EVERYONE is welcome at our school!
Acknowledgement of Country...
Useful links can be found at end of this issue of the Pigeon Post...👇
BIRTHDAY ICE-BLOCKS | If you are bringing in ice-blocks to celebrate your child's birthday, please ensure they are FULLY FROZEN prior to the day. This will avoid disappointment when handed out. Additionally, please do not bring in ice-cream packs, as we have a number of students with allergies.
Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
From the Principal's Desk...
Happy belated WEAR IT PURPLE Day!
THANK YOU for supporting our BOOK FAIR this week! Over $3,700 worth of books and stationery was sold, with a whopping $1,102.50 coming back to our library! #thankyou #thanks #grateful #readbooks
We LOVE celebrating achievements! If you have something to share with our community, through the Pigeon Post, please send photo/s & blurb through to balmain-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Att: FOR THE NEWSLETTER
PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING! We're collecting plastic bottle lids for a special project. Please wash and dry instead of recycling. There is a collection box in the foyer, outside the office. Thanks so much for your help!
Connect with Balmain PS...Wonder what's goes on at our school? Follow us on Instagram for daily content, both through posts and stories...
Check out what we get up to each day. Head over to our Instagram account: @balmainps
To see what else we've been up to this week, head over to @balmainps!
Follow us on Instagram
Keep up with what's happening @ Balmain Public School
https://www.instagram.com/balmainps/
IF YOU SEE A COLOURED CIRCLE AROUND OUR SCHOOL LOGO, DON'T FORGET TO TAP ON IT, FOR OUR LATEST STORY...you've got to get in quickly, as it disappears after 24 hours!
SOME OF OUR STORIES ARE SAVED AS HIGHLIGHTS...
A Galactic Adventure in Our Space-Themed Classroom!
This term has truly been one for the books as 5/4 Springbok embarked on an exciting journey through space right from the comfort of our newly redesigned classroom. Transformed into a cosmic wonderland, our room featured a detailed solar system hanging overhead, vibrant wall stickers of planets, and even an astronaut suit for students to explore and imagine what it’s like to be among the stars. The atmosphere has been nothing short of inspiring, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm in every student. Our academic focus this term was centered around information reports, where students dived deep into research and critical thinking. They took on the challenge of creating informative displays on planets, sharing fascinating facts about their chosen celestial bodies. In addition, students expanded their horizons by crafting reports on a wide array of topics, including diverse animals and countries, developing their writing and analytical skills in the process.
Finally, students have brought the wonders of space to life through a dynamic, interactive display in the classroom. After researching and creating information reports on various space topics using Canva, students recorded themselves presenting their findings. These presentations were turned into videos and displayed on iPads, which are now mounted on our classroom wall. Students can click on the iPads to learn about planets, black holes, and more, making it an engaging, hands-on way to explore space. This display not only showcases their hard work but also fosters collaborative learning and curiosity.
But our learning didn’t stop there—Term 3 was filled with hands-on experiences that brought science to life. The Potato Olympics were a hit, as students engaged in friendly competition while learning about forces and motion. Science experiments were another highlight, with activities like making slime, launching exploding rockets, and baking treats in solar-powered ovens. We also had a fun and educational experience exploring the phases of the moon using Oreos, making science both engaging and delicious! These experiments not only reinforced scientific concepts but also encouraged teamwork and problem-solving.
One of the most magical highlights of the term was Book Week, where students embraced this year's theme, "Reading is Magic." Everyone had a fantastic time dressing up as their favorite book characters, filling our classroom with imagination and creativity. The day was a wonderful celebration of our love for reading, and it was exciting to see the students bring their beloved stories to life.
Artistic expression was a key focus this term, with students creating a variety of impressive works. They produced stunning galaxy artworks that captured the beauty of the cosmos and meaningful meeting place artworks reflecting Aboriginal symbols and cultural significance. Additionally, students explored the world of Japanese art by creating their own interpretations of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, a famous woodblock print by Hokusai. This project allowed them to appreciate the intricacies of traditional Japanese art while experimenting with techniques to replicate the dynamic movement and vibrant colors of the original piece.
Term 3 has been an incredible journey, full of learning, creativity, and growth. As we reflect on all that we’ve accomplished, we can’t wait to see where our learning adventures will take us next. Here's to a fantastic end of the term, filled with even more discoveries and achievements!
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
THANK YOU for supporting our (belated) WEAR IT PURPLE Day! We raised $255.45!
CHARLIE THE CHOOK says...
Are you intending on travelling during the school term? Please apply for leave using the link below...all sections of the form needs to be completed and the travel itinerary, including child/ren's name/s, is also to be included
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU INFORM ANY EXTERNAL PROVIDERS, SUCH AS ‘DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC’, OF ACTIVITIES THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR CHILD’S ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION, SUCH AS AN EXCURSION OR EVENT. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Emailing staff | If you wish to email your child's teacher, we kindly request that you DO NOT EMAIL their personal emails, as time-sensitive and/or important messages may not be seen and/or responded to on time. Please ONLY use the school's email address: balmain-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au. In the subject line, please type: 'ATT: name of teacher'. Teachers will attempt to respond within 2 working days. Thank you for your understanding.
Payments online | All online payments are now made using COMPASS.
Dropping something off? | Please label item/s with their full name and class.
Absences | Please use the Compass app to notify your child's teacher of their absence/s.
Dropping off/collecting your child | If you are collecting your child early or dropping them off late, please come to the Office window on Eaton Street. Squeeze 'Charlie' the Chook and we will organise a note for the student. Also, if you are dropping anything off for your child, please ensure all items are LABELLED with full name & class.
Change of address/contacts | If you have moved recently or changed Emergency Contacts or mobile numbers, please email the Office so details can be updated.
Financial Difficulties | If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the office or Mrs Lambos.
Kindy Parents/Carers | Sometimes children have 'accidents'. Where possible, we provide them with a clean dry change of clothes. Please keep spare underpants and socks in their bag, just in case.
The balmainps@gmail.com email address is no longer in use and not monitored. Please redirect your email to balmain-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au. Alternatively, contact the office on 9818 1177 during school office hours, 8:30am to 3:15pm Monday to Friday, throughout the school term.
***COMPASS IS OUR MAIN FORM OF COMMUNICATING WITH YOU***In case of urgent/important communication, notifications via the Compass app on your phone will keep you informed***
To ensure you receive all communication via Compass, please have the app downloaded on your phone, with the notifications turned ON.
Although the school pushes out notifications via the app and email, there may be times when an important message may be missed as emails may sometimes not be checked regularly.
If there were to be an emergency, (hopefully not), information would be pushed out via Compass.
SAT 12 SEPT | DEMOCRACY SAUSAGE BBQ
FRI 20 SEPT | ART SOIRÉE
SAT 21 SEPT | FAMILY FAIR DAY
2-27 SEPT | SNACKTEMBER DRIVE
SAVE THE DATE | FRI 25 OCT
Every MONDAY | The Wellbeing Program - ZingActiv
Every TUESDAY | NUDE FOOD TUESDAY
Every FRIDAY (weather permitting) | AWARDS ASSEMBLY
Please leave your furry friends at home...
Every FRIDAY | Uniform Stall | ONLINE ONLY
Order items online here
The best way to order new uniforms is online and they will be delivered to children's classrooms each Friday morning.
Come to the uniform stall if you need to try items on for size.
Second Chance items are available 8:30-9am twice a term on Fridays. 2024 dates are:
Term 3: 2 August, 20 September
Term 4: 25 October, 13 December.
Donations can be dropped into the tub near the office anytime.
If you would like to volunteer to help, please either email us at balmainpsuniforms@gmail.com or sign up via the link
Every FRIDAY | The School Canteen: Special request for parents and carers to cancel their lunch orders if their child is not going to be at school for lunch, by texting 0416 786 603 with their child’s full name and class. In return, an sms will be sent back to confirm the order has been cancelled and all monies returned in full to the child’s Spriggy school account.
Have you purchased your Soirée ticket yet?
Bidding open for the Silent Auction!
Follow our P&C on Insta @balmainpspc
Every 1st WEDNESDAY (usually) of SCHOOL TERM | P&C Meeting @ 7pm | Online & In-person
- 16 October
- 6 November
- 4 December
LEARN LIVE LEAD awards
| K Deer - Ms A Davis | Cora K | great improvement in her reading and trying her best with tricky words! |
| K Jentinki - Ms L Jennett | Harriet B | fully engaging in all class activities and sharing her interesting thoughts and opinions during discussions |
| 1/2 Javan Ruso - Ms J Walsh | Billie McI | fantastic work at the nature table during Investigations this week |
| 1/2 Pampas Deer - Ms S Parsons | Millicent B W | always being the sun in the room and having a can do attitude |
| 1/2 Llama - Ms N Lydon | Noah B | his passionate and pleasing approach to shape poetry this week |
| 3/2 Antilocapra - Mrs E Archibald | Scarlett S | continually demonstrating the Balmain Way in all she does |
| 3/4 Elk - Mr G Elix | Oliver H | his consistent participation in all learning activities and drive to improve |
| 3/4 Guanaco - Mrs L Goodridge | Charlie S | demonstrating leadership qualities by consistently doing the right thing and treating others with respect |
| 5/4 Capreolinae - Ms A Cooper | Ben H | achieving top marks on his spelling and maths tests this week |
| 5/4 Springbok - Mr L Saville | Nate J | on creating an outstanding multimodal presentation on Saturn using Canva, showcasing both creativity and in-depth research |
| 5/6 Puku - Mrs A Pitman | Julia X | her efforts on the research activities in both history and science, and for her fabulous bookwork |
| 5/6 Royal Antelope - Ms R Reedy | Olivia Q | her thoughtful and considerate demeanour as she acts as a positive role model |
| 6 Reindeer - Mrs N Riley | Leo Y | his wonderful initiative and organisation ing starting an origami club |
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR 4 LEARNING (PB4L) awards - SAFE
| KD - Ms A Davis | Vaia v d B | showing a deep care for our classroom environment and the wellbeing of others |
| KJ - Ms L Jennett | Luna H | moving through school life with a sense of calm and positivity |
| 1/2J - Ms J Walsh | Darcey P | always moving around the school in a safe and responsible way, and bring a role model for others |
| 1/2P - Ms S Parsons | Lyra E | always being a safe and respectful role model to her peers |
| 1/2L - Ms N Lydon | Evelyn R | safely monitoring the classroom's resources and being a super class line mascot! |
| 3/2A - Mrs E Archibald | Beatrice S | demonstrating safe and reliable behaviours at school |
| 3/4E - Mr G Elix | Skye C | frequently looking out for the wellbeing of herself and others |
| 3/4G - Mrs L Goodridge | Cicely C | being a responsible tech monitor, who consistently takes good care of our school resources |
| 5/4C - Ms A Cooper | Charlotte O | being a considerate member of our class |
| 5/4S - Mr L Saville | Ben W | demonstrating safe behaviour in the playground, leading by example as our class line leader, when moving around the school |
| 5/6P - Mrs A Pitman | Charlotte M | safely playing on the playground during breaks and showing kindness to others |
| 5/6R - Ms R Reedy | Isabelle L | actively following the school rules and setting a positive example |
| 6R - Mrs N Riley | Gabriela B S | being a reliable classmate who consistently makes positive choices |
Best Class @ Assembly Award
Each week, a mystery teacher will choose the class that has followed the 'Balmain Way'. They will be entitled to 10 minutes extra play!
NUDE FOOD TUESDAYS WEEKLY WINNER
Each week, Baa-bara the Sheep will stay with the class that has the highest percentage of nude food in their lunch boxes. They will be entitled to 10 minutes extra play!
This week's winners...
ES1 - Chloe S KJ KD; S1 - Henrik I 1/2J; S2 - Annie H 3/4E; S3 - Halle N-W 5/4C
Balmain Public School children are expected to wear full school uniform, including a school hat, every day. All children are required to wear full school uniform when representing the school on excursions, at sporting events or at cultural activities.
