News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:49:10 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 12:52:30 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 16:05:45 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 16:34:26 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 11:04:08 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 13:32:13 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 11:19:03 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 11:36:25 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 13:58:24 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 11:31:40 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 12:18:14 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 15:01:14 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 15:05:45 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 14:08:19 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 13:12:49 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 14:49:57 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 12:20:29 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

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:28:10 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

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:29:21 AEST

The future of education will be showcased in NSW public schools from August 6 – 10 as students, teachers and parents across the state celebrate Education Week 2018.

Education Week kicks off on Monday, August 6, with a simultaneous launch at Parramatta and Kiama public schools livestreamed on YouTube so all government schools and their communities can join in.

This year's theme, Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world, highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For the first time the Education Week launch will be hosted by primary school students and will feature a dancing robot, student performances and a film highlighting how schools are working with their communities to solve real-world problems.

A highlight of the week is the Game Changer Challenge, in which 16 teams of students from schools across NSW will compete in a three-day design program, working alongside leading industry professionals to create the school of the future.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today's students were learning at a time of great change.

"From the far west to our metropolitan hubs and everywhere in between, our state's schools will celebrate not only what we've achieved, but the future we are creating," Ms Berejiklian said.

"We are living in a time when the traditional walls of the classroom are opening up to new worlds of learning, paving the way for students to connect and collaborate with their peers regionally and globally."

Education Minister Rob Stokes said there had never been a more exciting time to be involved in schools with technology reshaping the way students learn and billions of dollars being invested in new school infrastructure.

"The NSW Department of Education is continually striving for improvement and innovation so that the young people in our care learn in a world-class education system," Mr Stokes said.

"The NSW Government is supporting that vision through a record $6 billion in funding to build the classrooms and schools of the future."

The Secretary of the Department of Education Mark Scott said ensuring today's students had the skills they would need to "not just survive, but thrive" in the future underpinned the department's evidence-based approach to learning.

"I am incredibly proud of the innovative teaching and learning that is being done across our State's public schools to ensure that every student can perform to their full potential," Mr Scott said.

"We don't know what the future will hold, but we do know that we are focused on equipping today's students with the skills and knowledge they will need to lead fulfilling lives in the future."

New uniform policy for NSW public schools

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:30:28 AEST

A new uniform policy has been introduced for NSW public schools, which for the first time include the option for girls to wear shorts and pants.

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and the Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, announced the new "clear and concise" policy today at Condell Park Public School in Sydney.

Ms Berejiklian said the "modern makeover" would ensure that uniforms were practical and comfortable for students and affordable for parents.

The new policy says all students should have the opportunity to access the full range of school activities while wearing a school uniform, including physical activities, and girls must have the option to wear shorts and pants.

For more information, read the media release by the Premier and Minister. The new policy and implementation guidelines (PDF 116.83KB) are available on the department's website.

The Department of Education supports the wearing of school uniform to promote a sense of belonging for students and create a positive identity for the school community.

Each public school decides on its school uniform in formal consultation with students, school staff, parents and the school community.

Hour of Code is coming to Tower Street Public School!

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

This year the whole school will be joining in with more than 100 million learners in 196 countries across the world to take part in the Hour of Code. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. What is code and coding? Coding is what makes it possible for us to create computer software, apps and websites. Your browser, your OS, the apps on your phone, Facebook, and this website – they're all made with code. In the 21st century, the challenge is to understand and harness data, information and knowledge. Computer programming is a great way of introducing students to these concepts.

Last year we began our involvement with Hour of Code with the two Challenge Learning groups taking part using the coding skills they had already learnt. This year every student will have a one hour coding experience - and we'd like to offer this opportunity to our parent community too. Tower Street Public School will be taking part in the Hour of Code on Monday 7 December and Friday 11 December and on Friday you are invited to come to the computer lab any time between 2.00 and 3.00 pm to see what coding is all about. I will be demonstrating some of the things your children have done and you will have a chance to get hands on with coding. Do you need to know anything about computers? No - if you can use a mouse then you can use a visual programming language. Of course, if you are an expert then you can definitely teach me!

Book Week/Grandparents Day-Save the date

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

This year Tower Street Public School will be holding a combined Book Week/Grandparents' day celebration on Tuesday 8 September. While this is a special day for grandparents, everyone is welcome - mums, dads, aunts, uncles and more. So, put 8 September in your diary and save the date!

The theme for Book Week this year is:

"Books Light Up Our World"

There will be Book Week Parade – every child is invited to come to school dressed as a character from a favourite book on Tuesday 8 September 2015. They must bring the book with them.

The parade will begin at 9.3am.

Welcome Barbeque

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:40 AEDT

On 10 February Tower Street P&C welcomed our new familes with an evening barbeque. This was a new initiative by the P&C. All Kindergarten families were invited as well as any other families new to the school. It was a fabulous evening and encapsulated the family feeling at Tower Street. Teachers, parents and children of all ages shared a sauage sizzle as the summer evening faded into twilight. The P&C provided the sausage sizzle and other parents brought vegetarian food and dessert. This is what our Tower Street community is all about. Tthe children ran and rolled on our huge grassy oval with big brothers and sisters organising games of chasings and duck, duck, goose while everyone kept an eye out for toddling brothers and sisters. A small rock quickly became a rocket ship for three kindies who took turns to count down and blast off. New parents discovered the parents of their little one's new 'bestie' and exchanged phone numbers, put faces to the 'teacher who helps us with reading' or 'the soccer teacher' and were warmly welcomed by our P&C. As the playground darkened parents coaxed the children to leave new and old friends behind. If the best party is the one no one wants to leave, then our P&C threw a great one.

Values of the Week Program

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:40 AEDT

Value of the Week - Newsletter 1 (pdf 965 KB)

National Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

National Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (pdf 935 KB)

Open Day 2014

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

Our Open Day on 31 July was yet another fabulous community occasion at Tower Street Public School. Parents, grandparents, little brothers and sisters all crowded into the classrooms to see a sample of the learning that goes on every day. Amazing art works were created, plays acted, maths problems solved and dances danced (I hear we have some very boppy grandparents!). It was lovely to see the way each class became a big family. Naturally not every child could have a parent or grandparent there, but those that were there happily shared themselves around. They helped with cutting and gluing wherever they were needed and admired all the work that was shown to them. Cute baby brothers and sisters were also shared around with everyone keen to admire them, nurse them or play with them. Some toddlers looked enviously at all the fun things that happen in school. I think smaller schools can have a real feeling of closeness and extended family. Certainly it was there at Tower Street on this day.

At lunch time our hardworking P&C raised more money for the school by selling tea and coffee while people also flocked to the canteen for some yummy snacks. It was great to see our playground full of family groups enjoying picnic lunches. We were so lucky with the fabulous weather – we almost couldn't have ordered a better day. Mrs Collin's hard work putting together the history table paid off as people crowded around to look through old photo albums and remember past years at our school.

After lunch it was off to a packed assembly. As I said, I never stop loving looking out and seeing so many families here. We are a lucky school to have so many people able to join us for these occasions. It makes these special days something that all the children remember. Our assembly was run very efficiently by our prefects and showcased many of our school's performing arts activities. Our choirs sang and our dance groups performed. Our two district multicultural public speaking representatives shared their speeches with us on why racism is bullying – well done, Jasleen and Gracie. Year Three brought the drama with a great performance of ‘The Gruffalo' – the next time Riverside Theatre puts it on they should sign up some of our stars. 4/5LJ made learning about the solar system fun and fantastic with their planetary rap. It could be said that their names are already written in the stars!

The whole hall was ablaze with colourful artwork but a special mention needs to go to the candles that shone so brightly across the stage back. The picture showed a candle lighting the world in keeping with this year's theme of ‘Lighting a Way to a Better World', and truly these candles will shed a lasting light in some of the world's poorest countries. Every person who took part donated at least a dollar to go to CARE Australia's Education Project. Some people very generously gave a great deal more. Some families made it a whole family project with toddler scribbles, small boy colouring in and a grownup's careful work. Others had high school brothers and sisters join in. Altogether we raised an impressive $148.

Book Week Parade

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

News alert! On Thursday 21 August Tower Street Public School was invaded by Vikings, dementors, witches, wizards, dragons, pirates and blood-dripping vampires! Don't be alarmed, however – there were just as many princesses, Spidermen, Batmen, elven queens, karate fighters, fairies, mermaids, Ironmen and members of Dumbledore's Army there to save us. Yes, it was book week and Tower Street Public School was hosting a book parade. Our playground was a very strange sight as all these characters arrived at school. Everyone had been asked to come dressed as a favourite character from a book and great ingenuity was shown. Our pilot came complete with an extremely clever homemade aeroplane and Peter Pan had created his very own book to carry, while our seniors in particular found the current fashion for onesies very useful – luckily it wasn't too warm a day. The teacher wearing full Hogwarts robes found that they aren't the easiest thing to teach in while many a fairy found that wings can also be a little bit of an inconvenience.

In the classrooms Batman, Superman, Spider, the Hulk and more demonstrated that superpowers can be superpowers of concentration and superpowers of hard work! Others took the chance to share with friends why they loved certain books and I'm sure that some people went home with new ideas on what they might like to read. On the playground the senior soccer match was a crazy sight indeed as Pikachu passed to a Despicable Me minion to a wizard to a zebra to Grover. Now I'm sure that would rate even better than the Big Bash – perhaps the FFA should look into it!

The book parade was fabulously supported as usual by our parents. It was great to see so many family members there. A highlight of the parade was when the little brothers and sisters who had come in costume were brought up on to the stage by their proud big brothers and sisters. They were even cuter than our Kindergarten stars. At the end the teachers had the well-nigh impossible job of picking just three outstanding costumes from each class. Next time we might need twenty certificates for every class.

District Public Speaking

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

Bankstown/East Hills Public Speaking Competition

During Term Three all Tower Street Public School students will be participating in a class public speaking competition. The best speakers from will then have the opportunity to take part in a school competition. From there one speaker is chosen in each category – Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, Stage 2 and Stage 3 – to represent Tower Street Public School at a district heat in Week 8 or 9 of the term. The Tower Street competition is expected to be held in Week 6, but no dates are finalised yet. The competition includes impromptu speeches as well as prepared speeches for Stages 2 and 3.

The topics are:

Kindergarten

Why my family is special to me

A person who is special to me

Fun times

Years 1 and 2

My favourite place

Fun with my friends

My favourite character

Stage 2

Friends who are special

When I grow up

Surprise!

Stage 3

Things I can't live without

How can I make a difference?

Challenges

Multicultural Public Speaking Competition

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

The Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition was introduced in 1996. It aims to heighten the awareness of multicultural issues among NSW primary school students while developing their interest in public speaking and improving their confidence and speech-writing skills.

What are the speaking requirements?

At each stage of the competition contestants present both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech. For their prepared speech, contestants must choose a topic from the list of multicultural topics at bottom of the next page The prepared speech must have multicultural content. The impromptu speech is chosen by the adjudicator on the day, and will be on a general, non-multicultural theme. Contestants will have 5 minutes to write their impromptu speeches. The speaking times for each speech and division are outlined below. Note that speakers are expected to finish at or just beyond the official speaking time, and it will be considered poor timing to reach the continuous bell.

Division / Speech	Warning bell	Speaking time (2 bells)	Continuous bell
Years 3&4 prepared speech	2 minutes	3 minutes	4 minutes
Years 3&4 impromtpu speech	30 seconds	1 minute	1 ½ minutes
Years 5&6 prepared speech	3 minutes	4 minutes	5 minutes
Years 5&6 impromptu speech	1 ½ minutes	2 minutes	2 ½ minutes

What are the prepared speech topics for 2014?

2014 Years 3&4 topics	2014 Years 5&6 topics
Racism is bullying	Asylum seekers
Multiculturalism at the FIFA World Cup	The meaning of Australia Day
Empathising with other people	Getting a multicultural education
How kids can make a difference	Learning different languages
Harmony Day	Religion
Every family has a story	Multiculturalism in the media
My overseas connections	The same but different
When does a migrant become an Australian?	Un-Australian
Multiculturalism at school	Stereotypes
What makes a community?	Living between cultures

What are the adjudicators looking for?

The adjudicators will make their decision based on the manner, matter and method the contestants employ in presenting their speeches. They will expect contestants to be confident and engaging speakers. The prepared speeches need to show an understanding of multiculturalism, and be well developed and interesting. Contestants are also expected to demonstrate a balance of personal opinion and information in their speeches, as well as a balance of humour and sincerity. Finally, adjudicators are required to give equal consideration to the prepared and impromptu speeches in making their decision.

What are the rules of the competition?

Other than the entry rules and speaking times detailed above, it should also be noted that contestants are not allowed to use any props or external aids such as Powerpoint presentations during their speeches. They are encouraged to speak from palm cards and present from a stage without the use of a lectern or microphone. Finally, just a reminder that the prepared speech must have multicultural content to be successful.

More information can be found at The Arts Unit.

Tower Stret Public School will be competing in a local final at Padstow Park PS on Wednesday 18 June.

Students who are interested need to prepare a speech on one of these topics and then see Mrs Cutter.

Cross-Country Carnival

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

Tower Street's annual cross-country carnival will be held on Tuesday 6 May. It will begin at 11.30 and seating will be available for parents under the COLA on the top playground. Students should wear sports uniform, including their school hat. They neeed to make sure that they have plenty of water to drink and their asthma puffer, if needed. Parents are welcome to stay and have a picnic lunch with their child.

GO WAUGH! GO RAFTER! GO O'NEILL!

Opportunity Class Placement

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:39 AEDT

Application for Year 5 placement in an opportunity class in 2015 will be available from Monday 28 April 2014 until Friday 16 May 2014.

Opportunity classes are for academically gifted and talented children in Years 5 and 6.

There are 75 primary schools with opportunity classes across NSW. These schools can provide intellectual stimulation by grouping together gifted and talented students who may otherwise be isolated from a suitable peer group.

Gifted and talented students who would benefit most from enrolment in opportunity classes are those who have superior to very superior academic ability which is matched by exceptionally high classroom performance.

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. There is no provision to apply for Year 6 placement.

More information including a map of Opportunity Classes and short presentations about the process in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese can be found here

Samples of old test papers can be found here.

Parents are encouraged to apply online.

Athletics Carnival Postponed

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:03:38 AEDT

Due to the rain overnight, prediction of more today and the lack of shelter at Amour Park we have decided to postpone the Athletics Carnival. The safety of students is always central to the decisions we make. We apologise for any inconvenience to parents and families.