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

Conversations that Matter
This Friday, we are proud to welcome over 60 Middle Leaders and Principals from across the Peninsula, Forest and Beaches network to Balgowlah North. As part of my role over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Principal colleagues across Northern Sydney to create meaningful learning opportunities for our leaders.

We’re especially delighted to host Joanne Jarvis, Director of the School Leadership Institute, who will be leading a day of professional learning and networking. It promises to be a valuable opportunity for reflection, collaboration and growth.

At Balgowlah North, a love of learning is deeply embedded in our culture — not only for our students, but for our staff and leadership team as well. We know the importance of continually seeking ways to improve, evolve and connect with others in our profession. This opportunity is a wonderful example of that commitment in action, and we look forward to welcoming our colleagues to our wonderful school.

Regional Cross Country
Congratulations to all of our students running at Regional cross country!

Brooke Keevers
Principal

Assistant Principal's News

Stage 2 is buzzing with exciting learning experiences and opportunities this term! We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on some of the fun and engaging programs and activities happening in our classrooms.

In Mathematics, we’re sparking curiosity by diving into mapping and positional concepts through engaging projects that incorporate real-world experiences. Robotics is also enhancing our understanding of mathematical principles and problem-solving skills. Our new Maths Explorers program, run by Mrs Gough with the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO), is an exciting opportunity for our keen Year 3 and 4 mathematicians to develop a love for problem-solving, just as our Stage 3 students have enjoyed through the Maths Olympiad competition over the years.

In English, we’re exploring language with curiosity and purpose. Students are expanding their vocabulary and writing skills through interesting words and language techniques. This term, we’re using models like Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Williams Model to explore curious characters in our class novels, enriching comprehension and stimulating higher-order thinking.

We’re also analysing quotes to uncover themes, appreciate the author’s craft, and strengthen critical thinking. By exploring emotionally rich quotes, students build empathy and gain deeper insight into diverse human experiences, supporting the development of their social-emotional intelligence. Students are also practising effective brainstorming techniques, generating a wide range of ideas using word and image prompts such as “portal”, and thinking creatively with everyday objects like paper clips. These activities encourage originality and innovation, helping students experiment with ideas and think outside the box.

Homework Projects also play a role in fostering curiosity and developing a deeper passion for learning. We value open-ended tasks that allow students to explore topics they are passionate about and share their discoveries with the class. Our first project of the term invited students to investigate and be inspired by objects shaped like a sphere, cube, or pyramid. The results were fascinating, ranging from Minecraft creations and the Pyramids of Giza to volcanoes, planets, and even the Louvre in France!

Take a look at some of this fantastic learning in action!

Olivia Wakelin
Stage 2 Assistant Principal

School News

ICAS
After careful consideration, Balgowlah North Public School has made the decision not to facilitate the ICAS Assessments on-site this year. Over the past few years, student interest in ICAS has steadily declined, and we have used this as an opportunity to evaluate our capacity to support extracurricular activities in relation to the resources they require and the impact they have on students.

We do understand that these assessments provide some of our high potential students with an engaging and worthwhile challenge, so we encourage interested students to consider participation at one of the ICAS testing centres.

Building familiarity of participating in an assessment in a test centre may also be worth considering for our families interested in pursuing Opportunity Class or Selective High school pathways.

Further information and registration details can be found on the ICAS website.

ICAS Testing Centres | ICAS Assessments

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, 9th September. 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!

Online Enrolment Application

Creative Arts Corner

Music for everyone in K-6
In line with the new Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus our music lessons aim to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination through engaging activities. We start with a warmup on a different instrument each week, usually a scale and learn a little song reading musical notes! Here's what your child is listening to, composing and performing each week in Mrs. McAllister's classroom!

Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)
Kindergarten students are exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music through play-based learning through dreamtime stories and playing or composing with symbols. They engage with new instruments, songs, and movement activities to develop their sense of rhythm and beat.

Stage 1 (Years 1–2)
In Stage 1, students build upon their foundational skills. They participate in structured singing sessions, learn to play simple melodies on instruments, and explore basic notation. These experiences aim to deepen their understanding of musical elements and encourage collaborative music-making with a focus on Asia.

Stage 2 (Years 3–4)
Stage 2 students delve into more complex musical concepts. They learn to read and write music; explore different ways sound is organised and perform to others. These activities are designed to enhance their technical skills and appreciation for diverse music from around the world, particularly North and South America.

Stage 3 (Years 5–6)
In Stage 3, students refine their musical abilities through more advanced compositions and performances and compose with graphic notation. With a focus on music from Europe and Africa, they interpret music, experiment with creating their own compositions and perform for an audience. These experiences aim to prepare them for more specialised music education in the future.

We encourage you to ask your child about their weekly music activities, share with you what they know or can play and celebrate their musical achievements at home.

Mrs. McAllister

Wakakirri
94 students (Y3-Y6) will be performing in Wakakirri at The Riverside Theatre, Parramatta on Wednesday 30 July (Term 3 Week 2). Students have been working hard all year and getting ready to perform!

'Building strength and friendship skills through the URStrong program comes easily for some—but Luna hears whispers in her head of Automatic Negative Thoughts. With a mind over the matter and some support, will she find her light within?

We use our inner strength to overcome fears and the challenging thoughts that arise from within, proving that when you put your mind over the matter, you can discover your own light. By being kind first to ourselves with our cuddly toys to help and then to others, we nurture friendship skills, confidence, and resilience. With the support of Friendship Ninja skills, parents, teachers and friends, we are empowered to face any challenge that comes our way including putting out friendship fires. This story reminds us that no matter how dark it may seem, the light within us can always be found.

Our Wakakirri journey has fully embraced the new Creative Arts curriculum, implemented in 2027, with a focus on Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts. Balgowlah North PS prioritised student curiosity, creativity, imagination, self-expression, and collaboration. Wakakirri offers the perfect platform for students to shine their inner light through a completely student-led process. From reusing costumes and sets, to developing ideas, choreographing movements, creating artwork, and producing original projection, students took ownership of every element. This journey not only builds creative skills but also empowers students to lead, innovate, and express themselves in our creation of this story-dance!'

Additional performances and rehearsals to save in your diary;
-Please encourage students to practice at home with Google Classroom support. To join use code: 7sfbycw
-Rehearsals from Term 2, Week 8 - will now increase to twice a week including Thursday lunch and another lunchtime for their small group that is suitable for all.

- Extra rehearsal: Wednesday 23 July (Term 3, Week 1) from 3-4pm students will be practicing under the COLA.

- School performance: Students will be sharing their performance at school with students and teachers on Thursday 24 July (Term 3 Week 1) during the day. K-2 from 11:30am and 3-6 from 12pm in the COLA. It will be a 7 minute show but allow 30 minutes for this session.

How to purchase tickets: Tickets for the performance will be on sale at the end of June (TBC) and visit https://www.wakakirri.com/tickets for more information for approximately $40.

Eliza McAllister, Anna Harris,
Steph Rooleht, Eliza Ross, Meghan Parsons
Wakakirri Teachers

Curiosity and Outdoor Learning

Class Snapshot - 1SL

Sports News

2025 Athletics Carnival
This year we are very excited to have our Athletics Carnival at E.S. Marks Athletics Field in Kensington on the first day back in Term 3 - Tuesday 22nd July 2025.
Buses have been booked to take students to and from the venue.

Participation requirements
All students in years 2-6 can participate in track and novelty events during the day. Long jump and shot-put heats will be held at school by Mrs Kelly with finalists competing at E.S. Marks. Only students turning 8 this year will be able to qualify for Zone. Mrs Kelly will also be running the high jump competition during school hours.

Instructions for Carnival Day
On the day students are encouraged to wear their house colours and participate in as many events as they can. Please make sure to pack recess, lunch, snacks and water with all jumpers and hats labelled clearly. Make sure your child doesn’t have a school lunch order and pack enough food as there is no food available at the venue.

It is an all-weather venue and will only be postponed if conditions are deemed unsafe.

PSSA Round 5

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Quinn D who has completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2025.

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 Declaration form online.

Because you are a parent, you only require the Non-Child Related Work Declaration, and this can now be done online. We do not require you to obtain a WWCC from Service NSW.

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

Administration Team

PBL week 8

The Week Ahead

Saturday 21 June P & C Trivia night
Tuesday 24 June Years 5 & 6 Interrelate
Thursday 26 June Band School Disco
Friday 4 July Last Day of Term 2
Tuesday 22 July First Day of Term 3 & Athletics Carnival

P & C News

Trivia Raffle Tickets
Trivia Raffle Tickets are still available for sale on Flexischools.

Green Grove Working Bee
A huge thank you to the families involved at the working bee on Sunday. The Green Grove and surrounds were trimmed, painted, planted, and mulched. The end result looks fantastic.

Eco Warriors

Koolkuna News

Bake Sale
In Term 2, Week 8, Koolkuna OSHC will be hosting a Bake Sale with the goal of raising funds for The Dalwood Spilstead Intervention and Support Service. This wonderful service is dedicated to providing multidisciplinary health, education, and support service to vulnerable children and families. The Bake Sale will take place on 19th June and will be held from 2:50pm onwards. We warmly welcome any contributions and donations you can offer. Your support goes a long way in making a difference. To learn more about the Dalwood Spilstead Service, please click on the link below.

Dalwood Spilstead

Winter vacation Care
2025 Winter Vacation Care Bookings are now open via the Xplor Home App. Important Note: When adding a new booking, please only select the session “Vacation Care K-6” - DO NOT SELECT “REQUEST A SPACE”. This ends up duplicating the booking where you will receive a notification of rejection. Please use the Xplor Home App to find the bookings tab and book into the appropriate sessions 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.

Koolkuna OSHC Admin