News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:12:57 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:44:01 AEDT

Starting school is a big moment in a child’s life. Here’s how to make the most of it.

We can’t wait for you to join us for a great year – the first step towards a lifelong love of learning.

Visit the department’s primary school resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year, whether your child is starting Kindergarten or Year 6.

You’ll find:

Getting ready for primary school booklet – everything you need to be #Ready2020
Daisy’s First Day – the story of Daisy the koala’s first adventure at Kindergarten
advice from teachers – they’ve been through this before.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Kindy

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 17:13:58 AEDT

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region-specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:27:55 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:25:10 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:40:45 AEST

We want to better understand your needs for before and after school care in NSW.

Have your say today on before and after school care.

Fill out the survey by Service NSW to share your specific care needs and to register interest to stay informed of new developments.

Your input will provide insights into where there are gaps in service availability and help us to deliver extra places where they are needed.

You can also contact the team responsible for rolling out the before and after school care commitment at BASCreform@det.nsw.edu.au.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:27:01 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Get involved at home

Join in at home and read your child a bedtime story. Studies show that reading a bedtime story six days a week can give kids almost a year’s head start when they begin school. Reading has also been shown to develop empathy, promote critical thinking and help children find a sense of self.

Join in from the classroom

Bestselling children’s author and illustrator Matt Stanton will broadcast live to primary school children across the country from the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 17 September. We invite schools to register for the livestream of this free event.

Stanton’s author talk is among more than 140 events happening across the country involving more than 50 authors.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

Video – #ReadingHour authors talk about their favourite place to read

Duration: 0:38

Looking for a good spot to open a book? We asked authors Benjamin Law, Morris Gleitzman, Jacqueline Harvey and Mick Elliott about their favourite place to read.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:48:46 AEST

Use our new Digital Citizenship toolkit to empower your child to understand how their online behaviour affects themselves and others.

You and your child can find information on:

how to ‘be positive’ by understanding online behaviour and its effect
'be smart’ by thinking critically and being digitally aware
'be safe’ by protecting your security, privacy and wellbeing.

A toolkit to empower you and your child

You can find articles and videos to equip and empower your child to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities in our digital future.

We’ve partnered with leading researchers to produce a curated toolkit – aligned to the curriculum – which teachers and you can share with the young people in your lives.

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

managing privacy settings in social media
collaborating online
avoiding scams and hoaxes
understanding the law when it comes to online speech
Internet banking, shopping online and much more.

Keep your child safe and happy online

Visit and bookmark the Digital Citizenship website. We’ll continue to add articles and resources to ensure the best possible tools are available to help you guide your child to be positive, smart and safe online.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:14:33 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:43:24 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:28:01 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:25:07 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:15:10 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:28:36 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:44:20 AEDT

Now that students are back to school after a break it’s a good time to chat with your child about safe behaviours when you walk or commute to school.

Here are our top tips to help our students make a safe trip:

1. Be alert and aware

Take note of the dangers you come across on your walk and bring them to your child’s attention. Point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways. Talk to your child about being alert in a road environment.

2. Hold hands

When on the footpath, at a crossing or in a car park always hold your child's hand. It is advised to do this up to the age of at least 8 years old and closely supervise until at least the age of 10.

3. Choose a safe crossing

Lead by example and choose a safe place to cross the road. Explain why it is the safest place to cross.

4. Set a good example

Your child watches everything you do, so if you cross at the crossing they will too. It is also important to share these messages with other carers who may walk with your child to school.

5. Stop, Look, Listen, Think every time you cross the road

Discuss this important road safety message. STOP! one step back from the kerb. LOOK! continuously both ways. LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! whether it is safe to cross.

Practise makes perfect

The more supervised practice your child can get the better, so why not make Term 1 the start of a new routine to walk with your child to school more often.

Older children may be ready to make the journey to school independently. Before they take this step, observe if they are road safe and reinforce the road safety messages.

For more information, check out the department’s pedestrian safety advice for students, parents and carers.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:07:14 AEDT

The first day of Kindergarten and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you make the most of this time and enjoy the experience, we’ve compiled some useful tips and checklists. We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Our film #FirstDay2019 captures the excitement – and the nerves – of the rite of passage that is the first day of Kindergarten.

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:28:14 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Premier highlights the value of public education

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:51:13 AEST

Kiama and Parramatta public schools hosted the launch of Education Week today.

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, with (from left): Education Minister Rob Stokes; State Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee; Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott; student performers and comperes, and the Principal of Parramatta Public School, Gail Charlier (far right).

Public education can be the springboard to the top job in New South Wales.

That was the message from the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, as she launched Education Week celebrations today at Parramatta and Kiama public schools.

"I know that all schools across the state today are highlighting and celebrating what we all value in public education – where someone like me who couldn't speak a word of English when she started school has somehow ended up being the Premier of NSW," she said.

Ms Berejiklian said she had met many possible future leaders during her visit to Parramatta Public School and "couldn't be prouder, as your Premier, to witness the outstanding achievements of all the students across the state".

The dual school launch, linked via a live simulcast, focused on the theme of Education Week, Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world, which highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For the first time the launch was hosted entirely by primary school students and featured student performances from Eastwood Public School violinist Justine Zhang, Bossley Park High School soloist Ezra Loau and dancers from Hoxton Park Public School.

Year 8 students from Kiama High School – Alira Morgan, Jannali Morgan and Olivia Talbott – opened the celebration with an Acknowledgement of Country performed in language.

Keynote speeches were delivered from Kiama by Terara Public School Year 6 student Lucy Boundy, Molly Chapman, a Year 8 student at Dapto High School, and Nowra East Public School instructional leader Vishanti Govender.

Lucy told the launch that education was about opportunity: "Opportunity to learn, opportunity to improve and opportunity to make a difference."

In detailing her early struggles with learning, Molly said a more hands-on approach to study at her high school had a huge impact on her.

"I learn more effectively by seeing and doing things because it gets in my head more easily and pictures are worth a thousand words. Thanks to school, I'm exceeding in almost everything I touch," she said.

Education Minister Rob Stokes highlighted the "incredible legacy" of public schools on society, a role contemporary education and educators would play in the future.

"We are in a period of vast technological, social and economic change, and with that the role of education becomes more important, even bigger, and the challenge for teachers and students becomes more complex," he said.

"We need to provide training in those skills that recognise the future is uncertain and to train and encourage young people not just to be ready for the change that is coming but to be excited by it."

Education Week 2018 - Today's schools creating tomorrow's world

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:49:45 AEST

The future of education will be showcased in NSW public schools from August 6 – 10 as students, teachers and parents across the state celebrate Education Week 2018.

Education Week kicks off on Monday, August 6, with a simultaneous launch at Parramatta and Kiama public schools livestreamed on YouTube so all government schools and their communities can join in.

This year's theme, Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world, highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For the first time the Education Week launch will be hosted by primary school students and will feature a dancing robot, student performances and a film highlighting how schools are working with their communities to solve real-world problems.

A highlight of the week is the Game Changer Challenge, in which 16 teams of students from schools across NSW will compete in a three-day design program, working alongside leading industry professionals to create the school of the future.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today's students were learning at a time of great change.

"From the far west to our metropolitan hubs and everywhere in between, our state's schools will celebrate not only what we've achieved, but the future we are creating," Ms Berejiklian said.

"We are living in a time when the traditional walls of the classroom are opening up to new worlds of learning, paving the way for students to connect and collaborate with their peers regionally and globally."

Education Minister Rob Stokes said there had never been a more exciting time to be involved in schools with technology reshaping the way students learn and billions of dollars being invested in new school infrastructure.

"The NSW Department of Education is continually striving for improvement and innovation so that the young people in our care learn in a world-class education system," Mr Stokes said.

"The NSW Government is supporting that vision through a record $6 billion in funding to build the classrooms and schools of the future."

The Secretary of the Department of Education Mark Scott said ensuring today's students had the skills they would need to "not just survive, but thrive" in the future underpinned the department's evidence-based approach to learning.

"I am incredibly proud of the innovative teaching and learning that is being done across our State's public schools to ensure that every student can perform to their full potential," Mr Scott said.

"We don't know what the future will hold, but we do know that we are focused on equipping today's students with the skills and knowledge they will need to lead fulfilling lives in the future."

New uniform policy for NSW public schools

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:48:07 AEST

A new uniform policy has been introduced for NSW public schools, which for the first time include the option for girls to wear shorts and pants.

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and the Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, announced the new "clear and concise" policy today at Condell Park Public School in Sydney.

Ms Berejiklian said the "modern makeover" would ensure that uniforms were practical and comfortable for students and affordable for parents.

The new policy says all students should have the opportunity to access the full range of school activities while wearing a school uniform, including physical activities, and girls must have the option to wear shorts and pants.

For more information, read the media release by the Premier and Minister. The new policy and implementation guidelines (PDF 116.83KB) are available on the department's website.

The Department of Education supports the wearing of school uniform to promote a sense of belonging for students and create a positive identity for the school community.

Each public school decides on its school uniform in formal consultation with students, school staff, parents and the school community.

Public schools building great Australian lives

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:46:10 AEST

The Public Education Foundation has launched a new campaign promoting the importance of public schools to the community.

The online campaign helps raise awareness and instil confidence in parents and the community that our public schools provide a vibrant, inclusive and high quality education to all Australians.

The videos feature three famous Australians who credit their public education for equipping them with the skills and values that have enabled them to go on and make great contributions to society.

David Hetherington, executive director of the Public Education Foundation, said the campaign aims to highlight the impact of public schools to society.

"We believe that public schools are an essential pillar of Australian society. Tens of millions of Australians have benefited from public education as a springboard to happy and successful lives," Mr Hetherington said.

"We wanted to shine a light on this great national institution so we've asked a few famous Australians to share their stories."

Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, said the campaign represents our commitment to supporting our students.

"We want every student in public education to be known, valued and cared for and the Public Education Foundation campaign highlights our commitment to providing opportunities for all our young people to succeed," he said.

Television personality Craig Reucassel, a writer, comedian, and host of ABC TV's War on Waste, spoke about the impact of attending a public school on his career and life.

"One particular teacher established this debating and public speaking class, and it really changed how I saw a lot of things," he said.

"I think they instilled in me a lot of the interest in social justice that I have now."

The videos also feature Professor Larissa Behrendt, the first Aboriginal Harvard Law graduate, who spoke about the teacher who had the most impact on her at school.

"My English teacher, Miss O'Sullivan, was somebody who really shaped my confidence," she said. "I was encouraged to have a voice and be passionate about what's right and wrong."

The Hon. Michael Kirby, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, recalls the encouragement he received at school to strive for excellence.

"We were a public school, encouraging people to do what they want to do and with excellence."

"Excellence was the motto of my school," Mr Kirby said.

The three students featured in the videos attend Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School.

The Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to young people in public education and enhancing the value and reputation of public schools.

More information on the foundation is available on their website.

More new classrooms, preschool places and teachers in $17.3 billion education budget

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:44:24 AEST

NSW Budget 2018 features historic firsts for education, including record funding to expand the number of new and upgraded schools, unprecedented investment to air condition more classrooms and universal pre-school for three year olds.

Above: Artist impression of the new Alexandria Park Community School. Credit: Design | TKD Architects, Visualisation | Narrative.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Early Childhood Minister Sarah Mitchell outlined a range of new initiatives funded by the $17.3 billion education budget in 2018-19.

The Government will be investing $6 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools, including planning for more than 20 new projects.

"We are proud to be making this unprecedented investment into the future of our children," Mr Perrottet said.

"This year's NSW Budget takes our already record school building program to another level – a massive 170 schools new and upgraded schools over the next four years.

"That brings our total schools building program to 230 new and upgraded schools since 2011."

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government's strong financial management has allowed us to invest so heavily in our schools and education system."

Mr Stokes said communities right across NSW will benefit from this record investment into education.

"NSW is experiencing an increase in school enrolments and we have in place an unprecedented program of investment in new and upgraded schools to meet this demand," Mr Stokes said.

A staged investment of $500 million is being allocated to provide cooling for schools, while improving the indoor environmental quality, through the installation of smart and sustainable air conditioning systems powered by solar energy.

In another landmark initiative, NSW will become the first Australian state to provide universal access to community preschool for three years old under a $197.8 million program.

"Because of this historic investment, average daily fees will decrease significantly and the savings will go directly back into the pockets of hard working families," Mrs Mitchell said.

This brings total spending on early childhood education to $474.3 million in 2018-19.

Other education investment in the 2018-19 NSW Budget includes:

$160 million to be spent in 2018-19 to continue its blitz on planned school maintenance, part of a record $747 million investment over four years;
$71.8 million to implement the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in NSW schools;
$50 million in additional flexible funding will be provided to government schools to implement the School Leadership Strategy - freeing up principals and school leaders from administrative work;
$3 million for the first comprehensive review of the entire school curriculum since 1989;
$2.8 million to encourage the preservation and study of Aboriginal languages;
$30 million to continue to deliver greater access to green space and sports facilities in public school playgrounds through the Share Our Space program, and;
Funding for around 900 extra full-time equivalent teaching positions in NSW government schools.

The NSW Government will also invest $1.3 billion on non-government schools, an increase of 7.5 per cent on 2017-18. This includes a $32 million increase in the Building Grants Assistance Scheme over four years for capital works projects to support enrolment growth in non-government schools.

The record $17.3 billion investment in education allocates $15.7 billion for recurrent expenses and $1.6 billion for capital investment in 2018-19.

Website learning test

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 11:10:04 AEST

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Easter 2018 test

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 11:25:31 AEST

Easter hat parade 2018 test article

'pink hat the star of the show'

Centenary Celebration Fete

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:50 AEST

COME ONE, COME ALL BY GOSH WE ARE HAVING A FETE

We here at Stanwell Park Public School are very excited for our upcoming 1917 Picnic Themed Fete on the 17th June 2017. Hope to see you all there!

WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:55 AEST

Dear Parents,
A Severe Fire Danger Rating and total fire ban has been issued across Sydney and the Illawarra/Shoalhaven areas. Our Bushfire Emergency Management Plan is current.

The school's landline is down. All calls are being diverted to the school's mobile. You may also contact us via the school's email.

Thursday 8th December 2016

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:54 AEST

There will be MINIMAL DISRUPTION TO THE NORMAL OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL. Stanwell Park Public will have an appropriate number of teachers on duty to supervise Early Stage 1, Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 students. ALL STUDENTS SHOULD ATTEND SCHOOL.

The Veggie Patch

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:54 AEST

The gardening club has done an amazing job making our gardens look spectacular. There has been much improvement in the growth of the plants and the gardens are much more presentable now. We have added nets to keep out birds and crushed egg shells to keep off the snails. We are growing carrots, lettuces, tomatoes, magnolias and now we are just waiting on our mini green houses to sprout.

Keira

Training Band Recruitment

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:54 AEST

The Training Band Recruitment Concerts was one of the highlights for our young musicians that have only been learning their instrument for the last 8 months. Their band and solo performances were excellent and were well received by the Year 3 students and parents.

Recently an ex parent sent an email to the school praising the wonderful band program and sharing the musical journey of their two students who started out in our training band a few years ago. With the parent's permission I would like to share with you the email.

I noticed that it's time for training band recruitment again and I thought you might like to see these pictures of Rory and Ella.
The training band was a wonderful beginning to Rory's musical journey. It gave him early opportunities to play with other musicians and perform in public. Those opportunities did a lot to build his skills confidence.
After leaving Stanwell park Rory joined the senior stage band at Kirrawee High where he has been continuing to develop his skills.
Each year the senior stage band is visited by the amazing James Morrison for a concert at the school. They play with national and international jazz musicians and singers. Last Wednesday night Rory had the incredible opportunity to trade solos with James as you can see from this photo.
It was a fantastic experience and just one of many opportunities that learning an instrument has provided. Recently Rory has been playing with the Wollongong Conservatorium jazz orchestra and next year the senior stage band will be traveling to New York where they will perform at The Lincoln jazz Centre.
Ella left Stanwell Park Public School at the end of last year and is now also attending your Kirrawee High School. She too began her musical journey with the training band and is now in her second year playing with the Sydney Southeast Symphonic Winds, as 2nd trumpet. This wonderful orchestra just completed another performance at the Sydney Opera House.
Ella also plays Trumpet in the Senior Wind Orchestra at Kirrawee and sings in the senior acapella group there.
All of these opportunities stem from their decision to join the training band all those years back and, of course, from a good deal of hard work as well.
My wife and I would really encourage anyone thinking about joining the training band to give it a go. It has brought a lot of joy and fun to our family.

CWA International Day Afternoon Tea

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:50 AEST

Stanwell Park Public School once again was an integral part of the annual CWA International Celebrations. This year the country of study was Mongolia. The country of study was a difficult one to research but Ms Kingston and 1/2K did a wonderful job. They had a dance and presentation of researched information for the CWA members. Year 1/2K were spectacular!

Illawarra 200 Shared Values Shared Future

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:51 AEST

Mr Leigh Colacino, Councillor Wollongong City Council, presented the Illawarra 200 Shared Values Shared Future medallion to our school leaders at our school assembly on Monday. In 1815 some of the Illawarra's traditional custodians led some white settlers and their cattle down the escarpment. This medallion commemorates the story of our area for the last 200 years. The journey acknowledges the contribution of our indigenous community, early settlers and the many cultures of our region that have sewn the fabric of our history. The medallion was produced with the support of Bluescope using quality local steel products.

SPARKS

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:53 AEST

The Stanwell Park Arts Programme or "SPARKS" was initiated over ten years ago. This programme allows students to nominate two creative arts activities that they would like to participate in. Students are in family groupings with students from K-6 creating together. This year students were able to choose from: Contemporary Dance, Silk Screen Printing, Pottery, Talking Head Puppets, Beading, Boomerangs, Tie Dying, Sketching and Drawing and Digital Movies. At the end of the programme the students will have the opportunity to perform and/or display their masterpieces.

Sporting Schools Hockey

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:53 AEST

At the end of last year, Stanwell Park Public applied to the Australian Government SPORTING SCHOOLS for a grant to deliver additional and exciting sports to our students. Earlier in the term we received notification that we were successful for both Terms 1 and 2. Over the next five weeks all students K-6 will be participating in the Hockey program that will be implemented by two trained coaches from Hockey NSW. The final week will see Years 3 - 6 travel to Unanderra Hockey Turf to hone their skills.

Athletics Carnival

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:49 AEST

The Athletics Carnival planned for tomorrow, Wednesday 1st June has had to be postponed due to the weather. Beaton Park has been inundated with rain and some heavy falls over the last 6 hours. All students will be staying at school for the day.

District Cross Country

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:51 AEST

Our cross country team once again performed brilliantly at the District Cross Country Carnival held at Bulli Park. Our school came first in the percentage trophy, an excellent result considering the number of schools in our District. Congratulations to all members of our cross country squad.

Also special congratulations to the following students who scored exceptional individual results in their age divisions:

Penelope 6^th – 8/9 years girls

Gus 4^th – 10 years boys

Isabella 3^rd – 10 years girls

Elliott 4^th – 11 year boys

Oscar 8^th – 11 year boys

Jaime 2^nd – 11 year girls.

Madison 2^nd – 12 year girls

Talia 4^th – 12 year girls.

Gus, Isabella, Elliott, Jaime, Madison and Talia will now represent at the Regional Cross Country carnival to be held at Nowra on Friday 3^rd June.

District Swimming

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:51 AEST

Congratulations to all our swimmers who took part in the District Swimming Carnival. Our team of swimmers performed brilliantly on the day with some fantastic results as well as perfect behaviour and support of each other. We had some outstanding individual and team results with many students achieving personal best times. Many of our swimmers placed exceptionally well in their individual heat races – well done!

Special congratulations to the Junior Girls Relay team of Charlie , Lily , Jessica, Isabella and the Senior Girls Relay team of Madison , Abby, Sophie and Briana who will represent at the Region Carnival at Dapto. Special congratulations to Gus who was presented with the Junior Boys Champion trophy and will also represent at the regional carnival.

Loom Bands

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:52 AEST

Students at Stanwell Park Public have been busy creating loom bands. The students were asked by The Tradies Club if they would like to make the loom bands as gifts for children in Kauk Prech. The Tradies have been fundraising for the last two years to raise money so that they can build a school in Cambodia. As the Tradies generously assisted our school in the installation of our astro turf Netball Court last year, we thought it was a great idea for our school to assist them.

Kennett Home

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:52 AEST

Our Stage 1 choir attended Kennett Home in Stanwell Park yesterday to entertain the residents. The junior choir performed many Christmas Carols which the residents certainly appreciated immensely.

The students and the Kennett Home residents look forward to this performance every year. Thank you to Ms Kingston for working with the choir and to the parents who helped with walking to Kennett Home.

Gold Morning Tea

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:51 AEST

Congratulations to the wonderful students who achieved Gold Awards this year. We had a fantastic morning tea today. This year we recognised 39 students who achieved Gold Status.

This represents a large proportion of our students and reflects the outstanding behaviour and efforts of these students. The high expectations the school and community has of its students results in this exceptional achievement.

Taronga Zoo

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:54 AEST

On Friday Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 went to Taronga Zoo. We went by bus and we had to get to school at 7.45am. When we got there we had morning tea. There was a circular garden. We sat around the circular garden because there was a peacock that had it's tail feathers up. Then we went to the koalas and they were all asleep. Then we went to the reptile house and saw lots of frogs, snakes and lizards. It was our turn for the lesson at Backyard to Bush. Patty showed us a ring tail possum and told us that native bees were stingless. My favourite thing was the seal show. By Illy Year 2

Twilight Concert

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:55 AEST

What an outstanding evening we had last Monday at our annual Twilight Concert! Our fantastic bands performed brilliantly and were a huge success with a large number of parents and relatives thoroughly enjoying the performances. It is always amazing to see just how far the training band has come since first picking up their instruments earlier this year. Their individual and band skills are evident to see and they certainly seem to be enjoying their time in the band, which is equally as important.

Remembrance Day

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:53 AEST

Today a small group of Stanwell Park students represented the school at the Remembrance Day service at Helensburgh. In the company or many of our war veterans and family our School Captains Joshua and Tianna did a wonderful job in representing our school by laying the wreath at the cenotaph.

The small but select junior choir, with solo parts from senior students Clare and Ella also sang "Give Us Hope" at the ceremony and were outstanding. They were a real highlight of the ceremony. Well done to all our talented choristers. Many thanks to the teachers Mrs Bedwell and Mr Harding for their organisation and the wonderful parents who again provided transport.

Antarctica

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:49 AEST

Professional adventurer, Chris Olsen, took Year 5 and 6 on a journey to Antarctica with props, images and sounds combined with DVD footage. Chris was one of the few to travel twice to Mawson's Hut. The children were fully involved with dressing up in authentic clothing, investigating rocks, observing a tent and equipment with an ice axe demonstration. The year 5 room was transformed into an Antarctic Station where we spent an exciting afternoon sharing in three fascinating expeditions. We learnt first hand about what life is like in the ice, saw many pictures of the wildlife and learnt about the importance of Mawson's Hut and the need for conservation. A fabulous experience for all.

Official Opening of our Netball Court

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:52 AEST

OFFICIAL OPENING

Last Monday, we held an official opening for our Netball Court. Our visiting dignitaries Mr Dennis McHugh from Helensburgh Tradies and Mr Stephen Love from Peabody Energy Australia were able to attend and say a few words. Without financial assistance from these two bodies as well as our hard working P&C committee we would not have been able to install the synthetic grass for our top playground. This new facility has transformed our netball court and the students have thoroughly enjoyed playing on it

Stage 2 Cricket Gala Day

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:53 AEST

Students in Stage 2 participated in the North Wollongong PSSA Cricket Gala Day. This was a brilliant day where the students were given the opportunity to improve their cricket skills. The day was organised by Cricket Australia under the guidance of Paul who was assisted by students from Woonona High School. All students were actively involved throughout the day honing their skills in batting, fielding and bowling. At lunch time a catching competition was organised. With two or our students Warren and Jaime each winning a cricket set.

Stage 3 Canberra Excursion

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:54 AEST

Last week our Stage 3 students participated in a three day excursion to Canberra. The excursion was a tremendous success with the students visiting a range of venues including Parliament House (both old and new), National Museum, War Memorial, Questacon (National Science Centre) and the Institute of Sport among others. The teachers were extremely proud of the outstanding behaviour of the students throughout the excursion.

A highlight was the visit to Parliament House where the students were lucky enough to have an exclusive visit to the Senate as well as the House of Representatives. The tour guide was extremely impressed with our students for their knowledge and understanding of the parliamentary process.

Excursions such as these are very valuable learning experiences with teachers and students working together in a variety of new situations to reinforce and expand upon the themes studied in various subjects. As previously mentioned, the teachers were extremely impressed with the overall behaviour of the students of Years 5 and 6. This was reinforced by the comments of members of the public and staff at various venues who commented most favourably on the outstanding behaviour of Stanwell Park students. We were very proud of our students.

A special thank you must go to Mrs Bedwell and Mrs Hammond for their outstanding organisation and to Mrs Bedwell and Mrs Hammond for their willingness to give their time and effort to take such a large group of students on excursions such as these.

Region Athletics

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:52 AEST

Last Friday, a group of our students travelled to Canberra to participate in the Regional Athletics Carnival. Our students did very well on the day and recorded some outstanding results. Congratulations to all the team members who represented our school in an exceptional manner. Madison , Penelope , Bailey , William , Gus and Aaron competed in a variety of events with the following impressive results:

Gus Hoefsloot – 5 ^th Junior Shot Put.

Penelope – 17 ^th 8 year 100m

Madison – 7 ^th 11 year long jump

Bailey – 31 ^st 11 year 100m

William – 10 ^th senior discus

Aaron – 20 ^th senior shot put.

Outstanding efforts boys and girls!

BOOK WEEK - Pickled Poems

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:49 AEST

Book Week for 2015 starts on Monday 24^th August. Miss Charlton has been very busy discussing with classes the various books up for the Book Week awards. This year's Book Week theme is "Books Light Up The World."

Miss Charlton also organised an in-school visit last Wednesday to celebrate Book Week. The "Pickled Poems" show fabulous with some children saying it was , "The best show I've ever seen!" Many classes have also used the performance as the catalyst for their writing in class. Kindergarten wrote some fantastic recounts of the show.

Lots of Food Fun

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:52 AEST

Over the last few weeks, Kindergarten have been watching, making, tasting and eating many different types of food. We have read procedures about how to make toast, jelly and playdough and of course ate them as well. (Not the playdough, it had too much salt in it.) During Week 4 we even became a bakery and baked our own bread in class. We ate that too! We learnt about the difference between a fruit and a vegetable. Did you know that a tomato is a fruit? Kindergarten also became scientists using their senses to explore the taste of sweet, salty and sour foods. Most of all, Kindergarten have been having lots of fun with food in the classroom.

Aboriginal Garden

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:49 AEST

Our Seacliff Community of Schools have all undertaken to discuss, devise and create an Aboriginal garden at each school. This has come about as the result of a specific grant applied for on behalf of all schools in our Community.

Last Thursday we were lucky enough to secure a very special visitor. Terry Rankmore is a local horticulturist. Terry visited our school for two sessions, one for K-2, the other 3-6. At these sessions, Terry explained the importance of certain plants to the Aboriginal people and what these plants are used for. Terry also suggested certain plants which would be suitable for the construction of our Aboriginal garden. This will be situated in the garden plot half-way down the Station St driveway.

A team of students planted the plants donated by Terry on Friday. The new garden looks spectacular and is a credit tot he students who worked on it. Soon a special sign will be erected to name the garden.

Community Of Schools Sports Day

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:50 AEST

Yesterday students from all the schools in our Seacliff Community of Schools were lucky enough to take part in our Learning Together Day. This was the result of planning by all schools in our Community Of Schools which allowed every student from all 11 schools to participate in a day of organised activities at a host school.

The program focus was on sharing Aboriginal culture by learning and playing traditional indigenous games at each hosting school. The students had a great time meeting and mixing with students from other schools, as well as learning about Aboriginal games.

Students travelled by bus to the following schools for the activities:

Austinmer Public School - Kindergarten students

Helensburgh Public School - Year 1 students

Stanwell Park Public School -Year 2 students

Coledale Public School - Year 3 students

Bulli Public School - Year 4 students

Thirroul Public School - Year 5 students

Waniora Public School - Year 6 students

Here at Stanwell Park we hosted all the Year 2 students who had a great time taking part in the activities and having recess and lunch together. A free sausage sizzle was provided by each host school.

Feedback from the students has been extremely positive with students certainly enjoying the activities and meeting other students in their age group.

This exciting initiative for all students within our Seacliff Community of Schools was very successful, even with the expected issues with very complicated bus transport timetables. Many thanks to all our teachers who did a fantastic job on the day supervising students and presenting an activity at each school.

Choral Festival

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:50 AEST

Our spectacular choir of 60 students performed magnificently at the Wollongong Combined Schools Music Festival on Wednesday evening.

The choir combined with schools from Corrimal East, Russell Vale, Wollongong West and Woonona East to perform a series of songs. The sound of so many students singing in unison was outstanding.

The choir performed two very entertaining songs, "One Voice and "Dansi Na Kumba." Both of these were brilliant performances with the students obviously enjoying the experience, as I'm sure all parents and family members were as well.

Staff and I were very proud of the students for their outstanding performance and behaviour on the night. They looked spectacular on stage (especially with their shower caps on for Singing in the Shower).

Their dedication to learning all the songs and attending practices was evident in their polished performance skills – well done! Thanks also to the many parents who once again ensured their children arrived on time and looking outstanding in their school uniforms.

Special thanks to Mrs Bedwell and Mr Harding for their work with the choir, they were justifiably proud of the students.

Education Week Open Day

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:51 AEST

What a fantastic day we had for our special Education Week Open Day activities on Tuesday with a very large number of parents and grandparents taking the opportunity to come along and see the outstanding work of the students. The day was perfect weather-wise with clear blue skies allowing the children to perform brilliantly on our open-air stage.

Our main performance assembly showcased a variety of special acts. Our Training and Performing Bands displayed why they were both awarded special awards at last month's Bandfest with excellent performances. The school choir sang wonderfully and thoroughly entertained us all. Our Junior Choir and K-2 dancers were a favourite with many parents. Special congratulations to all the talented students who displayed their wonderful abilities as well as having fun in performing for our visitors. We were also treated to a special performance by Ella and Angus together who played a piece on trumpet and saxophone. Their performance was absolutely outstanding.

The open classroom sessions are always very exciting for the students who enjoyed showing their outstanding work and books to their parents and grandparents. The depth of student work is displayed on walls and in books across the school showing the obvious talents of each and every student.

Our Education Week activities concluded with a Book Fair, a sausage sizzle and picnic lunch. The Book Fair was very popular with many parents and students taking the opportunity to purchase some new reading material at special prices. Many thanks to those who donated books to the library. Thank you to the many parents, grandparents, relatives and friends who attended and to all the teachers who again put a great deal of effort into the production of the items and the organisation of the day..

CWA International Day

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:50 AEST

Stanwell Park Public School once again was an integral part of the annual CWA International Day Celebrations. On Tuesday our school Captains, Tianna, Joshua, Celeste and Luke, accompanied me to represent our school at the International Day celebrations organised by our local CWA members.

This year the country of study was Italy. The afternoon was completed by an entertaining and informative presentation by Ms Kingston and the students from 2K. Ms Kingston and 2K did a wonderful performance. With Italian songs, dances and a briliant re-enactment of the story of pinocchio, they were spectacular! Well done 2K!

Fundraising Report

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:51 AEST

Recently Tianna and Joshua , our School Captains held a handball fundraiser to raise funds for underprivileged schools in Cambodia. The fundraiser was a great success with Tianna, Isabella and their family travelling to Cambodia in the recent school holidays. Read Tianna's report below.

The Goodwill School Visit – Cambodia

A few weeks ago we met Jennifer Hogart, an English volunteer at the Goodwill School in Sinhanoukiville in Cambodia. When we got to the under-cover sportsground, we presented her with some fundraising money that our school raised by a handball competition, along with some books, pens, backpacks and pencils. She was very thankful and so were the kids. At the sports ground I met some kids and joined in a game of soccer. They were all very nice.

The people in Cambodia are so poor that their parents can't afford money for them to go to school. The Goodwill School helps by taking in the very poor and teaching them English and computer skills.

The children also have to work, so many of them walk around selling bracelets, but the very young collect 4000 bottles to get one US dollar. That's why I want the money to go to learning about the environment as some areas are quite dirty in Cambodia.

Cambodia is such a poor country, but everyone is so happy. Many struggle to survive so it highlights the point of how lucky we are. I hope with some schools like the Goodwill school, kids will get an education and a better chance in life!

Welcome Back to Term 3

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:55 AEST

A special welcome to the newest member of our teaching staff, Miss Alison Charlton. Miss Charlton is our new Library / Relief From Face to Face teacher replacing Mr Bailey. Miss Charlton has been teaching for 13+ years specialising in teaching library and is eagerly looking forward to working with the students of Stanwell Park. I am sure you will join with me in welcoming Miss Charlton to our team.

The term ahead is going to be a very busy and exciting one with many activities planned including the Choral Festival, Education Week, Book Week, Community of Schools Sports Day, District and Region Athletics, various excursions and Southern Stars to name a few. We will also see the second instalment of our SPARKS program. Please ensure you regularly refer to the school calendar as published in the weekly newsletter and on our new-look school website.

Bandfest

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:49 AEST

What an outstanding day we had on Wednesday with the school bands participating in Rockdale at the Engadine Bandfest. Congratulations to all members of our brilliant training and performing bands who represented Stanwell Park by performing so well, looking magnificent too!

Both bands were a credit to our school, their parents and the students in the way they conducted themselves on the day. Their behaviour was excellent and their musical talents shone. They looked very professional in their band uniforms and certainly enjoyed the experience of performing in public. It was fantastic to hear them play so well, a real credit to themselves and Mrs Holloway – well done Band Members!

The Performing Band performed brilliantly, entertaining the audience with a polished band performance. We are very proud of the achievements of the Performing Band. The individual band members played brilliantly to produce an excellent performance which was received well by the judge (Mrs Williams) who awarded the Performance Band a GOLD award. An outstanding effort, certainly well-deserved.

The Training Band also performed brilliantly and impressed all in the audience with their talent. It is extremely difficult to believe that these students have only been learning their instruments for a little more than a term. Each member of the band clearly enjoyed their performance and this exceptional effort was rewarded with the band being awarded a SILVER award from the judge for their performance – well done!

Many thanks to the large number of parents who travelled to support the students on the day. Every year the audience stands out in that the majority of parents attending come from our school. This certainly shows the value, interest and support that our parents show for the band program, and, of course, their children.

SPARKS Assembly

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:53 AEST

Our final week of SPARKS for this term saw a very interesting presentation assembly last Monday. The groups displayed their work and explained the processes involved in achieving the end results. The works produced have been shown to be a very high standard with some outstanding efforts from the students. It is also very pleasing to see the students thoroughly enjoying the performance and creative aspects of the activities.

The variety of works on display reflects the breadth of learning programs on offer including -

Contemporary Dance, Masks, Silk Screen Printing, Art – Commotion in the Ocean, Pottery, Foil Creations, Puppets, Boomerangs, Chess, Tie Dying and Digital Animation.

School Fete

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:53 AEST

Congratulations to everyone – what a fantastic day last Saturday! The months of careful planning and collecting, sorting, organising, and advertising resulted in a wonderful Fete. It was a credit to the P&C, parents, students, staff and community members who certainly got behind the project and worked tirelessly to make it a success.

Thank you so much to all of our very hard-working fete committee and all the stall coordinators who worked so hard to organise our school fete – the countless hours and efforts that you all donated certainly reaped wonderfully high rewards. Special thanks to all our committee members who went above and beyond in the last few months.

K-2 National Park Excursion

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:52 AEST

On Wednesday, K-2 students and their teachers went to The Royal National Park, Bundeena for their HSIE studies. The topic is Wet and Dry Environment.
The students had a lesson with the Park Rangers focusing on animals and plants in the wet and dry zones. They split into groups and they looked for insects and animal life in the water. The weather was very cold but that didn't stop the students getting out and learning lots about the animals. The students learnt a lot about the different animals and habitats on this excursion.

Handball For Cambodian Kids!

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:51 AEST

Thanks so much to everyone who donated money to the Goodwill School in Cambodia. We raised $210 in our handball competition on Tuesday. We will also be taking over notebooks, pencils, backpacks and of course, some handballs for the kids to play with at lunch time. Congratulations to all the handball champions! You are all winners for just going in it. Thanks,

Tia and Josh

Community of Schools Public Speaking Finals

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:50 AEST

Our representatives in the Seacliff Community of Schools Public Speaking Finals attended Waniora P.S. on Thursday. Our school was represented by Carys , Florence and Jasper. Each of our students spoke very confidently with some difficult topics chosen for the impromptu speech. The experience was fantastic for all our representatives who spoke extremely well on a very large and daunting stage in front of a large audience. An outstanding effort from all!

Region Cross Country

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:52 AEST

Congratulations to our squad of runners who represented last week at the Region Cross Country. The course at Nowra is very demanding with all runners doing a fantastic job. Congratulations to:
Gus 61st
Isabella 6th
Oscar 24th
Jaime 5th
Madison 22nd

These results are fantastic when you remember that these positions are for the entire region in each age group – brilliant results – well done children! Jaime and Isabella will now represent at the State Cross Country Titles to be held at Eastern Creek early next term.

Athletics Awards

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:49 AEST

This week at our assembly, place-getters from all the events at our recent Athletics Carnival were presented with their ribbons. Due to there being so many awards, the K-2 events ribbons were presented at the Friday assembly.

The individual champions from our athletics carnival were also announced. They were presented with their trophies. Congratulations to:

Junior girls – Jaime

Junior boys – Cruz

11 Year girls – Madison

11 Year boys – Bailey

12/13 Year girls – Mia

12/13 Year boys – Luke

These students and a large number from the individual events will represent at the District Athletics Carnival on 3rd August. Permission notes and more information will be sent home early next term.

SPARKS

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:53 AEST

Our SPARKS program will involve all students participating in the activity of their choice for five weeks. The planned activities include:

Contemporary Dance, Masks, Silk Screen Printing, Art – Commotion in the Ocean, Pottery, Foil Creations, Puppets, Boomerangs, Chess, Tie Dying and Digital Animation.

The final week of SPARKS will be a special display week when students and parents will get an opportunity to view the results of the group work. The program will take place every Monday for five weeks in Terms 2 and 3 with students changing their electives each term. Many thanks to the team of parents and community members who are assisting with the SPARKS program. If you can spare an hour from 2.00-3.00pm and would like to help for the next few Mondays, please contact Mrs Gardiner

Chinese Cultural Day

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:50 AEST

Our students investigated Chinese culture with a special performance and activity day at school last Tuesday. Students were treated to a special dance performance by a visiting cultural group. The students learnt some Chinese dancing which was linked to various cultural traditions of China. The visiting teacher from Taiwan, Kristina, ensured the students had a great time at the performance.

The day was run by the school in conjunction with the South Coast Chinese Language School which conducts our Mandarin classes for students here at school. The activities link very closely with our HSIE studies on countries and culture.

Athletics Carnival

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:42:49 AEST

What an outstanding day weatherwise for our athletics carnival - finally! The decision to postpone the vent from the previous week was certainly vindicated. The day was perfect, even though it was a little windy. This caused some issues with the high jump bar blowing off regularly. The carnival was very successful with the students having a great deal of fun. Of course a carnival like this cannot take place without a great deal of hard work in preparation. Thanks to Mr Harding, Ms Holloway and teachers for their organisation. Special thanks to the many parents who assisted with events on the day, this support is greatly appreciated.

The number of parents who came along to cheer on the students was fantastic. The students really enjoy performing with their parents watching. Overall it was brilliant to see the students taking part in every activity and enjoying themselves so much. The novelty and ball games events were an example of this with some very exciting events being held. All the students had a great time with some very impressive times run and standards set in the events. Congratulations to the winners of all the races. Trophies and ribbons will be presented at an upcoming assembly and a large squad of talented athletes will be progressing to the District Athletics Carnival to be held early next term.

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WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER

Thursday 8th December 2016

The Veggie Patch

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SPARKS

Sporting Schools Hockey

Athletics Carnival

District Cross Country

District Swimming

Loom Bands

Kennett Home

Gold Morning Tea

Taronga Zoo

Twilight Concert

Remembrance Day

Antarctica

Official Opening of our Netball Court

Stage 2 Cricket Gala Day

Stage 3 Canberra Excursion

Region Athletics

BOOK WEEK - Pickled Poems

Book Week for 2015 starts on Monday 24th August. Miss Charlton has been very busy discussing with classes the various books up for the Book Week awards. This year's Book Week theme is "Books Light Up The World."

Lots of Food Fun

Aboriginal Garden

Our Seacliff Community of Schools have all undertaken to discuss, devise and create an Aboriginal garden at each school. This has come about as the result of a specific grant applied for on behalf of all schools in our Community.

Community Of Schools Sports Day

The program focus was on sharing Aboriginal culture by learning and playing traditional indigenous games at each hosting school. The students had a great time meeting and mixing with students from other schools, as well as learning about Aboriginal games.

Choral Festival

Our spectacular choir of 60 students performed magnificently at the Wollongong Combined Schools Music Festival on Wednesday evening.

Book Week for 2015 starts on Monday 24^th August. Miss Charlton has been very busy discussing with classes the various books up for the Book Week awards. This year's Book Week theme is "Books Light Up The World."