News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:51:07 AEDT

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

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

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:56:52 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 16:10:37 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 16:39:00 AEDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:06:36 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 13:32:57 AEST

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

Have your say today on before and after school care.

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

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

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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:19:42 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 11:37:42 AEST

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

You and your child can find information on:

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

A toolkit to empower you and your child

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

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

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

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

Keep your child safe and happy online

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

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:59:44 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

Trek for Tech Sponsors

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:56:49 AEDT

Please support our sponsors for their generosity.

The Honorable Ed Husic MP: Echo Dot

West Tigers Varying Abilities Program: 2 x Jerseys

Novotel Wollongong: accommodation voucher

Hub Stationary: stationary packs

Woodville Road Cellars: picnic bag and rug

Lalor Park Hotel: $50.00 Bistro voucher

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:32:36 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.

Biggest Morning Tea

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 12:27:54 AEST

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:19:25 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:03:13 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:06:23 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 14:12:27 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 13:13:56 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 14:51:29 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:22:03 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.

Are you moving in 2018

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:43 AEDT

To help with the organisation of the 2018 school year, we would ask parents that if you are moving or considering moving and will no longer be at Marayong South Public School for the start of the 2018 school year, to please inform the office, teacher or Principal as soon as possible.

NCCD

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

Dear Parents,

Please see attached important information regarding the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for Students with Disabilities.

NCCD

Book Fair Next Week starting Monday 15th May

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:43 AEDT

Dear Parents and Carers,

Our Book Fair starts next Monday15th May and ends on Thursday 25th May. Please see attached note for more details.

Book Fair 2017 (pdf 426 KB)

Measles Outbreak in Western Sydney

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

Dear parents and Carers,

Please read information below regarding the Measles outbreak in Western Sydney:

Measles Outbreak (pdf 243 KB)

Tell Them From Me Survey

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:46 AEDT

Dear Parents and Carers

In Term 1 2017, our school is taking part in the Tell Them From Me student survey. The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve. The survey is completed on-line and is run by an independent research company, The Learning Bar, which specialises in school-based surveys.

Staff in schools will not be able to identify individual students from their responses. To ensure confidentiality, participating students will receive a unique username and password. Where fewer than five students respond to a question, the results will be suppressed. The survey typically takes 30 minutes or less to complete and will be administered by the school during normal school hours. Once the surveys are completed by students, reports are prepared and in most cases are available to schools within three business days.

As well as schools getting student feedback, the Department of Education, through the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE), has access to data from across NSW and is running a research project to look at state-wide patterns of student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices. The research is looking at how these things impact on student outcomes, including academic performance. Individual students will not be identified in any CESE publications, and all information will be handled in accordance with the relevant privacy legislation. Students' personal information will not be disclosed by the Department to any other person or body other than as required by law.

This research will help schools in New South Wales to better understand how to improve student wellbeing and engagement. It will also help teachers and principals discuss what works to improve student outcomes.

Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary. Your child will not take part if either you or your child do not wish. If, during the survey, your child is uncomfortable, he/she can choose to stop the survey at any time. The majority of questions in the survey can be skipped.

If you do not want your child to take part in the survey, please complete the attached form and return it to the school by Friday 24 March 2017.

More information about the survey and the research is available in English on the CESE website: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents Parent Letter TTFM (pdf 214 KB)

Year 6 Catch Up

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:46 AEDT

Year 6 Catch Up

This term we are inviting all 2016 Year 6 students to attend an afternoon tea in the school library on Thursday 30^th March 3:15-4pm. The purpose of this gathering is to give our 2016 Year 6 students an opportunity to catch up with their friends and teachers from primary school.

I would like to remind all students who intend to participate in this event of the expectations for behaviour.

Behaviour must be safe and respectful at all times. Any students who display disrespectful, unsafe or inappropriate behaviour during this event will be asked to leave the school grounds immediately.

We look forward to an enjoyable afternoon.

Mandy Hollis

Principal

Premier's Reading Challenge starts today.....

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

The Premier's Reading Challenge starts today (Monday 6th of March) and runs all the way through to Friday the 25th August in Term 3. The challenge is set my the Premier of NSW to encourage a love of reading for love and pleasure in students. Students can begin entering their PRC books online. (An instruction sheet on how to do this is attached). K-2 students will have some PRC books read to them during class time and entered by their class teachers. K-2 students need to read 30 K-2 PRC books (5 of which can be non-PRC, personal choice books), 3-4 students must read 20 3-4 PRC Books (5 of which can be non-PRC, personal choice books) and 5-6 must also read 20 5-6 PRC Books (5 of which can be non PRC, personal choice books), Students who successfully complete the challenge will receive a Challenge Completion Certificate in Term 4 during K-2 and 3-6 assemblies. Students who have successfully completed the challenge for: four consecutive years receive a Gold Certificate, for 7 consecutive years receive a Platinum Certification and every year from years 3 to 9 (inclusive of year 9) receive the PRC Medal - these students are placed on an Honour Roll to track each level of completion. Personal Reading Logs are available from the library or on the PRC website. So get your reading on!!

Please see attached document for more information....

PRC Reading Challenge Info (pdf 557 KB)

Skoolbag APP

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Marayong South Public School uses the Skoolbag APP as our main form of communication. All newsletters, messages, student notes and other school publications are placed onto the APP. This APP is free for parents and carers. Instructions for installing the APP are below.

How to install Skoolbag (pdf 478 KB)

Teacher/Parent Interviews 13th to 17th February

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Dear Parents/Carers,

Parent/Teacher interviews at Marayong South Public School will be held in week 8 of this term from Monday 13^th March to Friday 17^th March. Teachers are available at various times during the week. Interviews must be booked online by parents. Please see instructions attached below. When parents log on to the website, the allocated times will be presented for each staff member.

Bookings must be finalised before Thursday 9th March at 3:30pm, when bookings for this event will close. For parents that do not have internet access, please contact your child's teacher to assist you with this process.

Interview timeslots may fill very quickly, please log on asap to ensure that you don't miss out. Please be advised that teachers are always available, by appointment, throughout the school year to discuss any concerns or questions that parents may have regarding their child's education and wellbeing.

Teacher/Parent Interviews (pdf 171 KB)

Marayong South Public School Facebook Page

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

We have a school Facebook page which is frequently updated.

Please click on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/

Sports in School Program

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Next term we are having the 'Sport in School' program at Marayong South next term. If you would like your child to participate please return the note and money to the school office no later than Monday 11th September. Thank you.

Mrs Hollis Delayed Return

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

I would just like to let everyone that Mrs Hollis has been asked to stay on her relieving role for a little while longer. She will be returning to Marayong South on Monday August 10th. Mrs Hollis had wished to return at the beginning of the term but unfortunately circumstances have prevented that from occurring.

I am staying on as the relieving principal until Mrs Hollis returns. Many of you have expressed to me how much you miss Mrs Hollis and I can assure the feeling mutual. If you would like any clarification or would like to discuss the matter further please do not hestitate to call me.

Yours In Partnership

Renee Culgan

News story

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

‘It's Now Official'

The Library and COLA over the netball court were officially opened on Monday morning with the unveiling of the plaque in the presence of a number of special guests. The Building the Education Revolution has allowed us the opportunity to provide learning environments for children and families that support achievement develop potential and bring communities together. Thank you to the leaders, speakers, choir and staff who contributed to this special event.

Swim School

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

"Miss Lord and Miss Obeid would like to thank the students in Years 2-6 who attended swimming scheme at Blacktown Aquatic Centre this year. We are pleased to report that all students made great progress and are becoming more and more confident in the water. They are to be congratulated on their effort and achievements.

We would also like to ask parents if they could please encourage their children to keep practising their swimming skills in the pool to retain their swimming level and help them to progress even further. We thank you for your support and look forward to swimming scheme in 2012."

Marayong South Swimming Carnival

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

On Friday 11 February, students from Marayong South Public School travelled to Emerton Swimming and Leisure Centre to take part in our annual swimming carnival. During the day, students competed against each other in various age-based heats, swimming freestlye, backstroke, breastroke and butterfly. The carnival concluded in exciting team relays.

While overall Banksia took out the carnival, the organising teachers would like to congratulate all of our competing students who performed very well and are to be commended for their impressive effort and achievements. We would also like to thank all of the parents who transported students to and from the pool, your help was greatly appreciated!

20 students from Marayong South represented our school at the Zone Swimming Carnival and Hannah and Taylor represented our Region yesterday. A fantastic achievement!

News story

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Sporting Success - Athletics Carnival 2010

Our 2010 Athletics Carnival was a great success, with students, parents and teachers enjoying a day of fun, team spirit, cooperation and much appreciated sunshine at Charlie Bali Reserve, Doonside.

On Wednesday 25^th August, students from 2-6 competed in track and field events, of which the

latter included shot put, long jump and high jump. Our K-2 athletes also participated in age races and a variety of novelty activities.

Our students demonstrated keen athleticism and fine sportsmanship by having a go, and encouraging their team mates to do the same.

Many of our students performed exceptionally well and represented Marayong South P.S. at the Zone Athletics Carnival on Monday 8^th September . Competition was fierce with several of our

students progressing to finals rounds. Unfortunately, none of our students will participate at Regional level.

We thank our students for their hearts (of which they gave all), efforts and sporting prowess, as well as parents for their valuable time, hard work and support. We look forward to another successful sports carnival season in 2010.

Mrs. Stephanie Vasilev

News story

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Years 5 and 6 Canberra Camp

On Tuesday the 10th of August, we awoke early for the beginning of our 3 day trip to Canberra.

Our first stop was Parliament House. This tested our knowledge of the House of Representatives and the Senate, allowing us to share our knowledge with the guides of Parliament House, as well as, learn the history of the building and the people which form our Government. We visited the Electoral Centre, learning about the voting process and also collected our snow gear for the next day.

We were all very excited to be heading to the snow, as for some of us, it was the first time we had seen snow. At Friday Flats we had snowball fights, built a family of snowmen and attempted to slide down the hill in the snow. The snow was cold and as time passed it began to snow heavily. There was lots of laughter by all the students and the teachers and we learnt that we had to be careful on our feet when walking in the snow. After a day in the snow and a warm dinner, we all went to the Australian Institute of Sport and had a tour of its grounds. It was a very interactive night, where we tested our strengths and coordination in its gallery.

Our final day in Canberra was a busy one. We went to the War Memorial and learnt of past events and the magnificent men and women who helped and continue to help, in our Australian Defences. We learnt of hardships, love, loss and the meaning of mateship. It was a place of many memories and a place that many of us want to return to. We ended our day visiting Questacon. Many of us here faced our fears of trying something new and of heights, by having a go on the 'Free Fall'. We spent a few hours investigating and experimenting with all the exhibits and some of us bought tokens to remember the day at the souvenir shop.

By the time we got back to school it was night, and many of us were weary. We had a wonderful time with our friends and teachers and learnt and explored many new things.

News story

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

Years 3 and 4 Day Out at 'Field of Mars Education Centre'

We met at Magdala Park, North Ryde. From there we went on a bushwalk to Sugarloaf Point along Lane Cove River which is approximately 2.2km.

On the walk to Sugarloaf Point, the we stopped at a variety of sites to look at the physical features of the environment and the plants and animals that live there.

We observed and recorded special features of the National Park using digital cameras.

During the walk we had opportunities to see and discuss things like:

• how the environment meets the needs of animals, plants and people including traditional Aboriginal uses.

• threats to the reserve eg, feral animals, weeds, pollution and potential management strategies.

• the effects of fire.

We tried their hand at crab hunting. The best places to look for crabs were under rocks and logs that occur within the first few metres of the edge of the mangroves. We got muddy and had lots of fun in this activity.

At Buffalo Creek Reserve we were asked questions such as: What is an invertebrate? Where do invertebrates live? What do they eat? How do they grow and change? Why are invertebrates important in bush land? How do they fit into food chains?

Methods of collecting invertebrates, safety aspects and possible dangers were discussed. We were told not to pick up any animals with our hands.

To collect and observe leaf litter invertebrates, we scraped a sample of leaf litter into a colander. This was shaken over a tote tray to look for animals such as pill bugs, slaters, cockroaches, ants and spiders. These were then collected into specimen jars using a small brush.

To dislodge invertebrates from a branch a tree shake is used. This involved us holding a sheet under a branch while another person vigorously shook the branch. Any invertebrates on the branch were dislodged and fell onto the sheet for collection.

Collected invertebrates were examined using a variety of magnifiers.

We recorded our findings on paper and recorded other details such as species' name, colour, size, habitat, food etc.

All animals needed to be returned to the place they were found and the leaf litter restored.

News story

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

Congratulations to all the Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 dancers who represented MSPS at the Sydney West Dance Festival at the end of Term 2. Dancers will be celebrating Education Week on the 4th August, by performing at Mt Druitt Shopping Centre with the Junior Choir. The jazz dance 'My People', is strong and energetic. Groups of people are brought together in the dance, uniting as one, showing the audience, that no matter what you like or who you are, people can come together.

The dance group is made up of boys and girls. They have been rehearsing together since the beginning of the year, giving up lunchtimes and Creative Arts afternoons to learn and perform their polished piece.

Keeping it Clean

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:44 AEDT

On Monday 9th November, students from Kindergarten to Year 2 participated in a workshop to promote healthy practices in our school. Students enjoyed investigating, viewing and discussing the importance of washing hands and keeping clean. Thank you to the team from Johnson Diversy in providing these experiences for us. In particular, Jackie Picker, who without her idea and determination it would not be possible for this to occur. Thank you Jackie Picker and Johnson Diversy for providing our school toilets with new soap dispensers and soap for students, as well as providing

students an educational experience that was fun and memorable.

Reading with your Child

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Over the past few weeks Miss Phillips and Mrs Parsons conducted a series of workshops to help parents with their child, when they are reading at home.

Workshops covered the following areas:

- print conventions,

- literacy rich environments,

- prompting and praising your child when they are reading,

- is it too hard,

- wokring with teaxts,

- reading for fun,

- spelling rules to use when helping your child read and

- helpful websites.

In the coming weeks beginning Thursday 10th September at 11:20am Miss Hewetson and Miss Phillips will be running the next installment to promote positive reading experiences at home. Workshops will cater for students from years 3 to 6.

If you have not yet registered to attend the workshop and would like to, it is not too late. Contact the office on 9622 4216.

Premier's Sporting Challenge

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Marayong South students registered in Term 2 to participate in the Premier's Sporting Challenge.

The Challenge includes a range of initiatives with one common purpose - to have more students, more active, more of the time! The Premier's Sporting Challenge aims to engage young people in sport and physical activity and encourages them to lead healthy, active lifestyles.

Students from Kindergarten to year 6 were encouraged to set goals to achieve in a 20 week time frame. Students who achieve the set target will qualify for a Premier's Sporting Challenge Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond Award.

Being part of the challenge has enabled us to evaluate our sporting equipment and restore and update what we have to ensure a range of physical activities are provided to all students.

Elite athletes were invited to be the official 'Ambassadors' of the Premier's Sporting Challenge. Marayong South was lucky enough to have Jayme Paris visit at a whole school assembly and present awards to 2 students in each class who have shown enthusiasm and/or skill in sporting activities.

Jayme Paris is a para-olympian who has competed at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and recently received 2 gold medals at the Austarlian National Track Championship.

For more information about the challenge follow the link below,

https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/psc/primary/home.html

Teddy Bears' Picnic

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:46 AEDT

This year Kindergarten teachers and students have invited preschool students and parents to attend their annual Teddy Bears' Picnic, to be held on Thursday 17th September, 2009.

The fun will begin at 9:30am where children and Kindergarten students will participate in an in-class activity and then step outside for some fun and games.

After these activities, Crunch and Sip will be provided for morning tea and students and children will have a picnic with their new friends, teachers and parents.

All children and students are encouraged to bring one loved bear for the mornings events and a hat to wear for the outside activities.

If you are interested in attending and have not yet notified the school, please contact the office on 9622 4216, as this will help us in catering the event. Any questions about the mornings activities ring the above number and ask for Beverly Wood (coordinator/Kindergarten teacher).

Performing Arts Festival

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

Marayng South will be showcasing their vast array of talents at their annual Performing Arts Festival on Wednesday 30th September, 2009.

The night will provide parents, the local community and special guests entertainment across the Creative Arts including dance, drama, singing and percussion.

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday 9th of September with students in each performance group receiving ticket order forms on the Tuesday 8th of September.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults $10

Children (not performing) $5

Please note that if you require an aisle seat for prams, wheelchair access that you note this on the order form.

'Smart Start'

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:37:45 AEDT

On the 27th August, parents of children aged 3 and a half and up were invited to register and participate in the 'Smart Start' getting ready for school program. The program will run on a weekly basis from 9:15am to 10:45am, Thursday mornings. Children will participate in a series of activities to help in their prepartation for beginning kindergarten including, structured play activities, teaching of social skills, fine and gross motor activities and foundations of pre-writing and pre-reading skills.

The mornings are highly anticpated by all participants and registration has exceeded expectations. If you have any questions regarding the program please contact the office and ask for Melanie Parsons (program coordinator).