News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:05:52 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 13:28:56 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 16:50:16 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 17:15:12 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 16:03:26 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 13:38:11 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 11:24:43 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 11:45:04 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 14:09:44 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 11:40:05 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 12:25:44 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 15:18:19 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 15:11:54 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 15:22:04 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 13:30:52 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 15:02:15 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 16:25:50 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.

New Opening Date for PPS

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:10:28 AEST

The new, multistorey PPS will provide a hub for future-focused education in the heart of Parramatta's CBD when it opens in Term 4, 2019.

WE HAVE MOVED!

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

WE HAVE OFFICIALLY MOVED!

Find us now at 3 Marist Place, Parramatta.

Kiss and drop will be available from 8:30am - 9:00am.

Students in Year 1-6 return tomorrow 30th January.

Our Job Opportunities

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education has been working in close consultation with our school. In the coming weeks we will begin a recruitment process to secure future-focused teachers to join us on our journey.

The following is lifted from the TeachNSW campaign.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to work in one of the Schools of the Future!

Does working in a future-focussed school with flexible and technology-rich teaching spaces excite you? The major redevelopment of Arthur Phillip High School and Parramatta Public School is underway and the department is seeking talented new and experienced educational leaders. The new school facilities will require a learning community with a future-focused approach, led by teachers with the capacity to teach collaboratively across curricula areas and design purposeful learning experiences for students in flexible spaces.
The Schools of the Future will empower you to be adaptable, technology focused, collaborative and creative in your work.

So, if you are a passionate educator, or you know somebody who is, get them to sign up for the news feed that will be detailing our jobs.Sign Up

Launch of School Banking

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

This term our school will launch 'School Banking', an opportunity for students to engage in financial literacy.

We will begin this process with a launch day to be held at the morning assembly on Monday 22nd May, 2017. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with banking officials and register their child for the banking program.

Further information is contained on our school website under 'Our School - School banking'

Three-Way Goal Setting - Term 1, 2017

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

Three-Way Goal Setting sessions will be held in Week 10, 27^th March – 31^st March of this term. The purpose of these sessions are to facilitate a productive partnership between students, parents and teachers that supports learning goals and increases student voice in the role as a driver of their education.

To support booking appointments with teachers we will be using a School Interviews, an online booking system. Bookings for this event must be finalised by Thursday 23^rd March at 4pm, when bookings for this event will close.

Three-Way Goal Setting sessions are strictly 15 minutes each. This is not the opportunity to ask clarifying questions about your child/ren, but rather a time for your child/ren to share their goals for their learning in 2017. If you require more time with a particular teacher, please arrange a separate appointment.

To make an appointment go to: http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code

Enter the code: 9j43n

Mini Fete

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

On Thursday 10th November, Year 6 students coordinated a whole school Mini Fete event. This event as part of their Project-Based Learning task developed a variety of skills including, financial literacy, mapping, event coordination, food and beverage service, and meeting the needs of local community members.

Students spent many weeks engaged in learning that developed their inquiry skills and how event managers create and sustain large events.Students visited Westfield Shopping Centre - Parramatta to gain first hand expert advice of how large corporations function and operate to meet the needs of consumers.

Photos are contained in our gallery, illustrating the final product and showcase - the Mini Fete. Overall, the whole school community had a fun filled event.

End of Term 3

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Another term has come to a close and what a term it has been. A big thank you to all the ongoing support from our community and we wish you a safe and happy holiday.

School resumes for students on Monday 10th October, 2016.

Tell Them From Me Survey

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

It is that time of year again! We are collecting information that helps inform our annual reporting for the achievements that we have made to date and future planning for 2017. So we need your help!

Please complete this short survey to tell us what you think. Parent and carer input is vital in ensuring that our community school is run smoothly and to the best of capabilities as a vibrant team.

To complete the survey, go to: https://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/parramatta

School Report Feedback

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

Semester 1 Report Survey

By now you will have had an opportunity to review and celebrate your child's successes in their Semester One school report. As you know, a lot of time and careful consideration goes into making decisions about student performance. We would like your feedback on a number of areas related to the semester report.

You can have your say on our survey at: https://goo.gl/forms/0JMz07XNXInczGIw2

Gardening at Parramatta PS

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

We NEED you!

Calling all parents, grandparents and caregivers. We need help in the garden. We are starting a permaculture gardening program and require support.

Help required for Friday 29th July.

As many hours as you would like.

Leave your details at the front office for Mrs Smerdon.

Education Week 2016

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

You might have seen our poster advertising Education Week 2016. If not, we are holding the annual celebration starting on Monday 1st August 2016.

Our celebrations commence with our Athletics Carnival on Monday 1st August, which will be held across two sites.

K-2 at Barton Park
3-6 at Olympic Park

On Thursday 4th August we will host our Open Day, an opportunity for parents and community members to see what learning is taking place at our great school, starting at 10am.

This will be followed by our International Day Assembly and parade commencing at 11:20am.

We will conclude our day with a community picnic starting at 1pm. We welcome all our parents, caregivers and community members to come and join in on the celebration of education at Parramatta PS.

School Reports

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

Starting from today, we will be sending home Semester One reports for each student. Teachers and the school Executive Team have spent considerable time assessing, moderating and compiling student report data, so that you have an accurate snapshot of your child's achievement.

You will notice that we have also changed the format and layout of the report. We hope that the new inclusions, along

Showcasing Learning

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

On Wednesday 22nd June, our students showcased the merits of Public Education and future focused learning for the Premier of New South Wales Mike Baird, Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli and New South Wales Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian.

Students engaged in a variety of open-ended problem solving tasks, showcasing their ability to unpack a complex multi-step problem, work together to analyse and choose an efficient strategy, and to solve the problem.

Students showcased their deep understanding of technology, using this seamlessly throughout the lesson and navigating between a range of devices and cloud-based platforms.

This group of students were true ambassadors to the merits of a strong Public Education system.

Play and Environment as Learning Spaces

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

In our recent newsletter we mentioned the importance of play and the environment as learning spaces. We are currently working with the architect to team to design buildings and learning spaces that reflect research and future proof our new school.

We would love to hear your opinion on what elements you think we could include in the play spaces and environment of our new building.

Go to: Play and the Environment and complete the short four questions survey!

iPads for Parramatta

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Parramatta is currently upgrading its technology in classrooms so that students can have access to more robust and current devices. Our recent K-2Walkathon has helped us raise enough money for 20 iPads. Our goal is to secure 60 iPads. We are well on our way!

Walk Safely to School Day

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

This Friday, the 20th May is National Walk Safely to School Day. In our recent school newsletter there are number of ways in which you can get involved and encourage your child to participate safely as an active member of our community.

So this Friday, why not walk to school!

School Communication Survey

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

If you have not yet done so, you need to complete our school survey on communication. We strive to ensure that we communicate with our school community in ways that are meaningful to you.

The survey takes no more than 2 minutes and is important feedback for Parramatta PS so that we can make changes that support effective communication.

To take the survey, go to:

http://goo.gl/forms/08Lh1z5F3B

ANZAC Ceremony

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

On Thursday, 7th April 2016 we will be commemorating with a whole school assembly starting at 11:20am our ANZACs.

For more information on Australia and New Zealand's involvement in serving to protect the human rights and conditions we are afforded today, please go to:

https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac-tradition/

Selective High Schools Assessment

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

A reminder to all families and students undertaking the Selective High School Assessment. This test occurs on Thursday 10th March, 2016.

Parramatta On Twitter

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

Have you heard? We are on Twitter!

Connect with us to see images and information about what is happening at Parramatta PS. You connect by downloading the app from an App Store and adding @ParramattaPS

Parramatta PS - Planning For Change

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

Over the past six weeks, staff have been busy planning for some new changes to teaching and learning and the ways in which we conduct schooling. We have been exploring future focused learning techniques and have formed research hubs to investigate ways in which we can provide education for life better.

You will probably hear about some new strategies such as flexible learning spaces and Project-Based Learning over the coming weeks as students and staff test and design new ways of learning.

If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact the school to arrange an appointment with Mr Baker.

Community Consultation

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

NSW Department of Education is redeveloping Arthur Phillip High School and Parramatta Public School. The redevelopments will provide NSW with its first high-rise public high school and a new multi-storey public primary school. APP Corporation as Project Managers on behalf of the Department of Education is conducting consultation with the local Parramatta community to seek feedback and update the community on progress of the redevelopment. We invite you to attend our information booth:

WHEN: Thursday 29th October 2015 10:00am-1.00pm

WHERE: Centenary Square, Parramatta

Parramatta Redevelopment

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

Planning for the redevelopment of our school and Arthur Phillip High School is continuing. Adaptive reuse of existing sites will greatly assist in meeting the anticipated growth and future demand around the Parramatta city centre. Over $100 million will be spent to build two new future-focused schools, which will showcase schools of excellence. The major investment in Parramatta includes;

a new multi-storey high school for Arthur Phillip High schools for up to 2,000 students on the existing school site; and
a new multi-storey Parramatta Public School for up to 1000 students on the existing school site.

The new facilities will incorporate future-focused, flexible teaching spaces with adaptable/moveable furniture and room configurations. There will also be innovative, connected outdoor spaces that enable play and collaborative learning. Valuable connections will be developed with adjacent educational facilities including University of Western Sydney.

Tell Them From Me Parent Survey

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

We need your help!

You're invited to participate in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey designed for parents and carers. This survey complements the TTFM student and teacher surveys, which focus on student engagement, wellbeing and effective teaching practices. All Department of Education schools have the opportunity to participate if they choose.

Why should I participate?

Parents and carers are an important and valued part of the school community. Schools can use survey feedback to make practical improvements and inform school planning.

What does it involve?

This online survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. It is anonymous and voluntary.

If you have more than one child at this school, and feel that your children's experiences differ, you can complete the survey more than once.

How can I participate?

You can access the survey in your own time, between 17 August and 16 October 2015.
Follow the link below on your computer or tablet:

PARENT SURVEY

More information on the Partners in Learning survey can be found on the NSW Department of Educations' TTFM website: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/

Stage 2 Sydney Wildlife Excursion

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

No more online payments will be accepted for the Sydney Wildlife Excursion.

There are a limited number of places left and payment for these places must be made through the office next week.

Thank you.

International Family Day - no more payments please

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Payment for food orders for International Family Day has closed. Please do not make any payments online or at the school office. Thank you.

Flu season is here!

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Influenza is spread from person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people. Remind your child about these good hygiene practices to minimise the spread of infection:

Anyone who is sick with influenza symptoms should stay home until their symptoms are gone.
Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the garbage bin after use.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

If you or your child develops influenza-like illness, seek the advice of your family doctor as you would with any other illness.

The seasonal influenza vaccine, which protects against the pandemic influenza strain as well as two other influenza strains, is now available free to eligible people. More information about the vaccine is available from the NSW Health Immunisation Unit's vaccination page.

Too sick for school

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

As the cold weather hits, so do the winter bugs. It's often hard to know whether to send your child to school or let them stay home to recover, especially when that means an adult cancelling work. For safety's sake, if your child seems unwell you should always keep them home from school and seek medical advice.
School A to Z and the NSW Health have created an at-a-glance chart to help answer your questions about common childhood illness and how long sick kids need to miss school. Find it by typing this link into your web browser www.bit.ly/1hytn2E

Mental maths strategies

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

We teach children a range of different strategies to add and subtract numbers. By showing them several methods for solving maths questions, we're helping them to look for patterns. All this builds a good sense of "number" which means they understand the relationships between different numbers and why different ways to add and subtract work well. The goal is that your child will understand many ways to approach a maths problem and will be able to choose a way that makes the most sense to them. School A to Z has a lot of resources, including help sheets on mental maths strategies, here : www.bit.ly/JkiUsY

Does speaking another language at home confuse children?

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Are your children fortunate enough to be growing up in a home where two or more languages are spoken? Many parents worry that bilingualism can cause confusion and even delays in learning for their children, but according the Raising Children Network, that's not the case at all. A good knowledge of your native language can actually help your child with learning English. Bilingual children who are read books and spoken to in their in their native language find it easier to learn to read and write in English when they get to school. More information is at www.bit.ly/1m0agnk

Walk Safely to School Day

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:09 AEDT

Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual, national event when all Primary School children will be encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a Community Event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.

It will be held throughout Australia on Friday 23 May 2014.

The objectives of WSTSD are:

•To encourage parents and carers to walk to school with primary school age children and reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour.

•To promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age.

•To ensure that children up to 10 years old hold an adult's hand when crossing the road.

•To help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians.

•To reduce the car dependency habits that are being created at an early age and which will be difficult to change as children become adults.

•To promote the use of Public Transport.

•To reduce the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles.

•To reduce the level of traffic congestion.

Please support this initiative by walking to school with your child on this day. Talk about safe pedestrian behaviour with your child, as well as the importance of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Books to boost brains

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Literacy skills often progress suddenly in leaps and bounds. The secret is to keep kids of all ages reading over the weekends and school holidays. Even 20 minutes a night can make a huge difference to their reading, comprehension and general knowledge. It's also a great way to settle their minds down before sleep (for adults too!). If your child hasn't found a book that grabs their imagination, why not try them on a series book from the Premier's Reading Challenge list? Here are top suggestions for all ages, including young adult : http://bit.ly/1dLSGC0

Bullying. No Way!

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Our school is taking a stand against bullying and violence.

Our school is taking part in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday, 21 March. We encourage students to behave positively and safely every day but on the National Day of Action we will be shining the spotlight on our anti-bullying strategies.

On Friday, 21 March all classes K – 6 will be participating in lessons and discussions that promote appropriate social skills and aim to prevent bullying behaviour.

The Bullying. No Way! website has information for parents and students of all ages about the National Day of Action and how we can all help create a supportive school environment free from bullying, harassment and violence.

Great books for upper primary students to read

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:07 AEDT

Follow the link for a list of favourite books from the Premier's Reading Challenge team that will inspire kids aged between nine and 13 to read, read, read!

Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/hu/homework-and-study/english/my-book-club/helping-tweens-to-love-reading/ideal-books-for-tweens-to-read

New Friends

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:19:08 AEDT

When new classes are created and your kids discover they've been separated from their friends, it's normal for them to feel a little anxious. How should you react?

Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/wellbeing/development/new-class-without-their-friends