News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:51:24 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 12:57:29 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 16:11:17 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 16:39:33 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 11:06:57 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 13:33:03 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 11:19:47 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 11:37:50 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 13:59:56 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 11:32:44 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 12:19:34 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 15:03:31 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 15:06:29 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 14:13:08 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 13:14:05 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.

UPS new School Chaplain

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:08:13 AEDT

Welcome Jono!

Jonathon "Jono" Wright joined us at UPS last week as our new School Chaplain. It is very refreshing to have an adult male in the school and the students quickly made him feel right at home, part of the UPS family. Jono is going to be in the school on Tuesdays and Fridays as part of the Chaplaincy Program and Student Wellbeing School Program. He will be escorting the students to Columbo Lodge on Tuesday mornings, taking time to get to know the students by working in the classroom and Im sure as time goes on he will add his own personal style to the role.

Please pop in and say hello!

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:51:42 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 12:22:14 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.

Blossum Possum

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:13:19 AEST

students enjoyed putting on an impromptu play

Premier highlights the value of public education

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:50:42 AEST

Kiama and Parramatta public schools hosted the launch of Education Week today.

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, with (from left): Education Minister Rob Stokes; State Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee; Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott; student performers and comperes, and the Principal of Parramatta Public School, Gail Charlier (far right).

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."

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

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:49:34 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."

New uniform policy for NSW public schools

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:48:21 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.

Free School Dental Service

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

Dear Parents,

We are concerned that parents are not aware of their children's eligibility to use the School Dental Service.

It does not matter what school your child attends.

We used to visit once a year to assess the children at the school, but this service has bee stopped and parents now can bring the children to the clinic for a full check up. Please make this an annual event unless otherwise advised.

DO NOT wait until your child is in pain before making an appointment as offten this is too late to save the tooth.

All children between the ages of 0 to 18 years can have FREE treatment at the local School Dental Clinic.

To make an appointment, please first contact

1800 450 046

If anyone would like further information please contact the above number.

Yours Faithfully,

Sue Thornburrow

Dental Therapist

Leeton

Primary D&T

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:14 AEST

Our upper Primary students have been enjoying their work with Mr McCutcheon in Design and Technology recently. Their current hand-tool woodworking projects are coming along quite nicely. What a great opportunity it is for our Primary students to have the expertise of Mr McCutcheon for their Design and Technology learning!

And the winner is... Miss Elith!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:12 AEST

It was very exciting to travel to Melbourne on Friday June 17 to celebrate with Miss Elith and her family as she was awarded one of ten National Inspirational Teaching Awards.

The ceremony was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Windsor, which was fittingly lavish for the high quality of teachers receiving awards. Ten teachers from across Australia came together for what will no doubt be the highlight of their careers. As we heard their stories, one clear similarity stood out between them all. Each one demonstrated deep humility about being included in such elite company. There was mutual respect from each of them, who saw their own efforts as simply doing their job. But as we at Urana all know, Miss Elith does so much more than "just her job"! Her passion for teaching, and her determination to provide opportunities for students is what sets her apart.

Professor Stephen Dinham spoke at the ceremony of the importance of high quality teachers in making a real difference for students. He stated: "Life isn't fair, but good teaching and good schools are the best means we have of overcoming disadvantage and opening the doors of opportunity for young people".

Congratulations Miss Elith! You thoroughly deserve your award for the opportunities you provide for young people in Urana, and for your leadership in making Urana Central School such a great learning environment for students.

For more information on the awards, see the NEiTA media release.

Playwriting Workshop

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:14 AEST

On Tuesday, 10th May, students in Years Seven to Ten participated in a two hour Playwriting Workshop run by the Belvoir Theatre Company in Sydney. As part of their Regional Workshop Program, Tahli Corin visited Urana Central School to present a dynamic workshop to challenge and inspire them to write.
The students did not need any prior experience of playwriting. During this workshop students explored ways of writing to find an idea, were stimulated to question their concept of what a play is, how to create active and surprising characters and how to create and build dramatic tension through dialogue.

All students filled pages and pages with writing and participated in improvisation games. The English teachers also learnt a lot of new strategies to take back to their classrooms. All in all it was a very valuable experience!

Greater Hume Youth Week

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

Students from Urana Central School travelled to Lockhart for Youth week activities as part of their rewards day. Congratulations go to Andrew for winning an iPod. "The Folk Musician" was incredible on the guitar and his singing kept the students enthralled for the entire time he was playing. The behaviour of Urana students and the way they integrated with students from other schools was exemplary.

Thanks to Kylie Hruz for organising such a great event.

Tracksuit Orders Now Being Taken

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:14 AEST

After considerable consultation with students, parents, the P&C and the school executive, a final decision has been made regarding the school tracksuits. Students will be permitted to wear the new tracksuits on any school day, but will need to wear dress pants or shorts when representing the school in non sport based activities.

A full explanation, along with a school tracksuit order form is available here:

Tracksuit order form (pdf, 562 KB)

Order forms need to be returned to the front office by Friday April 29, 2011.

Motivational Media

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

On Tuesday the 29th March Mrs Hughes and Mrs Ray had the pleasure of travelling with Year 6-10 students to Lockhart Central School to take part in a day of collaborative fun with other local central schools (Oaklands, The Rock, Lockhart).

After singing 'The wheels on the bus' (57 times) the driver dropped us at the Lockhart Town Hall where we were met enthusiastically by the Shire Youth Officer Kylie Hruz who ushered us inside to the video presentation sound and light spectacular; all the students were mesmerised and sat transfixed throughout the show. The students were particularly impressed by Steven Dale who not only managed to survive a 30mtr fall onto rocks, he also made a full recovery and is now able to walk.

After the presentation we were chauffeured back to the Lockhart school where we ate our lunch and participated in some friendly basketball competition. Unfortunately we were unable to stay for the whole afternoon's sporting activities, but we look forward to the next opportunity to meet with our fellow central schools.

Both Mrs Ray and Mrs Hughes were so impressed with the general behaviour of the school that all of the students who attended the afternoon were awarded with 'Excellent Ambassadors for the school' awards.

Harmony Day Happenings

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

HARMONY DAY

On March 21st Urana Central School celebrated Harmony Day. It was an opportunity for staff and teachers to work together to discuss the importance of cultural diversity in Australia and in our school.

Celebrations commenced with a BBQ at lunchtime run by the school's Student Equity Advisory Team. Content with nourishment we were then ready to go.

Throughout the afternoon students worked together in mixed aged groups to complete a number of challenging, yet rewarding activities. These included jumbo twister, harmony soccer and role playing the importance of harmony day. To conclude the session students performed their skits for each other, sharing important messages.

Thank you to all students and staff who made the experience one to remember and learn from!

"So you're telling me without cultural diversity we wouldn't get to experience new things....."

"That was so much fun!"

"It was great to see all the teachers and all the students getting involved."

A harmonious school is a school working well!

UCS Furniture Sale

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:14 AEST

On Monday March 7, 2011, Urana Central School will be holding a second hand furniture sale. With the recent changes to rooms, we now have quite a selection of excess tables, chairs etc. You are welcome to come up to the school at any time during the day on Monday, and place a maximum bid on any of the items for sale. On Tuesday, all bidders will be contacted, and winning bidders will then be able to collect their items.

The money raised will be used on educational resources for our students. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

WORLD SPELLING DAY 3rd March

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:15 AEST

World Spelling Day involves students from all over the world playing against each other in real-time spelling battles using Spellodrome as the game engine.

Because all students at Urana Central School are already enrolled in Spellodrome they are automatically registered for World Spelling Day.

Students from Kindergarten through Year 10 will have the opportunity to spend 50 minutes of class time in the competition. They may then continue the competition at home any time during the 24 hour period using their own logins.

All students who participate will earn a school merit award.

UCS Premier's Reading Challenge

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:15 AEST

Students from years five through eight are participating in this year's Premier's Reading Challenge.

They have each been given a Personal Reading Log to record the title and author of each book they read between now and September 1st.

For every five books they read, they will receive a school merit award.

If they reach their goal of twenty books (15 from the official challenge list, and 5 of their own choice) they will be entered onto the Premier's Honour Roll and receive a certificate from the New South Wales Premier.

I encourage you to ask your child about the books they are currently reading.

You can find out more about the challenge by going to https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html .

More great books!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

It was great to again be able to give out the free books as part of the Books in Homes program. Mrs Dore organised everyone with their selections, and the new books were distributed after assembly on Thursday. The new library bags also look great!

One proven strategy to help children improve their learning, is to give them a love of reading. Parents can help young children greatly by taking an interest in the new books, and reading along with their child.

We are very appreciative of the Priority Schools funding that has allowed us to participate in this fantastic program. And we all look forward to the next instalment in Term 2!

Reading really is fun!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:14 AEST

Books in Homes program provides the motivation to enjoy reading at home.

The Books in Homes program got off to a fantastic start this week at Urana Central School when students from Kindergarten to Yr 10 received their 3 new books for this term.

The program aims to improve students literacy skills and develop and maintain a love of reading. They get to choose the books and take them home and share the reading experience with their families.

The program will be further expanded in 2011 when the children can choose another 3 books in Terms 1, 2 and 4. This means they'll have 12 new books to read and share in a 12 month period.

Every picture tells a story! The primary students were very excited to receive their new books and could hardly wait to get home and get stuck into a new book. Happy Reading!

Miss Elith wins State Award

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

On Friday October 29 it was very exciting to announce that Miss Elith has won an Inspirational Teaching State and Territory Award. The National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) and the Australian Scholarship Group (ASG) selected 60 teachers across Australia for one of these awards, from over 1000 nominations. 14 teachers were from NSW, and 7 of these were secondary teachers. We will be holding an assembly to present the award to Miss Elith on Friday November 26. Any parents and community members who would like to attend are most welcome. Miss Elith will now be considered for one of 10 National Teaching Awards. Congratulations Miss Elith! And as one person commented when hearing that you were now officially "inspirational": "We already knew that"!

Enthusiasm for new uniforms

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

Urana Central School students have embraced the new school shirts with great enthusiasm.

When the new shirts arrived in school last Monday, there was much excitement. Some primary students hurriedly changed their clothes to show off the new garments. Parents arrived to pay out remaining money on orders so that keen kids could start wearing them straight away. What a fantastic response to the review started by the P&C earlier this year.

The P&C Uniform Committee spent many hours researching the new uniforms, and the way that students have embraced the new shirts is a fitting reward for those involved in the process.

There is a limited number of spare shirts and other uniform items available for purchase through the office. A new order will be organised again, early in 2011.

Photo Fundraiser

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

Penguin Portraits will be providing a great fundraising opportunity on November 13, 2010. The Urana Central School P&C have organised with Penguin Portraits a photo shoot for families. Make a booking to support the P&C, and for $10 your family will receive a framed 10x13 inch framed portrait. Other photographs will also be available for purchase.

More information (pdf, 383 KB)

Happy Kids!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

Happy Kids eBook - free!

This year Urana Central School P&C have organised a subscription to Parenting Ideas, a company that produces books and newsletter items for schools and parents. Each fortnight our newsletter has a page by Michael Grose titled "Insights", with a new topic on parenting.

Recently Michael has released an eBook for member schools to give away for free through their websites. So have a look at the attached file and see what you think! There's some great tips and ideas for all of us.

Happy Kids eBook - Michael Grose (PDF 440Kb)

Congratulations Sarah!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

It was great to see our students honoured at the Australia Day ceremony at Boree Creek. Congratulations to Sarah who was awarded the Urana Shire Young Citizen of the Year. Other proud recipients of awards were Kelly-Anne, Frances, Titus, Gil and Matthew. Well done to all our students for their well deserved rewards.

New Library

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

If you've driven past the back of the school recently you would no doubt have noticed a nice new building. This is our new school library, provided as part of Building the Education Revolution. Watch out for further activity as the final detailing and fitting out takes place. We look forward to students using the new learning space shortly.

Expanding Horizons in Victoria

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:07:13 AEST

It was great to see our Secondary students excitedly leaving for their major excursion for 2009. Ms Hempstead has done a fantastic job organising an extensive program for the Cumberland River trip. We look forward to hearing the stories and experiences after everyone returns on Friday.