NBSC Balgowlah Boys Campus Maretimo St, BALGOWLAH, NSW 2093 Ph: 9949 4200 Fax: 9907 0266 [email protected] www.balgowlahboys.nsw.edu.au

The Balgowlah Boys Campus Newsletter

Principal’s Report 2nd Newsletter Term 1 2014

The school has been inundated with well wishes and congratulations over the article in last week’s Morning Herald. The article was triggered by the Media Conference held on March 3, for the live update of the My Schools Website. The media was briefed by the national curriculum body, ACARA, and a number of schools were identified that had performed beyond the expected growth for NAPLAN testing and at the top of the list was Balgowlah Boys!

“Not only are Balgowlah Boys keeping up with the girls in literacy, they are leaving many for dust. Balgowlah Boys Campus is now among the state's most impressive performers in the NAPLAN results for literacy and numeracy, published on the federal government's My School website on Wednesday”

(Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/the-word-is-these-boys-know-how-to- string-them-together-20140304-3456c.html#ixzz2vQ9yhRRZ)

Marley Peterson, Matthew Murphy , Tristan Godoy and Owen Sheather photographed by the SMH Photographer.

The article has triggered great interest from all forms of media, Channel 7, Radio 2GB and most of the print media have covered our success to varying degrees. This feedback has made the staff even more confident that our teaching strategies are working and that all boys, regardless of ability have the opportunity to achieve their best.

I would like to congratulate the Balgowlah Boys Swim Team, winning the Zone Swimming Carnival for the 18th successive year.

The Welcome Evening for the Year 7 Parents was held last week and it was extremely well attended. The feedback from parents was very positive and the evening was an ideal opportunity for new parents to the school to chat with executive and classroom teachers.

The next P&C Evening is this Tuesday 11th March and all parents are welcome to attend.

Deputy Principal’s Report

On Thursday afternoon as I walked across the Quadrangle to begin Lunch Duty I saw an excited group of Year 7 boys run out of G Block. They were headed for the lower Basketball Courts which is currently a Year 7 area where they can get used to the new secondary school style playground.

Looking forward to hanging out with his mates and probably catching up on everything that had happened since Recess, one of the boys was still shoving items from his previous class into the front of his bag.

At the back of the group, one of the boys swung his bag over his shoulder and onto his back and in his excited rush to move on with the others the force of his bag-over-the- shoulder flourish caused the zip on his bag to open. In a spray of debris his lunch, school books, pencil case and most of his sports uniform were strewn in an arc around this student. For a moment the boy didn’t realise and kept running but as he nearly stepped on his sandwich that had fallen out of his lunchbox he stopped and looked around him at the contents of his bag.

What happened next outlines one of the many reasons why Balgowlah Boys Campus students experience such a wide variety of success. In the research literature it is called altruism and is a perfect synthesis of our 3 Core Values of Respect, Responsibility and Excellence. A 2009 study of the impact of altruism in teenage boys showed that these boys developed more positive social relationships (obviously) but also “increased purpose in life, and self-acceptance”. (Springer, 2009) This is not new though, a 1999 study “showed pronounced improvement on confidence, self-awareness, self-esteem, depression and role functioning” (Schwartz, 1999).

Although all of the boys in the group were impatient and eager to get down to the Basketball Courts, the entire group stopped. Turned back and proceeded to not only pick up the emptied contents of their friend’s bag but as I got closer I heard one offer to share his lunch with the boy as he threw the mangled sandwich in the nearby bin.

This is what Balgowlah Boys do. They support their mates and they support their mates in many ways, and being a good mate isn’t easy. It is a fulltime job for which there is no training and no preparation for what to expect in the difficult times. Even though we

are not taught how, or what to expect when it comes to being a good mate – we definitely know how to measure whether or not someone is a good mate.

One of those measures is a sense of responsibility. Responsibility to ourselves and to others. A real mate can take the step-up to support us even when the going gets tough. And nowhere is that going tougher than when your mate has made a mistake. In that instance it is our responsibility, knowing what the right thing is to do, to pull up our mate to remind them of their choices and the impact of that choice on themselves and others.

As Year 7 and Year 9 and Year 11 have begun to adapt to the social and educational challenges new to them this year, there have been some students who have been outstanding at developing these skills and walking tall as outstanding mates to their friends and outstanding Balgowlah Boys. I have been fortunate to speak to a number of these boys over the past 6 weeks and have collected some of what they have said to me in our conversations about what they were doing in the various situations where they demonstrated excellence as a mate.

“Good mates say what they mean and mean what they say.” This student was talking about integrity – but how it was more than being honest – it was about striving for moral excellence. They were saying they were the same person whether they were being watched by others or not.

“I want to make the world a better place.” This was from a boy who had told his friend that it wasn’t cool to call another student “poor”. He was conscious of others’ distress but also that his friend wasn’t a bad guy but his stupid comment was hurting someone else. This is about compassion.

“Real men are confident”. This was from a Year 7 student so I had a little trouble not laughing however, we had a great conversation about how “real men” don’t need to tear others down in order to make themselves feel worthy. They earn other’s trust with their inner strength, not their physical strength and when they walk into a room, people take notice – not because of the size of their guns!

“I didn’t want us to be wasting our time.” This conversation was about a Year 9 boy who had encouraged his friend to move to another place in the classroom with him to avoid distractions from their regular group of friends. This was a revelation to me that self-control begins with focus and removing distraction – which isn’t easy! This boy had channelled his energy that he had been using to distract others to turning that energy into a positive pursuit that helped his friends.

“I haven’t given up and I’m not going to give up.” This student was at odds with his parents who had the boy’s best interests at heart but wasn’t listening to what their son really wanted to do in terms of study and future career. This young man hadn’t said anything through most of the interview until he said this. Very quietly this boy was demonstrating his courageous resistance against the difficult circumstances created by not being in the right learning environment through his strong sense of perseverance.

“Everyone talks about swagger but actually I have discovered I sometimes feel more proud about seeing my friends achieving something than if I had done it myself. Luckily I have lots of friends!” This comment blew me away, and came from one of our fantastic Year 11 leaders. The advent of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. can encourage us to take on a “Look at me” focus. What this outstanding young man had already discovered was that humility is a much more attractive (and advantageous) trait than self-centredness or self-importance.

The students quoted above are a small example of the development of values that takes place across the grades at Balgowlah Boys Campus. The characteristics shown are influenced by a wide range of values and are clearly represented in our school’s core values.

The Faculty of Arts Authentic and Innovative Creative Arts and Languages Education

Music Balgowlah Boys and Mackellar Girls Musical

We are very excited to collaborate with our sister school in a musical this year. Based on the songs by the Beatles, Help! (The Love You Take = The Love You Make) will feature Years 7 to 12 students in many rolls, including; vocal work (both lead and chorus), Rock Ensembles from both schools, String Ensembles, Concert Bands from both school and Stage Bands just to name a few.

We congratulate all our successful candidates who have auditioned for this event. The audition process was a little scary for the student at first, however, our students supported each other with much love and enthusiasm. The first rehearsal was held on Tuesday 4th March. Student from both Campuses were a little hesitant first on arrival. After the students were introduced to the first three songs, all their defences just dropped away. We can already tell that it is going to be a fantastic production. A notification of performance dates and times will be given within the next few weeks, however, we are aiming for Term 2, Week 8.

If you have any enquiries or would like to assist in some way, please contact Mr Shanal in the Faculty of Arts staffroom on 99494200 or [email protected] . We would love to have our family and friends participate in this extraordinary production. We are looking forward to yet another successful and enjoyable musical production.

Mr Hasan Shanal Head Teacher The Faculty of Arts and PDHPE

On Show 2014

On Show is the Secondary College annual performance extravaganza, showcasing the talents of students from each of the five campuses of the College. The show brings together students from Years 7-12 at Balgowlah Boys, Cromer, Freshwater Senior, Mackellar Girls and Manly Selective Campuses in the artistic pursuits of dance, music and drama. It is a spectacular event built around the high quality talent enrolled at the College.

On Show is a co-curricular activity that is offered to all students, Years 7-12. It generally takes place in Term One with all acts being auditioned by our dynamic Production Management Team, consisting of teachers from Creative Arts faculties at each of the campuses.

On Show is a wonderful opportunity for students who love the limelight to channel their specific creative talents into a worthwhile and very memorable College event. This variety evening again will be held at Balgowlah Boys Campus.

Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th March 2014 Time: 7:00pm each night Venue: Balgowlah Boys Campus School Hall Maretimo St Balgowlah NSW 2093

Ticket prices: Adults $12, Consession $8 and Family $30 (2 Adults & 2 Children) Credit Card Ticket purchases Online at: http://www.trybooking.com/ELBV Please contact the Director of OnShow Mr Hasan Shanal for further details [email protected]

Mr Hasan Shanal Head Teacher The Faculty of Arts and PDHPE

Music Tuition and the Ensemble Programs

Just a reminder that we now provide private instrument tuition on any instrument our student’s desire. Our tuition staffs are qualified instrument teachers with amazing musical backgrounds. These fantastic and dedicated tutors not only provide a comprehensive curriculum but also teach superior technical skills with confidence building performance dexterity. The Tuition program is available for every student at Balgowlah Boys Campus. No previous skill is required.

The tuition days are as follows: Monday and Tuesday: Guitar acoustic, steel string acoustic, electric, and bass Monday – Piano Monday - Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba) Thursday – Percussion (eg. Drum Kit), Voice, Flute and Piano Friday - Woodwind (clarinet, saxophone)

Friday - Strings (Violin, Viola and Cello)

The cost of the tuition is $25 for 30 minute lessons, except Brass which is $33 for 30 minute lessons. Please see Mr Shanal (Head Teacher Faculty of Arts) for application in to the Tuition Programs or for any inquiries through email [email protected] or phone (02)9949 4200.

Note: Please encourage students to check their timetable on the board outside the Faculty of Arts Staffroom on a weekly basis.

There are many ensembles our students have access to at Balgowlah Boys Campus. We encourage all our students to join an ensemble to strengthen their performance skills. All students are welcome.

The ensembles days and times as follows:

Day Time Ensemble Monday 01:00pm Gamelan Ensemble Tuesday 07:30am Concert Band Tuesday 01:00pm Stage Band Thursday 01:00pm Guitar Ensemble Friday 01:00pm Jazz Impro Ensembles Junior and Senior Rock Every day 01:00pm Ensemble

Mr Hasan Shanal Head Teacher The Faculty of Arts and PDHPE

Visual Arts

Welcome to all new and returning students and parents. The Visual Arts team has begun what looks to be an exciting year for all Visual Arts students in 7-12. Rooms are abuzz with activity and fabulous works are starting to take form. Year 7 this term are looking at the traditions of portraiture, and are creating large scale expressionist portraits. Year 8 are currently finalising their Flying Machine drawings and designs. They have created some beautifully detailed drawings and will shortly commence the construction of their Flying Machine Sculptures. Year 9 students recently attended an excursion to the Quarantine Station (at North Head), and are producing site-specific works that have been inspired by the surrounding landscapes as well as the journeys of people who were quarantined at the facility. Year 10 are learning how to produce the reduction prints which communicate aspects of their everyday life. This printing process is particularly time consuming and complex, and students have produced some exceptional work.

Year 11 student have begun their Preliminary HSC course and have delved into self-directed works informed by their understanding of identity and the self. Students are reminded to regularly log into Edmodo to access information about the course including homework and assessment tasks.

Year 12 students are well into their second term of their HSC year. BOWs (Body of Works) are well and truly taking shape, and together with Year 11 they will be attending an excursion to the 2013 HSC BOW exhibition ArtExpress at the Art Gallery of NSW, as well as an examination preparation course at the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) at Circular Quay on Wednesday the 12Th March.

All in all, 2014 is gearing up to be a wonderfully productive and successful year for the students and teachers of Visual Arts at Balgowlah Boys Campus.

Please don’t hesitate to contact your son’s teacher at any time for further information regarding your son’s progress in Visual Arts.

Mrs Emma Curran and Ms Sally Leaney Visual Art Teachers

Drama

The year 10 elective drama class are currently working on a unit of playbuilding, where they are experimenting with the process of playbuiding to develop a group devised piece. The students are coming up with some fantastic ideas and developing their ability to work collaboratively with their peers. To begin this unit we had the privilege of going to see Onstage at the Seymour Centre in the city. Onstage is a collection of some of the most outstanding HSC performances in NSW. This presented the year 10 boys with an opportunity to be entertained and inspired for a fresh start to an exciting 2014.

Drama club is in full swing as new members join weekly and longstanding members welcome them with open arms. The boys in drama club have been working on monologues and duologues that they will be performing at On Show in week 8. The boys continue to amaze me with their dedicated approach to performance and the way in which they support each other in the rehearsal process. These boys are devising and developing some fantastic & highly entertaining performances that will add to the spectacular 2014 On Show.

Ms Lisa Gardiner Drama Teacher

Language

After my "extended holiday" it's been great to return to school and see so many of the boys already excited about learning Japanese. The boys in all of the years have been practising their new words and phrases and I'm looking forward to watching their progress this year!

We are currently taking applications for boys who are interested in joining the Manly/Odawara Exchange trip this year. The boys who are successful will be part of a group of 25 students from other schools in the Manly area and will travel to Odawara for 2 weeks. The students will fly into Tokyo before heading off to Odawara. If any Year 8, 9 or 10 boy studying Japanese would like to know more

please feel free to see either myself or Mr Host in the Faculty of Arts staffroom!

Ms Vanessa Briggs Japanese Teacher

Languages have had a good start to the year, with high student growth in elective years 9 and 10 for both French and Japanese. There are numerous activities scheduled for this year including; potential exchange trips, language days dedicated to cultural activities, cooking and excursions into the city.

In about 2 weeks from now, a guest speaker from Southern Cross Exchange will be speaking to students about potential three month to one year exchange programs. This is an unbelievable opportunity for a student to be able to live in the country of the language they are studying, being immersed in the language every day, helping to gain a unique insight into the culture of that country. Any student that may be interested can speak to Mr Ian Host for more details.

Mr Ian Host Japanese Teacher

Science

“To inspire boys to see, enquire and understand the world around them”

All students 7-10 should now have access codes to start using their interactive e books for revision and to prepare for up and coming activities. Please ensure your son is confident in accessing this resources from nelson net.com, any problems please don’t hesitate to contact the Science department.

Year 7-10 have submitted some outstanding assessment tasks, some examples are shown below.

Year 11 Biology students measured the environmental health of the mangroves in Botany Bay.

Year 12 Biology Excursion to Sydney University to observe evidence for evolution and look at modern genetic techniques.

PDHPE To provide in boys a lifelong commitment to physical, emotional and social wellbeing

School Swimming Carnival

On Thursday 20th February the School swimming carnival took place at Manly “Boy Charlton” Pool. It was a welcome relief to see the sun shining given the miserable conditions the day before. It was pleasing to note that two ex – Bally boys who are lifeguards at the pool comment on the boys outstanding behaviour and how well the boys conducted themselves throughout the day. The new year 7 group made a big impact and contested many races with 43 boys competing in the 50 meter freestyle. Participation was certainly up across all age groups and as a result we just finished the programmed events with only two minutes to spare. I would like to congratulate all boys for their efforts in the pool and for contributing to a very enjoyable day. It is astonishing that there were four school records broken. Congratulations to Zachary Nicholls who achieved a new record in the 14’s 100 meter backstroke. The previous record was set way back in 1977 by M. Peterson. Zachary also broke a new record in the 12-14 200IM. Joshua Smith broke the school record in the 13’s 50 meter freestyle which was previously set in 2005 by Shaun McNeil. Kai Graham set a record in the 14’s 50 meter butterfly taking a second off a 21 year old record. Please see below for old and new records. Well done, boys! Joshua Smith also won the very closely fought Bally “Aqua Gift”.

The staff handicapped “Bally Flop” was keenly contested and this year had its biggest starting field ever of 16 contestants. Mr Dane Ropa, making his debut and swimming off ten seconds took out the title. Mr Sheather who has been a previous winner finished in second place. I thought the handicap I gave him of 14 seconds would have been enough to keep him off the podium, however, the onetime Soth Curly Swimming champion showed experience and tenacity to beat the very fit Ms Dowsett who swam solidly to finish in 3rd Place. It will particularly interesting race next year if there are more than 16 swimmers and with more than two in some lanes. Could get ugly!

2014 School Swim team

Note - only one swimmer qualifies for 100 Fly, 200 Freestyle and 200 IM

12 years 13 years 14 years 15 years 16 years 17 years 50 free O.Sengchanh J. Smith K. Graham T. Godoy C. Wood C. Jones A. Sharda L. McGrath Z. Nicholls S. Harlen O. Sheather W. Faeste 100 A. Sharda J. Smith K. Graham T. Godoy C. Wood C. Jones free N. Chandler C. Z. Nicholls S. Harlen O. Sheather J. Wardman Chapman 200 N. Foster J. Smith K. Graham T. Godoy C. Wood C. Jones free 100 N. Chandler J. Smith Z. Nicholls S. Harlen C. Wood C. Jones Back J. Nicholls C. K. Graham T. Godoy O. Sheather J. Wardman Chapman 100 Fly N. Chandler J. Smith K. Graham T. Godoy O. Sheather C. Jones 100 T. Kelsey J. Smith K. Graham S. Harlem S. Allen J. Roebuck Breast N. Chandler C. Z. Nicholls T. Godoy S. Falzarano C. Jones Chapman Relay O.Sengchanh J. Smith K. Graham T. Godoy C. Wood C. Jones A. Sharda L. McGrath Z. Nicholls S. Harlen O. Sheather W. Faeste N. Chandler K. Martin R. Thomas J. Amituanai S. Allen J. Humphrey J. Melchiore C. L. Cooper J. Earl S. Falzarano J. Sheather Chapman

200 IM 12-14 years – Z. Nicholls 15-16 years- C. Wood 17+ C. Jones

Bally 6 by 50 with Mackellar- Conner Wood, Cameron Jones, Joshua Smith, Kai Graham, Tristan Godoy, Sean Harlen

School Age Relay- Owen Sengchanh, Joshua Smith, Kai Graham, Tristan Godoy, Conner Wood, Cameron Jones

200 Open Medley Relay - Conner Wood (Freestyle), Zachary Nicholls (Backstroke), Kai Graham (Butterfly)Cameron Jones (Breaststoke)

2014 Records

OLD 12-14 200IM 2.58.45 Thomas Pinson (2011) NEW 12-14 200IM 2.43.51 Zachary Nicholls (2014)

OLD 13’s 50m FREESTYLE 29.49 Shaun McNeil (2005) NEW 13’S 50m FREESTYLE 29.09 Joshua Smith (2014)

OLD 14’s 50m Butterfly 33.06 M. Wright (1993) NEW 14’s 50m Butterfly 31.96 Kai Graham (2014)

OLD 14’s 100m Backstroke 1:14.35 M. Peterson (1977) NEW 14’s 100m Backstroke 1:14.17 Zachary Nicholls (2014)

2014 Swimming Age Champions

12 years Noah Chandler 13 years Joshua Smith 14 years Kai Graham 15 years Tristan Godoy 16 years Conner Wood 17 years Cameron Jones

Bally Aqua Gift

1st- Joshua Smith 2nd-Connor Wood 3rd- Rentaro Thomas

Staff Bally Flop

1st Mr Dane Ropa 2nd Mr Paul Sheather 3rd Ms Lyndsay Dowsett

Zone Swimming

Congratulations to all boys who represented Bally Boys at the North Shore Zone carnival held at Warringah Aquatic centre on the 28th February. Having won this carnival for the last 17 years, Bally were very lucky to make it number 18. Half way through the day Bally was behind the Forest and Killarney Heights. In the last race and relay of the day we were 9 points behind Killarney Heights and to our amazement Killarney could not field a team in the race. We finished 1st in this relay and were thoroughly relieved to be the 2014 North Shore Zone Swimming winners. Congratulations to all boys who contributed to this carnival and helped maintain our tag of the best swimming school in our zone.

While there were many outstanding swims it is hard to go past Joshua Smith with records in the 50 meter and 100 meter freestyle. In the 50 free Joshua beat a 20 year record with a time of 28.66 and in the 100 freestyle his time of 1:03.22 also replaced a 20 year record. The 13’s 50 meter relay team also smashed a zone record. The team of Lachlan McGrath, Kyle Martin, Callum John Chapman and Joshua Smith broke a 19 year old record previously set by Killarney Heights with a time of 2:06.48. The 12 by 50 relay (mixed with Mackellar) also had success narrowly winning the race by .06 of a second and breaking a record in the

process. Well done to Conner Wood, Cameron Hodge, Joshua Smith, Kai Graham, Tristan Godoy and Sean Harlen for their outstanding swims.

All the best to the following boys who have qualified for the Sydney North Swimming Championships at Homebush Aquatic centre on Tuesday 18th march.

Allen Sam Chapman Humphrey Jackson Callum John Jones Cameron Cooper Liam Martin Kyle Faeste Wylie McGrath Lachlan Foster Nathan Nicholls Zachary Godoy Tristan Sheather Joshua Graham Kai Sheather Owen Harlen Sean Smith Joshua Hodge Mitchell Thomas Rentaro Hodge Cameron Wood Conner

Richard Campbell Swimming Convenor/PDHPE

Sport Report

Wednesday sport has run like clockwork and whilst I don’t want to curse myself, the run of good weather has been most welcome. Thanks to all boys for settling well into their sports and participating well during sport time.

Congratulations to Richard Campbell and the school swimming team, the boys took out the Zone athletics carnival for 2014 at the Warringah Aquatic centre recently. Further congratulations to the boys who were selected to represent the North Shore zone at the Sydney North carnival. Well done to the Opens basketball team under the superb coaching of Bernie Roberts, played a magnificent game against to narrowly lose in the dying moments of the game.

Also well done to the U15 cricket team who defeated Davidson High by recently in the Manly Warringah all-schools comp and congratulations as well to the Open Soccer team who played a tight game against Manly selective this week. For the first time in memory Bally fielded a tennis team in the CHS KO comp. The boys were eliminated early in the comp, but watch this space…Rome wasn’t built in one day! Thank-you to Gary Theodore for offering to take these boys.

Dave Morris Sports Organiser/PDHPE

Year 9-11 Ski Trip

In my thirteen years at Balgowlah Boys I have never seen a ski trip fill so fast and in such high demand. We have taken 67 deposits for 65 spaces. There is now a waiting list for any interested students.

In 2014 we are offering the following to all students in Years 9 – 11 • 4 nights Thredbo on-snow accommodation at The Alpenhorn, a 5 minute walk to the slopes. • All breakfasts and dinners whilst at Thredbo • 4 day Thredbo lift and all mountain lesson – lessons start at Friday Flat, 5 minutes from our accommodation. • No bus trip up and back each day from Jindabyne. This represents some 5 hours less bus travel in the week, which means… • Maximum skiing and boarding time each day (8.30am to 5.00pm)

Any student who is interested but thought they had ‘missed out’ should come and see me to put their name on the waiting list. There is no cost for this.

Further correspondence will be given early next term.

Dave Morris Ski trip Organiser/PDHPE

Library Lines

Over the years I have witnessed many a Library Tour on our school’s Open Day. Last week took the cake!

In the lead up, a Year 8 student, Arran Burns approached me with, “Have you considered hiring a speech writer?” The result of our collaboration was a brilliant performance by the Year 8 guides as they informed visitors about their school library services and future plans.

Sincere thanks to the Year 8 guides and to Arran Burns for the following: “We are lucky to have the largest library in the Northern Beaches Secondary College. May we introduce our Teacher- Librarian, Ms Jones and our Library Assistant, Mrs Auton. Our library is special because it is all about boys.

The library houses a wide selection of both text and digital resources aimed at supporting boys’ education and enhancing literacy and numeracy.

The library has:

1. Fiction Section

All fiction is high impact and current is especially chosen to appeal to boys’ mind set and arranged as follows: - Junior Fiction including a wide range of Visual Literacy, Senior Fiction for the more sophisticated reader and NSW Premiers Reading Challenge for all Years 7 and 8.

2. Non-Fiction

These books support research assignments, curriculum subjects and general interest topics for relaxed reading. They include:- Extensive collection of HSC support materials, Reference Collection – atlases, dictionaries, thesauri and encyclopaedias and Magazines – for interest areas, current affairs, wide reading and subject support.

Students are welcome either in class with a teacher or individually before school and lunchtime for study, homework and other educational purposes. Seniors hours vary with cross-campus classes and are welcome to use the library for self-directed private study.

As you are aware, our school is currently undergoing an Improvement Program. The library improvement is a major part of this overall change. It is important for you to know that the boys played a large role in the design and management of the library improvement plan .They are still working closely with Library Staff and school management on this plan.

Yes, there will be a new look, however the friendly staff will still be here and current services will still be maintained. They are: study and research space, connected classroom and Art Gallery (to display boys work- many of our boys are very creative, small group work areas, project-based learning facilities and wide reading programs and NSW Premiers Reading Challenge for all Years 7 and 8. All English and History texts are managed and issued by the Library.

The Library also is home to ESL classes, Careers, some Support Learning and three ELaN classes. Many functions are also held here such as Parent/Teacher Interviews, Information Evenings, the Annual Art Exhibition, Celebration Receptions following Ceremonies and Professional Learning and Network Meetings.

By the time your son begins his ‘Bally’ experience, there will be a new-look here in the Library and he will enjoy, what we believe to be the best resourced, most spacious library for boys in the Northern Beaches.”

Well done Arran! Leave it to our boys to sell the school of which they are so proud. They are currently working closely with staff to ensure an exciting future for the Library.

Joy Jones Teacher-Librarian

NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge 2014

This year the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge at Balgowlah Boys’ Campus promises to be bigger than ever. Already, students in droves are rushing to borrow the latest novels from our well stocked library. Books on the challenge list are easily identified as they have been labelled clearly and relocated to a designated section in the library.

Brimming with enthusiasm and excitement, our boys waited in anticipation for the PRC site to open on 3 March to enter the books they had read since last September 2013. In just two days, over forty students entered their books on-line.

The challenge has also been integrated into the Year 7 & 8 English programs, giving all students the opportunity to participate in the challenge.

Part of the Challenge’s allure/attraction is that students select their own books to read, uncovering the treasures that lie between the pages and reburying them in their imaginations. Let us not mention also the vast improvement of a student’s reading, writing and grammar. According to the tenet of the PRC, “The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.”

Students need to read 15 books from the PRC list and 5 of their own before the 22 August to receive a certificate of completion. With a little bit of encouragement, students won’t back down from this challenge! The race is on!

J. Jones H. Lepre (Teacher-Librarian) (English & History Teacher)

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Ed Awards programme has launched for the year with an overwhelming interest from students across all NBSC campuses. 12 Year 9 boys from Balgowlah Boys Campus have signed up at the Bronze level and are ready to embark on their Practice Expedition out to Camp Somerset from 15-17 March or 22-24 March. Participant Award Plans are being finalized as students determine their commitment to a Skill, Volunteering and Physical Recreation for the year. Assessor Commencement Guides are to be submitted to the school office before hours can be logged. A Silver Practise Expedition is booked for 23-25 May at Somerset and the Gold Practice Expedition along the Great North Walk 22- 25 April.

Vicki Busse NBSC Duke of Ed Coordinator 0421 979 613 [email protected]