students are discovering how people across the continents express themselves through music. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve listened to and explored so far:
🌍 Africa – The Heartbeat of Rhythm
Students tapped along with traditional djembe drum patterns and learned how music is used in African storytelling, dance, and celebrations.
🎎 Asia – Sounds of Serenity and Spirit
From the Japanese koto to Indian tabla drums, we listened to music that reflects the peaceful, vibrant, and spiritual cultures of Asia.
🎶 Europe – A Blend of Classics and Folk
We traveled from Beethoven’s symphonies to traditional Celtic folk tunes, learning how European music ranges from formal orchestras to lively community dances.
🪕 North America – A Tapestry of Styles
Our students heard everything from Native American flute songs to rock and roll, jazz, and country music, exploring the diverse roots of music here at home.
🌎 South America – Dance and Color
With the rhythms of samba and pan flutes from Peru, we felt how South American music is full of energy, movement, and joy.
🥁 Australia – Ancient Voices and Modern Beats
We explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and instruments. The music from our ancestors is still very much in our lives today!
By listening to music from around the world, students are not only growing as musicians—they’re also becoming more curious and connected to our world. We will then be challenged next week to compose our own variations of music from a culture we are curious about! You might like to ask your child what their favorite music was—and maybe explore some more sounds together at home!
🎭 Wakakirri - Rehearsals Are Underway! 🌟
We are excited to share that Wakakirri rehearsals are in full swing. Please ensure your child attends every Thursday if participating as we prepare for our performance at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta.
Our performance will take place sometime between Tuesday, 29th July and Friday, 1st August. While we don’t yet have our confirmed performance date, please know that we will notify families as soon as we receive confirmation from the Wakakirri organisers. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we await this important detail.
🎬 Rehearsals and Workshops
Our students have been working incredibly hard each week, learning choreography, refining their storytelling skills, and building confidence as performers. Their energy, creativity, and teamwork have been inspiring!
To support our students even further, we are currently offering Parent Workshops to help with costumes, props, and sets. These sessions are open to anyone who’d like to lend a hand:
🧵 When: Thursdays – at lunchtime and after school
📍 Where: Currently in KP classroom (until the music room reopens)
These sessions are a great way to meet other Wakakirri parents and be part of the behind-the-scenes magic.
📋 Google Form for Volunteers
A Google Form was recently sent home to all Wakakirri families. If you are interested in helping either at school or from home, please take a moment to fill it out. Your support makes a huge difference and helps us bring this performance to life!
Thank you to all the families who have already contributed their time, ideas, and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see our students shine on stage, and we’re so grateful to have you on this creative journey with us.
Eliza McAllister,
Wakakirri Coordinator
Sports News
Cross Country Ribbons for years 3-6
Ribbons will be given out at the K-6 assembly in week 5 for the students finishing in the top 3.
Kindergarten and Year 1 Country 2025
Congratulations to all of our Kindergarten and Year 1 cross country runners who ran really well last week.
Kindergarten winners
Girls - Cerys 1st, Ava 2nd and Ruby 3rd
Boys - Beau 1st, Alfie 2nd and Axie 3rd
Year 1 winners
Girls - Grace 1st, Allegra 2nd and Lilah/Edie 3rd
Boys - Sammy 1st, Daniel 2nd and Ari/Leo 3rd
PSSA Netball Knockout
On Thursday morning, the Balgowlah North Senior A netball team competed in the second round of the NSWPSSA Netball Knockout. The team — Abbey M, Alice L, Alice O, Frankie J, Freya R, Sasha H, and Tilly E — displayed impressive skill, teamwork, and enthusiasm, securing a strong 43–7 victory over a determined Beaumont Road Public School. We were very proud of your sportsmanship and conduct on the day. A big thank you to our former school captain, Sammy Hunt, and her friend Claudia for volunteering their time to umpire, and to Mr G for having the court looking immaculate and ready for us to play. We will look forward to round 3 against Cherrybrook Public School in the next few weeks.
Susie Stock
Tennis (Years 3-6)
We still have some spots available for tennis if you would like your child to take part.
Library News
Meet our Wednesday Library Monitors
Their favourite books are:
Maali H- Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
Abbi H- Good Guide GIrls to Murder by Holly Jackson
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Mila R, Sammy P, Manon D, Harvey M and Benny M who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2025.
Amanda Mason
Teacher Librarian
National Simultaneous Storytime
Mrs Keevers read the book "The Truck Cat" to students from KP this morning as part of the National Simultaneous Storytime initiative.
Admin News
Parent Volunteers
For any parent wishing to volunteer in a classroom, assist with excursions or get involved with school activities please contact the office and we can assist you in completing the Declartion form online.
Because you are a parent, you only require the Non-Child Rrelated Work Declaration and this can now be done online.
We do not require you to obtain a WWCC from Service NSW.
Emailing the school
When you email the school, please include the surname of the child you are emailing about and the parent surname so your correspondence can be sent to the right person.
Medical
If you have listed a medical condition on your enrolment form that requires treatment at school, we will need documentation for this treatment to be administered eg: Asthma plan, Anaphylaxsis, Allergy and Request for Student Health Support form at school
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".
Administration Team
PBL week 4
The Week Ahead
Wednesday 21 May P&C meeting 7.30pm
Thursday 22 May Harbourside Music Festival
Monday 26 May Reconciliation Week
Monday 26 May Whole School Assembly 1.45pm
Tuesday 27 May Zone Cross Country
Tuesday 27 May School Tour 2 9.15am
Monday 2 June 3-6 Assembly 2.30pm
P & C News
Save the Date - Upcoming P&C Events
Join Us for Our Next P&C Meeting on Wed, 21st May at 7:30PM
Green Grove Working Bee
“Bring your tools and lend a hand, bring the family & stay for a bbq”.
Please include the following sign up link.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050944AFAC28A6FD0-56829636-green#/
Green Grove News
Band News
Next Performance:
Thursday 22 May – Concert Band and Performance Band. Harbourside Music Festival @ Balgowlah Boys. 5.30pm arrival. 6pm Concert
Caroline Fechner
Band Manager
Koolkuna News
We would like to update you with the wonderful progress that all the Kindergarten children have made at Koolkuna. It has been great to see the development through Term 1 as each child has made new friendships, tried new activities, learnt new skills, and finally grown into their backpacks!
As Kindy children gain their confidence in knowing which days they should head down to Koolkuna in the afternoon, we are trialing the children walking alone to Koolkuna, beginning this week - Monday 19th May. We have updated all the Kindy teachers with the Class Lists outlining your children's current permanent bookings. The teachers will read out this list and ask those children to walk directly to Koolkuna to be signed in each afternoon. We will contact teachers directly if there are any casual bookings that arise prior to 3pm.
Koolkuna OSHC Admin
School Community News
Seaforth Oval Reserve Update
We have been developing the draft PoM for Seaforth Oval Reserve over the last 18 months in consultation with State Government agencies and the community.
The draft PoM will now be presented to Council at its next meeting requesting endorsement for public exhibition.
The Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 20 May 2025.
· View the Council Report - Item 11.2
· View the Attachments Booklet (includes the Community Engagement Report) - p.192
· View the Community Engagement Report.
You can request to address the Council on this item. The deadline to submit a request is 5pm on Monday 19 May 2025.
You can also watch the live stream of the meeting via the webcast from 6pm.
For project history and details, please see the project page. In Stage 1 of the project’s engagement we heard from over 500 people. We used this feedback to inform the development of the draft PoM.
You can view the Project Page here.
Kind Regards
Hollie Napper
Senior Open Space Planner
School Sponsors
