Principal's Report

People often think the end of the year is when things slow down. This is certainly not the case here at BNPS as you will see below and throughout this newsletter.

Although we only have 16 school days until the end of the school year, it's amazing to think how much our school community will achieve during this short time.

The Big Move

Last week we achieved the movement of Year 1 to the new building, the relocation of Year 2 to the Year 1 rooms (as well as an interim move to Year 6) and the move of the Library to the old Year 2 classrooms. On behalf of the Leadership Team, I would sincerely like to thank all staff and students for the huge team effort, something that we are proud to say BNPS does so well.

In particular, I would like to thank Bonney Lewis and Crissa Cody-Smith for the huge amount of work in moving the Library, along with Jameel Marashli, Vincent Wienckowski and Jack Canty for all of the heavy lifting. Thank you also to Nicole Rainsbury, Nat Venuto and Janine Nelson for their work in cleaning and tidying these spaces. This was all achieved in addition to teaching and learning, administrative work, incursions and excursions, meetings and Year 6 camp - we really do have an amazing team.

Our yellow slide is now in place (after two years in storage!) to allow children to slide into the new sandpit and planting around the new building will commence later next week.

IB Evaluation

As you would be aware our school is an International Baccalaureate World school authorised to teach the Primary Year’s Programme. This week we have hosted visitors representing the International Baccalaureate for our second Evaluation visit. IB schools are reviewed every five years. The evaluation process ensures that the standards and practices of the IB programme are being maintained. As part of the process, we engage in a self-study that is a key element in the school's continual improvement and helps maintain the integrity of the programme and we welcome their feedback.

I would sincerely like to thank Debbie Murnane and Melissa Ball for their tireless work in ensuring that all evaluation preparation requirements have been met.

Year 3/4 G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge 

The G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge takes place in Term 4 every year and schools register teams of students who exhibit advanced abilities across the curriculum to participate. Below is a report from our Team Coordinator, Pam Collins, who I would like to congratulate and thank for giving up her lunchtime every Wednesday for two whole terms. Pam you should be very proud (as we are) of what our very talented students have achieved.

On Wednesday, 21 November, the very excited Beaumaris North Super Seahorses (Izzy B, Skye M, Finn M and Josh N from Year 3) participated in the District final of the Year 3/4 G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge. They had been practising for this for two terms, even giving up part of their Wednesday lunchtimes as well as having to do some extra research at home.

In each of the four Challenges that the team rotated through on the day, they were presented with a scenario or hypothetical situation which they had to solve, using their understanding of Maths, Science, Language, Music and Art. This required them to demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills, leadership and, most importantly, teamwork to find solutions to the problems.

There were many other schools involved so the Super Seahorses were delighted when they were awarded FIRST PLACE! This means that they move on to the National final on December 6. The team are to be congratulated on their effort, persistence and most of all, their boundless enthusiasm. 

Pam Collins, Junior BEET Program Teacher

2019 Structure/Student Placement

Staff are currently finalising end of year requirements as well as planning for the 2019 school year. There will be 28 straight classes in 2019 with 4 grades at each level. All children will meet their 2019 class teacher, together with their new class mates, in the middle of December.

The allocation of students to classes is a very complex process and our classroom teachers, in consultation with our Specialist Teachers and Wellbeing Officers, spend a considerable amount of time determining the best student combinations. All classes are compiled based on equal gender and ability levels where possible, and are influenced by a number of other factors, most importantly your child's needs.

Year 6 Archibald Prize Exhibition

Thank you to our extremely hard working Art Teachers, Arla Anderson and Nicole Palo La Gerche, for the wonderful Year 6 Self Portrait Exhibition. The standard of work was very impressive and showcased the great artistic talent of our students and teachers.

I would like to congratulate our amazing award winners, Lachlan B (6A), Niamh M (6C) and Lois B (6D), and thank our 'Master Artist', Geoff La Gerche, for judging and presenting the awards. Mr La Gerche was just as impressed as the Year 6 parents, staff and DET/Regional visitors who all viewed the exhibition.

Please see the 'Art News' page of this newsletter for full details.

Year 6 Camp

Our Year 6 students returned safely from camp on 23 November, concluding our Camping Program for 2018. A huge amount of work is involved in sending an entire year level off to camp and I would like to give special thanks to Claire Badley and Grant Rounsley for their work in this area. 

I would also like to sincerely thank the staff who gave up their time to attend and the staff who remained at school during such a busy week. 

Priority on Health and Safety

Last month we underwent our OH&S and Emergency Management Audit which occurs approximately once every four years.  DET outsource this to Ernst and Young and then provide a DET Advisor to assist with any identified areas of need. The Advisor visited our school yesterday and was full of praise for the high priority the school places on the Health and Safety of students, staff and visitors to Beaumaris North Primary School.

A special congratulations is extended to Nicole Rainsbury, Dallas O’Brien and Kerryn Meredith who manage our First Aid and Emergency Management.  We had 100% compliance with these requirements which is a major achievement. Many thanks to these staff members for their efforts.

BNPS Choirs

In addition to rehearsing and performing at our recent Remembrance Day Ceremony, the various BNPS Choirs have been busy rehearsing for other special events including a visit to Seaside Manor Aged Care Facility (Seahorse Singers) on 4 December, the Black Rock Carols on 5 December (Year 4 members of the Senior Choir) and the Beaumaris Farmers Market on 8 December (Senior Choir).

Thank you Sandy, Jo and Audrey for the additional time and commitment to this outstanding extra-curricular program which is valued by students and parents alike. 

Mental Health First Aid Staff Training

Jessi Maddison and Janelle Diggins are currently completing a 14 hour Youth Mental Health First Aid course in their own time which is another fine example of the commitment that staff have to the health and wellbeing of all students here at BNPS. 

Mental illnesses often start in adolescence or early adulthood and it is important to detect problems early to ensure the young person is properly treated and supported. Thank you Jessi and Janelle.

Election Day BBQ & Bake Sale Stalls

The Senior Learning Centre served as a polling place last weekend for the State Election and our parents took advantage of the opportunity to raise funds for the upcoming Year 6 Graduation. I would like to thank the many volunteers, in particular, Simone Mactier and Tom Johnson for organising the BBQ and Bake Sale stalls. I am pleased to hear that it was worth your effort - $1400 is a great result and will go a long way towards creating a most memorable night for the Year 6 students.

Prep Parent Buddy Program

Yesterday Ilana Blampied spent hours in the Office matching existing BNPS parents (who have a child starting in Prep next year) to our 2019 Prep parents in order to help our new parents feel welcome and settle into our community. Ilana (via BNPS Parents & Friends) introduced this program last year and it was extremely well received.

I would sincerely like to thank Ilana for her time, passion and commitment to getting this lovely initiative off the ground again this year - the community spirit is certainly alive and well here at BNPS!

Looking Ahead...

There are still several activities and events for students and parents to engage in before we all take a long well-deserved break. From Year 6 Graduation celebrations and 2019 Prep orientation, to excursions, volunteering in the Canteen, the FAC Christmas party and end-of-year class family gatherings. I do hope that everyone makes the most of (and enjoys!) these last few weeks.

Sherril Duffy

Principal