This is the first in a series of regular building updates for Project Barcelona that will be published across the year. We felt it would be beneficial to provide updates particularly for the parent community who may not be able to regularly see the construction in progress.

Project Barcelona is the most significant building project to date at NBCS. The project is creating a new area that will be the heart of the campus – the epicentre of learning and community at NBCS. The project will provide exceptional new spaces for learning, gathering and administration, and will become the new signature building for the campus.

We have structured this first update as a list of frequently asked questions. Please remember that access to the building site is strictly prohibited at all times. All visitors to the school must report to Reception, located in the Gateway Building, which is the closest building to the main school entrance.

Read the full article and FAQ +

The Secondary Outdoor Education program, Student Opportunity Week, will be held in Week 9 of this term: Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 March 2014.

The Mission of Student Opportunity Week is:
For students to immerse themselves in their area of passion in order to build relationships, learn skills, and showcase achievements.

Secondary students have made their selection from 22 different programs that each fall under one of four categories: Adventure, Activity, Action or Awareness.

In order for your child to participate in Student Opportunity Week, the Permission Form for their chosen activity must be printed and returned to school, along with either a printed or online version of the Medical Form, by Thursday 20 February.

Forms can be downloaded from the Student Opportunity Website and delivered to Student Reception.

After receiving extremely positive feedback from our 2013 Student Opportunity Week programs, we are looking forward to further developing areas of student skill and interest, and building positive relationships across Secondary grades.

Mr Tim Barrett
Student Opportunities Team Leader

Families in our Primary community are warmly invited to attend a special event  – a picnic on the oval on Friday 21 February, 5-7pm (this Friday).

The picnic will be a great opportunity to welcome new families, strengthen connections, build community and continue to grow relationships.

We hope you are able to join us.

View calendar entry

Any parent wishing to participate in activities at the school must first attend a Parent Involvement Training Workshop. Workshops last for approximately 45 minutes and cover WHS issues, privacy legislation, Child Protection legislation and working with staff. All required forms will be distributed on the night.

Upcoming dates:

• Monday 10 March at 6:30pm

Please note that current parents who completed accreditation prior to 2012 need to be re-accredited this year, as accreditation lasts for a period of 3 years.

Chess coaching for Primary students at NBCS is run by the Sydney Academy of Chess, and is held on Thursday lunchtimes, 1:00-1:50pm. Term 1 lessons will commence on Thursday 27 February, 2014.

Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment. Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard, puzzle solving and fun practice games.

If your child is interested in taking part, download the enrolment form, or contact Sydney Academy of Chess directly for more information: enrol@sydneyacademyofchess.com.au or (02) 9745 1170.

At the end of last year, the NBCS community took part in the annual Anglicare Toys ‘n’ Tucker appeal, collecting food and gifts for families in need at Christmas. The whole school took part – Preschool to Year 12 – together providing half a tonne of Christmas gifts and food. We would like to express our gratitude to the parents, students and staff who contributed so many items, and also to the team of students and staff who coordinated the appeal and enabled us to be part of this fantastic campaign.

A one-off order of Cotton/Polyester Jumpers will be placed at the end of February for delivery end of March. These jumpers are identical to the standard woollen ones available from the Uniform Shop, including the ‘NBCS’ embroidery. They are primarily for students who suffer from eczema and skin allergies, however any student who may choose to wear one. These jumpers will cost $70. If you would like to place an order, please do so in person at the Uniform Shop, by email to uniformshop@nbcs.nsw.edu.au or fax (02 9450 0601) including student's name, year, size required, and credit card details for payment. All orders need to be received by the Uniform Shop by Thursday 27 February, 2014.

This week’s Michael Grose information sheet:
Teen time: dispelling the myth that teenagers don’t need parents

In association with our Empowering Parent Seminars, we have been providing additional weekly parent information sheets to support NBCS parents. Some information will be more relevant to Primary than Secondary and vice versa. This is to support families within our school community covering all age groups.

If you would like an information sheet on a specific topic sent via Wavelength, please contact Mrs Anne Jobson via the School Office (9450 1311).