Principals Message

Week 6 Term 2

Congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 children on the manner in which they have attempted all aspects of the NAPLAN assessments. The children really have worked hard to achieve their very best. The results of the NAPLAN assessments are not expected back in schools till next term.

NAPLAN receives a great deal of media coverage both positive and negative.  At BAPS we want our children to strive for their own personal best and we want our parents to look at the results in conjunction with other assessments and teacher comments when making a judgment on each child’s success. 

Reconciliation Week 

Last week our student respectfully participated in appropriate activities to mark Reconciliation Week. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. At BAPS we are proud of our efforts continuing to educate our children about all cultures starting with our own. 

Maliga Art Showcase

A few of our students have entered their work in the Maliga Art Showcase at The Entrance Gallery.  

Maliga ('shine' in Darkinjung) Art Showcase is an exhibition of local Indigenous student's multi-media, art and craft, that reflects their identity and cultural connection to the Central Coast.  

School Safety

Keeping our school safe is a priority and as a precautionary measure the only access to BAPS between 8.25 am and 2.50 pm will be via the main gate on Brooke Avenue. We ask that all visitors report to the office upon arrival and our lovely office staff will look after you. Can we also please ask that no students or parents walk through our car parks at any time including the Castlereagh Crescent entry.  The Castlereagh Crescent entry is reserved for our staff and Assisted School Travel vehicles.  We appreciate your support in keeping our children safe.

P & C

Our next P&C Meeting is tonight Monday, 17th June at 5.30 pm we would love to see more people at our meetings to share ideas and allow us to better represent your interests.  All opinions are welcome and we are happy to listen.  

Our Canteen 

Our canteen is currently out to tender.  A selection panel, including a community representative, will assess all applicants.  We are hoping to have our canteen up and running again as soon as possible. 

Kindergarten for 2019

Do you have a friend or family member who is considering attending our great school next year?  If you do please encourage them to come and collect an enrolment form. I personally like to meet with all of our enrolments for next year to see how we can best cater for your child. So make a time to come and see me. 

Home Reading 

While our children are actively learning to read at school, it is also important for parents to play a role in the process. There are a lot of different ways that parents can support their child to learn to read. The NSW education department's school A to Z website, which was developed for parents by teachers, offers the following advice:

•    Read to your child often. 

•    Let them look at the pictures to help figure out the story. 

•    Encourage them to sound out the words. 

•    Don't jump in and tell them – let them try to figure it out. 

•    Practise sight words such as: the, where, who, why, there, one. 

•    Pause, prompt, praise. 

•    Praise for trying gives kids confidence to have a go. 

•    Practise – learning to read requires repetition. 

•    Try to find books about subjects your child is interested in. 

•    Be patient – reading takes time to master. 

•    Reading should be enjoyable time together – try not to get anxious about it.

What have you read with your child this week? 

Mr Owen Dalkeith