Creativity, innovation, risk taking and problem solving are four powerful concepts worth nurturing in children. Opportunities where our students can work with their hands on meaningful projects encourages them to be self-directed and better prepared to tackle real-life problems. When children are constructing and tinkering the learning is externalised, deep and engaging.

Recently some of our Year 9 and 10 students finished the construction of four fabulous ‘Maker’ tables for the Primary classrooms that have been custom-made for this purpose. Working on the project was a wonderful opportunity for Primary and Secondary to collaborate. Thank you to Mr Nick Williams (Secondary TAS) for facilitating the project.

It is so exciting to imagine the creativity and critical thinking which will be inspired and released around these tables over the coming years. The Primary staff and students would like to thank the following students for their creativity in design, skills in construction and persistence in completion of these fabulous tables – we are very blessed.

Kindergarten Table: Thomas Collins, Jeremy Allen
Stage 1 Table: Lachlan McClelland, Michael Walker, Daniel Finlay
Stage 2 Table: Ryan Engel, Hunter Spreadbury-Key, Thomas Wickett
Stage 3 Table: Pascoe Jennings, Zachary Nairn, Oliver Bergman

We care for each other

Last year, as a community, we developed agreement and value statements to guide our interactions with one another. We all work and learn best and can be our most creative when there are clear boundaries in place.

The statements now serve as a reminder of who we are and what we value. Each learning space displays posters, and they are also in the student diaries and accessible on PETE. Perhaps at home they can serve as a talking point for discussions, as a reminder of what we value. It may be helpful to print a copy and have it on hand.

Family Picnic Tonight

The Primary Community & Welcome to New Families Picnic, on the oval tonight will provide a great opportunity to strengthen connections.

It has been so wonderful getting to know some of our new students and new families over recent weeks. What a blessing it is to welcome you into our community! For those who are beginning another new year at NBCS, please take the time to connect with some new families by introducing yourself and having a chat or perhaps even by asking them over for a barbecue.

We are looking forward to our family picnic tonight, especially catching up with the newest members of our community. I do hope to see you all there.

Mr Peter Grimes
Head of Primary

We have plenty of exciting events taking place this year with Creative Arts at NBCS, and there will be lots of opportunity for students to get involved.

This term, all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be taking part in the yearly Musica Viva program. This year the focus will be on music from the Dätiwuy clan, from Elcho Island (North East Arnhem Land, NT). Students will be learning songs and dances in traditional Djamparrpuyŋu language, learning about the culture of the people from Elcho Island, as well as making and performing music inspired by the Dätiwuy. In Week 8, students will participate in a live performance of ‘Dätiwuy Dreaming’, with members of the Dätiwuy clan and students from NAISDA Dance College. This unit of work promises to be an interesting and engaging experience for all students.

Our choir and instrumental programs are up and running again for the year and we are always looking for new members. Choir takes place for students from Year 2 to Year 6 on Tuesdays at lunchtime with Mrs Hill and Miss Wade. If your child plays or would like to learn an instrument, you can contact amees@nbcs.nsw.edu.au for information about the Training Band and Concert Band.

This term we are celebrating our singers and instrumentalists! In Week 7, students will be able to showcase their talent before a panel of judges, with the top 3 performers in each category going on to showcase their talents at a concert for the Primary students.

To audition for this competition, students should download an entry form from PETE, fill in the details and give it to their teacher. Entries close on Wednesday 5 March. Contestants should be ready to perform 45 seconds of their chosen piece in Week 7. Audition times for the following week will be posted outside Miss Wade’s room (G8) on Friday 7 March.

Finalists will be notified on Tuesday 18 March at the Primary Assembly. They will perform the following Tuesday 25 March in front of the rest of Primary. Students may encourage their peers by donating a gold coin for our GO (Global Opportunities) programs. Finalists will also visit Terrey Hills Nursing Home to perform at a special concert for the residents.

Competition Categories:

• Junior Vocalist of the Year (Years 1-3)
• Junior Instrumentalist of the Year (Years 1-3)
• Senior Vocalist of the Year (Years 4-6)
• Senior Instrumentalist of the Year (Years 4-6)

All participants will receive a certificate. We are looking forward to showcasing some fabulous musical talent at NBCS this term.

Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday 18 February NBCS students in Years 2-6 arrived at Ryde Aquatic Centre for the annual NBCS Primary Swimming Carnival.

We would like to congratulate our Year 2 student, and new students to NBCS for competing in their first NBCS school carnival. Well done to all who participated and embraced the opportunity to swim and do their best whilst cheering their team members along.

It was lovely to see so many smiling faces and colours celebrating our Houses throughout the day.

The participation was terrific and the exceptional standard by some of our elite athletes is to be commended. I would like to congratulate every student who attended the carnival for their achievements and great spirit on the day. Whether it was an activity in the recreation area or a swim in the competition pool, the enthusiasm and ‘give it a go’ attitude made the level of participation outstanding across all age groups.

Three records were broken. Congratulations go to :

• Cayla Phillips (9 years 50m Breaststroke)
• Cooper Phillips x 2 (50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly)

Carnivals such as this wouldn’t be possible without the terrific teachers, parent helpers, Secondary student helpers and the students. Thank you to everyone who assisted on the day.

The Age Champions and final House point scores will be announced at the next Primary Assembly to be held on Tuesday, 25th February.

PISA 

The term has certainly taken off with a rush of activity – so many great opportunities for our NBCS Primary students.

PISA sport has once again proven very popular with all four teams filling very quickly following the trials. We wish our Junior Teeball players, Senior Softball players and Senior Cricketers all the best for a safe, enjoyable season whilst developing their skills for the weekly PISA competition.

Mrs Karen Mitchell
Acting Head of Primary Sport

Primary Sport Brochure 2014

Please find linked the Primary Sport Brochure 2014 on Primary PETE. It can also be accessed on the NBCS Sport Website.

Last year was a very successful year for providing student opportunities via the NBCS Primary Club program. Lunchtime clubs were organised and implemented by Primary student leaders, high school students and teachers.

Clubs provide a fabulous opportunity to develop life skills and interests, and to allow students to build relationships with others. They also provide extra authentic student leadership opportunities. In 2014 we are really excited to be growing the opportunities available to students in Primary and already have a comprehensive Club program set for this term.

The Primary Club program will run during lunchtimes, mainly Tuesday to Thursdays of each week. Student leaders are also eager to develop other club ideas in future terms. Specific Club details can be found on the Club noticeboard located outside the Dreamtime Library and will also be posted on the Primary PETE website.

Here is a brief overview of 2014 clubs available for students to enjoy:

• Gardening Club (Years 4-6)
• Cricket Club (Years 4-6)
• Stories for the Young at Heart (Years 1-2)
• Bracelet Club (Years 3-6)
• Mac Tips and Tricks (Years 4-6)
• Stage 1 Art Club (K-2)
• Environmentally MAD Club (Years 4-6)
• Year 1 and 2 Bible Study (Years 1-2)
• Library Club (K-6)
• Operation Joy – Nursing Home (Years 3-6)
• Games Galore (K-6)
• Stage 1 Craft Club (K-2)
• Book Club (K-6)
• Home Work Club (K-6)
• Chess Club (K-6) (Permission note needed)
• Minecraft (Years 4-6) (Permission note needed)
• Miscellaneous Club (Years 2-6)

Chess coaching for students at NBCS is held on Thursdays from 1:00-1:50pm, in the Zone. 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.

Students earn merit awards by making checkmates or by displaying skills and positive qualities which all good chess players strive to develop.

If your child is interested in taking part, you can download an enrolment form from PETE, or email enrol@sydneyacademyofchess.com.au for a copy. For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess on (02) 9745 1170.

The Primary Disco is being held at NBCS on Friday 7 March from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. It is a GO Program fundraiser and student only event - each stage has a goal. Your child’s teacher will reveal the details. A small range of snacks and glowsticks will be available to buy on the night. Please ensure that clothing is appropriate for a Primary School event. Students are invited to watch a movie after school and will be taken straight to their designated stage venues. Prompt collection of students at 6:30pm would be greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing all students at this exciting event!

All Preschool and Primary students would have just received the Scholastic Book Club Issue 1 brochures.

If you would like to place an order for your child, please return the completed order form to the School Office via their Student Diary by Wednesday, 26th February.

If you would like to place an order that is for a gift and you don’t want your child to see it please attach a small note to your order form notifying us that it is a gift and we will contact you upon delivery to organise an alternate way of getting the order home.