Acting Principal's Report

I Really Love Science! Why?

As a once high school chemistry, maths and particularly physics teacher, it has been a terrific week for me.  Although the Aurora Australis is common enough; being able to see it from Rickett’s Point (if you can find a park) is far less so.  If you are looking for a rough guide to the reasons behind the classic light show, then read on:

Here's how it happens: Our Earth is surrounded by a layer of gases called the atmosphere. When charged particles from the sun, called solar wind, interact with the Earth's atmosphere, they create a spectacular display of lights. These particles are mostly made up of electrons and protons. When they collide with gases in the atmosphere, like oxygen and nitrogen, they release energy in the form of light. 

When the solar particles collide with oxygen, they create green and red lights. Nitrogen produces blue and purple colours. So, when all these colours mix in the sky, it creates a mesmerizing curtain of light.

I was thrilled to be able to talk to the Year 4 students about the southern lights, how they happen, and what creates all of that amazing colour.  I was impressed by the curiosity and the quality of questions that this amazing cohort had to offer. 

To add to my scientific joys for the week, I was lucky enough to teach some of the Year 3 students in their regular science specialist class.  We discussed a great deal of things, but the focus was on insulators and conductors. Students drew and annotated gloves made of a variety of materials.  In the end we decided to draw and annotate a glove made of a material that simply would not work.  I saw drawings of gloves made of glass, gloves made of bricks, and one set of gloves made from a pineapple (a very fruity response).

In my short time here at BNPS have seen so much curiosity amongst the cohort.  It is this sort of curiosity that drives us as a people.  It is not something we should take for granted, or ever feel uncomfortable around. 

One of the most powerful words, a word that appears in every language in one form or another, is ‘why’. The more we ask – the more we learn.

Community Connections Beaumaris Secondary   

Over the past 5 weeks, we have had 20 Year 10 students from Beaumaris Secondary visiting our school each Wednesday between 12.00-1.00pm. This is part of the Year 10 Community Connections program a new initiative from Beaumaris Secondary, geared towards students volunteering their time to our local community.  

During their time at our school the students have been working in classrooms across our school helping students access various program on our laptops and ipads, helping in the Library, sitting with students an assisting them to complete classroom tasks, reading with students and other task as determined by the class teachers.  

It was pleasing to see some of our ex-students as part of the program. We have thoroughly enjoyed having the students at our school and look forward to welcoming several Year 9 students for the next 5 weeks. Congratulations to Beaumaris Secondary for initiating this program that has not only benefited their students but ours also. 

Mother's Day Stall

Last week our students were able to purchase special gifts for their mothers.  Our Mother’s Day stall was made possible by our team of passionate parents who not only managed the stall, but prepared and purchased the gifts on sale.  Thank you, Alison Powell & Kerryn Van Der Merwe.

Thank you to the team of volunteers that helped run the stall on the day. 

The smiles on all the students' faces were so lovely to see.

Prep Mother's & Special Person, Day Pampering

Last Wednesday the Prep mums were invited for an afternoon of pampering in the Prep Learning Centre. The children took great delight in spoiling their Mums with massages, manicures and make-up. 

We Won - District Cross Country

Congratulations to Kirsty Hall and her team for organising an excellent house Cross Country event and followed by the District Cross Country which was held yesterday.

The weather was perfect for the event and all students participated in a positive and enthusiastic manner.  I would like to thank our team of staff who assisted our PE team on the day.

2025 Preps

Last week we proudly showcased our school to many prospective families who visited our Open Morning. We have another scheduled for today and our 2024 Prep Information Evening is being held on Wednesday 22 May 6pm - 7pm.

Our special visitors were able to visit all classrooms and specialist areas and experience firsthand the opportunities available at our school.

I would like to sincerely thank all staff and students for their support and assistance with these special events. 

I would like to congratulate our school captains who assisted with the tours but also for orally presenting at these sessions. 

2025 Prep Siblings

If you have a child due to start prep in 2025 and have not booked a sibling appointment with the PCO's to receive an enrolment pack, please call the Office to arrange as soon as possible.

Bunnings Sausage Sizzle - Saturday 8 June

BNPS Parents & Friends have been lucky enough to secure a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle date again this year.  Always a fun day and a great fundraiser for the school. 

We need your help to pull it off on the day.  Saturday 8 June. If you can spare a few hours, please sign up using the link.  https://volunteersignup.org/JEWLT 

We hope to see heaps of the school community there on the day grabbing a sausage for lunch.  All funds raised come straight back to our school.

David Hall

Acting Principal