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

Connection and Community
Thank you to our wonderful families for your ongoing support of our P&C and the fantastic events they create for our community. Last week’s annual Trivia Night was another great success, and this week our dedicated Band parents have organised a disco for our students to enjoy. These events are such a special part of school life and it’s wonderful to see so many families coming together to support and celebrate our students.

Next Monday evening we look forward to our Band Performance Evening, where our talented musicians will showcase their hard work and incredible skills. It’s always a joy to see our students perform on stage. To finish the term, our enthusiastic SRC students have planned a dress-up day on Thursday 3rd July - a fun way to wrap up what has been a busy and productive term. All information pertaining to these events is in the newsletter.

We’re also very excited that refurbishment works on our front playground will begin next week and continue over the school holidays. This project has been a long time in the making, and we greatly appreciate the input from our students and families in helping us design a space that reflects what our children wanted. We can’t wait to see it open early next term!

SchoolBytes and Schoolzine
A reminder that from the beginning of Term 3, we’ll be moving to the School Bytes app for all quick communications and for our weekly school newsletter. Our newsletter is the key source of information for everything happening at BNPS — from events and updates to important notices. Please make sure you download the School Bytes app on your devices so you can stay connected with all the wonderful things happening across our school.

Premier's Debating Challenge
Round 2 - Media and screens

Last Thursday, the debating team were up against the Beacon Hill Philosophers.

We were in the affirmative and the topic was that Years 5 and 6 kids should do all their schoolwork on a screen instead of using textbooks and paper. Many good points were discussed but unfortunately our rebuttals let us down.

The adjudication was close but Beacon Hill were winners on the day.

Thanks again Laila W, Lydia P, Claire Z, Aria B and chairperson, Frankie J.

There will be further debates in Term 3

Congratulations to our Mini Lit graduates

Thank you again for your support

Brooke Keevers
Principal

Assistant Principal's News

Stage 2 Vocabulary Learning – Growing Curiosity and Confidence
This term, Stage 2 students have made exciting progress in their vocabulary learning. With a focus on curiosity and a willingness to take risks, students have been encouraged to explore and use new words in creative and meaningful ways, skills that are especially important for high-potential learners.

Building on the strong foundation laid in Term 1, teachers have continued using a clear and supportive teaching approach called “I do, we do, you do.” This model allows students to first see vocabulary in action, then practice together, and finally try it on their own with growing confidence.

As a result, students are not only learning interesting and challenging words, but they are also starting to use them independently, in their writing, across subjects, and in everyday classroom conversations. We’re seeing students stretch themselves by using more complex vocabulary in their writing, showing both creativity and a deeper understanding of language.

Most importantly, students are beginning to take pride in their words. They’re moving beyond simply learning vocabulary in isolation, and are now using it to express big ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and engage more deeply in their learning. It’s been wonderful to watch them grow in confidence and take ownership of their language journey.

Julia Gough
AP Curriculum Instruction

School News

PSSA Netball Knockout Rd 4
On Tuesday morning, the Balgowlah North Senior A netball team showcased their exceptional skills and enthusiasm in the 4th round of the NSWPSSA Netball Knockout. The team, Tilly E, Frankie J, Freya R, Alice O, Abbey M, Sasha H, and Alice L secured a decisive 31–4 victory against Lane Cove Public School. Their outstanding sportsmanship and conduct on the day made us incredibly proud.

A heartfelt thank you to Sammy Hunt and Claudia Castellan for generously volunteering their time to umpire the game. We also extend our appreciation to Mr G for ensuring the court was clean and ready for play. Anticipation is already building for the quarterfinals against our next opponents in term 3.

Susie Stock

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

Please find below the Awards Process

Creative Arts Corner

Curiosity and Outdoor Learning

BNPS Green Grove Garden exploration
Students' curiosity was sparked and discussions had about sustainability, recycling, and the role of worms and compost in gardening! We discovered so many living things which we studied closely using magnifying glasses.

How can we tell if our Green Grove worms are happy in their farm?
What do you think happens to the food scraps we put in the worm farm?
How can we use the worm castings (poo) in our garden?
Why is it important to compost instead of throwing everything in the rubbish?
How does compost help our plants grow?
What do you think happens to the compost as it breaks down?

Katherine Evans

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 6

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Hugo M, Walter F, Lilah F, Lucas J, Charlotte O and Clark Z who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2025.

Admin News

School Reports and NAPLAN results are available on School Bytes through the portal if you want to access them.

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.

Administration Team

PBL week 9

The Week Ahead

Thursday 26 June Band School Disco
Thursday 3 July SRC dress up day
Friday 4 July Last Day of Term 2
Tuesday 22 July First Day of Term 3 & Athletics Carnival

P & C News

Trivia Night - THANK YOU!
A huge thank you to the core Year 2 Trivia Night fundraising team of Katie Smith, James Charters, Clare Clifford, Warwick Parks, and Adrian Rubin led by Seth Huhnerkoch as well as helpers Karen Rubin, Padraig Clifford, and Christina Parks. It was so well organised and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Primary school memories like Trivia Night can only happen with the help of amazing volunteers, and the whole school community is very grateful for all of your efforts in making the event such a success.

P&C Band Committee Disco Party
Thank you to everyone for purchasing tickets for the disco this Thursday night. We are all excited for an “Out of this World” time!

To help you with planning for the afternoon:

Wristbands: For tickets purchased via FlexiSchools, class teachers will distribute a neon wristband on Thursday afternoon. Children must wear this wristband for admission to the disco.
Koolkuna Students: If your child will be at Koolkuna on Thursday afternoon, please refer to the letter sent by Koolkuna regarding sign-in and sign-out procedures.
Water Bottles: We encourage all children to bring a labelled water bottle. These will be stored in class tubs on the deck and can be accessed throughout the event.
Dismissal & Safety: For the safety of all students, children must be collected by a parent at the end of the disco. If alternative arrangements are required, please inform the BNPS Front Office prior to the event.
Orderly Dismissal: Children will be dismissed in alphabetical order. We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure a safe and smooth dismissal process.
What’s Included: Each ticket includes 2 glow sticks, 1 juice popper, and 1 snack pack of chips. Please note that additional snacks will not be available for purchase.
Ticket Sales: Tickets will also be available at the door. Both cash and card will be accepted.
Event Times:

Kindy – Year 2: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Year 3 – Year 6: 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Eco Warriors

Koolkuna News

Dear Families,

Koolkuna is aware of the school disco on Thursday, 26th June. Please read the information below if your child is attending Koolkuna on Thursday, 26th June. If your child will not be attending Koolkuna on Thursday, 26th June, please ensure you mark this absence via the Xplor Home App.
The P&C has provided us with a list of the children who have bought tickets to attend the disco. The Koolkuna educators will be taking all K-2 children that are still in our care & signed up for the School Disco over to the hall and checking them in with the adults responsible for the disco at 4:30pm. We will also arrange enough time for these children to get dressed into their disco clothes.

If you will be collecting your child/ren directly from the disco at 5:30pm, please ensure you come down to Koolkuna to sign out your child & collect their school bags. Any 3-6 children that are still in our care & signed up for the School Disco will be brought over to the hall at 6:00pm with their school bags and signed out of Koolkuna care. If you have any questions regarding the school disco please don't hesitate to ask.