News

Get #FirstDay2021 ready for the new school year

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:07:34 AEDT

Be prepared for the new school year with our back to school tips and tools.

The start of a new school year can be both an exciting and demanding time for parents and students alike.

Our parents and carers Back to school hub can help you prepare for the year ahead with practical articles, tools, activities, calendars and checklists so you and your child can be ready from day1, term 1.

Find out about our COVID-safe school guidelines, download fun activity sheets to complete with your child, read about our health and wellbeing resources and more.

If your child is starting kindergarten, check out our starting school guide for everything you need to know from enrolment to what to expect throughout your child’s first school year.

Video – #FirstDay2021

Duration – 0:49

We’re participating in Share Our Space over Summer 2020/21

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:49:06 AEDT

Share Our Space is on again this summer, opening our school grounds for the entire community to enjoy.

Supporting effective learning at school and home with the 'What Works Best: 2020 update'

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 11:27:15 AEDT

The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines the eight most effective teaching practices and how these can be supported at home.

Parents and carers can support effective student learning at home through the ‘What Works Best’ resource, now updated for 2020.

The What Works Best resource has been very successful helping teachers bring the best teaching practices into their classrooms. The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines eight evidence-based teaching practices that teachers can use in their classrooms to improve student learning.

You can find out more about these practices, how it’s used in schools, our handy guide for parents and carers and conversation tips to help continue student learning at home when you visit the ‘What Works Best’ parents and carers hub.

Schools Spectacular remixed for television

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 13:32:55 AEDT

Relive memorable acts and performances from the past four years in a special televised Schools Spectacular event.

The annual Schools Spectacular, cancelled this year due to the pandemic, will entertain audiences with a special television broadcast next week.

The Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will air on Channel 7 on Saturday 5 December at 7pm.

The two-hour broadcast will feature memorable acts and spectacular moments from the past four years.

The show will also feature a surprise digital performance from this year’s graduating Class of 2020 with the Year 12 students sharing their passion and talents while celebrating with NSW Education for one last time.

This technical feat aims to inspire audiences as more than 70 dancers, singers, instrumental musicians and signing performers from across NSW assemble virtually for the performance.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, said this event is an opportunity to revisit memories of past performances and celebrate the talents of students in NSW public schools.

“Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will be an extraordinary broadcast and a unique opportunity to look back at some of the many achievements of our talented performing arts students and their hard working and committed teachers from the past four years,” he said.

Audiences can also share their own memories and see highlights from past Schools Spectacular performances on the Schools Spectacular Facebook page.

Schools Spectacular Remixed 2020 is produced by the NSW Department of Education and proudly supported by Presenting Partners, Telstra and the NSW Teachers Federation, and Segment Partner, RØDE Microphones.

Celebrate Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed on Saturday 5 December at 7pm on Channel 7.

Supporting effective learning at school and home with the ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 11:12:13 AEDT

The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines the eight most effective teaching practices and how these can be supported at home.

Parents and carers can support effective student learning at home through the ‘What Works Best’ resource, now updated for 2020.

School Updates App - be prepared for any emergency

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:22:30 AEDT

Receive notifications of school closures. Opt in to receive timely, accurate notifications about the operational status of your chosen NSW public school(s).

The NSW School Updates App was created to help our parents and carers check on the status of their school during last summer’s bushfire season. And it’s been invaluable during COVID when schools were required to close for deep cleaning.

The app is free and available now for iOS and Android users.

Visit NSW School Updates App to download and for more information

Privacy information

The app doesn't store any personal or identifiable information.

Join in the virtual NAIDOC Week celebrations

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:48:22 AEDT

Education celebrates NAIDOC Week 2020 (8 – 15 November 2020) with the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.

It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the First Nation peoples – recognising them as the traditional owners of the land.

Schools were invited to film and submit videos to celebrate history, culture and achievements of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait students.

Secretary, Mark Scott will give an opening address on Monday, 9 November and then Aboriginal students run a Question and Answers session with Mark Scott, Cindy Berwick, President of the NSW AECG; Martin Graham, Deputy Secretary; Michelle Hall, Executive Director, Connecetd Communities and Karen Jones, Executive Director, Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships.

Tuesday will showcase how NSW public schools are embedding Aboriginal cultural practices. Special thanks to; Windale Public School Preschool, Terrigal Public School, Wilcannia Central School and Murrumbidgee Regional High School for participating.

Wednesday will highlight the outstanding achievements of Benson Igua Saulo, In-coming Consul-General to the US based in Houston (2021), as his is interviewed by current students from his former schools, Tamworth High School and Peel High School.

Thursday will see Uncle Michael Jarrett deliver a Gumbaynggirr language lesson.

Friday will close out our virtual celebration with a beautiful virtual choir led by Uncle Archie Roach. Students will join him singing ‘Took the children away’ and ‘Children came back’.

Join the virtual celebration via video streams hosted by Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships , each weekday morning, at 9:30am, during NAIDOC Week 2020.

2021 term dates now available

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 15:32:04 AEDT

Most students start Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division) in Term 1 2021.

To support a strong start to 2021, school staff will now have two school development days at the beginning of Term 1.

For 2021, students will return to school on Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division), unless otherwise notified by the school. School term dates for 2021 are now available.

Western division schools, also known as ‘late start’ schools, are located in the far western region of NSW. Check if your school is a Late start school.

#MathsTrainsBrains for the future

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:08:34 AEDT

Parents and carers can now explore the importance of mathematical skills with the new Everyday Maths experience, featuring activities, resources and explainers targeted to year groups.

The digital launch is part of the NSW Mathematics Strategy 2025, which aims to strengthen mathematics teaching in NSW public schools, promote understanding of the usefulness of mathematics and build positive perceptions of mathematics.

Tune into Education LIVE to find out how high profile Australians like media guru Kellie Hush, former Olympian Steve Solomon and former Masterchef Alice Zaslavsky use maths in their everyday lives.

Video – #MathsTrainsBrains

Duration – 1:00

Have your before and after school care needs changed?

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:45:51 AEST

The Department of Education wants to hear from all NSW parents about their specific care needs in light of COVID-19.

The NSW Government is committed to making before and after school care available to families at all NSW public primary schools, but we understand your work arrangements and care needs may have changed due to COVID-19.

To better understand how parents can best be supported to access the before and after school care, the department and Service NSW have developed a short survey.

Have your say:

visit service.nsw.gov.au/basc
email BASCreform@det.nsw.edu.au.

Updates to COVID-19 restrictions affecting NSW schools

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 22:59:30 AEST

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

NSW Health has a website to inform you of the actions you should take if you have been in a location where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 within NSW. Monitor the site and follow the relevant health advice if you have been at any of the locations at the specified dates and times.

Students and staff who have travelled through or visited Victoria

All students and staff who have visited Victoria must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Except for students and staff who reside in a border town, all students and staff who have visited Victoria in the 14 days before the commencement of school should not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

Students and staff who are unable to return to school due to these self-isolation requirements will be supported to learn and work remotely during the self-isolation period via the online learning hubs until they return to on-campus learning and teaching.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Information for students and staff on new NSW-Victoria border restrictions

The NSW Government has announced further tightening to the restrictions for people travelling across the NSW-Victorian border.

From midnight Tuesday 21 July a border zone, defined along the Murray River, will be established.

Anyone travelling from Victoria to NSW must apply for a new permit through Service NSW.

Victorian residents who have been in one of the restricted areas in Victoria in the last 14 days must not enter NSW.

Attending schools along the border

Current permits will expire at midnight, Tuesday 21 July. We strongly encourage all parents and staff to check they have a permit and if not, apply for one through Service NSW.

Students and staff who reside in Victoria will need to be eligible for a border permit to attend school in person.

Under the new public health order, the border zone has been reduced significantly.

Not all students and staff may be eligible for a border permit under the public health order. If you are not eligible for a border permit you will not be able to cross the border. Students and staff will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

Further information on the new border zone is available from Service NSW.

Border permits can be rescinded at any time if a cluster outbreak in your community occurs. We encourage parents to monitor local circumstances regularly as things may change in the coming days or weeks.

Transport to and from school will run as scheduled. For travel advice to and from school refer to Transport for NSW.

New restrictions affecting boarding schools

Any student returning from Victoria to reside at a boarding school in NSW must now self-isolate for 14 days in a NSW location separate to the boarding school. They must also obtain a negative test swab from day 10 of their isolation before entering school and have written confirmation of the test result and the period spent isolating.

Those who are unable to return to boarding while they are completing the self-isolation period will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

More information

Returning to school in Term 3

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:12:22 AEST

Our school will be open to welcome students back to onsite learning from the beginning of Term 3 – Tuesday 21 July 2020.

As you would be aware the border between NSW and Victoria closed as of 12:01am 8 July 2020.

All staff and students returning from Victoria after this time must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

All students who have been in Victoria in the last 14 days before the commencement of school must not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Students who are unable to return to school due to the border closures or self-isolation will be supported to learn remotely.

We would like to remind our community the most important action you can take is to practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing. Our school will be vigilant in implementing these requirements to minimise the risk at school.

Curriculum reform focuses on deep learning

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 16:15:18 AEST

Changes to the NSW school curriculum will be the biggest education shake-up in 30 years.

The reforms, announced by the NSW Government on Tuesday, will start rolling out in 2021. All Kindergarten to Year 12 students will learn the new curriculum by 2024.

The changes are in response to the NSW Curriculum Review by Professor Geoff Masters and will ensure every student is prepared and ready for their future.

The reforms are based on:

decluttering the curriculum by reducing unnecessary subjects
a ‘back to basics approach’ that will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, maths and science
Year 11 and Year 12 prequalification for university and TAFE courses.

Education Week to celebrate learning together

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:56:24 AEST

Education Week 2020 will be held from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August.

Education Week is our annual week of celebration to highlight the achievements of our students and staff and the role of public schools as the cornerstone of their communities.

This year’s theme is ‘Learning together’ and it reflects the incredible months of 2020 where NSW public school students have continued to learn and achieve, despite natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our schools have experienced significant disruption but our staff – in partnership with parents and carers – have worked tirelessly to ensure that high quality teaching and learning has continued for all students.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said the best learning takes place when there is a partnership of students, teachers, parents, carers and the community.

“Our schools and families benefit from strong, respectful relationships where responsibility for student learning is shared,” Mr Scott said.

“As our lives slowly return to normal, it’s time for us to reflect on the achievements and resilience of our entire school community. We look forward to celebrating Education Week with all of you in August.”

Statewide events for Education Week include:

a live stream launch on Monday, 3 August
activities for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on Tuesday, 4 August
a live streamed student film festival on Wednesday, 5 August.

Schools are invited to share photos, videos and stories of local celebrations on social media using the hashtag #EdWeek20 or send an email to educationweek@det.nsw.edu.au.

NSW students return to the classroom full-time

Tue, 19 May 2020 09:29:28 AEST

Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.

The success of the phased return to face to face teaching has demonstrated the education system and community are ready for school to come back full-time.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell thanked school communities and parents for their patience during this difficult time.

Ms Berejiklian said a return to full-time face to face teaching and learning is crucial for the education progress of every child in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

“Since starting a managed return to the classroom, we have seen a strong degree of confidence from our school communities in managing COVID-19 and a clear desire for all students to be back at school,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We expect schools to stick with the health advice – increased cleaning, access to hygiene supplies and compliance with hygience practices – and look forward to seeing all students back on campus five days a week.

“The health advice is very clear; a return to full-time face to face teaching is safe.”

Over the last two weeks schools have been working hard to support students practise good hygiene and implement new routines at school, which has been successful giving the community confidence that full-time face to face teaching can resume.

Ms Mitchell said she was eager to see students back in the classroom full-time.

“Our principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.

“My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation.

“Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.

“Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.”

Read the department's latest advice for families.

Keeping our school COVIDSafe

Tue, 12 May 2020 15:08:39 AEST

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community by downloading the app.

Social distancing and washing your hands remain the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The COVIDSafe app, developed by the Australian Government, helps to reduce the spread by allowing health experts to find close contacts faster and more accurately.

The app does not track your location. It uses your phone's Bluetooth to record other users you come into contact with, so if they test positive, NSW Health can let you know.

Find out more:

Students begin return to classrooms

Fri, 08 May 2020 17:54:51 AEST

From Monday 11 May (Week 3) students will begin a phased return to school.

The phased return will maintain distancing in the classroom while supporting students' education and wellbeing.

Most students will continue learning from home and will only attend school 1 day each week.

Our school will continue to provide detailed information about the return to the classroom throughout the rest of Term 2.

Measures to keep schools clean and safe for all students and staff include:

25% more cleaning time focused on high-touch areas
priority deliveries of hygiene supplies including soap and hand sanitiser
local school changes to pick up, drop off, lunch and recess times and processes.

Religion and ethics lessons continue at home

Tue, 05 May 2020 11:11:39 AEST

Students learning from home can continue to access Special religious education (SRE) and Special education in ethics (SEE) classes.

Face-to-face SRE, SEE and Voluntary student activities of a religious nature in schools (VSA) will not be available until schools resume normal operations.

In response to requests from school communities, SRE and SEE approved providers are delivering their authorised curriculum with modifications to allow students to learn from home from the start of Term 2.

The lesson content and the mode of delivery has been reviewed and modified for easy access by students. The approved providers recognise that learning at home will not replicate face-to-face learning at school.

The learning from home SRE and SEE programs are now available:

Tune in at 8.45am to NSW Education LIVE

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:14:07 AEST

To welcome our students back for Term 2, join us at 8.45am from Wednesday 29 April to Friday 8 May for a special live stream.

Musician Guy Sebastian, TV foodies Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel, Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis, Sydney Swans player Ollie Florent, and our very own Eddie Woo, have donated their time to kick start learning from home each morning from 29 April - 8 May.

Tune in each day at 8:45am. We can't wait to see you!

NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 09:41:43 AEST

NSW school students will gradually transition back to the classroom during Term 2 as the Government continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.

Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.

“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.

“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.

“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.

“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.

“I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school.

“I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much needed relief to those families.”

During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.

Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.

As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.

Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.

“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”

In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.

A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.

“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.

Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Keep your family entertained these school holidays

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 17:16:26 AEST

We know it’s been a challenging Term 1. Just as many communities began recovering from fires, droughts and floods, we moved to learning from home to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The school holidays are coming, which means your family is about to have a lot of free time and nowhere to go.

To support you while looking after children we’ve put together a handy guide of activities to stimulate young minds and keep your family busy and engaged.

Check out our parents and carers toolkit for important self-care tips, free parenting podcasts and apps.

If you need a break, the Service NSW before and after school care finder can help locate vacation care programs near you.

No child will be turned away from school

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:38:38 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education's advice regarding schools is very clear. No child in NSW will be turned away from school.

Schools will remain open for parents who want their children to attend irrespective of their profession or working arrangements.

The decision to keep schools open has been made based on advice from NSW Health, which has not changed.

The department will provide continuity of learning for all students both on and off campus and the Premier, for practical reasons, has encouraged parents to keep their children at home if they could.

Schools will communicate directly with parents on what learning options are available using their communication methods such as the school website, newsletters, emails and other online tools.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

New COVID-19 restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:05:18 AEDT

The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state - triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19.

Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens.

"I understand many in the community are worried, and these changes will affect everyday lives, and may be upsetting," Ms Berejiklian said.

"But these decisions will make us all safer, they are taken with the health of all citizens in mind, and they must be taken now.

"If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so."

In line with health advice, from midday today, the following non-essential activities and businesses will be temporarily shut down:

pubs, registered clubs
gyms, indoor sporting venues
cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

It is important to note essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, constructions sites and for public transport are exempt and will continue.

As confirmed last night by the Prime Minister schools will remain open, based on health advice, which has not changed.

But from tomorrow, in NSW, for practical reasons, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home.

"Because nearly 30 per cent of children are already being kept out of school, for practical reasons NSW is encouraging parents to keep their children at home," Ms Berejiklian said.

"This will ensure there is only one unit of work, whether the student is at home or at school.

"No child will be turned away from school."

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Schools to implement distancing measures

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:38:08 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education is introducing proactive measures to limit the impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our schools.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the Department of Education, today announced that schools would adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences.

Mr Scott said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.

"Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of coronavirus have developed globally," Mr Scott said.

"From Monday onwards, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.

"The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff."

"These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sports, initiative activities and events.

All major arts, sports and initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice. This includes whole-school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.

"Local inter-school sport and other activities can proceed, but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken," Mr Scott said.

"I trust our principals and staff to show leadership during this time."

Schools will be provided with more detailed advice and suggestions on how they can adjust their day to day activities with minimal disruption.

The department is continuing to prepare for further closures if necessary with scaling up of technology, additional training of staff and preparation of offsite lessons.

Families and students in self-isolation can find useful information to continue learning from home.

For the latest information, check COVID-19 advice for schools.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:02:21 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 13:21:20 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 16:39:31 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 17:08:37 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 15:59:01 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 13:36:57 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 11:23:30 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 11:43:19 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 14:07:23 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 11:38:20 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 12:24:09 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 15:14:49 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 15:10:08 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 15:17:43 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 13:22:47 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 14:59:39 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 16:24:39 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.

Corrimal Community of Schools Newsletter - Term 3 Edition

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:58 AEST

On Thursday, 30th March 2017, Corrimal Community of Schools launched their latest initiative - The Corrimal Community of Schools Newsletter. The launch was held at Corrimal East PS and was attended by over 20 students, teachers, principals and invited guests from the Department of Education and the Corrimal Chamber of Commerce. This newsletter will be distributed once a term and was created to showcase the wonderful things we, as schools, are doing individually and collectively. We hope you enjoy the read.Term 3 CoS Newsletter (pdf 7293 KB)

Corrimal Community of Schools Newsletter

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:58 AEST

CoS Newsletter (pdf 6755 KB)

2016 Inspire Succeed Excel Aboriginal Education Excellence Awards

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:57 AEST

The 2016 Inspire, Succeed, Excel Aboriginal Education Excellence Awards acknowledge outstanding excellence of Aboriginal students in schools across the Illawarra South East. We would like to congratulate Joshua W and Matthew W who both received this award. Joshua received his for Leadership, Citizenship and Community Service and Matthew for Sporting Excellence. They also had the privilege of being presented with their award from Mr Aden Ridgeway. Well done to Joshua and Matthew who are very worthy recipients of this award.

Stage 3 S.E.A.T. (Sustainability Education Art Teamwork) Project with Orange Sky Laundry

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:01 AEST

Throughout the year, our Stage 3 students have been involved in the S.E.A.T project which is a social initiative that educates children in social values and sustainability. This inquiry based research project centres on the parable of ‘The Little Stool That Could' to demonstrate the values and actions achievable by the students who participate. The culminating event is donating the decorated seats designed and created by the students to a charity. Our students decided to focus on homelessness and their connection as global citizens. The Stage 3 students at Corrimal Public School have donated their seats to Orange Sky Laundry, a foundation that supports homeless people within Australia. This has been a wonderful opportunity for Corrimal Public School, S.E.A.T Project and Orange Sky Laundry to share the incredible things that they are doing to support homelessness in our local community.

View the link to watch the news report on WIN TV.

WIN TV News Report

Corrimal Community of Schools Carols

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:58 AEST

The Corrimal Community of Schools (CoS) Carols are finally here and the students of Corrimal Public School are very excited about joining their peers in our Community of Schools for this exciting event.

The students of Corrimal High School have developed a web app which is accessible on any mobile device with internet connectivity. On the night of the carols, just click on the link below to view the lyrics and sing along.

CoS Carols Song Lyrics

Northern Illawarra Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Deadly Enncouragement Awards

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:00 AEST

This year, the Northern Illawarra Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) have initiated the Deadly Encouragement Awards. These awards recognise Indigenous students who attend school in the Northern Illawarra region for consistently applying effort in areas of their schooling. Congratulations to Davina W and Jenna E for being worthy recipients of this award. An outstanding recognition of two fantastic Corrimal Public School students.

Wollongong North Network Staff Recognition Awards 2016

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:02 AEST

As a finale to Education Week, 2016, the Wollongong North Network of Schools recognised staff members for their contributions to public education. The award for Corrimal Public School was presented to Mrs Bird for the professionalism and dedication she demonstrates in her role as the School Administrative Manager.

Mr Fisher and Mrs Griffiths were also recognised for their outstanding work in their new roles with Learning Management Business Reform (LMBR).

Corrimal Public School Celebrates 125 Years!

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:59 AEST

It has arrived, the highly anticipated Corrimal Public School 125th Anniversary Celebration and you are invited to join us! Here at Corrimal Public School we hold our community and its members very close and would love to take this opportunity to formally invite you to this significant milestone.

Please find attached below a "125th Celebration Poster" that outlines a weekend of celebration on Friday, 16th October and Saturday, 17th October. This is going to be a wonderful event and we hope that many of our past students, past and present teachers, staff and families can come together to help us celebrate.

Click here to purchase tickets cps125.weebly.com

125th Celebration Poster (pdf 188 KB)

Swimming Carnival

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:02 AEST

The Swimming Carnival on Thursday 6th February will go ahead if it is raining. The carnival will only be postponed with lightning or severe weather conditions. If the event is to be postponed an announcement will be made on Wave FM. Students are encouraged to wear their house colours.

‘COMPUTERS FOR KIDS’ SPONSORS!

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:58 AEST

THANK YOU ‘COMPUTERS FOR KIDS' SPONSORS!

On behalf of the whole school community we acknowledge the generosity of our Computers for Kids sponsors Corrimal RSL Club and Allfab Constructions. Corrimal RSL Club recently came on board with a wonderful donation of $2,500, allowing us to buy 5 laptops for classroom use. What a wonderful, practical way to support our children's future. When you're next considering where to spend your money and time, the P&C urges you to support these organisations as they have supported us.

Yarn Bombing

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:02 AEST

We are planning on Yarn Bombing our friendship tree in the playground and we need your help! We need as many people as possible to start knitting squares of different coloured acrylic wool squares, any size, any length, they will be sewn together to wrap around our tree.

We are planning knitting circles where Mrs Swan and some very handy parents are going to teach the students to knit and produce some squares so you can start anytime.

I am going to do some knitting for it while I am travelling. Anyone who has some old acrylic wool at home they no longer need please send it into school and we will use it.

Mrs Grosse

Principal

Update Student Medical Records

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:02 AEST

Dear Parent/Carer

During Terms 3 and 4 we will be updating our medical records systems to ensure we have the most

up-to-date information on your child's health.

Attached you will find the new forms that you will need to fill out and return to us by 23rd August 2013, if you are returning the forms by mail, please address it to:

Medical Forms Update

Corrimal Public School

Princes Highway

CORRIMAL NSW 2518

Otherwise, you can drop them off at the front office when you are next at school.

The new forms help us collect your child's important medical information, and the introduction of new systems will mean we'll be able to better manage the daily and emergency health needs of your child.

We appreciate your support as we start collecting the information, and if you have any questions please call us on 42844 231.

Kind regards

Pam Grosse

Principal

Student Medical Details (pdf 114 KB)

Computer for Kids - Sponsor

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:58 AEST

Allfab Constructions : Education Heroes !

We're delighted to announce that respected local infrastructure, fabrication and maintenance company Allfab Constructions, based at Port Kembla is our first Computer for Kids sponsor. By donating $500 they have purchased a laptop for our school, and it's already being used in our classrooms. Gerry Fischl and his team have a genuine communtiy spirit and their practical contribution makes a real difference to our school. We appreciate it!

Lego Robotics 2012

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:00 AEST

Four Primary Schools (Bellambi, Corrimal, Towradgi and Tarrawanna) attended RoboClub at Corrimal High School in 2012. The first challenge was to learn the programming code and then compete in a SUMObot competition.

The Challenge for 2012 was released and this year was ‘Senior Solutions'. Four Corrimal Teams completed on Saturday 8/12, two primary school teams (Man vs Machine and Code Violation) and two high school teams (MCJJ Roadhouse and Seekers). The robots were programmed to overcome everyday challenges that elderly people might face and the teams also had to design an invention to aid the elderly in their everyday life. Both primary teams featured on Weekend Sunrise (Channel 7) and were interviewed about their robots and inventions.

Code Violation absolutely smashed the challenge and was in 6^thplace, then 8^thand at the last second knocked down to 9^thplace. Unfortunately, only the 8 top teams progress to the National competition. Man vs Machine won a judge's trophy (an actual Lego Trophy) for encouragement and overcoming all obstacles to compete effectively in this prestigious competition. Congratulations to all the teams, your dedication and hard work paid off and you were a sensation. We are incredibly proud of you and invite you to join us again at Corrimal High School in 2013.

Thank you.

Mrs Sullivan

Corrimal High School

Science Teacher

Corrimal Public School Credit System

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:59 AEST

Corrimal Public School Credit System...

Corrimal Credits
Uniform Awards
Merit Certificates
Sport carnival participation certificates
District Ribbons
Dance2bfit Certificates
Birthday awards
Swimming school certificates
Principal Awards
Premiers Reading Challenge Awards
UNSW Test Certificates

Please just check with a teacher or at the office if you are in any doubt as we don't like to disappoint students.

Please note: Students bring their awards to Mrs Grosse at the office during the first eating time each day. Parents are asked to let children be responsible for this. They will do it!

CPS Merit System (pdf 9859 KB)

Mrs Grosse

Principal

Carols by Candlelight 2012

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:57 AEST

Kindergarten Orientation Sessions

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:00 AEST

Kindergarten Orientation Session for 2012

Kindergarten Orientation (pdf 1153 KB)

We will run a four week program this year. Kindergarten Orientation will be held each Friday afternoon from 2pm till 3pm in the Kinder rooms.

We will be offering parent information sessions whilst the Kindergarten sessions are being held. These will be held in the Library. We encourage all parents to attend all sessions as this will give you the best opportunity to meet new families, students and staff members, who will be a major part of your child's school life here at Corrimal Public School.

Dates….

Session 1 - Friday 2nd November 2012
Session 2 - Friday 9th November 2012
Session 3 - Friday 16th November 2012
Session 4 - Friday 23rd November 2012

If you have any questions, please feel free to give our Administration Office a call on 4284 4231 between 8.30am and 3.30pm any weekday.

HARS Aviation and Light Rail Museums Excursion, K-2

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:59 AEST

Many thanks to our wonderful parent helpers for their support throughout the day. Please enjoy these articles written by our children.

Last Thursday K-2 went on an excursion to Albion Park. First we went to the HARS Aviation Museum and we looked at Army, American, German and Vietnamese planes. After that we all went in a plane called Connie and many children had never been in a plane before and they were so excited. When we finished lunch we climbed back on the bus and we travelled to the Illawarra Light Railway Museum. On the way I saw a plane taking off at the airport. When we arrived our group went on a steam train. We also went inside the train museum and we saw lots of old engines and carriages. After we had recess we had to go back to school and on the way I fell asleep and I dreamt about a unicorn. Finally we arrived back at school. The excursion was a lot of fun because we saw lots of interesting things and we went to places that I've never been before. By Vegas Myers

Last Thursday our classes went on an excursion to HARS Airport Museum and Illawarra Light Railway Museum. They are both in Albion Park. When school started we received our name tags and our names were ticked off the roll. After our teachers were sure everyone was here we got on the bus and left. I sat next to Amber and I was near the window and I saw lots of colourful things along the way. When we arrived at the airport we went inside and we had our fruit at the tables and chairs. When everyone had finished we were put into our groups and we started to look at some planes and we went inside an army one and a plane called Connie. Later we had lunch and everyone ate their lunches really fast because it was a late lunch. After that we climbed back on the bus because we needed to go to the train museum. We went on a train ride and we looked at many other trains. When we had finished the ride we had recess. Finally we went home where our parents were waiting for us. It had been such an exciting day because it was all about transport. By Zoe Turner

We Have Story Wheels… And You Can, Too

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:02 AEST

On September 20 2012, Wollongong's Lord Mayor, Gordon Bradbery OAM, came to our school to launch a unique piece of playground equipment – something created by our community that we want to share freely with the world.

How it happened

It began three years earlier when the P&C (Parents' and Citizen's Association) wished to install new play equipment for our children but, at the time, couldn't afford to go out and buy it. Parent and P&C member Hazel Flynn set herself the task of coming up with something low- or no-cost which would catch the kids' interest and encourage their imaginations. It also had to work for ages from Kindergarten (age 5) to Year 6 (age 12).

What she came up with was something that encourages open-ended, co-operative, creative play: the Spin Up A Story Wheels.

Our Story Wheels made the transition from a sketch on paper to reality via wonderful community contributions. The craftsmen at the Corrimal Community Men's Shed refined the design and did the construction. The local signwriting company Visual Energy donated their services to put the simple ‘how to play' instructions on the backing board. And parents Matt Kocher and Christine Carey created vibrant artwork for the wheels.

How they work:

The way The Story Wheels work is this:

A large backing board is bolted onto the external wall of a classroom, in a playground area accessible to all the children.

On the board are mounted three wheels which spin the way ‘chocolate wheels' do. There is a Friend wheel, a Foe Wheel and a Special Powers wheel.

The wheels are divided into six segments each containing a character (eg Peace Dragon, Flying Horse, Troll) or special power (eg, Invisibility, Freeze Time). A painted arrow above each wheel determines which segment your spin lands on.

First, children form a team for the game. This can be any number from two upwards.

Next, the team spins the Friend wheel once. The Friend on whom it lands is going to help your team.

Then, the team spins the Foe wheel once. This is who is trying to stop your team.

Then each person on the team spins the Special Powers wheel to gain their own power.

Now you decide together "What happened was …" and you create the story. It can be as simple and quick or as long and complicated as you wish.

(The segments have the names of the characters/powers, but they also have appealing, clear images so that even children who are not yet reading can use the Story Wheels.)

While the equipment is freely available for children to play with in break times, it can also be used by teachers as part of Literacy learning, particularly about narrative structure.

We're playing nicely, so let's share

As far as we know, our Story Wheels are unique, and because of that people had suggested to Hazel that she should trademark the idea and commercialise it. But as she said at the launch, "That's never what the Story Wheels were about. The project was always meant to be something for the community, embodying the school motto ‘Working Together'. So I'm setting the idea free to go out into the world, and any school or kindy or community group that wants to make their own version can do so with my blessing."

The only cost of our Story Wheels was for the materials—everything else was donated. And when Principal Pam Grosse joined Corrimal Public School in 2011, she liked the idea so much she offered to pay the $450 timber cost. This left only the cost of paint to be covered by the P&C. Our wheels came in under $500 and it would be possible to create your own version for even less if you could get the timber donated.

Technical info:

The timber we used for backing board and wheels is marine-ply, to stand up to weather. (Our Story Wheels are in an area which is sheltered by nearby shadecloth and overhung by eaves but not completely waterproof.)

The backing board is 2400mm x 1200mm x 18mm thick.

The three wheels are each 500mm diameter x 9mm thick

The wheels are designed to be easily removable for repainting or maintenance.

The board and wheels were primed, then painted in exterior acrylic matt paint. The wheel segments were done in two contrasting shades of yellow base colour. The wheel segments were then completed with character images and names done in bright acrylics. Finally, a clear varnish was applied to both backing board and wheels for durability.

It was important to ensure that little fingers could not get trapped under the wheels, so they are mounted closely enough to prevent this, while still being able to spin. There are two small rounded handles on each wheel (these are cabinet door handles found at a charity shop) which the children grasp to spin the wheels.

The explanatory wording on the board says:

Get your team together
Spin the Friend wheel. This is who will help your team.
Spin the Foe wheel. This is who's trying to stop you.
Each player spin the Special Power wheel. Use your Special Power to help the team
Now you have your Friend, Foe and Special Powers. Together create your story: "What happened was …"

The concept is now yours to do with what you will. You're free to use the idea, the tech specs, the list of characters and the wording, just not the character imagery – instead, find a clever member of your community who can create their own artwork.

Have fun!

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:01 AEST

Please find attached 2012 Public Speaking 'tips' for all students and their families.

At Corrimal Public School we place great value in our public speaking. In order to provide greater opportunities for students who are developing these skills we will be running our school based public speaking competition again in 2012.

All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be expected to participate. They will need to prepare a short speech on an open-ended topic to be presented in front of their class. As much as possible the content for the speech should come from the students' ideas. Parents could help by discussing and suggesting ideas that might be useful and by listening to the students when they practice their completed presentations. One student from each grade will be given the opportunity to present at a whole school assembly.

The competition will proceed as follows:Tips for Public Speaking (pdf, 66 KB)

Term 2, Week 6- Topics and competition details sent home and discussed in class. Students are to prepare and rehearse their speeches at home.
Term 2, Week 9 and 10– Class presentations. Classroom teachers will inform students of their presentation date.
Term 3, Week 3– Three finalists from each grade will present again, and complete an impromptu speech (Kindergarten exempted). Grade winners will then present during assembly in this week.

Premiers Reading Challenge for 2012

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:01 AEST

PRC Permission Note 2012 (pdf, 468 KB)

The Premier's Reading Challenge is now in its tenth year. I urge all students to sign on and accept the challenge. Students are able to choose from an extensive and exciting list of books that offer both fiction and non-fiction reading adventures. Through books your child will acquire knowledge, develop their imagination and improve their mind.

Registration opens on 5 March 2012 via the Premier's Reading Challenge website Premier's Reading Challenge. Students complete their own reading log at home or at school. I will assist students to enter books read online.

The easiest and most reliable way to record PRC books is by their ID number. Lists of the PRC book titles are found on the website. Please check the website homepage regularly for important messages and updates.

Records must be completed by 1st September 2012. Certificates from the Premier, including Gold certificates are awarded in Term 4 by the school. Participation in the Premier's Reading challenge also contributes to school bronze, silver, gold and diamond awards.

All classes will be shown how to logon. It is very easy. To join the Challenge, Google Premiers Reading Challenge then simply logon with your child's school user name and password. (Parent's please note: On their first logon for 2012, students record their previous school, if applicable). If you have any questions regarding the Premier's Reading Challenge please contact Miss King (Librarian) on 0438727584.

Happy reading!!!

Miss King

Librarian

School Packs 2012

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:01 AEST

2012. The school is selling Back to School Packs for students from K-6, on behalf of LJ Harper.

They are still available at the School Administration Office please see price list attached.

Back to School Packs 2012 (pdf, 197 KB)

2012 Gymnastics Program - Term 1 Wednesdays

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:57 AEST

Gymnastics Program note (pdf, 199 KB)

Our Gymnastics Program is starting in Week 2 Term 1 2012 and running for 10 weeks on every Wednesday.

Students need to wear their sports uniform. Starting date is February 1st 2012. Please see permission note attached regarding payment and additional information.

Please don't hesitate in contacting the school on 42844231 or via the school email address. corrimal-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au regarding this program.

PARENTS FORUM

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:01 AEST

From the Parents Forum two links to interesting you tube clips you might like to look at.

A day in the life of glass

Changing Education Paradigm

PARENT/CARERS SURVEY 2011

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:00 AEST

Survey 2011 (word) (doc, 96 KB)

Survey PDF (pdf, 246 KB)

We are asking parents to help build a current picture of Corrimal Public School. You can do this by filling out our survey.There are several ways this can be done.....

1. via an online apllication called Survey monkey...cut and paste this into your browser

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GT3F3XV

2. Download and print off the PDF attached to this email and send it back to school with your children.

3. Download the word copy fill it out on your computer and email it back to us.

4. Call in at the front office and we will give you a hard copy.

Your chiildren are invited to a disco here at school on the 17th November 5pm -7pm and the cost is the survey. We will have hard copies at the door if you have missed out.

TERM 4 CALENDAR

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:02 AEST

TERM 4 2011 Calendar (pdf, 79 KB)

Our Term 4 Calendar has all the major events happening in our school.

Public Speaking

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:01 AEST

Each year we run a Public Speaking Competition across all grades K-6. Notes were sent home this week. I have attached copies of the notes and marking rubrics here for your information.

Public Speaking (pdf, 346 KB)

Tips for Public Speaking (pdf, 64 KB)

ES1 Rubric (pdf, 78 KB)

S1 Rubric (pdf, 79 KB)

S2 Rubric (pdf, 78 KB)

S3 Rubric (pdf, 78 KB)

Changing the Merit System!

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:15:58 AEST

Changing the Merit System – Bronze, Silver and Gold – Yes! Again!

Changes to the merit system (pdf, 353 KB)

Solgen Solar Installation

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:01 AEST

Corrimal Public School has gone solar.

Please find below the solgen website for your perusal.

www.solgen.com.au

Mathletics website link

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:16:00 AEST

Please find following the link for Mathletics.

If you type this link into google you will be able to check how good this program is.

Mathletics.com.au