Byron Bay Public School Newsletter TERM 2 | WEEK 4 | 2025

Respectful | Responsible | Fair

Member of the Lighthouse Valley of Schools

Byron Bay Public School acknowledges and pays respect to the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation, the traditional custodians of the land upon which the school proudly stands.

OUR VISION

We believe in excellence, innovation, opportunity and success for our students. We are a dynamic school community committed to delivering a broad range of quality learning experiences, in a nurturing environment where all students have the opportunity to achieve their personal best. Students will become successful learners, displaying confidence and creativity, along with the knowledge and skills to become active and informed citizens of the future, living and working in the 21st Century.

Term 2 2025

Week 4

  • Thu 22 May | Playgroup in the School Hall @ 9:20am - 11:00am
  • Fri 23 May | PSSA Touch Football Knockout Gala Day @ Lennox Head

Week 5

National Reconciliation Week

  • Mon 26 May | National Sorry Day/National Reconciliation Week Assembly @ 10.45am
  • Mon 26 May | Whole School Assembly @ 1:50pm
  • Tue 27 May | PSSA Headlands Disctrict Football (Soccer) @ Saunders Oval, Ballina
  • Wed 28 May | PSSA North Coast Netball @ Woolgoolga
  • Wed 28 May | 2025 Brian Kelly Cup - Rugby League 7's @ Kingsford Smith Oval, Ballina
  • Wed 28 May | Byron Bay High School Transition Taster Lessons for Year 6 - 1.30am - 3.10pm
  • Thu 29 May | Playgroup in the School Hall @ 9:20am - 11:00am
  • Fri 30 May | FNC Zone Cross Country @ Bilambil

Week 6

  • Mon 2 June | Whole School Assembly @ 1:50pm
  • Tue 3 June | FNC Zone Dance Festival
  • Tue 3 June | Compass Music Festival - Senior Choir @ Woolgoolga
  • Wed 4 June | FNC Zone Dance Festival
  • Wed 4 June | PSSA State Boys Australian Rules Championships @ Blacktown
  • Wed 4 June | Rock & Water Parent Session in the School Hall @ 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • Thu 5 June | PSSA State Boys Australian Rules Championships @ Blacktown
  • Thu 5 June | Playgroup in the School Hall @ 9:20am - 11:00am
  • Fri 6 June | PSSA State Boys Australian Rules Championships @ Blacktown

Week 7

  • Mon 9 June | King's Birthday Public Holiday
  • Tue 10 June | Bravehearts Performance K - 2
  • Wed 11 June | PSSA Headlands Boys & Girls Touch Football @ Saunders Oval, Ballina
  • Thu 12 June | Playgroup in the School Hall @ 9:20am - 11:00am
  • Thu 12 June | PSSA Classic Shield Rugby League Knockout Gala Day
  • Fri 13 June | PSSA North Coast Cross Country @ Nana Glen
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Year 1 have been learning about the meaning of equivalence. We had a fun afternoon outside recently designing a solution within a STEM problem, that was inspired by Pamela Allen’s book, “Who Sank the Boat”.

Students in 1H and 1S investigated how different masses can achieve balance and developed their mathematical reasoning by experimenting with ways to balance equivalent masses. They loved getting creative and working together and the excitement levels were through the roof at the end, whilst testing their designs.

1PC have been learning about global, national and local places. We have looked at maps, the globe and Google Earth to locate important locations. On Thursday, we were lucky to have Dylan O’Donnell come and speak to the class about what exists beyond our Earth. He showed us amazing photos of planets, the sun, nebules and his observatory. Ask your child what sound a star makes.

We have also completed artwork focused on collage. Look at our amazing insects!

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Families and Friends,

What an exciting time it has been for our school community! We have so much to celebrate in this edition of our newsletter, showcasing the achievements of our talented students in various sporting events and activities.

Sports Highlights

Our Boys' Basketball team has made us proud by winning their match in Ballina, securing a spot in the next round of the competition! Congratulations to all the players for their hard work and determination.

Additionally, we had a fantastic showing at the District Cross Country, and our students participated enthusiastically in the Netball and Touch Football Gala Days, as well as the Zone Netball and Rugby competitions. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated and represented our school with such pride. We also extend our gratitude to the dedicated teachers who coordinate and train our sporting teams; your extra time and effort to provide these opportunities for our students are truly appreciated.

Equestrian Success

We are thrilled to announce that Bonny Brindley and her pony Rocky represented Byron Bay Public School at the recent South East Queensland Interschool Championships and emerged victorious in the entire primary division! Competing in all four events where she was presented Champion in Dressage Novice, Reserve Champion Show Horse, Combine Training and placing third in Show Jumping. Bonny showcased her exceptional skills and was the highest-placed rider in her division. Bonny will now compete at the State Competition in Toowoomba in late June, again representing BBPS. Congratulations, Bonny! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

Dance Achievement

Another star from Byron Bay Public School, Rosy Hogan, has successfully auditioned for the Far North Coast Dance Ensemble! With only 19 places available and schools participating from as far as Grafton, Kyogle, and Murwillumbah, this is a remarkable achievement. Rosy has been diligently perfecting several dance routines and will compete against other ensembles across the state in June. We are so proud of your commitment and wish you all the best, Rosy!

Community Engagement

National Walk Safely to School Day was a resounding success, with beautiful weather and many students and their families taking the opportunity to walk to school.

Thank you to everyone who participated in National Walk Safely to School Day. You may have walked far, or just to the bus stop! Maybe, you drove and parked a little way from the school. It was great to see active kids practicing and learning about being safe road users. Thank you to parents and carers who walked their child across the road safely. Talking to your child about safe road practices helps them to develop important skills for life.

Remember to:

  • Never call to your child from the opposite side of the road.
  • Children under the age of ten should hold an adult's hand while crossing a road.
  • Before crossing a road, Stop, look, listen and think!
  • If parked on the opposite side of the road, walk across the road to collect your child.
  • Drive 40 km/hr in school zones.

Byron Bay High School Visit

Byron Bay High School teachers visited us for the first of many information and transition opportunities for our Year Five and Six students. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to high school for our students and their families, addressing any questions and concerns during this important step.

Biking Initiative

We love seeing our students travel to school on bikes! It’s a wonderful way to start the day. We kindly remind students to wheel their bikes while on school grounds and use the bike racks provided. It’s great to see everyone wearing the correct safety gear and respecting others' property.

We are excited to introduce our newest staff member, Leroy Steven, a bike aficionado! He will be conducting bike maintenance check-ins and workshops every Wednesday morning from 8:50am to 9:15am for students and teachers who ride to school. These will commence on Wednesday, 28 May. Thank you, Leroy, for your support!

National Reconciliation Week

As we approach National Reconciliation Week, students and teachers will undertake learning activities which foster our positive commitment to building respectful relationships and understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. We encourage everyone to participate in activities that promote awareness and understanding of our shared history.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we are making a positive impact on our students’ lives.

Sport News

Headlands District Cross Country

Last Friday, 77 students proudly represented our school at the PSSA Headlands District Cross Country held at Teven-Tintenbar Public School. Our team achieved outstanding results, with numerous students qualifying for the FNC PSSA Cross Country Championships. The team spirit and behavior displayed by all participants was exemplary. Qualifying students will advance to compete at Bilambil on Friday, May 30 at the PSSA Far North Coast Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to all participants and best of luck to our advancing competitors!

School Cross Country Age Champions and House Champion

A huge congratulations to our 2025 Cross Country Age Champions:

Boys Champions:

  • 8/9 years | Viggo M
  • 10 years | Pascal E
  • 11 years | Ned T
  • 12/13 years | Josh D
  • Senior Boys Multiclass | Harry EH

Girls Champions:

  • 8/9 years | Bronte C
  • 10 years | Peyton C
  • 11 years | Halo G
  • 12/13 years | Evie B
Congratulations to our 2025 Cross Country Age Champions!

Champion House | Byron

Congratulations to Cross Country Champion House | Byron - Pictured are House Captains and Vice Captains (Dusty M, Violet B and Zeb Sweet, absent: Lakiyleah H)

North Coast PSSA Australian Rules Representatives

Congratulations to Dusty M and Leo L for their outstanding selection to the North Coast PSSA Australian Rules team! Both boys will travel to Blacktown during Week 6 to compete in the NSW State PSSA Australian Rules Championships. They will be valuable members of a strong North Coast side challenging teams from across the state. We wish Dusty and Leo all the best as they proudly represent our school and region in this prestigious competition.

PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

Last Monday, we started implementing the BBPS Behaviour Response Chart and Flowchart in every classroom. This chart visually outlines the steps taken when students do not follow our classroom expectations. While the elements of the chart are familiar, students will receive clear reminders of the expectations and the procedures that will be applied in all classrooms, including RFF classrooms. Every student will begin the day in the green circle. Those who choose to meet classroom expectations will stay in the green circle and earn yellow tickets and other positive rewards. If students do not follow the expectations, they will progress through the chart, but they can return to the green circle as soon as they start following the expectations again. The chart and flowchart will be regularly and explicitly explained to students.

BBPS P&C Mother's Day Stall

The recent BBPS P&C Mother's Day Stall was a huge success with students choosing the perfect gift for their Mum and that special someone in their life. We thank all the students and their parents/carers for supporting our stall and hope you all loved your gifts.

We thank you for supporting our Senior Choir to travel to Sydney in August 2025!

A huge thank you to our major fundraiser sponsors!

North Coast Creative Arts Camp | Applications close Friday 30 May 2025

This camp is available to students who have a strong creative arts background and a high level of skill in their chosen area.

  • ✨We invite all forest dwellers, magical makers, and whimsical performers to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with dance, drama, music, and visual arts!
  • 🍀Come along and be immersed in 5 nights of inspiring creativity and connection at our Forest Fantasy themed camp✨🎶
  • 📆 Dates: Sunday 21 - Friday, 26 September 2025
  • 📍 Location: Tyalgum Ridge Retreat
  • 🎼 Open to all HPGE and talented, motivated creative and performing arts students in Years 4 to 6 from NSW public schools!
  • 🛑 Applications close: Friday, 30 May 2025
  • 👉 Don’t miss out, apply now - please click on the button below for more information:

Awards

Congratulations to our Class Achievement Award Recipients for Term 2 Week 2.
Congratulations to our Class Achievement Award Recipients for Term 1 Week 11.
Congratulations to Kora L from KR for receiving the Citizenship Award for the month of February.

CANTEEN

Please remember - Flexischools cut off time for canteen lunch orders is 8:30am

If you have any questions regarding your Flexischool Account, please phone Flexischools directly on 1300 361 769 as we do not have access to your information.

Roster | Term 2 Week 5

  • Mon 26 May | Isabella Pennefather
  • Tue 27 May | Tanya Hamilton
  • Wed 28 May | Jana Hall
  • Thu 29 May | Marta Capparros
  • Fri 30 May | Christina Smith and Emma Rolley

Roster | Term 2 Week 6

  • Mon 2 June | Marta Capparros
  • Tue 3 June | Lisa-Mae Riley-Burden
  • Wed 4 June | Briohny Brindley and Monique Swart
  • Thu 5 June | Charlie Ioannou
  • Fri 6 June | Catherine Dubois and Annette Blandford

Please note that the cut off time for orders is 8.30am, if your child is absent we ask that you please phone the school office by 8:45am to notify the canteen to cancel the lunch orders. As you can imagine the mornings are very busy for us in the canteen and once we have prepared or ordered items it is too late to cancel.

Can you also make your child aware that if they are missing a lunch order to please come to the canteen to check with the canteen staff.

The canteen is open Monday to Friday. To place an order, please sign up at https://flexischools.com.au/ (lunch orders must be placed by 8:30am). Cash will only be accepted if there is a problem with Flexischools. All lunch orders need to be placed through the online ordering system. We recommend placing your child’s lunch order the night before to ensure that the order has gone through. Please make sure that you follow the process all the way through to the order confirmation. Please check for a confirmation email after you have placed your order. If you have any problems with the Flexischools App, please try logging on through the Flexischools website. If you would like to volunteer in the canteen (9:00am - 12:00pm), please contact Lou in the canteen or email to bbpscanteen@gmail.com.

Community Notice

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in New South Wales. Fire and Rescue NSW wants members of the NSW community to understand the risks and be prepared if things go wrong.

Preparation is Key:

  • Ensure functioning smoke alarms where batteries are charged or stored.
  • Charge batteries on non-flammable surfaces like concrete floors, avoiding beds or sofas.
  • Large batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated areas like garages or sheds.

Charging Caution:

  • Never charge batteries unattended or when sleeping.
  • Disconnect devices once fully charged.
  • Avoid using and charging devices on flammable surfaces or if damaged.

Charging Essentials:

  • Use only approved chargers with the Australian Regulatory Compliance Mark.
  • Beware of compatibility issues with chargers.

Safe Disposal:

  • Never dispose of damaged batteries in regular waste bins.
  • Use designated battery recycling drop-off points.
  • Warning Signs:
  • Dispose of damaged batteries promptly to mitigate fire risks.

For further information go to https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe

School Crossing Supervisor

Our school has a position available for School Crossing Supervisor. Transport NSW have been unable to fill this position. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a School Crossing Supervisor, please click the button below for more information. Please take care when crossing the road with your children and make sure they are supervised at all times.

Byron Bay Public School thanks these sponsors of our newsletter who assist with the cost of publication

CREATED BY
Byron BayPS

Credits:

Created with an image by Darren - "Looking back towards Wategoes beach and the Pass at Byron Bay on Australia's east coast"