Pigeon Post

We look forward to returning to school in a full time capacity as of Monday 25 May (Week 5). 

Whilst we will experience a sense of normality, ALL ADULTS (i.e. parents, carers and BPS staff) will still need to practice physical distancing, as per the advice of the NSW Department of Education.

We will continue to maintain our ‘kiss and drop’ zones in the morning, where we ask parents to say goodbye to their child/ren at the school gates and supervise their entry. At this time, we ask that all parents and carers remain outside the school gates. 

We will also be implementing staggered home times for students at the end of the school day. Classroom teachers will wait with their class at a designated school exit (see table with location and times below).

We ask that parents remain outside the school gates at all times and practise these physical distancing measures.

Below is a table outlining where students will be dismissed and at what time. As students will be dismissed in waves, it is imperative that parents stand away from the gate upon their designated time to collect their child. Parents and students are asked to move away from their designated area in a prompt and efficient manner.

Please note: Class teachers will remain with their class, at designated spot, until all students have been picked up, either by parents/carers, or Eaton St Centre (ESC), if booked in. The ESC staff are aware of the staggered dismissal and will pick up children from their teachers at designated areas.

We understand that it is possible that you might have children in different or various stages. In this instance, we ask that you still collect your children at their designated time and gate.

We appreciate your cooperation in working with the school to keep our students, staff and community safe.

That is so true! Balmain Public School is such a thriving, inter-connected, supportive community, which includes a fabulous group of people that we acknowledge this week - our VOLUNTEERS!

Huge THANKS to all those people who are able to give up their precious time and lend a hand, in a myriad of ways, to help support our incredible students of Balmain Public School!

A special shout out must go to our amazing Uniform Stall volunteers - Lyndal (Mum of Imogen 3/4R and Theo 5/6F), Josie (Mum of Edward 1/2C and Amelia 3/4R, as well as the assistance of Ana Luisa (Mum of Gabriela 1/2L and Laura 5/6F) - who help keep our students well-dressed in their school uniform!

Although we aren't allowed to have our volunteers back on deck as yet, our uniform ladies are assisting with the provision of uniform needs, especially as we've had a sudden turn in the weather.

Thank you, thank you, thank you...to Lyndal and crew, as well as to all our volunteers! We appreciate you and look forward to the day when our volunteers will be able to be back on school grounds!

Balmain Public School has definitely been overwhelmed by the number of

positive messages, feedback and special treats,

as we've navigated the unchartered waters of COVID-19.

You are an incredible community and we are most grateful to be part of the

Balmain Public School family! Thanks so much for your unwavering support!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 

'Words of thanks to Miss Moisa for her words of encouragement on each and every piece of online class work, and to Mrs Bowman for the most creative and conquerable online art classes!!'

- Mum of Markus A 1/2M & Rosemary A 3/4B

'Thank you for your understanding and flexibility, and for your excellent and inspiring work in teaching and caring for Maya and the school community.'

- Dad of Maya B 5/6W

'I cannot thank you and your fantastic team at BPS enough for all your and their efforts at keeping everyone safe and happy whilst still providing a great educational structure that is clear and easy to follow.

- Mum of Amber S KJ

Logan has a great love for food and loves creating things for others to enjoy [under the supervision of her mum, of course]. Apart from the actual making of the food, it is the presentation that she loves doing the most...and each plate is amazing, Logan!

After Logan's food 'canvases' were complete, her Dad, Cliff, has been teaching Logan that a mobile camera is more than sufficient to take photos, including selecting the point of focus, using a shallow depth-of-field and altering the shooting angle. You're not a photographer, by any chance, Cliff?

What a fabulously delicious collaboration from Logan and her Dad...Logan, I think we'll be seeing you on Masterchef! Congratulations!

In the lockdown,

we sometimes frown.

When we use Google Classroom,

We don’t use Zoom.

 It’s taught us to be independent,

working all alone.

Our parents give us the guidance

to focus right at home.

We’ve been isolated from our schools,

our parks and our pools.

We’ve learnt to be grateful

for the little things.

For our friends, our teachers and all that

life brings.

We use social distancing,

to make COVID 19 not a thing.

Let’s hope this is over,

Sooner rather than later.

So we can see you all soon;

We will be over the moon!

H Hard work

O Our minds are challenged

M Making new ideas

E Exciting when doing work

S Satisfied when finished work

C Collaborative when getting ideas together

H Helpful when we all have ideas

O Occupied when doing work

O Open to do different tasks

L Lucky to have support

Lonely at home

Outside, it's so quiet

Can’t go to the park or play around

Kids are all at home

Disappointed you can’t see your friends

Only now there’s places we can go

When shops are closed

Not much to do

Lockdown is the rule.

Online learning is kind of cool.

Covid 19 has come and passed.

Kids at home, not to last.

During this time we are trying to survive,

Our families have learnt to thrive.

We have to stay calm,

No chance for harm.

Online learning

New experience

Lonely and alone

Isolation by yourself

Not seeing your friends

Education made differently

Learning without teachers

Everything independent

At home

Responsibility using Google Docs

Not with the teachers help

Its tough to work independently

Not at school

Grateful that there is still school

Life at home

Outside is too far

Covid, not you, we will make it through

Kittens and cats keep us company

Down in the dumps, we are again

Online learning (not so fun)

What to do

Now I can see my friends!

Isolation is what has been done,

Social distancing is not fun,

Online school is not cool.

Lonely people in their homes.

Active indoors, not much space.

Tired of this COVID.

Indoor activities are not fun.

Online activities are not fun.

No friends, no one. When will this whole thing end?

Life is miserable with lockdown,

Other people infected sadly.

Covid-19

Kids are crazy.

Down and down.

On the computer,

Wash hands!

No hugging or shaking hands.