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John Colet School in Belrose Consistently Tops NAPLAN Results

John Colet School, an independent primary educational institution in Belrose, has consistently achieved excellent NAPLAN scores not only among all the schools in the Northern Beaches but also across the rest of New South Wales.

For 2021, John Colet School landed fourth in the ranking across NSW with a primary average of 553.8. The school’s excellent overall performance follows St Aloysius College in Kirribilli (562.2), Abbotsleigh in Wahroonga (562.4), and the Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst (586.9).

John Colet School’s Year 3 students earned good results for reading (526) and Grammar (564), whilst its Year 5 students scored some of the highest achieving scores for the 2022 NAPLAN with 599 in reading, 564 in writing, 584 in spelling, 604 in grammar and 590 in numeracy, per data from the National Assessment Program.

The school was fifth in the ranking in the previous year. For 2021, it is the only primary school in the Northern Beaches to rank in the Top 100 in a school year impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns, when students were mostly learning remotely. Surveys have revealed that many of the children’s parents were committed and comfortable in assisting their kids to study and prepare for the annual assessment.

Photo Credit: John Colet School/Facebook

However, other primary and secondary schools in the Northern Beaches were cited as “high progress” schools as the students also exhibited improved performances across various subjects compared to the last test.

Meanwhile, NAPLAN 2022 testing has recently concluded online with more than 1.2 million students and 9,315 schools across Australia.

“This year was uniquely challenging with the full transition to online testing as well as staffing and attendance challenges due to COVID-19. It is a testament to the hard work of education authorities in each state who worked collaboratively with their schools to support students and manage any issues that arose that it went so well,” ACARA CEO David de Carvalho said.

From 2023, NAPLAN will move from May to March so results will be available to education authorities earlier in the year to inform school and system teaching and learning programs.

84-Bed Wyvern Private Hospital Under Construction in Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: ADP /adpconsulting.com.au

Construction has commenced on Wyvern Private Hospital, an $88-million, 84-bed private hospital in Terrey Hills. The facility is expected to undertake complex surgeries and provide acute health care services.

Land clearing has started on the 4-hectare site situated between Myoora and Larool Roads in Terry Hills, making way for the development that secured approval from the State Planning Panel in 2018.

Designed by Bureau SRH, the project is expected to deliver three pavilion-style buildings of up to three storeys separated by landscaped courtyards.

The development includes a range of high-end specialist and health services facilities including radiology, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, ICU, operating theatre, plus associated administrative and front of house services.

There will be about 99 Staff at the hospital including 22 Doctors, 69 Nursing Staff, and 8 Administration Staff.

Wyvern Private Hospital on Terrey Hills artist impression — Wyvern Private Hospital on Terrey Hills | Photo Credit: ADP /adpconsulting.com.au

The hospital will provide acute health care with a total of 88 beds including surgical (56 beds), intensive care unit (8 beds) and rehabilitation (20 beds). Areas of focus include cardiology, vascular, spinal surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic.

The radiology department will come equipped with CT, MRI, X-Ray and ultrasound imaging capabilities whilst the physiotherapy and rehabilitation facility will have a hydrotherapy pool and a gymnasium.

Moreover, there will be a total of five large general operating theatres, one hybrid operating theatre, and one Cardiac Cath Lab operating theatre along with specialist consulting suites and staff support offices, a cafe, a pharmacy and a pathology department.

A total of 136 car parking spaces will be provided:

Basement Level – 69 spaces including 6 accessible car parking spaces
Lower Ground Floor – 28 spaces
Ground Floor – 4 spaces
Level 02 – 35 spaces

Wyvern Private Hospital artist impression | Photo Credit: ADP /adpconsulting.com.au

To address concerns regarding the development’s impact on the flora and fauna as well as the pygmy-possum population on the Duffys Forest, the developer committed to protecting 35 per cent of the site in “perpetuity” by leaving it untouched and will only be accessible to arborists and ecologists.

“An extraordinary aspect of the new hospital will be the surrounding natural landscaped setting of Duffys Forest and the onsite coastal upland swamp. Steeped in Australian history and beauty it’s the home to the eastern pygmy-possum, one of the smallest possums in the world and currently noted under a vulnerable conservation status. The hospital has committed to being custodians of the land’s ecosystem and inhabitants, a commitment they hold with great pride, encapsulating Wyvern health’s mantra ‘Care without Compromise’,” the ADP Consulting wrote on its website about the project.

The project is expected to be completed in about 22 months.

‘Feathers & Dreams’: 50 Artworks Up for Online Bid to Benefit Belrose Charity

A remarkable selection of 50 artworks is up for bidding online to raise funds for a Belrose charity for metastatic cancer patients. The “Feathers & Dreams” exhibition features original artworks that depict feathers to symbolise “trust, honour, strength, wisdom, power and freedom.”

Each artist involved in “Feathers & Dreams” has agreed to donate 50 percent of the sale price of their artworks during the exhibition at the gallery, diversARTy, in Cromer. Two of these artists are Clare and John, who are also metastatic cancer patients.

“I remembered the cutest photo that my daughter had taken on the farm of this little duck. Everything just connected – a dream weekend away, and the picture of the duck, that I have painted as part of the exhibition,” Clare said.

*Photo Credit: Clare Ward – Where Dreams Are Made (Bonnie)/Supplied*

“Having a dream was almost like being able to start again – chemo done and new beginnings. My dream has given me awesome memories of how precious family is and how grateful I am to still be alive.”

Gallery Director Wayne Devenny offered his full support to host this event, following his own brush with a serious illness.

“After learning about Dreams2Live4, my wife and I thought it would be a great idea to hold an exhibition to raise awareness and funds for this amazing charity,” Devenny said, “Dreams2Live4 provides much needed respite for patients with metastatic cancer, and their families and carers. Being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, I know firsthand what providing these ‘dreams’ truly means,” he revealed.

Terri Cracknell – Doorway to Dreams
Jake Graham – Mystik Oddyssey (Dreamers’ Dream Catcher)
Camille Fox – Well Heeled
Amy Raymond – Pretty As A Peacock

Dreams2Live4 was founded in 2008 by Annie Robinson, who passed away from metastatic cancer in 2009. Annie’s experience with the disease gave her the drive to “treat the soul as well as the disease” and her legacy lives on with the Belrose charity.

To support the artists and the charity, bid on the “Feathers & Dreams” artworks online. The exhibition will run until 30 September 2021. You may also follow Dreams2Live4 on Facebook for updates.

New Japara Aged Care Home in Belrose Nears Completion

The flagship aged care home commissioned by Japara Healthcare in Belrose is nearing completion, with an expected opening date scheduled for June 2021.

The upcoming Belrose aged care building, which started construction in November 2019 and is currently worth $31 million, was built by Richard Crookes Constructions. It was designed by Thomson Adsett Architects, with rooftop plant and hard and soft landscaping and an aesthetic inspired and influenced by the surrounding area’s native flora.

The three-storey aged care home contains a grand total of 102 beds. Basement car parking will be provided for staff, tenants, and visitors.

Photo credit: Richard Crookes Constructions

Only 3.7 kilometres away from the Northern Beaches Hospital, the upcoming Japara Healthcare site takes up an area of 1.03 hectares and provides tenants with views of the coast and nearby national parks. A range of amenities will also be available at the aged care home such as an in-house café and bar, as well as a cinema.

Beauty, hair and nail salons will also be available for tenants looking for a makeover, and those interested in staying in shape can make full use of the on-site gymnasium. 24 hour care will be available for tenants seven days a week with qualified nursing staff who have been trained to provide personalised care tailored specifically for each resident.
For more information on Japara Healthcare, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook for the latest updates and announcements concerning the upcoming aged care home in Belrose.

John Colet School: Plan To Create New Classrooms Sparks Controversy

The $2.1-million plan to expand the John Colet School in Belrose has sparked controversy, with locals worried that the proposed development application will create more traffic in residential backstreets.

The development application for the expansion of the John Colet School in Belrose was first lodged in 2019, and it intends to increase the school’s capacity from a maximum of 255 students to 350.

If implemented, the proposed expansion involves the construction of two new classrooms alongside an art room. Despite this, Belrose locals are displeased with such plans. By taking up more space, the school would fail to keep in touch with the low impact and low-intensity land use philosophy the area adheres to.

One of the other primary issues concerning the development is that new classrooms would also reduce open space in the surrounding area. An increase in the school’s size would also fail to comply with the area’s building height and setback provisions.

The lack of on-site parking in the upgrade was also an issue. These expansions could potentially have a visual impact to the suburb, as well as adverse effects and disruptions in terms of traffic and parking.

The John Colet School can be found at 6 Wyatt Avenue, Belrose. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements.

Work Begins On New Shared Path In Belrose

Photo credit: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Getting around Wingara Reserve in Belrose will soon become a lot easier after the Northern Beaches Council announced that the construction of the Belrose shared path is finally underway.

The path would be approximately 400 metres in length and have a typical width of 2.5 metres. It will provide a safer walking and cycling route, allowing greater accessibility for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.

It will be constructed using a sustainable, eco-concrete material approximately 400 metres in length and three metres in width. Once complete, it will connect local streets with Glenrose Shopping Centre, Lionel Watts Reserve transport, and schools.

Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea said: “The new shared path at the Wingara Reserve ticks all the boxes for sustainability, healthy activity, and community connection and enhances the revitalization of the area around Glen St and the Lionel Watts Regional Sporting Facility.”

Final plan (Photo credit: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au)

Many locals support the plan, noting that it would improve access from nearby streets to the Glenrose Shopping Centre, be safer and easier for prams, scooters and mobility scooters and would encourage walking or riding instead of driving. It would also get foot traffic off the neighbouring streets and allow access in all weather.

On the other hand, some residents wanted to make sure their green spaces would be maintained and protected. Responding to this concern, Council said no trees are identified for removal and that they will add new tree plantings to enhance the existing native trees on the reserve.

This project is being delivered as part of the Northern Beaches Bike Plan, adopted by Council in July 2020, with a vision to create a safer environment for people cycling on both paths and roads.

Work began in the middle of February 2021. Based on Council’s timeline, the Belrose pathway should be ready for the community to enjoy in April 2021

In addition to the Belrose shared path, several other paths are expected to be completed in March, including the 400-metre shared path that will connects Allambie Shops through to Warringah Road and the 140-metre path through Catalpa Reserve, Avalon Beach between Central Road and the Appian Way.

For the latest updates about this project, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

Belrose Eats: Have You Tried Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria Special Lunch Menu?

If you’re craving for Italian comfort food, there’s a restaurant in Belrose that has been satisfying the locals for three years and counting.

Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria, located in Glen Street, is a family restaurant serving popular Italian dishes. The place may always seem packed but its busy atmosphere is a testament to its commendable food and service.

*Photo Credit: Stella Blu Kitchen & Pizzeria Glenrose Village/Facebook*

The pizzeria is run and managed by Nick Salerno & Pino Salerno, who grew up in traditional Italian homes where family milestones and gatherings usually take place at the kitchen or the dining table. The owners of Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria were inspired to create an extensive menu that mixes traditional Italian dishes with contemporary flavours.

From antipasti (starters) to pasta and risotto, to the main courses featuring chicken, salmon, steak or lamb, to the cortorni (sides), drinks and desserts, there’s a dish and a drink for every craving. Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria also has gluten-free and vegetarian selections upon request.

However, if you can’t decide on the menu, Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria has a lunch special that includes an order of medium pizza or pasta, a gelato scoop and a cup of regular coffee. This offer is good for one person at $21.90. The lunch special is available between 12:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m. daily.

Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria is open every day from 12:00 p.m. to late at night.

“I ordered 9 variety takeaway pizzas for my birthday celebrations on 9th September for 30 people. They were so yummy and amazing. All guests enjoyed. Thank you Stella Blu for your wonderful service. Luv this restaurant as so close to home.”
~ Maria Calabrisello, via Facebook

“Not so long ago, one would say that dining on the North Shore did not match that of the city or eastern suburbs, but happily, such is now no longer the case. A good example is this fine Italian Eatery, which is perfectly located just across the road from the popular Glen Theatre, in Belrose. The food is hearty, the atmosphere pleasant, and the service friendly. What more could one want – except for ample parking, which is available nearby.”
~ CCAandEBA, via Trip Advisor

“A casual yet attractive restaurant, the food with an Italian flair is unpretentious and delicious. Friendly and attentive service. Well done.”
~ Gerard Lavrut, via Google Reviews

Belrose Children’s Centre Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers

The Belrose Children’s Centre of the Northern Beaches Council is taking the lead in nurturing the minds of the future scientists and engineers of Australia.

Just this March 2019, the Belrose Children’s Centre has been officially recognised as a Little Scientists House. This is due to the centre’s commitment in facilitating in its early childhood services an inquiry-based learning program based on the Little Scientists’ STEM subjects which include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

What is Little Scientists?

Little Scientists is a non-profit professional holistic program aimed towards childhood educators and teachers. The program provides these educators and teachers ample workshops and tools in order to for them to impart on their young students the valuable learnings from STEM subjects.

Its overarching goal is to ensure the competitiveness of Australia’s workforce in the future.

Belrose Children Centre — *Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council/ Facebook*

The early childhood STEM education provided by the Little Scientists is a priority, and it is supported by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training through the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers

With young students naturally eager to explore, learn, and understand the things around them, it was not a hard task for the educators and teachers at the Belrose Children’s Centre to adopt the Little Scientists professional development program.

By being a Little Scientists House, children at the centre are encouraged to enjoy and explore on different topics and other innovative activities regarding science, math, and technology with their educators in a professional learning environment.

Imparting the early childhood STEM education at the Belrose Children’s Centre is considered as a long-term commitment for both the centre and its educators. Each day, they are expected to continuously facilitate and incorporate an inquiry-based scientific research with the children at the centre, document their progress, and commit on the ongoing professional development workshops provided by the Little Scientists.

Truly, this newly adapted way of teaching young children can spark up some changes on the educational landscape of Australia in the future. Who knows, there may be some brilliant scientists in the making from the Belrose Children’s Centre?

Belrose Eats: Savour Fresh and Wholesome Food at The Honest Chicken

Photo Credit: The Honest Chicken/Facebook

You can order a chicken dinner at any restaurant in Belrose but you’ll probably enjoy it best if the chicken is chemical-free and cooked with fresh ingredients, such as the one served by The Honest Chicken at Glenrose Shopping Centre on Glen Street.

The Honest Chicken serves free-range chicken raised on a rural farm and cooled in natural air. Carefully cooked inside a rotisserie oven, the chicken remains juicy and pink and retains its taste better than conventionally prepared dishes.

Homemade dry rubs and marinades lend the flavors that make The Honest Chicken extra-savory and tasty. The beef burgers are also prepared by using fresh ingredients for the marinade and it’s flame-grilled to perfection. The restaurant also serves pork dishes, ribs and chips.

While this isn’t a fast-food joint, the meals arrive at the table in a short amount of time. If you’re famished and looking for wholesome food, The Honest Chicken might just be the right choice.

*Photo Credit:* *The Honest Chicken/Facebook*

A plate of chicken or burgers may be best paired with an order of salads or side dishes for a completely satiating meal. Fortunately, The Honest Chicken serves different kinds of side dishes to go with anyone’s preference.

Ideal for dine-in or takeaway, the restaurant is also open for catering private parties, business functions, and other events.

“I know this is a chicken shop but they do the best burgers. Lots of different varieties so sure to please everyone. Staff is always welcoming and friendly.”
~ JulieCin, via TripAdvisor

“Always very happy with the food and service here at the Glenrose store. Everything I’ve had has been delicious. Love the pork dinner deal with the creamy potato bake and the pork crackling. Also the best chips and gravy ever!!”
~ Kirstie McWhannell, via Facebook

“We were at Belrose visiting family when we decided it was time for a takeaway. The chickens rolling around in the rotisserie looked pretty tasty. There is a wide variety of salads – all are nice and fresh, with lots of options. The hot chips are pretty special and well worth a visit just to get some – and the servings are generous.”

~ Portsea, via TripAdvisor

What’s On at Belrose

Photo credit: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Check out what’s on, in, and around Belrose, NSW.