Written by Anne Knock

Culture is the result of the fermentation process that gives yoghurt its unique texture and flavour. We can’t actually identify this elusive element called ‘culture’, it is just  there, otherwise it wouldn’t be yoghurt. The added fruit or flavourings may enhance, but they aren’t what make it yoghurt.

In the same way, a culture of leadership is something that runs through a school or organisation. It is evident in its “texture and flavour”. Leadership can be added like the fruit, but it is more effective when it forms part of the whole product.

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It has been a busy introduction to the new year, with Term 1 now well under way. Staff and students are deeply engaged in learning, and many events have been held over the past few weeks. This week we are launching Shortwave for 2014, our regular ‘week in review’ column. In each edition of Wavelength, Shortwave will look back on the highlights and events from the preceding week across the school.

At the beginning of term, Parent Information Nights were held for each Stage across the school. Parents were given the opportunity to meet staff and to hear an overview of important information for their child’s classes. These evenings were highly beneficial, and also provided a great opportunity for staff to meet new families. Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend.

The Primary and Secondary Swimming Carnivals were held in Week 4, at the Ryde and Warringah Aquatic Centres respectively. Congratulations to all participants for displaying great sportsmanship on the day, and especially to those who qualified to represent the school at a higher level. We look forward to hearing the results from the Zone Swimming Carnivals this week.

The Primary Picnic was held on the Friday evening of Week 4. This was a fantastic time for building community and friendship in the Primary community. The event was also a welcome to the new families who have joined us this year.

Tours were held for Primary parents in Week 5, with Stage 2 on Wednesday, Stage 1 on Thursday, and Stage 3 across the week. These tours gave parents the opportunity to see learning in action and better understand the day-to-day experience of learning at NBCS.

A range of excursions have been held, including a Biology excursion to Chowder Bay, a Drama excursion to OnStage, and the Year 7 Camp to the Academy of Sport, Narrabeen.

In every grade it has been an energetic and productive start to the year. We look forward to the programs and fresh opportunities continuing in the weeks ahead, with students engaging in their learning in new and creative ways. 2014 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year at NBCS, and we are delighted to share the journey with you.

Effective, reliable communication with the parent community is a high priority at NBCS. We regularly evaluate and reflect upon the ways in which we distribute information, and seek to adapt and improve where we can. We take all feedback on board, and regularly make incremental improvements along the way.

From today, we will be using Facebook and Twitter as additional ways for the community to connect with the school:

Facebook: /NorthernBeachesChristianSchool

Twitter: @nbcs

We recognise that not all parents are on Facebook or Twitter – but for those who are, we trust that this will provide a helpful and effective means to gather information quickly. As always, if you have any feedback or suggestions, please let us know.

A reminder too that we have also created an Instagram account for Project Barcelona. More formal Building Updates will be published from time-to-time, but this is the best way to see what is happening. 

Instagram: @ProjectBarcelona

Permission notes and medical forms for Student Opportunity Week (Secondary) are now overdue. Any student who has not yet returned these forms must do so urgently.

Download link: Student Opportunity Week Permission Notes and Medical Forms

Student Opportunity Week will be held in Week 9, Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 March.

The Scribbly Gum Preschool team are kindly requesting donations of the following toys:

• Lego
• Dolls prams
• Glide bikes

If you are able to assist in any way, please contact Miss Imma Buono via email: ibuono@nbcs.nsw.edu.au

Thank you to everyone who has sent their completed immunisation forms back to school. The first of our NSW Health immunisation clinics is on Wednesday 19 March. This is a very important program and we encourage all parents to assist us in keeping our school community a healthy place to grow and learn.

There are still many students who are yet to return their forms. The forms must be returned as soon as possible. All parents of eligible students were sent a form in the mail. If you have not received a form and think that this was in error, please contact Karen Bright via the School Office on 9450 1311.

On the Thursday 27 February, a selection of students from the Wind Orchestra attended the first Meet the Music concert for 2014. Hosted by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House, Meet the Music is a series of four concerts, aimed at HSC Music 1 students, and featuring performances by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

This first concert was based on the works of John Williams. To hear the music was an incredible experience: the chilling minor chord of Jaws played by the double basses, the majestic trumpet fanfare from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the famous Imperial March from Star Wars, the haunting violin solo of Schindler’s List, and the violins recreating the fluttering of owl wings from Harry Potter.

Members of the Wind Orchestra have the opportunity to attend one of the three remaining concerts (on a first-in-best-dressed basis). We anticipate being able to open up these concerts to more students next year.

Many parents are curious about technology and learning. We are hoping to dispel some of the mystery, provide answers to your questions and to engage parents in an informative workshop at our Term 1 Empowering Parents event - ‘Technology and Learning’.

When: Monday 10 March, 7:30-8:30pm in the SCIL Building

To find out more and to register please complete this form. We recommend you register early as spaces are limited.

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

Period of Accreditation

Training needs to be completed every 5 years. Parents who completed accreditation prior to 2010 need to be re-accredited this year. Any parent who has been accredited since that time does not need to attend the workshop.

This week’s Michael Grose information sheet:
Is your teenager sleep-deprived?

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).