News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:52:12 AEDT

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

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

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:59:16 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 16:13:06 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 16:41:04 AEDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:07:59 AEDT

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

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

This year's events will feature:

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

Group bookings

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

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

Tickets for you and your family and friends

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

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:33:20 AEST

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

Have your say today on before and after school care.

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

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

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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:20:03 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.

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 11:38:14 AEST

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

You and your child can find information on:

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

A toolkit to empower you and your child

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

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

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

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

Keep your child safe and happy online

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

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:00:28 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 11:33:09 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:19:59 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 15:04:20 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 15:06:44 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 14:16:34 AEST

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

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

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

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

Children born in Australia

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

Adults born in Australia

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

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

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:14:28 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:52:18 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:22:42 AEDT

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

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

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

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Premier highlights the value of public education

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 12:56:24 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCLC Performing Arts Festival 2018

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

Save the date!

The SCLC Performing Arts Festival is being held during Education Week in Term 3, Week 3, 6th August to 10th August.

Students from our Sapphire Coast schools will perform from 7th August to 9th August.

The Festival will be held in the Bega Commemorative Centre, Zingel Place, Bega.

Tickets will go on sale soon through www.trybooking.com/WSNA

It is always a highlight to see our talented students from across our schools come together to perform.

Notes

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

All notes that go home for an excursion or event are attached to the date on the calendar. Click on the calendar link and go to the date of event. If you have any trouble finding them, please give us a call on 6495 6006.

School Stream App

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

IMPROVING THE WAY SCHOOL COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS AND STUDENTS

School Stream mobile apps and website applications have been designed and developed in collaboration with Australian teachers, staff, students and parents in response to the growing and ongoing digital communication needs of school communities. School Stream delivers information directly to parents and students on their mobile devices providing instant access to events, news, assessment notifications, sport updates, school travel information and much more. Stay connected and communicate with the school.

School Stream Brochure (pdf 2197 KB)

Parent Online Payment System

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

It will be soon possible to make Online Payments for all of your child's school costs.

More information will be sent home closer to the date. We are hoping to have this option available in October.

Parent Online Payment Info (pdf 110 KB)

School Year dates

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

2016

Term 1

27th January to Friday 8th April

Term 2

26th April to 1st July

Term 3

18th July to 23rd September

Term 4

10th October to 16th December

A Day Made Better

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

A Day Made Better

A Day Made Better rewards and recognises exceptional primary and secondary school teachers across the country. We invite parents, students and fellow staff members, or anyone who has ever known an exceptional teacher to show their appreciation by giving them the recognition they deserve.

P&C News

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

P & C now meets on the first Tuesday of each month during term. Meetings are held in the staffroom and all parents and community members are welcome. Come along and share your ideas to support our school. For more information please contact:

pambulapandc@gmail.com

Pambula Public School Uniform

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

Our uniform service is operated by volunteers allowing the P&C to provide families with very low cost uniforms.

To place and order:

Collect a uniform order sheet from the sample rack outside the Staff Room or download from the link below.
Place the completed form in the silver box in the office foyer.
Payment by cash, cheque or direct deposit is accepted. Sorry, credit card facilities are not available.
Uniforms will be delivered to your child at school.

You may also book an appointment by contacting the school office.

Uniform Order Form (pdf 49 KB)

Our Health, Our Way

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

It's OUR Health OUR Way. We want our young mob to be proactive about health. NSW Kids and Families have worked with 33 Creative (tag) to develop these deadly clips that let you know more about your health.

What's important? How do I find out more? Who can I talk to? Get involved and be a part of changing the face of health for our young people. #healthourway. For more information click on the link.

Our Health Our Way

Digital Communication

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

As many of you would be aware, our school has been moving towards digital communication with our community over recent years. Newsletters from the school to parents are currently done in the traditional manner of printed material given to students. Unfortunately, this form of communication is slow, often not getting home, expensive to the school (in paper and printing) and environmentally unfriendly. Many families are already utilising our school website to view events, school notes and photo galleries so this is a much better option than the printed version. Our Facebook page is another opportunity for communication about our school. Remember , you do not need a personal Facebook account to be able to access our Pambula Public School page.

2015 School Dates

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

Term 1

27th January 2015 - Staff Development Day

28th January 2015 - Students start

2nd April 2015 - End of Term

Term 2

20th April 2015 - Staff Development Day

21st April 2015 - Students start

26th June 2015 - End of Term

Term 3

13th July 2015 - Staff Development Day

14th July 2015 - Students start

18th September 2015 - End of Term

Term 4

6th October 2015 - Students start

16th December 2015 - End of Term

Pambula Public School Students to Perform at Southern Stars 2013

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

The students of Pambula Public School attended the Southern Stars 'Tribute to the Humble Newspaper' on Wednesday 27th August through to Sunday1st Spetember. They performed 4 shows, playing to 2000 patrons each show.

20 of our drumming students, Teacher, Ms Suzy Johnson and Principal, Mr Mark Thomson, had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Kindergarten Orientation Program

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

Is your child starting school next year? We encourage you to contact us if you would like to discuss enrolment at Pambula Public School in 2014.

Our first orientation activity involves a meeting introducing key personnel you and your child will come into contact with at school. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and see a student performance presented by our current Kindergarten students.

Orientation days will be held on;

Thursday, 17th October

Thursday 24th October and

Thursday 31st October.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 6495 6006.

School attendance

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

Being away from school is not cool!

This is the message Home School Liasion Officer Phil Kellaway would like to get across to our parents and students.

Although our school has an enviable attendane rate (It is one of the highest in the Region), it is still important to remind parents and students that being absent from school does have an impact on student learning.

The attached document makes interesting reading.

School Attendance (pdf, 760 KB)

2012 Kinder Enrolment

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:00 AEST

To support your child and family at this very exciting time, Pambula Public School has organised a range of activities designed to assist you as you prepare your child for ‘Big School'.

We firmly believe that the establishment of a positive relationship between home and school should be developed as early as possible. It is our endeavour to not only welcome your child to Pambula Public School, but to also welcome you to our school family.

As you browse through the orientation program, you will notice a number of opportunities that will allow you to become informed of school life, to seek answers to questions, introduce your child to class, meet key personnel and mix with other parents in a relaxed, informal setting.

Mark Thomson,

Principal

Kindergarten Orientation Program (pdf, 840 KB)

Enrolment

Family Golf Day

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

Our hard-working P&C have organised a fun family golf day to raise money for the school.

Come along and have some fun, whether you are a golfing legend or have never set foot on a golf course this day is for you.

More details attached...Family Golf Day (pdf, 150 KB)

Starting School at Pambula

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:03 AEST

In 2010 at Kinder Orientation all incoming Kinder students are buddied-up with a Year Five student. This arrangement supports every new Kinder student, providing them with an older buddy student to help them settle into school life at the start of Kindergarten.

Week 4 Assembly

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:03 AEST

The Week 4 Assembly celebrated the induction of the Pambula Public School Student Representative Council for Semester 1, 2011. This week our SRC coordinated the fundraiser 'Maroon for Qld' to support public schools affected by the Qld floods recently.
Three students from each class also received Class Awards recognising excellent work habits and efforts in learning.
See the photo albums for more photos.

Kids' Conference

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:01 AEST

'Building Young Leaders' Kids' Conference ~ Pambula Public School recently hosted this Conference for Years 4,5 & 6. The focus of the conference was Leadership. Karen Boyes presented 2 inspiring keynote addresses. Students participated in a range of workshops understanding how the Brain works, exploring mLearning technologies and understanding the value of goal setting. The Kids' Conference was supported by the SE Area CAP program.

SRC Breakfast

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

The SRC have commenced their Breaky Program for all students each Tuesday morning before school. Today's launch was a huge success, as the photos indicate!
Congrats to Mrs O, Miss Burke and the SRC.

SRC Leadership Training

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

Recently the Student Representative Council (SRC) participated in a full day of leadership training workshops designed to promote relationships between students, develop communication and leadership skills and provide further opportunities for our students to become leaders in our school. More photos are available (see albums below).
Mrs Nugent designed and coordinated the day's interactive and challenging activities. The SRC is comprised of 2 student reps from each class as well as our school Sports' House Captains/Prefects and School Captains/Prefects. This year class teachers Mrs O'Halloran and Miss Burke are managing the SRC.
The aim of the SRC at Pambula PS is to provide a real 'voice' for our students, communicating with Staff, P & C and the wider community.