News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:35:47 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.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:20:54 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

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:18:30 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 16:29:39 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.

Thank you Kelso Fruit Market

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 11:05:41 AEDT

We thank Kelso Fruit Market for their wonderful support in providing fruit for every student, every day.

Captain candidates speak to school

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:37:11 AEDT

Year 5 students Mavrick, Xavier and Zachary this week gave speeches to be nominated as Primary School Captains of 2020.

All three confidently delivered very different and extremely well written speeches to a respectful Kindergarten to Year 6 audience and their parents.

We are very proud of all candidates and look forward to the exciting announcement of the results during Presentation Night on Tuesday.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:03:48 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

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 16:38:31 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

NXT7 students

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 10:31:13 AEST

This week we held another NXT7 day to prepare Year 6 students to enter high school in 2020.

The day started with the group feeding our school calf, Chester. Following this they had a Geography lesson with Miss Cullen and then an English lesson with Miss Yeo where students learnt to analyse advertisements and to structure a paragraph.

They attended the school café at recess, where they were given house made choc-chip muffins and a hot chocolate.

In the middle session students had the opportunity to run around and use some of our great sporting facilities with Miss Waldron. In period 4 they compared and contrasted ancient Athens and Sparta and investigated the interesting occurrences of the Ancient World.

For lunch they ate at the café once more, this time a Lebanese delight of falafels, hummus and tabbouleh.

In their final lesson they learnt some Italian with Mrs Rissman and even created their own song in Italian.

A big thank you to all the lovely Year 6 students and the wonderful staff here at Portland Central School who made the day fantastic.

Rainbow mufti day

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 10:33:30 AEST

Last week we held a mufti day to raise funds for the Colour Run event to be held in Term 4.

All students put a huge amount of effort into their costumes and mufti attire. To raise extra funds from staff donations, Miss Cullen helped Andrew McManus shave his mullet off in preparation for the Year 12 Graduation.

A total of $120 was raised and now we are half way to our goal. Thank you to the parents for finding colourful clothing and to all students who made the day exceptional.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:30:02 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 11:21:35 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.

Climate Schools to prevent drug and alcohol introduced through LCC

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 15:09:24 AEST

From Term 4 our school will be participating in the Climate Schools program. The program is for students in Years 8 through to Year 10 with a focus on prevention of drug and alcohol use. The program is designed to empower young people by giving them knowledge about their health and wellbeing. The modules provide curriculum consistent education courses proven to reduce harm and improve student wellbeing.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:30:12 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.

James Cathie in state's top 100

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 12:20:38 AEST

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:44:04 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

Senior students attend HSC and careers day at Charles Sturt University

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 11:36:13 AEST

Four of our senior students attended the HSC Seminar Day at CSU Bathurst. The day involved a number of lectures on English Standard and English Studies, Mathematics and Modern History. The lectures were delivered by experienced HSC teachers and markers and offered great insights into our student’s HSC subjects and upcoming exams.

During the day we also had the opportunity to participate in the Online Agricultural Careers Expo. We heard from several presenters including Landcare, Farmer of the Year, Australian Agricultural Company, Rural Biz Training and Holmes & Sackett about training pathways and careers in the agricultural industry.

Students experience first day in High School

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 14:34:32 AEST

This week we held NXT7, a program for Year 6 students to prepare themselves for high school.

Ten eager students chatted excitedly as they waited for their first 'High School' day to begin. The day started in Food Technology, where students cooked burgers with Mrs Mclean, doing a fantastic job and enjoying it very much. Next they went to English with Miss Yeo, where they took part in short story analysis before completing some comprehension questions and a quiz at the end.

In Period 4 the students studied Science with Mr Kumariah, looking at how air pressure affects objects, specifically an empty fizzy drink can. The students were able to see it crush under the air pressure and were surprised by the noise it made.

To finish the day, students attended Metal Work with Mr Batchelor, creating spinners made out of aluminium and sheet steel.

The day was a fantastic experience for students! Sincerest thanks to all teachers involved in creating such fabulous lessons and giving their time.

James Cathie to compete in State Cross Country

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 14:08:06 AEST

James Cathie represented Portland Central School at the District Cross Country last week, competing in the 16's Boys category.

James came 5^th out of a total of 60 runners and will now progress to the State Cross Country championships.

This is a massive achievement for James, who represents the school with pride and a positive can-do attitude.

We are very proud of James' achievement in running and wish him all the best at State Cross Country.

From the other student’s to compete at District, Lachlan Piggott came 4^th in 10’s Boys and Penelope Cavill-Low came 6^th in 12/13 Girls. Both have made it through to Western Cross Country.

Congratulations to all our students for their wonderful efforts!

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:05:05 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 11:12:11 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 15:29:49 AEST

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

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

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

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:08:00 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

A friendly visit from a healthy giraffe

Wed, 01 May 2019 10:33:13 AEST

On Wednesday we were very excited to welcome Healthy Harold back to our school in the Life Education Van with educator Maree Evans. They provided primary students with interactive, engaging lessons promoting ways to keep our bodies healthy, happy and safe.

The staff and students of Portland Central School would like to thank the Lithgow District Workman’s Club for their assistance in halving the cost of these sessions for our school so all students could have the opportunity to experience the unique and memorable occasion of a Healthy Harold visit.

Celebrating ANZAC women

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:15:03 AEST

Ms Teena Jennings visited our school as a guest speaker for our special ANZAC Day ceremony, held for students and staff to commemorate veterans.

The ceremony was led by our Secondary Captains and Vice-Captain, Kayla Nugent, Alexis Cathie and Andrew McManus, and by our Primary Captains Hannah Moffitt and Penny Cavill-Low. Corey Huckstadt and Harley Tonkin gave the Acknowledgement to Country, followed by the national anthem and a speech from our Principal Murray Borham, who acknowledged the contributions of women in war and military services. “They saved so many lives and provided such great comfort to those in need, and it is great that this year we recognise the brave work they did, and still do.”

Ms Jennings then spoke, introducing herself as a former pupil of our school and telling us that this year marks her 29th anniversary in the Australian Defence Force. “I was fortunate to be posted as the first female soldier into a Calvary REGT which later gave me the opportunity to mentor other young women in these roles. I have served overseas to war zones and on peace keeping missions. I feel very honoured and fortunate that I have had the opportunity to give back to a country that so many men and women sacrificed their lives for.”

She then paid tribute to the work of women in World War I, including those in the war zone and those who remained behind. “The home front women had to deal with the consequences that war brought. Not only did they stress over the family responsibilities, but they also had to manage the ration shortages and endure the painful fears they had for the future and the grief and trauma of losing husbands, fathers or sons. It wasn’t common for women to have jobs before the outbreak of war, however the government called upon women to take an active role in industry such as agriculture and as a labour force in factories.”

The ceremony ended with Ashleigh Pattison and Shannon Stewart delivering The Ode, and The Last Post and Raising of the Flags by Darion Williams and Corey Huckstadt. Ms Jennings then spent time at the school giving talks to students about life in the Defence Force and answered student’s questions.

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:06:30 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.

Renowned Australians inspire our young leaders

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:15:04 AEST

School community takes action against bullying

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:15:05 AEST

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:18:42 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.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:18:02 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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:11:26 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.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:09:32 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.

Students honour Veterans in Remembrance ceremony

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:38:15 AEDT

students4success

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 11:52:24 AEDT

It is hard to believe that Term 4 is here already, and what a busy term it is going to be. K-6 started off the term with our students4success program which aims to prepare our students with the skills and knowledge they will use and expand on during their integrated units in class. This term our topic will be related to changes in communication and products.

A trip to the theatre

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:15:11 AEST

A group of theatre-goers from 7 to 10 at Portland Central School turned up bright and early to jump on the Bullet last Wednesday.

They were on their way to the Opera House to see a modern comedy, ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist,’ at the Sydney Opera House.

After an early lunch at Macdonalds and some time spent exploring the steps of the Australian landmark, the students settled into their seats and waited expectantly for the show to begin.

With an all-female cast playing a troupe of male cops and one manipulative Maniac, this play was a rollercoaster of chaos and laughter.

Hannah Marlowe’s highlight was a moment of ‘dancing and singing,’ when the cops were tricked into performing like buffoons for the Maniac’s amusement.

Max King loved ‘the bit at the end when the Maniac jumped out of the window onto the helicopter,’ leaving the cops handcuffed and confused and the audience impressed by the amazing set design.

It was the all-female cast of actresses that stood out to Ella Lapich, who thought ‘it was good to see that females can do the same roles that males can do.’

The students were respectful, mature and responsible throughout the day, making it a joy for Miss Hodge and Yvonne to take them to Sydney.

A cold cup of gelato and a quick-thinking card game on the train home were the perfect rewards for a wonderful group.

Thank you for a great trip to the Theatre!

School communications survey

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:14:00 AEST

At Portland Central School we want to make sure parents, carers and the community are getting the most from our school communications.

Please take the time to complete our short, three minute survey to let us know what's important to you.

If you've already completed the paper survey in our newsletter, please disregard.

Thank you.

Students welcome calves to the Ag plot

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:15:14 AEST

Excited students at PCS have welcomed some special visitors to our school.

Through Dairy Australia’s Cows Create Careers – Farm Module project, the students will learn about dairy industry careers in a very hands-on way: over five weeks they will rear and care for two calves.

In 2018 fourteen schools in the Central NSW region will participate in the project including ours. A local dairy farmer will teach the students how to care for the calves, and demonstrate skills such as animal husbandry, feeding and weighing. An Industry Advocate will also visit the students to speak about their career in the dairy industry.

Each school is provided with dairy industry curriculum for Years 7-11, at no cost. Over the three-weeks, students are required to form teams to complete industry-based assessments.

Cows Create Careers allows students to learn about the different skills required for a career in the dairy industry in a fun and hands-on way.

Connecting Country Schools

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:51:25 AEST

Our school has been included in the Connecting Country Schools (CCS) project, which is delivering upgraded wireless connectivity and internet access to more than 900 schools around the state.

Planning for installations at our school has commenced with our assigned Technical Officer from the Department’s IT Directorate, who are managing this project.

CCS will deliver upgraded and reliable wireless access in all our learning spaces, assisting teachers to deliver future focused learning to prepare our students for digital age jobs.

Improved wireless and internet services will also give students more chances to connect and collaborate and greater access to online knowledge databases, streaming media, educational institutions and experts.

We are working with our Technical Officer to ensure that disruptions during the installation are kept to a minimum.

Shakespeare excursion

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:47:46 AEST

Students travelled to Parramatta to see Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. By all accounts the students had a fantastic time, and demonstrated exemplary behaviour. Well done everyone!