BPS Newsletter 2025 Term 2 Week 1
Principal's Report
Welcome back to an exciting Term 2!
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope you all enjoyed a restful and refreshing break. It’s wonderful to see our students and staff back on campus, energised and ready for another term filled with rich learning experiences and community connection. Term 2 is already shaping up to be an exciting one packed with opportunities for growth, creativity and fun.
To kick off the term, our teachers made the most of the School Development Days by focusing on High Potential and Gifted Education, exploring ways to stretch and support all learners. Staff also collaborated across stages to plan engaging teaching and learning experiences with a particular emphasis on building strong foundations in sentence-level grammar and punctuation. We’re excited to see this focused work come to life in classrooms across the school.
There’s so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. Our Stage 3 students will soon embark on their much-anticipated camp - an unforgettable adventure full of teamwork, personal challenge and lasting memories. Year 6 will also participate in the Interrelate program, supporting their wellbeing and helping them navigate the transition to high school. Meanwhile, Stage 2 students will be immersed in Project Penguin, a hands-on initiative that brings science, sustainability and community engagement to life.
We’re also looking forward to a variety of cultural and creative experiences. Students will have the chance to shine in the Multicultural Public Speaking Competition and share their talents at our much-loved Poetry by the Campfire evening. Our debaters will be putting their skills to the test in interschool matches as part of the Premier’s Debating Challenge and through dedicated debating workshops. In addition, students in Years 3–6 will have the opportunity to take part in the Premier’s Spelling Bee - a great way to celebrate vocabulary and language in a fun competitive format.
On the sporting front, we’re gearing up for both the Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals and students will continue to build their skills through Sportspro lessons. Music students can also look forward to the always-popular Band Camp and we’ll wrap up the term with colour, joy and laughter at the P&C Colour Run.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. We can’t wait to share this exciting term with you and your children!
ANZAC Commemoration Assembly
Yesterday's ANZAC Day service, hosted by our student leaders Josh, Thomas and Kean was a very moving and poignant affair. Our students showed great respect for those that have lost their lives service of our country and for those that have served in all theatres of war. Students brought in flowers to lay in memorial and Craig and Ian form RSL LifeCare spoke engagingly about the meaning of ANZAC day. Datak's rendition of the Last Post was a most stirring piece. Thank you to Miss Brooke for organising the service. Lest we forget.
Debating Workshop
This week, some of the members of the Brookvale Senior Debate team, the Brookie G.O.A.T.s, were lucky enough to attend a Primary Debating Workshop at Manly Village Public School. Students learned about rebuttal, arguments, definitions and speakers roles, participated in some fun games and each delivered a short debating speech. The team also discovered some surprising strategies that great debaters utilise, for example saying 'ummm' in a debate is actually a GOOD thing because it demonstrates that you are thinking on your feet. It is also really important to be LOUD - in fact it is actually ok to shout during your debate speech to emphasise your point and give the audience an aura of confidence!
Stage 3 Man Anchor Mental Health Chat
This week, our Stage 3 students participated in a powerful and engaging Man Anchor incursion, focusing on mental health awareness and emotional wellbeing. The session provided students with practical tools to recognise and manage their emotions, support their peers and foster open conversations about mental health. Through interactive activities and discussions, students learned to identify signs of stress, understand the importance of seeking help and develop strategies to maintain their mental fitness. The incursion aimed to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and empower students to be proactive in supporting themselves and others. It was a valuable experience that encouraged empathy, resilience and a strong sense of community among our students.
Check out the new look school website
Brookvale Public School has a brand-new website, and we’d love for you to check it out! The updated design is easier to navigate and packed with useful information to help you stay connected with what’s happening at school. Whether you’re looking for enrolment details, term dates, upcoming events, or school policies, you’ll find it all in one convenient place.
You can also access newsletters, the School Bytes payment portal, and updates on co-curricular activities like band, creative arts, and sports. There’s even information on student support services and the exciting learning programs we offer. Head over to brookvale-p.schools.nsw.gov.au and take a look - we think you’ll find it a great way to stay informed and involved in your child’s school journey.
Changes to the Canteen in Term 2
A reminder that the canteen will only be open Wednesday to Friday this term and lunch orders will only be available through Flexi-schools on these days.
What's been happening in our classrooms?
A short summary of a short week...
Kindergarten students continued to focus on building instant number recognition by matching dice patterns with numbers and collections. They created ‘number cities’ by rolling a die, building towers with Unifix cubes to represent the number, and writing the corresponding numeral—an engaging way to reinforce early number concepts.
Stage 1 have been learning about equivalence, understanding that two things are equal if they have the same value. Using Unifix cubes, students created their own bar models to show different combinations that make 8. They then applied this learning by crafting mathematical stories to justify their thinking.
Stage 2 students worked thoughtfully to compare the childhoods of the main characters in their class text. Using Venn diagrams, they explored key similarities and differences, helping to deepen their understanding of each character and their personal journeys.
5K leapt into learning from Day 1 with a wildly imaginative mathematics challenge. After revisiting base 10 and its importance, Miss Kovaks introduced the class to ‘alien numbers’—a creative new number system. Students collaborated to solve ‘oddition’ (addition) problems before moving on to ‘distraction’ (subtraction), ‘uglification’ (multiplication), and ‘derision’ (division). It was a hilariously challenging and thought-provoking way to kick off the term.
Stage 3 students produced stunning black-and-white drawings of poppies. These striking artworks now hang in classrooms, serving as a beautiful and respectful tribute to the generations who came before us and the sacrifices they made.
Workers of the Week
Well done to Jack, our Worker of the Week! He impressed us with his detailed sculpture of a turtle and its nest, showing great care and creativity. Jack’s work will be a fantastic centrepiece for the diorama he is building in Visual Arts—what a brilliant effort!
Congratulations to Oliver, our other Worker of the Week! He showed wonderful creativity and focus while writing and illustrating his own subtraction stories. Oliver's work clearly demonstrated his growing understanding of number concepts and his flair for storytelling - well done!
Other School News
Premier’s Spelling Bee
We’re excited to announce that Brookvale Public School will once again participate in the Premier’s Spelling Bee this Term! This state-wide competition is open to all government, central, and community schools across NSW and features two divisions:
- Junior Division – for students in Years 3 and 4
- Senior Division – for students in Years 5 and 6
To select our representatives, all Stage 2 and Stage 3 classes will hold an in-class spelling competition in Week 8. The top four spellers from each class will then compete in a stage-level final in Week 9, where one winner from each stage will be chosen to represent Brookvale Public School at the regional level in Term 3.
Information on how to access the official word lists will be sent in a separate email and will be available on Google Classroom. We encourage you to support your child’s preparation by reviewing and practicing the word lists together.
For more details and helpful resources, visit the official Premier’s Spelling Bee website:
NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee Information
Let the spelling begin!
Mrs Kate Hart
Spelling Bee Coordinator
Uniform Changeover
When students return to school their will be a two-week perid where either summer/winter uniform is optional. Students should all be wearing full winter uniform from Monday 12 May.
The winter uniform options are below. School hats must be worn everyday, regardless of weather.
School photos are coming soon - Wednesday 14 May
We will be hosting our School Photography day on Wednesday 14 May 2025. Orders can be placed online via this link - enter our school code DLT K3J 1 T9. Cash order envelopes will also be available from our office.
Senior School Choir
Our 2025 school choir is up and running! Rehearsals are held every Tuesday at lunchtime.We’re already preparing for our first performance, which will take place at the Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday 9th May.We can’t wait to share our songs with you!If you have any questions or queries, you can contact Mrs Goodearl at emilia.goodearl2@det.nsw.edu.au.
P&C News
Join us at the next P&C Meeting
The P&C Association meets twice each term, and our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 13 May at 6:30pm at school and online (details on how to join online will be shared next week).
These meetings are a great opportunity to engage directly with the school executive team, hear what’s happening in our school community, and learn more about what the P&C does - or how you can get involved.
All parents and carers are welcome to attend. You do not need to be a P&C member to join the meeting. However, if you’d like to become a member and receive meeting minutes, you can sign up via this link. Annual membership is just $2 per person.
If you’d like to learn more about the P&C, feel free to email us or check out our 2025 P&C Handbook.
We hope to see you there!
Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday 9 May
As Mother's Day approaches, we, at the P&C Association, want to honour and celebrate the remarkable women who enrich our lives every day. Whether you're a mother, grandmother, nonna, nanna, or any other maternal figure, we extend our sincere appreciation for your dedication to your families.
Mother's Day Breakfast
Friday 09th May
From 7am to 8.30am
We welcome all mothers, grandmothers, special friends and all families to join us! Dads are warmly invited to attend.
Breakfast tickets are priced at $12 per adult and $8 per child.
Please visit our website for the full menu details and to purchase your breakfast tickets.
The deadline to purchase vouchers and register for breakfast is Monday 5th May.
Please note: This year, the P&C will not be running the traditional gift stall during school hours where children could choose a gift in the days leading up to the breakfast. Instead, there will be a gift stall available during the Mother's Day Breakfast for those who wish to purchase a small gift. Purchases are completely optional, and all proceeds will go towards supporting the P&C’s ongoing fundraising efforts to benefit the school community.
Uniform Shop Information
The uniform shop will be closed during the school holidays.
The uniform shop will be open in Term 2, on Wednesday 7 May, from 8.15am to 9am.
Donations to the uniform shop are also greatly appreciated. We encourage parents who have good quality uniforms their children have outgrown to drop off their items anytime at the school office or directly at the shop during opening hours.
Football Parking Volunteering
Each parking event requires 3 to 4 parent volunteers for 1h30 hours max (the car park is usually full within 45 minutes!). Tasks include collecting entry fees and directing cars to how and where to park. All instructions will be sent by text message prior to your shift (it’s all very easy!).
It is a valuable way for all parents to help the school and meet fellow parents at the same time.
To thank you for your time, you will get a free entry (general admission) to a Manly Sea Eagles home game of your choice.
Please visit our website to sign up to your preferred date.
The next date we need volunteers for is Saturday 31 May from 6pm to 7.30pm
Tax deductible donation to P&C
Did you know that contributions to the Brookvale Public School P&C Association Building Fund are 100% tax deductible? With the end of the financial year fast approaching, there's no better time to support our school and benefit your finances. Your donation will directly enhance our children's learning environment and provide much-needed resources.
Simply click on this link and choose the amount you’d like to donate (minimum $2).
Join the P&C Helpers Group
Want to help the P&C and contribute to our fantastic school community spirit, but can’t commit regularly? Join our P&C Helpers WhatsApp group!
It’s for parents who are happy to lend a hand on an ad hoc basis. No pressure, no meetings – just occasional shout-outs when we need extra hands!
We’d love to have you on board!
Birthday Shout Out!
Wishing a happy birthday to all our students celebrating in April!