Pigeon Post

2020 Volume 2 Issue 10

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From the Principal

Happy Holidays...

It feels as though we've just completed Week 20, rather than Week 10, as the last break seemed to get lost amongst self-isolation and remote learning.

Although we aren't quite back to life before COVID-19 (and who knows what the 'new normal' will be moving into the future), it has been an absolute relief to be able to resume full-time face-to-face learning and have all our students back at school!

The continuation of learning for all has definitely been at the forefront, along with supporting the wellbeing of our students, as they have transitioned from remote learning to being back in the classroom with their teacher, friends and peers.

This issue features a Vlog of our remote learning experiences. Thank you to the families who sent vlogs, as well as to Ms Barcenilla, who also interviewed some students at school and compiled the final product. Unfortunately, we were unable to add all the footage, as the Vlog could have gone on for hours...we hope you enjoy this special 'keepsake' of our unusual time in history (and hopefully one we will never have to experience again).

Happy holidays, stay safe and see you all on Tuesday 21 July for the start of Term 3!

Maria Lambos - Principal

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Every FRIDAY

Go to www.flexischools.com.au to place your order

For any food/menu queries please feel free to contact us directly via email :

info@theschoolcanteen.com.au.

Alternatively, you can call Kirsty on 0416 786 603 and we will be happy to assist.

Kirsty and Jason Feliciotto – The School Canteen

Tuesday 21 July - TERM 3 COMMENCES FOR STUDENTS

Wednesday 5 August - Zoom P&C Meeting

link to come

Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August - Education Week

Education Week is a annual state-wide event that celebrates the NSW public education community. This year, the theme is Learning together.

Friday 7 August - Semester 1 Reports to go home

Following the guidelines from the NSW Department of Education, this Semester 1 report will follow a simplified format to reflect on your child’s learning on-site at school and via remote learning.

Semester 2 'goal setting' meetings will be scheduled for mid-Term 3. More details to come.

Wednesday 2 September - Zoom P&C Meeting

link to come

Friday 25 September - LAST DAY OF TERM 3

Congratulations, Miss Ferguson!

Congratulations!

Miss Nancy Ferguson, teacher of 5/6 Frangipani, has been successfully accredited at Proficient Teacher level!

It is a mandatory requirement under the Teacher Accreditation Act 2004 that teachers are accredited at Proficient Teacher Level, and maintain that accreditation, with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Teachers who have achieved the Proficient Teacher level are experienced teachers who have demonstrated practice that meets the requirements for full accreditation in NSW.

But wait, there's more!

Congrats again, Miss Ferguson!

CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Nancy Ferguson, who is the successful applicant for the Assistant Principal (rel.) role.

Nancy’s role officially commences Monday 17 August when Miss Sarah Weston commences her substantive Assistant Principal role at Summer Hill Public School. Nancy will be supervising and supporting Stage 3.

We look forward to having you on our executive team!

FROM YOUR P&C

This week we had our first P&C meeting on zoom.

When I put my hand up to be President earlier this year, one of my priorities was to make these meetings more accessible and transparent and so I’m thrilled the state wide campaign to push the P&C Federation into the 21st century worked and we are finally allowed to use video conferencing!

During the meeting the P&C Executive formally acknowledged our wonderful teachers and Maria for the outstanding way they handled the quarantine period and the return back to school.

We also discussed our Climate and Sustainability Report and voted to support a grant program to update the school’s solar panels.

While COVID-19 has briefly stymied our progress in implementing the actions from that report, we are very keen to get going again and are calling on parents to be part of the P&C’s Climate and Sustainability Subcommittee. If you’re interested, please email us at balmainpspc@gmail.com and let us know.

Sadly, we’ve had to cancel most of our events this year because of COVID-19, but given how things are improving (the news about Woollies aside!) and the fact that children and parents need something to look forward to, we’re looking at hosting one or two events in term four.

Early next term we’ll survey parents to find out if you are willing to volunteer time to help run the events (essential!) and what kind of event you most want us to hold. The choices include the Balmain Fun Run (or a version of it), a Trivia night for parents or a school disco/fete. We’d love to do all but can’t so want your feedback to narrow the choices down.

We also agreed to develop a three-year strategy for the P&C that outlines priorities for the school community as informed by the parents. The work on that will start next term.

There were lots of other decisions made and discussions had and the minutes from the meeting can be found here.

Our next meeting is on 5 August, we’d love to see more parents take part (you can do it via zoom in your lounge room!). In the meantime, please email us if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Shehana, Victoria, Cliff and Alvin

P&C Meeting - July 2020 Minutes

Download

School Uniforms


Order uniform items here


For any size exchanges, please:

1. Email the uniform stall with the details of the exchange, at: balmainpsuniforms@gmail.com

2. Return the items to be exchanged to the school office, clearly marked with Student name, Class and EXCHANGE

3. Replacement items will be packed and re-delivered to your child's classroom

Orders will continue to be packed and delivered for collection each week, until we are able to reopen the stall.

Thank you!

AWARDS

LEARN LIVE LEAD awards

K GumnutFrankie B Ttaking great care in all her work and putting details in her illustrations
K JasmineCara Salways demonstrating a kind and caring attitude towards her peers and always being ready to learn
K KaleSilas Rhis enthusiasm towards counting and numbers!  
1/2 Banana PalmRosie Hher amazing self-published story about a boy and a dog
1/2 CactaceaeIndianna-Belle Dher enthusiasm and hard work in all areas this term!
1/2 LavenderZoe Pconsistently being a good role model in the classroom, showing the 5L's and trying her best
1/2 MangroveMarkus Ahis enthusiasm and creativity when writing and reciting his own poem during oral presentations
3/4 BambooMax I-Factively engaging and always showing positive behaviour during lessons
3/4 MagnoliaArabella Sengaging in all learning areas and showing respect to other members of the class
3/4 RainforestSaxon Fhis incredible achievements across reading and writing this term. Superstar!
5/4 MarigoldLuca Dhis insightful and engaging speech
5/6 Cherry BlossomFreya Hher persistence during maths investigations
5/6 FrangipaniEmily Rher development in a range of positive work habits! 
5/6 WillowSajan Tdemonstrating kindness and following 'The Balmain Way'
5/6 YautiaOliver Hhis focused and positive attitude towards all areas of school-life

YOU CAN DO IT! awards - Organisation

K GumnutNico Halways being on task and being an organised student
K JasmineOliver Nhis energetic and mature approach to learning, and for always being a well organised class member
K KaleAnouk V D Balways being ready to learn
1/2 Banana PalmThomas Rcompleting his Information Report in writing
1/2 CactaceaeSaoirse McCher focus and determination to complete her information report
1/2 LavenderHalle N-Wbeing organised in her learning and asking for help when needed
1/2 MangroveMillie Oorganising her information report into neat paragraphs with subheadings
3/4 BambooIsabelle Sorganising herself in every lesson to help her achieve
3/4 MagnoliaJoe Scompleting handwriting to a high standard
3/4 RainforestAmelia Hher amazing work as a class headphone monitor, helping us stay organised!
5/4 MarigoldRuby Tshowing tremendous organisational skills this term in all areas of her work
5/6 Cherry BlossomMonika McBher great preparation for her learning
5/6 FrangipaniHarper Sher systematic approach to challenging tasks
5/6 WillowEdward Hshowing enthusiasm and a love of learning
5/6 YautiaChloe Ther organised and mature approach to learning

POSITIVE PETE Awards

Thanks to Ms Karstrom, who organises the collection and distribution of the Gelatissimo ice-creams, as well as takes the fab photos!

PHOTO GALLERY: This Week's Positive Pete Winners

And the winner is...(drumroll please!)

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING THIS WEEK...

A letter from Violet Mermaid Sparkle Rainbow Charlotte...

Dear Mrs Lambos, 1/2 BP, teachers and Balmain Public School kids and parents

A big thank you for all the beautiful presents from the BPS community. We have had SO MANY PRESENTS!! Some of them I am just starting to fit into and it has been really exciting wearing all my lovely jumpsuits! I love all my new toys, especially the books from Mrs Whelan. I do my home reading with them every day already. Here is a picture of me in my booties knitted by Ned’s Mum - they are SO SNUGGLY!

My mummy is very happy because I love sleeping and I mostly sleep through the WHOLE night. Mummy thinks she has me on a ‘routine’, she is a bit crazy like that.

I hope 1/2BP is excited to be back at school and doing beautiful work, next term I’m going to come and visit!

Lots and lots of love from Violet

(Violet Mermaid Sparkle Rainbow Charlotte)​

PHOTO GALLERY: Violet Mermaid Sparkle Rainbow Charlotte

Spotlight on...

5/6 FRANGIPANI!!!!!!

In 5/6 Frangipani, we have dived right back into our hands-on learning! Here is a look at some of our proudest moments so far!

Maths...

In maths, we have explored a range of concepts such as: Cartesian plane, mass, volume and so much more. We found out just how big a cubic metre is by contracting one ourselves. We saved up so much newspaper to achieve this!

Indigenous Perspectives...

We have been learning and listening to Indigenous perspectives to better educate ourselves about the history, struggles and culture of First Nations Peoples. As a result we are developing a greater sense of awareness and understanding of Connection to Country, Acknowledgement of Country, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag, Aboriginal language, and the legacy of Eddie Mabo.

Outdoor fun...

In an effort to support our school community, our class took the initiative to create fun activities for 3-6 during break time and ran an obstacle course scavenger hunt, extra handball courts and more! It was so much fun and we look forward to our next day!

We are thrilled to be back at school and learning in an interactive environment! Thank you for taking the time to read about our learning. 5/6 F.

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BRICKS 4 KIDZ flyer with links

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Celebrating 160 years of quality public education in 2020!