It was wonderful to see so many Primary parents and students at the Community Picnic. There was such an excited buzz as children continued to build friendships with others while tackling the obstacle course, devouring their picnic fare, savouring ice-creams, having their faces painted and playing a host of games. Many parents shared their appreciation for the opportunity to be able to meet other parents. Others commented on the wonderful sense of community at our school, which has been especially noticed and appreciated by our newer families.

As we had hoped, the picnic was a great opportunity to strengthen connections, build community and continue to grow relationships.

A recent staff devotion highlighted that deep relationship requires intentional relationship. Jesus was the ultimate example of someone who was intentional about relationship. His relationships were planned and prioritised, he was intentional in sacrifice for others and he was driven by love.

Without intention and planning it is easy for our focus and attention to be swallowed by the tyranny of the urgent. The saying ‘people are precious’ reminds us to put our focus back on relationship.

Last week we held a number of Primary Tours and Open Classroom sessions. The opportunity to spend time in classrooms helps parents to become more familiar with the vision and direction of teaching and learning at NBCS.

Seeing children engaged in their learning journey at school is an important way to gain understanding and to partner with us in your child’s education.

A few NBCS parents have provided reflections on the tours and open classrooms:

“It was amazing to see the concentration of the Kindergarten children focused on their numeracy tasks. They were barely distracted by the influx of parents filing through their room! I was so impressed when it was time for the children to move stations - they all knew immediately where they needed to go next… “

“… It was wonderful to see how engaged and focussed the children were, how they were working at their own level and how the teachers expertly guided and questioned the students to challenge their thinking and extend their ideas…”

“… It was great watching the students sitting in their groups and working either independently or collaboratively and remaining focused despite the external elements (the parents). Also, having the opportunity to see the students learn multiplication in various styles reassured me that my child's learning style is being met…”

“Having children in both Yr 5 & Yr 6, I still found it interesting to participate in the Zone tour... What a brilliant and amazing learning environment!  During our tour we saw how an Italian class was presented; watched some children completing models for projects in another area; and at the same time saw many children just getting on with their work at desks or on the stairs, while teachers roamed interacting with the students.  I can see why my children love The Zone so much and in particular ‘Matrix’.”

Mr Peter Grimes
Head of Primary

Pictured below, is just five minutes from one day in the life of our Stage 1 and Stage 2 students, a snapshot of a moment in time, where the evidence of rich learning and deep relationships was abundantly clear for all to see.
Next time you go walking, what will you see?

Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. Nehemiah 2:6

The Stage 3 students were very keen to hear the journey stories told from different perspectives in CIA recently. Four Zone teachers - Mr Cameron, Mrs Worthington, Mrs Simpson and Mr Wearne shared personal stories of what journeys meant to each of them. In the presentations, stories of growth, loss, personal achievement and reflection were explored with students gaining a deeper insight into how journeys can encompass physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural motifs.

Using this as a backdrop, we explored the physical side of ‘journey’ through Paul’s travels across many different cultures, countries, peoples and languages in his quest to bring the message of the new covenant of faith to as many people as possible. We were astounded by the fact that the total distance travelled by Paul in his missionary journeys equalled almost 14,700 kms which included some sea travel. However it was mostly conducted on foot. Stage 3 students helped us sing of God’s goodness with a beautiful rendition of ‘10,000 reasons’ by Matt Redman, and we ended our CIA by celebrating achievements and giving out awards to some very hard-working Zone students.

We are really excited about the theme of journeys this term, which incidentally is a major topic of our Matrix unit – ‘Around the World in 50 days’. We are encouraged by the stories shared with us and acknowledge that life is indeed a journey for which we must all travel our own unique path, allowing God’s wisdom to guide us.

Mrs Margie Hofmeyr
Stage 3 Teacher

At NBCS we believe that servant leadership can bring about more success than any other model of leadership. Primary student leaders are encouraged to examine and display the biblical model of servant leadership, best demonstrated by Jesus himself.

The ongoing development of servant leadership skills within students is an important focus. The NBCS Primary Student Leadership Program has helped develop practical skills in leadership and service that we believe will equip our students for future life.

In 2014, there are currently 26 Primary Student Leaders from Year 6. These students are led by 4 students who are Captains and Vice Captains. Each leader has a portfolio for which they are responsible, as well as running Student Opportunity Clubs on Thursday lunch times for Primary students. Leaders are also accountable for supporting teachers and caring for students with assigned Primary classes.

Working alongside the Primary Student Leadership structure, there is also a Parliamentary System. This is known as the Student Parliamentary Council. Two students from each Primary class are voted SPC representatives for one semester. These two students attend weekly meetings to address issues that are pertinent to their class or school community.

Ideas and practical solutions are brought to the Parliamentary Council Meeting, which is similar to a House of Representatives, run by Student Leaders who are the ‘front benchers’. Here the Primary Student Leadership team and all SPC Representatives meet and deliver ideas and solutions to burning issues in an ordered and respectable fashion.

Ideas that are agreed on are then passed on to the ‘Senate’, involving Mr Grimes and the Primary teaching staff. Here ideas such as new rules, activities, Global Opportunities (GO) fundraising and suggestions for additional school equipment are ratified. An example of this is the “Primary Discos” taking place tonight, which was organised to raise money for the GO Program. This was the culmination of a recommendation brought forward by SPC leaders late last year.

Mr Skender Cameron
Stage 3 Teacher / Student Opportunities / Student Leadership

As reported in the previous edition of Pipeline, the Primary Swimming Carnival was held on Tuesday 18 February. We can now add to that report the official results and Age Champions, as well as other details from the day.

What a fantastic day of community we all enjoyed at the Primary Swimming Carnival this year. Congratulations to all students, parents and staff for your enthusiasm and House spirit on the day. Whether it was through the water activities, dancing and cheering on the pool deck, swimming for a House point or aiming for their personal best, all students were involved in some capacity and many smiles were captured by our photographer.

Thank you and congratulations to everyone for your involvement in the day. Special thanks to our parents and staff who worked very hard to ensure a fun and safe carnival for all. Thank you also to our Secondary student volunteers and the Ryde Centre staff for their tremendous help.

Special congratulations to our Age Champions and Runners up who went in most, if not all events in their age category and produced very fast times.

Three records were broken on the day.
Congratulations to Cooper Phillips (2 records) and (Cayla Philips) 1 record.
Cooper Phillips 11 years 50m Freestye - new time 32.48
Cooper Phillips 11 years 50m Butterfly - new time 36.18
Cayla Philips 9 years 50M Breastroke - new time 54:12

Overall House points and placings:
1. Bennelong 794
2. Phillip 774
3. Macquarie 722
4. Chisholm 700

It was a truly terrific day. Well done, everyone!

Thank you to our NBCS swimming team who represented our school so impressively at the Zone Carnival this week.

We look forward to sharing the results from the day soon. Some of these students will progress to the State Swimming Carnival, competing on Monday 10 March at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. We wish you all the best.

Mrs Karen Mitchell
Acting Head of Primary Sport