News

Newsletter - Newsletter Issue 4 of 2021

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:31:43 AEDT

In this Issue:

From the Principal’s Desk
Faculties
ExtraCurricular Activities
Wellbeing
Year 7 Camp
Reflections of the High Achievers' Assembly
Out And About The School
Prefect Body
Lunch Time Groups
Opportunities For Students
Uniform Shop
JRAHS Parents & Citizens Association
Community News

HSC 2020 First in Course

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:39:51 AEDT

Congratulations to all the students from Year 10, 11 and 12 who sat the HSC in 2020 with a particular congratulations to our First in Course.

HSC 2020 top achievers

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:37:37 AEDT

Congratulations to all the Top Achievers.

Get #FirstDay2021 ready for the new school year

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 13:57:47 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 day 1, term 1.

Find out about what your child will learn in high school, how to support their health and wellbeing, and help them make decisions about their future.

There's also a dedicated section for students starting Year 7 and Year 11 & 12 where you'll find tips for a smooth transition into high school, and pathways for students after school.

Video – #FirstDay2021

Duration – 0:49

Our public school students are top class

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 15:19:13 AEDT

Public school students have again dominated the HSC honours securing 71 of the 126 First in Course awards announced today.

Among the high achievers, Sariena Ye from James Ruse Agricultural High School became only the fourth person since 1991 to secure first place in both Chemistry and Physics – and the first female in 27 years to top both subjects.

NSW Education Secretary Mark Scott congratulated the winners and also paid tribute to every student that had completed their HSC in 2020.

“Those students who received a First in Course – and their families - should be rightly proud of their achievements,” Mr Scott said.

“Considering the particular challenges of 2020, we are extremely proud of every student that has shown the determination and resilience to achieve their best and finish their HSC.

“They now leave school with the skills to embark upon a successful life, no matter what they choose next.”

Public school students secured First in Course across a range of subject areas including, among others, three of the five mathematics and English courses, chemistry and physics, science extension, Aboriginal studies, economics, ancient history, languages and visual arts.

Mr Scott said the diversity of subjects topped by public school students showed NSW Education was committed to quality education across all fields of endeavour.

“Our success in the HSC is also a tribute to the quality of teaching and dedication of staff in supporting our students during their final year of schooling.”

The First in Course winners this year came from a wider selection of schools with James Ruse Agricultural High School the most successful school overall, securing six First in Course positions.

James Ruse takes out the 2020 UN Youth Negotiations Competition

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 13:56:16 AEDT

Congratulations to Alice Xie and Marianne Abzack, Year 10 students, who have won the 2020 UN Youth Negotiations Competition. Congratulations also goes to Year 11 students, Rabiha Etri and Vanessa Ngo, another Ruse team who reached the Semi-finals as well.

The UN Youth Negotiations Competition involved 80 delegates forming 40 teams coming from 20 different schools. Over the whole competition, there were 45 matches completed over 10 days in a 2 month period. All 40 teams competed in 2 preliminary rounds which determined the 8 semi-finalists, who then competed again to determine the 2 Grand Finalists. .

Throughout the competition, teams of two acted as representatives for different countries to negotiate terms that would benefit both countries while resolving various requirements. In the Grand Final Negotiations between Russia v Ukraine, Marianne and Alice representing Ukraine, were victorious to become the 2020 UN Youth Negotiations Competition Winners.

Their winning solution in the Grand Final Negotiations follows:

"In the Grand-Final Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, we represented Ukraine to work on solutions for the Crimea. We used this map to propose a solution for an expansion of military and naval bases for Russian forces in a Crimea that would be ruled by a Crimean government, but with some governing/influence by Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine benefits economically and in the long-term because, in the proposal, Crimea keep Ukrainian passports – allowing for negotiations further on to make it easier for the Ukraine to regain Crimea since they don't yet have a distinct identity – and Russia seeks increased military dominance of the Black Sea since it feels increasingly isolated by NATO alliances. This is a mitigation strategy because we felt that the Ukraine's goal could not be achieved by total Russian annexation of Crimea. We also confidentially planned for meetings with NATO to form a strategy over the coming decades to regain Crimea.

We also proposed a 'Golden Week' (as Japan does) which would be a week-long holiday (3-10 March) in eastern Crimea inviting Russian and Ukrainian tourists in a celebration based on the Crimean Tatar celebration of the arrival of Spring. The goal would be to foster better relations between the two governments and their citizens and benefit the economy.”

First place in Australian Cancer & Health Sciences Competition

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 11:29:38 AEDT

Sharlyn Tan (Year 10) was placed first and Thirteen of our Year 10 students competed in this very challenging competition.

The Young Scientists Awards

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 11:17:05 AEDT

A second place in Engineering and Technology category and a Bronze Award for the Rowe Scientific Depth Study.

Australia’s first gold medal at International Chemistry Olympiads

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 11:21:26 AEDT

Australia’s first gold medal at International Chemistry Olympiads since 2005 and a Bronze medal too!

Richard Huang, a Year 12 student from James Ruse Agricultural High School has won a gold medal at the recent International Chemistry Olympiad. And a bronze medal was won by his team-mate Sariena Ye.

The event, that would normally bring together hundreds of talented students from across the globe to sit a five-hour theory and five-hour practical exam, was adapted so students could compete virtually. This year, students sat the five-hour theory exam in their own countries, within a time window. Richard competed against 235 students from 60 countries to win gold, finishing in the top 10 per cent of Chemistry students in the world. This year’s remote access International Chemistry Olympiad was coordinated from Istanbul, Turkey. This was Richard’s third International Chemistry Olympiad, having represented Australia in 2018 and 2019.

When asked about his experience, Richard said, “It has been a very exciting and valuable journey with the Chemistry Olympiad program and I feel so happy and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent Australia three times at the International Chemistry Olympiad and at last win the gold medal this year.”

Richard was part of a four-member team representing Australia at the international competition. One of Richard’s team-mates was Sariena Ye, another Year 12 student,also from James Ruse Agricultural High School who won a bronze medal.

Schools Spectacular remixed for television

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:48:14 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’

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 13:32:46 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.

School Updates App - be prepared for any emergency

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:39:47 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

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:23:04 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.

Summer skills for 2020 Year 12 school leavers

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:36 AEDT

A fee-free vocational training and skills support package is available to all NSW Year 12 school leavers this summer.

A new Summer Skills package of fee-free training and skills support is now available to all 2020 Year 12 school leavers.

A range of flexible options are available for Year 12 school leavers catering for different interests and lifestyles. Undertaking a short vocational course can help school leavers learn more about their interests and could lead to the next job.

It has been a challenging and unique year with COVID-19 and other end-of-school pressures and this skills package can help bridge the gap between leaving school and starting the next step in life.

Year 12 leavers can buddy up with friends or join fee-free courses to meet other school leavers with similar interests.

The vocational courses will be available this summer and throughout 2021.

The skills and training support package for school leavers is part of the JobTrainer NSW package.

More information about the support package is available via the NSW Department of Education Summer Skills webpage.

2021 term dates now available

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:25:55 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 18:50:04 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

More Encore nominated performances

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 10:41:03 AEDT

Year 11 Music SH completed their HSC Music Written exam on Wednesday 21^stSeptember 2020.

They have worked very hard and deserve to be acknowledged for not only great performances but interesting compositions and their passion for musical score analysis!

Year 12 Graduation 2020

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 13:50:46 AEDT

Year 12 Graduation 2020

James Ruse takes out the 2020 UN Youth Negotiations Competition

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 10:46:10 AEDT

Congratulations to Alice and Marianne , Year 10 students, who have won the 2020 UN Youth Negotiations Competition. Congratulations also goes to Year 11 students, Rabiha Etri and Vanessa Ngo, another Ruse team who reached the Semi-finals as well.

New resources to help HSC students stay healthy

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:39 AEDT

With only a month until the first written HSC exams, Year 12 students have an extra place to look for support.

Year 12 and the HSC can be a stressful time, and this year’s students have already overcome bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department has brought together new and updated tools to help HSC students stay healthy, active and connected as they finish their final weeks of school.

Stay healthy HSC includes:

advice about looking after your own mental health and checking in on friends from ReachOut.com
exam tips from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
on-demand video lessons, written by teachers, to help with study.

Visit Stay healthy HSC to explore the resources.

HSC Music 2020 performances

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:26:17 AEST

On the 27^th August the music students shared their expertise with a select COVID safe audience in preparation for their HSC performances in Week 8.

Now that compositions have been submitted and HSC practical exams are finished, I am sure you will enjoy some of the performances.

Let the Game Changer Challenge begin

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:38 AEDT

The semifinalist teams for the virtual Game Changer Challenge 2020 have been announced.

From all corners of NSW 420 students will use their design thinking skills to explore tangible solutions for a real world wicked problem in the 2020 Game Changer Challenge.

Hundreds of applications from NSW public schools were received for the Game Changer Challenge, which this year will be delivered as a colossal virtual event with seven semifinals culminating in a grand final.

The 84 primary and secondary student teams will aim to solve the real world problem: “How might we use technology to bring everyone in our community closer together?”

The student applications covered COVID-19 restrictions, including innovative ways to social distance and sanitise, cutting-edge technology like aerial transport systems, and new ways to ease social isolation, combat racism and build community for people with disability.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said today’s students will solve the great challenges of the future.

“To flourish in this world they will need to be deep thinkers, critical and reflective, empathetic and creative,” he said.

“The Game Changer Challenge aims to highlight and develop these future-focused skills.”

The 84 student teams were judged into the semifinals by a panel of Department of Education executives and design thinking and STEM advisers. The judges were looking for the design thinking trifecta of desirability, feasibility and viability in the students’ applications.

Design thinking is a human-centred approach to solving complex problems, with empathy and collaboration at the heart of the process.

The teams selected for the 2020 Game Changer Challenge will attend an intensive workshop in the semifinals from 27 October to 13 November where they will learn and apply the design thinking process to build on their video application.

They will be guided through the process by expert facilitators and a series of videos produced with thought leaders in technology and innovation.

The winners of the seven semi-finals will be judged in a virtual grand final event for the title of 2020 Game Changer Challenge Champion on 1 December.

Visit the Game Changer Challenge webpage for the full list of semifinalists.

Our Knitwits group is "Warming The World With Love"

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:20:57 AEST

The knitting group delivered 10 blankets to the organisation "Wrap with Love" which has provided 51,5807 blankets for people both in Australia and the world.

Currently, the blankets are being packed to be sent off to Moldova, which we are told should arrive in time for winter.

A gallery wall

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:19:52 AEST

A wall of portraits of past Principals.

Updates to COVID-19 restrictions affecting NSW schools

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:09:19 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 17:15:52 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.

Dripping with sweetness

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:12:03 AEST

The recent frosts have triggered the sugars in the fruit making for perfect fresh fruit juicing.

Year 7 isolation concert – A gift for you

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 12:23:27 AEST

Some amazing students in Year 7 have been hard at work during the holidays producing the Year 7 Isolation Concert. These performers only had one week to learn their pieces but they were all so excited to work together and share it with their grade and all their teachers.

Forty years of service and a farewell to deputy principal Annette St Louis

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 11:23:10 AEST

This term, we said farewell to Deputy Principal Annetta St Louis who, after a forty year career in the Department of Education, retired to develop her plans for an Educational Consultancy Firm and to spend more time on her hobbies and on travel.

Throughout her time as Deputy Principal, Ms St Louis relieved as Principal extensively. She had a particular interest in student wellbeing and was instrumental in transforming the wellbeing system at Ruse. She has been described as “Incredibly creative and a visionary” always looking for better ways to enhance classroom learning. The Critical and Creative Thinking Program of 2020 would not exist without the effort she put into developing the earlier versions of the program for Year 7 Orientation at Ruse.

She will be remembered for her iconic sayings, “May the Ruse be with you,” and “Magic happens every day at James Ruse.”

The bottle top mural - The journey!

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 08:34:07 AEST

Why bottle tops?

Bottle tops are sliced off during recycling because the colour can contaminate the clear or white plastic that is wanted for.

Each week we saw the Mural from small beginnings take shape and form until its completion. It now takes pride of place in the CAPA space.

It began with a simple idea to try and turn something that can pollute the earth to a beautiful Mural for the whole school.

The James Ruse rose

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 13:31:11 AEST

Did you know that we have our own rose?

Curriculum reform focuses on deep learning

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 08:38:34 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 11:40:52 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.

Year 7 critical and creative thinking project

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 08:21:53 AEST

The students in Year 7 completed a task at the end of the last term, which involved creating collaborative sculptures around social issues.

Camellia Alley

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 10:08:59 AEST

A walk down to the James Ruse farm takes you past all these beautiful Camellias.

Covid 19 Picture Book by a James Ruse student

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:25:20 AEST

There has been much frustration and boredom with self- isolating in these school holidays but Mahica Jain alleviated the frustration by writing an outstanding book called “Connected Apart”, dedicating it to her teachers and all the other teachers in the world, doing what they do and for continuing to spread hope in these uncertain times”. It was beautifully illustrated by Abigail Caraguay.

A visit from Trundle Central School (a school from drought affected region of NSW)

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 22:23:36 AEST

We had a very special guest Mr. Southon, the Principal of Trundle Central travel 400km to visit our school in February. His talk to our school about the effects of drought on his community was an insightful and eye-opening experience for our fellow peers.

At the end of the assembly, we gifted him with $2010 in cash and $2030 in gift cards which were raised by the Prefect body from Chrusemas and Valentine’s Day merchandise. Mr. Southon mentioned that the last shop in town closed down, so now they have to travel about 100km just to get to the nearest store and these gift cards would be used to buy essential household items.

NSW students return to the classroom full-time

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:34 AEDT

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 hygiene 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 16:19:25 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 18:42:49 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 10:12:52 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

Fri, 01 May 2020 12:02:22 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!

Video – NSW Education LIVE sneak peek

Duration – 0:30

Check out this special sneak peek of NSW Education LIVE – 8:45am weekdays from 29 April.

NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:13:53 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.

test

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:04:19 AEST

Keep your family entertained these school holidays

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 19:15:55 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.

Latest schools info

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 23:11:09 AEDT

Schools are open and no student will be turned away. Parents have been encouraged to keep their children at home if possible.

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

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 16:22:15 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 19:22:32 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.

Official opening of the newly renovated science labs (Powe Block)

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:11:38 AEDT

The official opening of the labs was a real treat with the speeches, the cutting of the ribbon, demonstrations of the new classrooms, and a tour of the new facilities.

Many special guests attended from ex – students Associate Professor Elizabeth New, Dr. Chameen Samarawickrama Dr.Madhura Killedar and Dr. Chris Nahm (who was unable to attend the launch) came in to have a sneak preview of the rooms the week before.

Current and ex members of the Science staff including staff who used to work in the Science Faculty, those who currently work in the Science Faculty, ex Principal Megan Connors and members of the P&C also attended .The opening finished off with an afternoon tea.

Opening of the new Science Labs in Powe Block

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 11:57:21 AEDT

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:34 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.

Join us for your HSC journey

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:33 AEDT

The HSC can be one of the most exciting moments of high school. Here’s how to be prepared.

We’re committed to supporting every student to do their best – especially during the HSC – and making sure every student is known, valued and cared for.

For HSC students, we’ve got advice on how to make the most of your study, set healthy habits and finish out high school in style.

Check out our HSC resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Year 12

Duration – 1:00

News Article Jan 2021

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:33 AEDT

Article description for Jan 2021 News Article.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:50:56 AEDT

Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.

We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.

We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into...

For families of students starting Year 7:

download our Getting ready for high school booklet
read our top tips for a smooth transition.

For families of returning students:

visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
check out our hints for setting up a study space.

Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school

Duration – 1:00

Congratulations - First in State

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 09:46:31 AEDT

Congratulations to the following students and all the staff who taught, nurtured and supported them over the years.

First in State

Eunice Cheng - Science Extension
Jason Liu - Software Design and Development
Jocelyn Hon - Maths Extension
Kim Zheng - Maths Extension 1

Help for families preparing for return to school

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:49:33 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education is working to support school communities affected by the summer bushfires to ensure a return to school as normal as possible for as many students as possible.

We encourage students and families who have been affected directly and indirectly to seek practical help through government and non-government agencies such as the NSW government’s Office of Emergency Management. The department also provides advice to assist parents, teachers and students.

The Office of Emergency Management has a list of bushfire recovery assistance contacts including emergency accommodation, animal welfare, recovery allowances and payments, farm and business assistance, legal assistance, water assistance, and counselling.

Affected staff can seek support through the Department’s Employee Assistance Program during the holiday and in term time, and counselling will be available for students and staff through their school once term begins.

The assessment of school buildings and facilities affected by the fires was started by officers of School Infrastructure NSW as soon as it was safe to do so, in order that school communities can be advised as soon as possible about the status of their school, and, if necessary, alternative arrangements.

It is expected that the vast majority of students will be returning to school as normal: advice about preparing for the start of school is on the Department’s Back to School page, but families facing any additional difficulty can also contact their school once term begins.

The school safety page will be updated with a list of government and non-government schools that are not operational.

Staying healthy into the new school year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 09:01:37 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 16:56:02 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.

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) Medal Ceremony

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 12:11:58 AEDT

Following the State Awards last Tuesday, three James Ruse students were announced as medal winners in the AMC. The students and their parents were invited to attend the National Awards Ceremony at Government House in Melbourne. Congratulations to Kevin Du (7), Stella Jeong (8) and Alexander Phan (11). These students were among the twenty top award recipients nationally.

A remarkable achievement

RACI Titration Competition

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:08:20 AEDT

The RACI Regional Titration competition was held on Saturday 14 June and there were 24 students from JRAHS (8 x teams of 3) who participated at UNSW. There were 50 teams from schools across the state at this venue.

Congratulations to Alvin Deng, Dineth Fernando and Alexander Phan who came first and were then invited to participate in the National Titration Competition on Saturday 14 September. They received two gold and one silver medal at the National Competition.

There was also a team who came 3rd in the Regional competition and Amanda Shi gained a perfect score in the regional competition.

NSW Arts Unit PULSE Concert 2019

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 09:17:48 AEDT

Eunice Chen performed a violin solo Rondo Op.69 by Dmitri Kabelvesky at the NSW Arts Unit Pulse 2019 Concert held at the Sydney Opera House and was also a part of the whole cast performance of a medley of Queen songs.

Goodbye and Good luck to the Graduating Class of 2019 Year 12

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:24:19 AEDT

The last week of last term saw several activities for our Year 12 Graduating class.

We were entertained with singing, dancing, a game of Kahoots and a Big Band medley on Monday afternoon as the Year 12 students bid farewell to the school in their farewell concert. They are certainly a talented group of students.

An official Graduation Ceremony was held in our school auditorium on Tuesday. Parents, relatives and teachers joined us congratulating our students on finishing Year 12 and high school. We all shared in a delicious luncheon afterwards on the front lawn which was beautifully decorated with a marquee.

Wednesday was Beach day where all Year 12 students attended a fun-filled and relaxing day at Balmoral beach. There was picnicking, beach volleyball and Frisbees on a beautiful spring day where students spent their last day of school with their friends. Much singing occurred on the buses to and from the beach.

We wish our Year 12 students the very best in their HSC exams and in their future endeavours.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:00:14 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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:11:03 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.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

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 – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:25:23 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.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:22:37 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

test

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 14:27:32 AEST

Launch of UNSW Girls in Engineering Club

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 16:03:23 AEST

It was an exciting opportunity for our female students to be a part of the UNSW Girls in Engineering Club and explore Engineering which is usually a male dominated industry, attending workshops and also talking with female engineers who were on the panel on the day.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:51:17 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 11:26:33 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 11:41:17 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 15:55:00 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.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:10:47 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 14:15:02 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.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:27:40 AEDT

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Coming events

Sun, 17 Feb 2019 21:21:40 AEDT

Week 4A

Monday 18th February 2019

Shakespeare Carnival

Wednesday 20th February 2019

Valentine's Day Dance

Thursday 21st February 2019

SRC Planning Day (whole day)

Mothers Club Meeting in Lecture Theatre

Friday 22nd February 2019

Quad Schools

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:20:29 AEDT

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Family feedback about schools always welcome

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:11:16 AEDT

We know the quality of the relationship between families and schools has a direct impact on student wellbeing and educational outcomes.

There will be times when parents and carers want to ask a question, raise an issue or make a complaint about our schools and it can be hard for families to know where to start. Families have told us that it can be difficult to find the right person to talk to, or don’t know what steps to take to bring an issue to someone’s attention.

A short video, produced in consultation with schools, is helping families find the right person if they have a question or want to raise an issue, make a complaint or provide a compliment. The video encourages families to contact their school or the department early and in a positive way to help resolve any issues together.

The video complements information on our website and is an accessible way for families to find out about the complaints process. Positive feedback is also important and families are encouraged to let us know when something has gone well.

Visit the complaints, compliments and suggestions webpage for more information.

2019 school budget allocations

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 13:48:34 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.

Official opening of the Gymnasium

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 14:17:46 AEST

Our official Gymnasium opening will be held on Wednesday 26th September.

Date: Wednesday 26th September 2018

Time: 4pm

2018 International Science Olympiad

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:58:13 AEDT

Our school has been awarded five medals in the 2018 International Science Olympiad when competing against 1,200 of the world's best in rigorous theory and practical examinations.

Silver Medal

Richard Huang
Raymond Li
Wayne Wong
Kim Zheng

Bronze Medal

Phillip Liang

Gillian Haslehust-Smith retirement

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:45:37 AEST

Congratulations and thank you to Gillian Haslehust-Smith who retired on Wednesday after serving our school for 25 years and 5 months. Gillian was a wonderful asset to our support staff and served the school generously over this time. Working closely with three Principals, Gillian organised over 100 formal ceremonies – Awards Days, Presentation Nights, ANZAC services, Cadet Passing Out Parades and Prefect Inductions. A consummate professional, every event Gillian organised honoured our traditions and ensured every student and teacher felt special. Gillian worked closely with over 26 prefect bodies and is well remembered by our past captains and prefects.

Mrs Haslehust-Smith has proof read and edited thousands of Year 12 references; taken hours of minutes (in perfect shorthand), ensured the successful enrolment of all students and been a friend and advisor to many parents. As a member of our staff, Gillian will be missed. A wonderful friend is retiring and we wish Gillian a spectacular retirement filled with holidays, singing and music. On Wednesday our Year 12 Jazz Ensemble led by Ms Jenns serenaded Ms Haslehust-Smith on the steps of Barrengary House. Their beautiful voices singing “Goodnight Sweetheart” evoked many tears in Gillian’s colleagues and friends

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

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 15:34:16 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public schools building great Australian lives

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 15:37:54 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information on the foundation is available on their website.

New uniform policy for NSW public schools

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 15:36:19 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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