News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:05:53 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 13:28:58 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 16:50:19 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 17:15:14 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.

Wentworth Falls Public School will be non-operational tomorrow, Tuesday 12 November

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 13:31:23 AEDT

School is non-operational tomorrow, Tuesday 12 November due to the catastrophic fire rating for Wentworth Falls Public School.

Artfest Program 2019

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 09:25:20 AEDT

Blue Mountains Artfest 2019

Local and Blue Mountains inspired artists

8 November 7:30pm-10:00pm

Opening Night Adults Only

9 November 9am-5pm

10 November 10am-4pm

Live entertainment

Jumping castle, face painting, kids' craft activities, adult & child workshops, cake stall, bbq and cafe

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:03:27 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 13:38:12 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 11:24:42 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 11:45:05 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.

Tell Them From Me Survey

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:08:41 AEST

It is time for the Tell Them From Me survey for 2019. It is an opportunity for you to let us know your insights into the teaching and learning that happens here at Wentworth Falls Public School. The survey is conducted online and the link below will give you access. It generally takes about 15 minutes.

We are keen to hear your thoughts on these important aspects of our school, so please take the time to share your ideas by filling out the TTFM survey. Link to the TTFM survey:

http://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/vbjm6

The survey is open now and closes on the 25th October 2019.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:09:42 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 11:40:04 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 12:25:43 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 15:18:20 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 15:11:54 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 15:22:05 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 13:30:56 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 15:02:14 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 16:25:50 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.

New Wentworth Falls Public School Skoolbag App

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 15:02:08 AEDT

Visit skoolbag.com.au for more information.

Premier highlights the value of public education

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:54:23 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 Week celebrations 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

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:54:23 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."

More new classrooms, preschool places and teachers in $17.3 billion education budget

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:54:23 AEST

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Early Childhood Minister Sarah Mitchell outlined a range of new initiatives funded by the $17.3 billion education budget in 2018 to 2019.

The government will be investing $6 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools, including planning for more than 20 new projects.

"We are proud to be making this unprecedented investment into the future of our children," Mr Perrottet said.

"This year's NSW Budget takes our already record school building program to another level – a massive 170 schools new and upgraded schools over the next four years.

"That brings our total schools building program to 230 new and upgraded schools since 2011."

"The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government's strong financial management has allowed us to invest so heavily in our schools and education system."

Mr Stokes said communities right across NSW will benefit from this record investment into education.

"NSW is experiencing an increase in school enrolments and we have in place an unprecedented program of investment in new and upgraded schools to meet this demand," Mr Stokes said.

A staged investment of $500 million is being allocated to provide cooling for schools, while improving the indoor environmental quality, through the installation of smart and sustainable air conditioning systems powered by solar energy.

In another landmark initiative, NSW will become the first Australian state to provide universal access to community preschool for 3 year olds under a $197.8 million program.

"Because of this historic investment, average daily fees will decrease significantly and the savings will go directly back into the pockets of hard working families," Mrs Mitchell said.

This brings total spending on early childhood education to $474.3 million in 2018 to 2019.

Other education investment in the 2018 to 2019 NSW budget includes:

$160 million to be spent in 2018-19 to continue its blitz on planned school maintenance, part of a record $747 million investment over four years.
$71.8 million to implement the literacy and numeracy strategy in NSW schools.
$50 million in additional flexible funding will be provided to government schools to implement the school leadership strategy - freeing up principals and school leaders from administrative work.
$3 million for the first comprehensive review of the entire school curriculum since 1989.
$2.8 million to encourage the preservation and study of Aboriginal languages.
$30 million to continue to deliver greater access to green space and sports facilities in public school playgrounds through the 'share our space' program.
Funding for around 900 extra full-time equivalent teaching positions in NSW government schools.

The NSW Government will also invest $1.3 billion on non-government schools, an increase of 7.5% on 2017 to 2018. This includes a $32 million increase in the building grants assistance scheme over four years for capital works projects to support enrolment growth in non-government schools.

The record $17.3 billion investment in education allocates $15.7 billion for recurrent expenses and $1.6 billion for capital investment in 2018 to 2019.

Stage 2 Excursion

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:32:33 AEST

Stage 2 students enjoyed a fabulous day of learning at the Hyde Park Barricks and the Big Dig. Learning about stories from years ago and the way of life for many coming to Australia.

Bell Times at Wentworth Falls Public School

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:56:52 AEST

Wentworth Falls Bell Times

8:10am to 8:40am: Teachers on duty (field)

8:40am: School day commences, students must be at school by 8:40am.

8:40am to 10:40: Class Learning

10:40am to 11:05am: Recess

11:05am to 12:30pm: Class Learning

12:30pm to 12:40pm: Lunch eating time

12:40pm to 1:05pm: Lunch playtime

1:05pm to 2:25pm: Class Learning

2:25pm: Classes finish

Unsupervised students who are not picked up must not remain in the school playground. They must go to the office to wait to be picked up.

Library Days for Classes in Term 2 2018

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Library days for classes are as follows for term 2:

Monday: 5/6H, KB, 2P, 3/4E

Tuesday: K/1M, 5/6F, 5/6Z, 3/4H

Wednesday: 3/4MU, KF, 5/6B, 2M, 1/2PS

Thursday: 1C, 3/4M

Please make sure your child has a library bag so they are able to borrow books.

Opportunity Class 2019

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Opportunity classes cater for highly achieving academically gifted students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic and social level.

Applications for opportunity class placement are considered mainly on the combined results of the Opportunity Class Placement Test and school assessments. The Opportunity Class Placement Test will be held on Wednesday 1 August 2018.

If you would like to have your child considered for Year 5 opportunity class entry in 2019, you will need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student's email address).

Detailed instructions on how to apply online will be available from Tuesday 1 May 2018 at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5 .

The application website opens on Tuesday 1 May 2018 and closes on Friday 18 May 2018. No late applications will be accepted.

There are no paper application forms.

Cross Country Fun Run

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Our cross country fun run was held on, Friday 6 of April, with great success. Thank you to all of those who participated and donated to the day.

ArtFest 2017

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:22 AEST

BLUE MOUNTAINS ARTFEST 2017

Friday November 10 2017 7:30pm Opening Night to Sunday November 12 2017

This annual event showcases the wares of an array of Artists and Artisans from the Blue Mountains and beyond. There are amazing artworks and exquisite handcrafts to purchase just in time for Christmas. There are also inspiring workshops, a wearable art show, jumping castle, face painting, delicious food and coffee and great entertainment. Blue Mountains Artfest is the major fundraiser for Wentworth Falls Public School and is now in its 35th year!
Visit www.bluemountainsartfest.net.au for further details. Also check out our Facebook page http://facebook.com/BlueMountainsArtfest

Entry forms and details of how to enter your art in this year's Artfest can be found on the website www.bluemountainsartfest.net.au

VACATION CARE AT WENTWORTH FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:25 AEST

Dear Families,

We now offer vacation care at Wentworth Falls Public School

We will partner with your school community to deliver a tailored vacation care program that is focused on bringing out the very best in kids. Enjoy some fantastic excursions, incursion and fun. The program combines active games with structured and unstructured play, quiet time and a healthy snack. Every day is an adventure led by enthusiastic and experienced Camp Australia educators who are on a mission to make kids smile.

If you have any further questions, you can call our friendly Customer Service Team from Monday to Friday (8:00am-6:00pm AEST) on 1300 105 343.

Parent Online Payment

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

We have launched a new online payment portal linked to this website to make it easier for you to pay for school related payments. This is a secure payment page hosted by Westpac.

To make a payment click on the $ MAKE A PAYMENT on the red bar. Payments can only be made using MasterCard or VISA cards.

Payments can be made for any school expense e.g. Excursions, Voluntary Contribution, Uniforms etc.

Unfortunately payments cannot be made for P&C activities.

Wentworth Falls PS Strings Group

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:25 AEST

Wentworth Falls Public School is pleased to have a strings group meeting each Friday afternoon. The Strings Group, led by Miss Cooney, are enjoying the opportunity to play together. The primary focus for the group is to have themselves ready for the Opera House performance later in the year. After our first get together last week, the group are excited about their progress. There is even space for those who play cello. More information is attached below!!

Dear Parents,

During Term 2 our school is running a School Strings Group, for those children who play, and are being taught, the violin.

The School Strings Group is an opportunity for children who are already learning the violin to come together and play. The primary purpose of this group is to rehearse for the upcoming Opera House String Performance, and this will be the focus of the group. Non-Opera House players are also welcome, as it is a great learning experience for young musicians to play together and work together as a group.

If your child plays violin, or is learning to play the violin, you might like to consider this opportunity.

The ensemble will be taught by Miss Elizabeth Cooney, and there will be a teaching staff member from Wentworth Falls assisting with supervision. The group will come together Friday afternoons at Wentworth Falls Public School from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. There is no cost for this for this activity as Miss Cooney is generously donating her time to support this group.

Sincerely

Michael Hooker

Principal

28/04/2015

Yes, my child _______________________, in ________, is interested in being part of the School Violin Group in Term 2. I understand that my child will need to be collected from the school at 3:30pm.

Name:____________________________ Signed:______________________

KidsMatter

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Wentworth Falls Public School is a KidsMatter School.

KidsMatter is a mental health and wellbeing framework for primary schools and is proven to make a positive difference to the lives of Australian children. KidsMatter provides the proven methods, tools and support to help schools work with parents and carers, health services and the wider community, to nurture happy, balanced kids. Visit the website, it's loaded with information!

The Great Book Swap and Sale!

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:25 AEST

The SRC is starting to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundations aim to raise literacy levels of Indigenous students living in remote Australia.

Click Here for more information on the Indigenous Literacy foundation.

First Step: Book collections – weeks 7, 8 and 9

We are asking students to bring in second hand or new books that are in re-usable condition to donate to the book swap. The SRC members will mark down how many books their class donates, with the class with the most donations receiving an icy-pole each! Please make sure all books are ideal for swapping and have names removed.

Second Step: The Great Book Swap Sale – week 10

The SRC will set up the books in the library and classes will visit together. With a gold coin contribution, students will be able to have one of the books. Depending on our books donated, we are aiming to have additional gold coin donations for additional books!

Optional Third Step: Individual family monetary donation

If you are wanting and able to make a monetary donation to help us raise funds for the ILF, you may wish to purchase a Book Buzz packs for remote Indigenous communities ($140 buys a Book Buzz pack for one child). Please see Mrs Smith, Mrs Masters or Mrs Partington for more information.

Thank you for your support and participation.

Bus Pass Inspections

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:23 AEST

A friendly reminder to parents that children who travel on a school bus in the mornings or the afternoons, need to have a bus pass. The bus driver has the right to ask to see the bus pass before allowing the child to enter the bus.

We have received information from the bus company that there will be random inspections carried out on buses across the Blue Mountains over the next few weeks.Students must have their bus pass ready for drivers to view before boarding the buses.

Bus pass application forms are available from the school office.

Community Health Facility

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:23 AEST

Springwood Community Health provides a range of services in the Blue Mountains area. Some of the services children under 8 are able to access for free include Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy. No referral is necessary. Contact central referral service in 1800 222 608 to make an appointment at Springwood or Katoomba.

Opportunity Class Placement

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Opportunity Class Placement

There are 75 primary schools with opportunity classes across NSW. Wentworth Falls Public School has one of these classes.

Successful students attend the opportunity class full-time for the duration of Years 5 and 6 at the primary school with an opportunity class. It is a two-year placement program. In the majority of cases students who accept a place in an opportunity class will leave their current school to attend the school with an opportunity class. Parents normally apply when the students are in Year 4. There is no provision to apply for Year 6 placement.

Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2016

The application website for Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2016 opens on Monday 27 April 2015 and closes on Friday 15 May 2015. Late applications will not be accepted.

All applications must be made online.

The key dates for application for Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2016 are as follows:

Activity	Date
Application website opens and application information documents available in schools	27 April 2015
Application website closes (No late applications)	15 May 2015
Principals complete processing of applications	5 June 2015
Test authority letter sent by mail and email to parents	8 July 2015
Opportunity Class Placement Test	22 July 2015
Placement outcome information sent to parents	Mid-October 2015

Stranger Safety

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Stranger Safety (pdf 39 KB)

Schools are one of the safest places in society, and we all want to help keep our children safe. Attached is a note that we sent home to parents. We often talk to our children about being safe on the roads, being safe online and being safe when it comes to 'Stragner Danger'. We encourage parents to discus these issues with their children, as we will continue to work with children on such matters at school. As always, if you have any concerns regarding the safety of your children, please let the school know.

Road Safety Near Schools

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Drop off and pick up by car

Make sure your children are in an appropriate child car seat that is fitted and used correctly.

Stick to the 40km/h speed limit in a school zone as children are about.

Look for buses pulling out – watch for flashing wig wag lights.

Always park and turn legally around schools. Avoid dangerous manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns.

Always give way to pedestrians particularly when entering and leaving driveways.

Drop your children off and pick them up on the school side of the road in your school's designated drop off and pick up area. Calling out to them from across the road is dangerous – they may run to you without checking for traffic.

It's safest for children to get out of the car on the kerb side of the road to be away from passing traffic.

We all want to keep our children and visitors safe.

Compulsory School Attendance

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:23 AEST

The rules around Compulsory School Attendance have changed. The Department of Education and Communities has provided detailed information about the new rules, and this information can be accessed from the link below. Parents can also request a paper version of this information through our school office.

Compulsory School Attendanc (pdf 129 KB)

Woolworth Earn and Learn

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:25 AEST

From Monday 8 April until Sunday 9 June when you shop at Woolworths you will receive Earn and Learn points. One point will be given for every $10 spent (excluding cigarettes, liquor and gift cards). Collect these points for the school to redeem as educational resources.

Stick the points on the squres in your Earn and Learn Points Sheet and then drop the sheet into the collection box in the front office.

Red Mufti Day

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

On Wednesday the 31st of March, WFPS students and staff came dressed in red mufti clothes to raise funds for the NSW Rural Fire Service. The 'Bushies' are a vital part of our community, protecting our homes from fires and performing other important services. They're also our next door nieghbours on Falls Road!

Cross Country Postponed!

Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:24 AEST

Due to the wet weather and ground conditions at Pitt Park, our Cross Country Carnival has been postponed until Friday the 30th of April. It will still be held at Pitt Park, from 11:30 am on the new date. So keep training and being ready and even more fit!