News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:04:14 AEDT

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

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

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:25:26 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 16:46:17 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 17:12:15 AEDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:01:24 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 13:37:36 AEST

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

Have your say today on before and after school care.

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

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

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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:24:10 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 11:44:18 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 14:08:38 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 11:39:16 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 12:24:59 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 15:16:43 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

Not before quarter to nine

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 12:17:04 AEST

I need to remind all families that students must not be at school before 8:45am when teacher supervision begins.

Teachers are on site earlier but this is a time for meetings, class preparation and planning. Our first priority is always the wellbeing of children and I appreciate juggling school and work can often clash.

In the safety of your child please make use of GOWRIE before and after school care service here in our back hall.

I appreciate your support in keeping all of our students safe.

Regards

Lance Cooper
Principal

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:05 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:20:28 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 13:27:06 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:01:02 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:25:16 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.

NSW Premier's Reading Challenge 2017

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

All the best to the Kelso Public students who will be participating in this years Premier's Reading Challenge. Along with encouraging a love of reading the Challenge aims to give students the oppurtunity to read more and experience a wide range of quality texts.

The 2017 Challenge will begin Monday 6 March and close Friday 25 August (midnight).

Please find further information on the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge Websiteor contact Mr Stapleton our School Librarian.

School Stream App

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

This term our school is introducing the School Stream app to complement our current communication methods between school and home.

The School Stream app will provide parents and caregivers school contact information and will provide easy access to school newsletters, notes and admin updates via their smart phones.

Under the ‘forms' tab you are able to send notes to the school, such as an absentee note, by filling in the appropriate proforma, signing your name electronically, and clicking submit.

It will also be used for alerts including reminders for upcoming events, excursion arrival times, and sports day notifications.

For parents and carers who do not wish to receive information through the app our existing methods of communication will remain unchanged (i.e. newsletter, notes home, email, website).

Download the school stream app in three easy steps:

From your device go to the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android) search for School Stream and download the app to your phone.
Make sure you agree to push notifications.
Once School Stream has finished installing, open the app, type your school name into the search THEN select your school

If you prefer more detailed instructions please visit the School Stream Website in addition you could try the 'Installing and Deleting' (pdf 70 KB) instructions.

Staff will be available to assist parents and caregivers who would like further information regarding the app or assistance downloading it on Monday the 28th November from 8:30-9:00 am in the library. If you wish to attend this session please RSVP to the office by Thursday 24th so we can plan accordingly.

iLearn

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

Kelso Public students have once again had the opportunity to participate in the year 6 transition program "iLearn" at Denison College Kelso High Campus. Students were involved in a variety of hands-on lessons where they gained invaluable insight into a variety subjects they will be doing in high school next year, such as Art, Science, Woodwork, and German. The program also provided Year 6 with the chance to meet students from other primary schools who will also be attending Kelso High in 2017. Students are looking forward to the next sessions in Term 3 and Term 4 and the new subjects they will experience.

Tournament of Minds

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:16 AEST

In August, a group of students from our school will be competing in the Tournament of Minds. This is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their talents in problem solving, engineering, invention and creative arts. The team is currently in training until the challenges are released next term and are practising 'mini spontaneous challenges' to help them prepare for the tournament.

Quota, Cops 'n' Kids Reading Together

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

Quota, Cops 'n' Kids Reading Together ( Q uoCKa) is a program that has been running at Kelso Public School for many years, and is much-loved by our students. Last week the students in KH were excited and grateful to receive a brand new book to keep forever from the beautiful people from QuoCKa, who have been visiting us every Friday for six weeks.

Western teams times two

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:16 AEST

A very talented Roman has had a successful start to the year being selected in two Western Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) teams.

He will be competing in the 11 years Rugby League State knock-out to be held in Tamworth this term and the 11 years State Touch Football Knock-out.

It is a massive achievement to be selected into two Western Region teams. We wish him all the best for his up-coming games.

State Athletics Carnival Representatives

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:16 AEST

Last week the 2015 State Athletics Carnival was held at Homebush. Kelso Public School had two representatives at this event, Eileen and Jack, who were members of the Western PSSA Athletics Team. Eileen competed in the 100m sprint, 200m race, Long Jump and High Jump. While Jack competed in the 800m race.

Both students should be commended on their outstanding effort and achievement at reaching this level of competition.

Fun at the Fete

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:14 AEST

The sun was shining for Kelso Public School's P & C Fete last Saturday the 17^th October.

There were activities for everyone. Families enjoyed a collection of market stalls including all of the favourites, jumping castles, a sausage sizzle, cakes, white elephant stalls, face painting, chocolate wheels, chook raffles, a petting zoo and other children's activities.

The event raised important funds for the school's P&C to spend on purchasing new equipment for the top playground.

There is always a lot of time and effort that go into organising such an event. A huge thanks to everyone involved, the P & C, Kelso Public School Staff, stall holders, sponsors, volunteers and fete goers.

Kelso Welcomes 'Living Legends'

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

Kelso students have been busy recognising Bathurst's Local ‘Living Legends' during the school's annual Education Week celebrations.

Families were welcomed to school in the morning to observe classroom activities and work samples followed by a school assembly which included performance's by the Kelso Public School Indigenous Dance Group. Bathurst Local ‘Living Legends' who were celebrated included Mrs Carole Eastment, Mr Bill Allen Junior, Mrs Gloria ‘Aunty' Rogers and Kalmadyne Goombrydge in art and technology displays.

The students were fortunate to be able to deliver class acknowledgements honouring ‘Living Legends' who were in attendance, including Mr Frank Colzato, Mr Graeme Bourke, Mr Neville Dawson, Mr Christopher Morgan, Ms Heather Ornek, and Mr Billy Aspros.

Special ‘Education Week' awards were given to student ‘Living Legends', and Mrs Barbara Pigot and Ms Wendy Herbet for their long standing commitment and service to Kelso Public School.

At the completion of the assembly many guests and families stayed to enjoy morning tea with the children.

Thank you to the special guests, family members and teachers that took time to organise, attend and contribute to making this such a memorable day for our children.

Kelso wins NAIDOC public speaking competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:14 AEST

Congratulations to Bailey and Marshall, this year's winners of the 2015 Bathurst Regional NAIDOC Public Speaking Competition, which was held at South Bathurst Public School on Monday 22 June.

Bailey and Marshall who were accompanied by Mrs Hayes competed against other public school students from Lithgow, Mudgee, and Bathurst where they delivered a speech on this year's NAIDOC Theme: "We all Stand on Sacred Ground- Learn, Respect and Celebrate". The boys worked hard to research their topic and put together a 4-minute speech that was both engaging and relevant. They also learnt a selection of Wiradyuri language to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land.

The boys were each awarded with a framed Bullroarer for their accomplishment as well as a didgeridoo for the school. They will now progress to the Public Speaking Finals to be held in Dubbo later this year. Bailey and Marshall should be very proud of their achievement and the way they represented our school, their families, and the Bathurst region.

Jack competes in state knockout

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:14 AEST

After a strong team performance with the Bathurst District Rugby League Team in April, Jack was selected in the Western Area Under 11's Rugby League team that competed in the State Rugby League Carnival in Tamworth earlier this month.

In Tamworth, Jack played great football and was successful in receiving a coach's award. Congratulations, Jack on your fantastic achievement!

Kelso cake stall a great success!

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

Voters at Kelso Public School got a special treat last Saturday morning as the School P&C held a fantastic cake stall fundraiser.

We were very fortunate to have an amazing range of cakes, slices and biscuits to sell on the day, which were generously donated by the parents and carers. Volunteers from the School P&C who staffed the stall ensured all of the products were well presented and looked too delicious to walk past. All carrot cakes and lemon meringues were sold out within 30 minutes of the stall opening and many patrons were complimentary about the quality of goods they purchased.

A big thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to organise the event, bake goods, and staff the stall on the day. Without your support the cake stall would not have been such a success and all of your contributions are greatly appreciated!

Hold onto your hats... Easter has come early to Kelso!

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

Kelso Public School was awash with colour as children of all ages participated in the annual Easter Hat Parade, raffle and cupcake competition on Tuesday 31st March.

Children and teachers bopped, hopped and marched around the hall in front of an excited audience amidst listening to see if they would be one of the 80 lucky winners of an Easter raffle prize.

Following the Easter Parade families joined students in the courtyard for morning tea sharing in a feast of impressively decorated cupcakes.

Special thanks to the P&C, parents and staff who worked tirelessly to make it such an enjoyable day.

Grandparent's Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:14 AEST

A big thank you to all the community members who came to our grandparent's day assembly and morning tea. We had a great turn out and we know all the students were excited to see you there. We hope you all had a fantastic day and look forward to seeing you next time.

Kinder Smart Start

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:15 AEST

Kinder Smart Start is on again. We invite all new kinder enrolements (2014) to come to the SaCC room on Tuesday mornings starting at 9:30am until 11am. There is fun for the new students with educational activities and information sessions for the parents/carers. If you have any trouble finding us the office is happy to help.

State Athletics

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:16 AEST

Congratulations to Angus and Eileen who will be representing our school at the state level. This is a huge achievement. Angus is competing in discus and Eileen is competing in long jump.

CSU Health Fair

Fri, 25 May 2018 02:01:14 AEST

On Tuesday, 10th of September Charles Sturt University (CSU) held a health fair in our school hall for K-2. The university covered topics ranging from water safety to healthy eating and a range of topics in between. The fair was hosted by student teachers from CSU's early childhood and primary teaching cohort. Kelso students had a great time and left the fair with bags full of goodies.

A huge thank you to Charles Sturt University and their student teachers.