Pigeon Post

2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Acknowledgement of Country...

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SOME OF OUR STORIES ARE SAVED AS HIGHLIGHTS...

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From the Principal

Easing of Restrictions as of Monday...

What exciting news for us all!

As per my SkoolBag notification last night, as well as the Instagram post and story, the DoE website has been updated with further easing of restrictions, effective Monday 8 March.

Since the beginning of the school year, all school systems - government, independent and Catholic - have continued to work closely with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), NSW Health and other agencies, to ensure ALL NSW schools continue to operate in the safest ways possible in the COVID-19 environment. This will continue, moving forward.

It is important to note that individual schools do not make their own decisions; advice is issued by the relevant authorities. In the case of government schools, the authority is, of course, the NSW Department of Education. Each government school MUST adhere to the advice, as published on their website.

Government schools across NSW have been able to ease restrictions to a certain degree so far this year, whilst adhering to the DoE's website advice.

Ongoing easing of restrictions advice, as announced by the NSW Premier for the general public, has noticeable differences to education advice.

Understandably, this has most probably been quite frustrating for you, as parents and carers, who absolutely value being involved in your child's learning and school.

We, as a school, have certainly missed community involvement as well. The Balmain community is what makes our school such a special one! What can I say, I'm biased...

It was so exciting to read in an article on Sunday, that '...a spokeswoman for the NSW Department of Education said it was updating the guidelines for NSW schools in line with health advice. “We expect these to be finalised imminently,” she said.'

Last night, the update was made and communicated to school emails from the DoE. Their website was also updated. 

 https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families

What changes

From Monday, as per the notification, parents and carers will be able to enter the school grounds for drop off and pick up - the Gladstone Park gate will be unlocked from 8:30am to drop off children and unlocked again at 2:50pm for pick up.

The end of the school day, for all students K-6, will be 3pm.

'Kiss & Drop' will no longer apply and neither will the staggered pick-up, as we will be able to ensure our duty of care with adults now being on-site. You will not need to check in with the Service NSW QR code, however, if you are attending the school as a visitor, the 2-step check-in (Service NSW QR code and Office) still applies.

Physical distancing must still be maintained AT ALL TIMES, as per NSW Health advice and the DoE website: 'Parents should ensure school pick up and drop off arrangements enable them to physically distance from one another and from staff.'

Continuing practice

What remains unchanged is the need for a negative COVID-19 result before returning to school after being unwell and displaying flu-like symptoms.

Looking forward to Monday! See you then!

Maria Lambos - Principal

Important messages...

Current COVID-19 advice

Feeling unwell?

As per the current NSW Health and DoE guidelines, Students and staff with flu-like symptoms will need to provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result before being permitted to return to school.

Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore/scratchy throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of taste
  • Loss of smell

Other reported symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

Should your child present with any of the above symptoms, please arrange for a COVID-19 test. A 24-hour home pick-up COVID-19 test can be organised by going to the following link:

https://covidtestsydney.com.au/

Once you have received your negative COVID-19 test results, please send a copy to the school via email.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Zone Swimmers!!!

Did you miss the Insta story? Don't worry, we've saved it as a highlight! Head over to our Instagram page...

Congratulations, Ms Yau!

Exciting News!

Ms Annabel Yau, teacher on the Opportunity Class, 5/6 Yin & Yang, as well as relieving Assistant Principal, was the successful candidate in the recent merit selection panel for the position of substantive Assistant Principal.

The position became vacant at the beginning of the year and was advertised. The panel included a teacher rep, a parent rep, an AP from another school, as well as myself, the convener.

As part of the process, there is a 10-day appeal period, which officially ended at the close of business today. 

Now we can shout it to the world!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Congratulations, Mrs Mikhail Bryant!

Wedding bells...

Huge CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Mrs Belinda Mikhail Bryant, teacher of K Mellow and Assistant Principal on Early Stage One, and the love of her life, Michael!

Belinda returned to school this week after her honeymoon...

CONGRATULATIONS to the happy couple and all the very best for your future together as Mr & Mrs!

GROW YOUR MIND

Positive Behaviour For Learning (PB4L) and ‘Grow Your Mind’ at BPS

This year, at BPS, we have introduced ‘Grow Your Mind’ as our whole-school wellbeing approach, to compliment our school’s values and the Balmain Way (PB4L). ‘Grow Your Mind’ is a curriculum aligned, evidence-based learning approach to explicitly promote mental health and teach wellbeing. 

‘Grow Your Mind’ is not a happiness program, nor a self-esteem program. Instead, it is a program that uses evidence based strategies to teach children, families & school staff, ways to be resilient through the lens of:

1. Brain health

2. Emotional regulation

3. Character strengths

4. Positive emotions - joy, gratitude, curiosity etc.

5. Kindness

6. Courage

7. A growth & benefit mindset

8. Respectful relationships

‘Grow Your Mind’ is designed to protect and strengthen all student's mental AND physical health. It is built upon four pillars to promote mental health & wellbeing:

1. Positive Psychology - the study of the strengths that contribute to individual and community thriving and wellbeing 

2. Social and Emotional Learning - the study of how individuals acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours needed to develop the skills for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

3. Public Health - the study of the prevention of illness and promotion of health 

4. Neuroscience - the study of the function and structure of the brain and nervous system.

It is recognised by both the Australian and NSW curriculum that relationships and emotional skills affect how and what we learn. Therefore, Australian schools are required to teach social and emotional wellbeing skills. The implementation of Grow Your Mind is driven by the aim to develop the social and emotional development of all students. 

Character Strengths 

We all have a distinct constellation of strengths. Character strengths are different from your personal strengths, such as your unique skills, talents, interests and resources, because they reflect the "real" you—who you are at your core. Every individual possesses all 24 character strengths in different degrees, giving each person a unique character strengths profile. As result, we have shifted our focus on identifying, growing and celebrating all character strengths with a weekly character strength award. 

‘Grow Your Mind’ Language

Students have been introduced to the ‘Grow Your Mind characters’ that represent key parts of our brain. You may have already heard 

THE WISE OWL (PREFRONTAL CORTEX)  

Your fantastic problem solver. Allows you to be a flexible friend. Tries to make good decisions on your behalf.

THE GUARD DOG (AMYGDALA)

Keeps you safe at all costs. Prone to being very bossy and overreacting. At times barks so loud that none of the other animal helpers can hear themselves think.

THE ELEPHANT (HIPPOCAMPUS)

Who tries hard to remember. As the name suggests, your elephant is fantastic at remembering things. Especially when your guard dog is nice and calm.

THE SIFTING SOOTY (RETICULAR ACTIVATING SYSTEM)

Ever dreamed of being a tightrope walker? Sifting Sooty would be there to help you focus on not falling off. You don't need to worry about distractions when your sifting sooty is turned on.

For more parent information, visit this presentation:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FZohR1xGOcp14Qd7Oe7Jp4GPg2ojomaKbijAYeBozeU/edit#slide=id.g8e5e027ba2_0_42

Helping others - our 2020 Fundraising Ministers wanted to raise money for the koalas after the bushfires late 2019 and early 2020...an ice-block stall was held and $279 was raised!

From the Office

How can we be of assistance today?

***ALL VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL MUST CONTINUE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE OFFICE, CHECK-IN USING THE SERVICE NSW COVID SAFE CHECK-IN QR CODE, AS WELL AS THE SCHOOL'S CHECK-IN PROCEDURE***

If your family details, circumstances have changed, ie: address, mobile numbers, separations, court orders etc, could you kindly email the school so records can be updated. This will ensure correct people are contacted and all relevant information is passed on correctly.

Please remember that if you are collecting your child early for an appointment or dropping them off, please ensure you allow extra time for your child to be located and brought down to the office.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact the office, or Mrs Lambos, to arrange alternate options.

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

Every FRIDAY

Parent-Teacher meetings - Weeks 6 & 7 (Monday 1 - Friday 12 March)

Link to be SkoolBagged soon...

Monday 8 March - International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality. 

Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:

  • celebrate women's achievements
  • raise awareness about women's equality
  • lobby for accelerated gender parity
  • fundraise for female-focused charities

#ChooseToChallenge

Friday 19 March - National Ride 2 School Day

Friday 26 March - P and C Welcome Drinks - 7-10pm

Thursday 25 March - Years 3-6 X-Country Carnival

including Year 2 students turning 8 years in 2021

Thursday 1 April - Last Day of School for Term 1

FROM YOUR P&C

From your P&C exec!

Hi all,

This week we voted in our P&C Executive for 2021 and they are:

  • P&C President: Shehana Darda-Teixeira (Sunny in Yr 1 and Luca in Yr 6)
  • Vice President: Gemma Puplett (George in K and Joshua in Yr 3)
  • Vice President: Cliff Philipiah (Logan in Yr 6)
  • Treasurer: Paul Galpin (Jasper in Yr 1)
  • Secretary: Victoria Lush (Harry in Yr 6)

2020 President's Report

2020 Treasurer's Report

We all really look forward to working with you in 2021 to continue to build our community and to raise much-needed funds for the school.

The Committee also voted to support the calls for COVID guidelines and restrictions for schools in NSW to be eased. We know the NSW P&C Federation has been lobbying over a number of weeks for change and our own Committee also worked hard behind the scenes, including working with the Sun Herald to bring attention to the issue.

We are thrilled that the Department and the school listened and acted.

In particular, it is wonderful that after close to a year from Monday:  

  • Parents and carers will be allowed back onto school grounds; and 
  • Staggered finishing times for different stages will end.

Schools have always worked closely with their local community and all the evidence shows that children thrive when parents are involved in their school lives.

We strongly support measures to keep children and teachers safe, but they must reflect the evidence, be well thought through and consistent. It made no sense to continue to block parents when hundreds of people were allowed to gather at events and in stadiums so we really welcome this common sense decision.

Finally, we decided to plan to restart the Balmain Fun Run this year, thanks to a wonderful group of parents who have volunteered to help organise the event. We would also love to host the Trivia Night, our Mother’s and Father’s Day BBQs, discos and other social events.

Obviously, all of this is dependent on COVID and any changes to the restrictions, but we are hopeful that the rollout of the vaccine and NSW’s excellent track record managing the pandemic will mean that we should be able to have a great and social year!

In the meantime, we are looking forward to the Welcome Drinks on Fri 26 March at the Bowlo. Tickets will go on sale through Flexi Schools very soon so get ready to party like it's ... (!)

If you have any questions or feedback for us, please email balmainpspc@gmail.com

P&C Exec

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Our uniform stall is a P&C initiative, run entirely by parent volunteers, to benefit our school community!

Ordering: Orders are being packed and delivered to classrooms weekly.

  • Please include your child's name and class for delivery
  • Secondhand items can be ordered through the online store
  • There is no order pickup from the stall or the office, unless by prior arrangement
  • Appointments can be made to visit the stall in order to try on items for size. Details can be found on the school website.

Orders can be placed online at the following link:

https://bps-uniform-stall.square.site

Stock levels: Due to COVID-related delays continuing to affect our suppliers, a small number of items are out of stock. We are receiving deliveries each week, and this stock is quickly being added online. Outstanding items are being packed and delivered to class as they are received. If a longer delay is anticipated for an item, we are moving quickly to source an alternative through a second supplier where possible, to minimise the impact on the school. If you cannot see an item you need, please email the stall volunteers to enquire: balmainpsuniforms@gmail.com

Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you would like to volunteer to help at the stall, please email us!

AWARDS

LEARN LIVE LEAD awards

K Gentle - Mrs GoodridgeMatt Nworking super hard to hear sounds in words
K Mellow - Mrs Mikhail BryantLili Mworking hard to learn all she can
1/2 Altruism - Ms CooperEllie Sher outstanding confidence and giving all activities a go!
1/2 Compassion - Ms ChiangAidan Bworking hard and completing all his work to a high standard
1/2 Friendship - Ms FergusonNash E Mhis persistence in learning how to use the jump strategy to add numbers
1/2 Kind Kids - Ms KarstromMargot Bsounding out tricky words when reading!
3/4 Harmony - Ms HoltBrodie N-Sapplying himself with diligence in every subject and being a fabulous leader
3/4 Leopards - Mrs LoxtonArabella Swriting unique narratives with entertaining dialogue
3/4 Phoenix - Ms ParkesCharlotte Ralready making strong progress towards achieving her learning goals through seeking assistance in class
5/4 Rainbow - Ms ReedyEli Shis ability to use feedback to improve the quality of his persuasive writing. Well done!
5/6 Belong - Mr BaumannEmily Routstanding contributions to classroom debates on iPhone v android
5/6 Calm - Mr CarltonSophie Hbeing a determined in challenging herself
5/6 Poppies - Ms PitmanTim Wbeing a champion problem solver
5/6 Yin & Yang - Ms YauEthan Sdemonstrating his creativity during our Create a Country project
LIBRARY K-2 - Ms WhelanJasper G 1/2Kkindness in action

LIBRARY 3-6 - Ms Whelan

Alexandra K 5/6Bher interest in reading
STEAM K-2 - Ms BarcenillaBen W 1/2Ahis confidence when coding and identifying different components of digital devices!
STEAM 3-6 - Ms BarcenillaOscar L 3/4Pconsistently displaying an enthusiastic and responsible attitude towards all learning tasks!
ART K-2 - Mrs BowmanIvy W 1/2Fconsistently being a considerate and helpful mate. Bravo!
ART 3-6 - Mrs BowmanPatrick F 3/4Hhis consistent effort and positive attitude in Art
MUSIC K-2 - Ms BigginsRose W 1/2Calways doing her creative best in music - well done!
MUSIC 3-6 - Ms BigginsEmma C 3/4Lher focus and collaborative skills in producing an impressive clapping sequence
MUSIC 3-6 - Ms BigginsGabriela B S 3/4Lcreative and performing a great clapping sequence with her partner

CHARACTER STRENGTH awards - FAIRNESS

K Gentle - Mrs GoodridgeZoe Aher ability to share, follow the rules and treat others kindly
K Mellow - Mrs Mikhail BryantThomasina Dtaking turns and being fair
1/2 Altruism - Ms CooperHamish Dtaking care of his peers and following all rules and instructions
1/2 Compassion - Ms ChiangAnya Bsharing class supplies and being generous towards her classmates
1/2 Friendship - Ms FergusonFrankie B Tshowing respect towards her peers and teachers
1/2 Kind Kids - Ms KarstromAurora Ralways being respectful and kind to others
3/4 Harmony - Ms HoltAnnabel Lshowing respect to Indigenous culture during the History lesson
3/4 Leopards - Mrs LoxtonJack Oalways ensuring that behaviour in the classroom and during playtime is fair and respectful
3/4 Phoenix - Ms ParkesEirlys Jher diplomacy and sense of justice in explaining why she thought the date for Australia Day should be changed
5/4 Rainbow - Ms ReedyLina Sher kind and fair play during break times
5/6 Belong - Mr BaumannJoseph Menabling equality with his peers and allowing everyone a 'fair go'
5/6 Calm - Mr CarltonLuka Hworking with others and ensuring that everyone was represented equally
5/6 Poppies - Ms PitmanSean Cbeing kind, helpful and accepting of others
5/6 Yin & Yang - Ms YauSkye Gactively displaying respect and kindness to others

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!)

Spotlight on...

5/6 CALM!!!!

This week in 5/6 Calm we have been studying Eddie Mabo, an Aboriginal land rights activist. We all thought his life was a heroic and tragic story, so we all wrote a biography about him. We hope you enjoy! ?

Eddie Koiki Mabo was born on the 29th of June 1936 ,in a place called Las in Mer (also known as Murry Island) in the Torres Strait. His mother died a while after he was born and he was taken in by his uncle and aunt(Benny and Maigo Mabo). When Eddie was growing up he learnt from the Meriam language and culture. He was taught that it was important to respect peoples land.

by Harper S

Throughout his life Mabo had demonstrated initiative, originality, determination, intelligence, and commitment to obtaining justice for Indigenous Australians and recognition of the traditional land rights of his family and people.

by Mac F

Koiki was a skilled performer and teacher of Meriam song and dance. He also enjoyed art and spent the rest of the time painting watercolors and relaxing on his boat. A number of his artworks are in the AIATSIS collection including a fabulous self-portrait that he drew in 1982.

by Freddie B

Eddie Mabo of Mer island in the Torres Strait spent ten years trying to get official ownership of Mer for the people who lived there. On the 3rd June 1992 ( five months after he passed away), the High Court of Australia agreed, rejecting the statement that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ at the time of European settlement. Eddie’s daughter remembers that day well.

by Henry C & Theo R

Eddie Mabo was involved in the campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote in the 1967 referendum to help take away the discriminatory references to Aboriginal people in the Constitution.

by Sarah H & Sophie H

During the 1960’s he became involved in trade union politics, and became increasingly comfortable working with non Indigenous people and became proficient with speaking. In 1960 he was appointed a union representative for Torres Strait Islanders on the Townsville-Mount Isa rail reconstruction project.

by Drew K

Eddie Mabo challenged the Australian government,but the final result was announced after Eddie Mabo died. Now a celebrated day to remember is the 3rd of june because that is Mabo day.

by Lauren H

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD