Pigeon Post

Keep up with what's happening @ Balmain Public School

https://www.instagram.com/balmainps/ 

It's the moments like these, when a student comes to my office for a visit - to read a book, to show me something they've achieved and are very proud of, to place a lost tooth into the little 'this tooth belongs to' envelope and collect the special 'I lost a tooth today' sticker, or even to discuss important matters such fundraising and school improvements - that gives me a HUGE smile, both on my face and in my heart.

When Cleopatra delivered this letter to me, she was absolutely beaming with pride! Cleopatra excitedly read it out and ensured I had a copy to keep so I could respond to her by next Wednesday.

Hmmm, Cleopatra's persuasive text was exactly that...I'm not sure how I'm going to get out of this one!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B90MrdKHwt_/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9QlNConevs/

Coincidentally, last night I received an email from a parent of a student who visited during the week with their tooth - '...Thank you so much for all the little touches such as the tooth envelope, it made the whole thing that much more special and created a great memory for him.' The heart smile continues...

Mrs Maria Lambos - Principal

Thank you for keeping your child home if they are not well.

Thank you to the parents and carers that are dropping off and picking up without remaining in the playground. Although not a big school compared to others, we do have 382 students in the playground prior to the morning bell. During the day, our break times are staggered, so we are managing the playground and social distancing.

We also ask that, in the afternoon, once your child has come out into the playground, that you please leave the grounds. Eaton Street Centre also need to pickup the students from FJT, which adds to the number of students, staff, parents and carers in our playground. Your understanding in this matter is much appreciated.

I am very appreciative of our teachers who continue delivering quality learning at Balmain Public School, whilst working hard to ensure that our Continuity of Learning plan will be in place should the directive come through to close schools. THANK YOU!

Our non-teaching staff - School Learning Support Officers who work in the classrooms to support our students and teachers, Office staff, General Assistant and cleaners - are also very hard-working and ensure that our students and school is well-supported and cared for! Thank you so very much!

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to the parents and carers who have either spoken to me personally, texted, or emailed the school, regarding the communication surrounding COVID-19. The positive feedback is absolutely heart warming, during this time of uncertainty; it’s so easy to feel worried about whether we will remain safe and healthy, will there be enough toilet paper and supplies should we need to possibly self-isolate or go into lockdown as a nation, as well as the general implications of COVID-19 across the world.

Thanks so much to the parent who dropped off a ‘care’ package for the staff – so thoughtful of you and much appreciated by all! 

THANKS SO MUCH to the parents and carers who have been able to spare some liquid soap or hand sanitiser and have brought in to school. Even though we were assured we would have our hand sanitiser delivered within a week, we are still waiting patiently. This is something that is beyond our control. If you are able to spare some, your donation would be much appreciated.

My last THANK YOU is a very important one – we have 2 mums here – Josie and Lyndal – who organise, stock and run the Balmain PS Uniform Stall. Josie and Lyndal often have Ana Luisa helping out, with packing orders and selling uniform items, ready for distribution. 

In case you weren’t aware, this is not a paid job but, rather, completely voluntary, as an off-shoot of our P&C, to ensure our students are well-dressed in Balmain PS uniform, with any profits going back to the P&C, rather than to an outsourced uniform supplier.

During these stressful times, it’s so easy to worry about whether the winter uniforms will be ready in time, as per a previous notification due to COVID-19-based delays, or when the sanitiser hasn’t arrived. Again, these are things that are happening beyond our control.

In terms of positive psychology, and the ABC model, the adversity/activating event can be classified into a ‘little a’ or a ‘big A’ – the delay in availability of hand sanitiser or winter uniform would be classified as a ‘little a’, as soap and other clothing exists in the meantime. Let's not 'sweat the small stuff'.

We are very appreciative of your commitment to our students, Josie, Lyndal and Ana Luisa! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

If you do happen to see Josie, Lyndal or Ana Luisa in the playground as you’re dropping off or picking up your children, please take the time to say 'hi and thanks' (from a safe 1.5m away)!

Over this weekend, I've made a conscious effort to support at least one more of the local Balmain businesses than I already do...

Is there an extra business or two listed below that you can help support?

Special thanks to the parent, Lauren N, who instigated this idea...

  Everyone Belongs

Date:   Wednesday, 25th March 2020

Dress:   Everyone to wear orange or come in your cultural dress

*BPS Students only

Our P&C are an amazing bunch, who support the learning of all our students in various ways...Ms Weston has organised maths trolleys for our Stage 2 and 3 classes, funded by the P&C! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Special thanks to Ms Weston for sourcing, ordering and sorting all these fabulous resources, as well as to Richard, our General Assistant, for putting the trolleys together!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B92UKO_Hf8F/

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!