News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:58:44 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 13:13:35 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 16:28:37 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 16:53:58 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 14:21:02 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 13:35:41 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 11:22:16 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 11:41:25 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 14:04:56 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 11:36:34 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 12:22:53 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 15:11:08 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 15:09:00 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

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

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

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

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:42:04 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 13:18:18 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:57:07 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 16:23:16 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.

Premier highlights the value of public education

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 17:24:25 AEST

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 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

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 17:26:40 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

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 17:28:13 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.

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Students from Kentucky Public School have had an extremely successful time at the Armidale Eisteddfod.

Of the eight sections entered, the children won six and were runners up in two.

The students won sections with recorder and instrumental performances including items involving their well travelled marimbas.

Comments from the adjudicators included "perfect balance", "rhythmically cohesive", "wonderful pitch", "wonderful changes in dynamics" and "fantastic performance".

The children received six winner's trophies, 5 perpetual shields and lots of prizemoney which was spent as a reward in the form of a meal at a local restaurant.

The School also received the National Party Shield for the fifth year in a row for being the most successful Small School at the Eisteddfod.

Kentucky Opera House and School Spectacular Bound!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

DVD auditions to both the Annual Schools Spectacular at the the Sydney Entertainment Centre and the Choral Festival at the Sydney Opera House have recently proved successful for Kentucky's students! They will be performing at both venues next term on their marimbas as well as visiting many other iconic sites in the city as part of their tour. This is the fifth year in succession that the school has been represented at both series of concerts.

Wheelie Wednesday Begins at Kentucky!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:52 AEST

Following the receipt of a grant enabling the school to purchase a set of mountain bikes, Kentucky Public School has implemented a weekly bike program that sees the students accessing a bike track through the school's pine forest at lunch time every Wednesday. "Wheelie Wednesday" will promote physical activity and develop student fitness levels and at the same time, be a lot of funfor everyone at the school!

Small Schools Sports Winners!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Kentucky Public school students have had a wonderful day at the the combined Small Schools Sports Carnival. The school took out the Aggregate Points Score Shield on the day with a wonderful effort put in by all of the school's competitiors. Special Congratulations to divisional trophy winners Eliza Hine, Oliver Freeman and Remy Taylor.

Nest Boxes at Kentucky

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Students at Kentucky Public School have a wonderful nature area at their school that they have just upgraded in a variety of ways. Recent mulching has rejuvenated their playground bushland area in the hope of attracting a wider range of native species.
In a further attempt to attract native birds and mammals, the students have built a number of parrot, sugar glider and micro bat nesting boxes which will be placed in eucalypts growing in the area.
With assistance from Matt McKenzie, the Principal of Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre and Kelly Coleman from the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Authority, the children discussed the need, placement and specifications of each nesting box as part of the construction process.
The students will be keeping a sharp eye out for any animals who take up residence in the nesting boxes over the next several months!

Teddy Bears' Picnic

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:52 AEST

Recently K-1-2 travelled to Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre for a Teddy Bears' Picnic! Along with our teddies, we participated in many games and activities to help us learn about the basic needs of all living things. We also found out how important trees are to our environment. Our tedby bears also had a wonderful day!

School Spectacular Stars

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Twelve students from Kentucky Public School have just returned from a trip to Sydney where they performed as part of the Annual Schools Spectacular at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

The show featured over three and a half thousand children from public schools across the state who took part in three shows over two days and nights in front of packed and thrilled audiences. It's also the largest annual variety show held anywhere in the world!

The Kentucky students performed as part of the Combined State Small Schools Marimba Ensemble which has been attending the Schools Spectacular since the year 2000. The group was made up of over fifty children from schools across the state and was a huge hit drawing great praise from the show's organisers and the audiences alike.

As well as their official performances, the children completed a tour of the NSW Art Gallery featuring an exhibition of works by Picasso, went swimming at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Pool, attended the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, experienced a guided tour of China Town, witnessed a session at Parliament House where we met our local State Member Richard Torbay, shopped at Paddy's Markets, visited Manly Beach, had fun at the heritage listed Luna Park and raised about $600 in a session of rehearsal busking!

The school's participants were Georgina Watson, Rachel Goodwin, Kylie Bullock, Bridee Reid, Jack Carlon, Jessica Mabbott, Ricky Drew, Katie Williams, Daniel Bridge, Erin Smith, Ruby Campbell and Angela Bridge.

Plans are already underway back at Kentucky School to put together their audition recording for the 2012 Schools Spectacular!

Learn to Swim Program

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

The school will be running a Learn to Swim program from Monday the 5th of December through until the final day of school on Friday the 16th December. The hours of the program are from 11.00-12.00 each day with all parents able to help with the program very welcome. A bus will be taking the children to and from the school.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Kentucky Public School has been announced as one of the new schools in 2011 to be accepted onto the prestigious Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

The school has received a grant of $40,000 which will introduce its students to the pleasures of preparing, cooking and eating a variety of foods that they have grown and harvested themselves.

This will be achieved by developing a garden in which the children can be actively involved in the processes of growing their food, a kitchen that is equipped so that the children can prepare and cook what they have grown and an eating area that is large enough for the class to sit together at tables with their teachers and eat the meals that they have produced.

The program fits extremely well into an integrated school curriculum that supports state learning standards covering outcomes in all subject areas including Mathematics, English and Environmental Education.

These educational benefits are far reaching as children revel in the hands on experiences in their garden and kitchen, enjoying the physical activity of gardening and cooking, learning new language to describe flavours of food, plants and processes and developing mathematical skills as they calculate, measure and weigh.

Their awareness of environmental challenges and diversity is enhanced as they learn about growing cycles, land use and water cycles. They learn to work as part of a team, increasing their understandings and respect for cultural differences and grow in confidence as they develop new skills and knowledge.

The program is also a wonderful opportunity for the school to continue to build upon already well established community-school partnerships.

The school will begin the program in Term 1 next year with plans to have the scheme fully operation by mid 2012.

Peter Pan A Hit!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Kentucky Public School's recent stage production of J.M.Barrie and Walt Disney's musical Peter Pan, was a huge hit with audiences. The school's students performed two shows to appreciative and well entertained crowds. All children had speaking parts and were involved in choral and choreographed components of the production. This show follows on from recent years where the school has produced an annual stage musical. Next year's show is a big secret, but is already being planned!

Kentucky at the Opera House!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Fifteen students from Kentucky Public School have just returned from a trip to Sydney where they performed in the Bennelong Concert at the Annual Choral Festival at the Sydney Opera House.

The Kentucky students were members of the Combined State Small Schools Marimba Ensemble which has performed regularly at the Opera House Concerts since the year 1998. The group was made up of thirty four children from schools across the state.

The Ensemble was a huge hit drawing great praise from the show's organisers and the audience alike.

The group was also only one of two representing rural NSW during a week of concerts with most students coming from Performing Arts Schools in Sydney.

As well as their official performance, the children visited the Australian Museum, made sand sculptures on the world famous Bondi Beach, explored the National Maritime Museum, cruised Sydney Harbour on a ferry, raised over $400 busking and generally "experienced" the city!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Kentucky Public School has taken out the Annual Combined Small Schools Athletics Carnival recently held at Rocky River.

In a wonderful all round effort, the school won both the Aggregate points Score and Handicapped Points Score Shields.

Individual students to receive trophies on the day were Georgina Watson who was named Junior Girl Champion and Daniel Bridge who was Senior Boy Champion.

Great team efforts were made in the Marching, Ball Games and Combined Relays.

Congratulations to every one of the school's students who all tried hard on the day and displayed great sportsmanship throughout.

Cross Country Winners!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Students from Kentucky Public School have had a successful day at the Combined Small Schools Cross Country at Kingstown. Daniel Bridge (Senior Boy Champion), Erin Smith (Senior Girl Champion) and Cooper Boyd (Juvenile Boy Champion) all received trophies for winning their age divisions.
Other placegetters included Angie Bridge (Runner Up Senior Girl), Kylie Bullock (Third Placed Senior Girl). Jack Carlon (Runner Up Senior Boy) and Georgina Watson (Third Placed Junior Girl)
Congratulations need to go to all school students who ran and put in such a wonderful effort on the day! Well done!

Crazy Hair Day!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Year 6 students at Kentucky Public School have organised a fun day at school with an out of uniform "crazy hair" theme! All students and staff wore wigs, put on gel or teased their locks to get into the spirit of the day. A $1 donation from everybody was raised by Year 6 to go towards their annual school gift.

Swimming Success

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:52 AEST

Kentucky Students have done very well at the recent combined Small Schools Swimming Carnival held in Armidale. The school weas runner up overall at the meet and had many individual successes. A highlight was the naming of Ruby Campbell as Senior Girl Champion.

Parent of the Year!

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Sonia Williams from Kentucky Public School has received the New England Public Schools Parent of the Year Award at a recent presentation held at the school.

Mrs Williams has worked tirelessly to promote the school and its endeavours to the wider community. She has also applied successfully for several grants in recent years to help finance school programs, co-ordinated school involvement in Landcare projects, been instrumental in the school's Weed Warriors program and maintained positions on school parent bodies, including School Council President.

New England Central School Education Director, Mr Phil Jones made the presentation taking the opportunity to congratulate Mrs Williams on her award, praise her efforts and also highlight the importance of high levels of parental involvement in public schools.

Schools Spectacular Success

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Fifteen students from Kentucky Public School have just returned from a trip to Sydney where they performed as part of the Annual Schools Spectacular at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

The Kentucky students performed as part of the Combined State Small Schools Marimba Ensemble which has been attending the Schools Spectacular since the year 2000. The group was made up of over fifty children from schools across the state as well as local students from Kentucky, Woolbrook, Yarrowitch, Bonshaw and Mingoola.

The Ensemble was a huge hit drawing great praise from the show's organisers and the audiences alike.

As well as their official performances, the children completed a tour of the Hyde Park Barracks, visited the Powerhouse Museum, did a spot of shopping at Paddy's Markets, went busking at Bondi, spent a few hours at Luna Park, had some sand play on Bondi Beach, went on a "Rocks Dreaming" walk with Aboriginal Elders and generally "experienced" the city!

The school's participants were Georgina Watson, Jack Carlon, Jessica Mabbott, Maddison Chapman, Jaya Tait, Ben Mabbott, Abbey Chapman, Sophie Watson, Siobhan Duggan, Lynden Smith, Katie Williams, Daniel Bridge, Erin Smith, Ruby Campbell and Angela Bridge.

Plans are already underway back at Kentucky School to put together their audition video tape for the 2011 Schools Spectacular!

Free Fruit at School

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Kentucky Public School has been successful in gaining a special Healthy Food Grant from the Woolworths Corporation which will assist in the continuation of the school's Fresh Fruit program at least until 2013.

Each week the all of the school's children are supplied with fresh fruit cut up and prepared by members of the P&C.

The Ensemble was a huge hit drawing great praise from the show's organisers and the audience alike.

The group was also only one of a handful of acts representing rural NSW during a week of concerts with most students coming from Performing Arts Schools in Sydney.

As well as their official performance, the children visited Firestation 1, Australia's oldest firestation and the busiest in the Southern Hemisphere, climbed to the top of the South Eastern Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, had a 3D experience at the Imax Cinema at Darling Harbour, raised over $400 busking and generally "experienced" the city!

The Kentucky group consisted of Jessica Mabbott, Maddison Chapman, Sophie Watson, Abbey Chapman, Bridee Reid, Siobhan Duggan, Lynden Smith, Angie Bridge, Rachel Goodwin, Jaya Tait, Dan Bridge, Erin Smith, Georgina Watson, Ellie Hedges, Katie Williams and Ruby Campbell.

Community Gathering

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

On Wednesday the 4th August, Kentucky Public School will be holding a Community Gathering as part of Education Week. All members of the community are invited to share in an Assembly with lunch to follow. The Gathering will begin at midday and will feature presentations of work by all of the school's students.

School Spectacular Performers

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:51 AEST

Students from Kentucky have qualified again via video audition to perform at the Annual Schools Spectacular to be held in November at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. The Schools Spectacular is the largest annual variety show held anywhere in the world. The students will be performing as part of the State Small Schools Marimba Ensemble and will join several other small schools from across the state.

Kentucky to the Opera House

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Kentucky School has been selected as part of the State Small Schools Marimba Ensemble to perform at the Sydney Opera House in the State Choral Festival. The children will be travelling down to Sydney by bus on Sunday the 22nd of August and returning on Wednesday the 25th. They will be performing at the Endeavour Concert on the Tuesday evening.

Big Wins at the Cross Country

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Several students from Kentucky Public School recently performed very well at the combined small schools cross country held at Kingstown.

Of the five races entered by children from Kentucky, the school won three events.

Daniel Bridge (Senior Boys), Erin Smith (Senior Girls) and Jack Carlon (Junior Boys) all won their events in great time.

Angie Bridge (Senior Girls) and Cooper Boyd (Juvenile Boys) were both runners up in their divisions and Lynden Smith (Senior Boys) was placed third.

Congratulation to the students who all tried hard on the day and displayed good sportsmanship throughout.

Eisteddfod Winners

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:20:50 AEST

Students from Kentucky Public School have had a successful time at the Armidale Eisteddfod.

Of the eight sections entered, the children won four and were runners up in four.

The students won sections with choral, recorder and instrumental performances including items involving their well travelled marimbas.

Comments from the adjudicators included "effective presentation", "rhythmically cohesive", "excellent memorisation", "wonderful changes in dynamics" and "great entertainment value".