News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:52:53 AEDT

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

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

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:00:50 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 16:14:42 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 16:42:38 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 14:11:39 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 13:33:35 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 11:20:23 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 11:38:35 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 14:00:59 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 11:33:34 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 12:20:22 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 15:05:07 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 15:06:59 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 14:19:19 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 13:14:52 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 14:52:49 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 12:23:10 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

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 10:30:51 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

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 10:32:29 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

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 10:34:19 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.

Selective High School Placement Test

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

Some primary schools across NSW offer places in ‘opportunity classes' for gifted and talented students in Years 5 and 6. To be considered for placement students must sit the Opportunity Class Placement Test. For information about applying and the placement process go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5.

Selective high schools cater for the specific needs of high achieving gifted students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic and social level. Selective schools help gifted and talent students to learn by grouping them with other gifted and talented students, teaching them in specialised ways and providing educational materials at the appropriate level. Parents apply when the student is in Year 5. The students sit the test in March of Year 6.

To be considered for placement students must sit the Selective High School Placement Test. For information about applying and the placement process go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7.

Some selective high schools have vacancies in Years 8 to 12. Applications open in late June for placement the following year. For information about applying and the placement process go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/years-8-to-12.

Term 2 Calendar

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

Attached is the Term 2 Calendar. Its a busy term so keep your copy so you stay on top of things.

Term 2 Calendar (pdf 81 KB)

Parent Information Evenings at WHPS

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

During Week 5, (week beginning Sunday 18th February) we will be holding information sessions for parents (approximately 45 mins). At these meetings, teachers will provide details of class routines, homework, student expectations and general curriculum information.

This year, parents are asked to go straight to their child's classrooms. There will not be a meeting in the hall first, as in previous years. A map of classrooms will be sent out with the next newsletter. The only exception will be the Support Unit sessions which will all begin in the library.

Please see attached note for times and dates

2017 Parent Info Evenings (pdf 151 KB)

Recognition Assembly Monday 27 June

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

On Monday 27 June at 10am, we will be having a Recognition Assembly recognising students achievements this term. All parents are invited to attend. Special awards will be presented to students. Notes will be sent home to those students receiving awards. Please see attached program for the day.

Recognition Assembly (pdf 240 KB)

Get the Skoolbag App now and Never Miss a Newsletter or Note Again

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

CLASS REQUIREMENTS FOR 2016

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Please find attached the class requirements list for students at Winston Hills Public School for 2016. Students will be required to bring the items into school for week 2, when new classes are form.

K-6 Requirements for 2016 (pdf 38 KB)

Term 4 School Calender

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:33 AEDT

Term 4 Calender (pdf 32 KB)

Term 3 School Calender

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:33 AEDT

This term School Calender is now available.

Term 3 Calender (pdf 31 KB)

3 Year School Plan

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Our 3 Years school plan has been uploaded onto our website. It can be found by clicking School Plan

Do you have our E-School News App?

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Ever lost a note? Do notes not make it all the way home?

Now we have a simple solution that is accessible from your Smartphone.

Download our Eschool News App from the App store to stay up to date on Newsletters and notes.

NEVER MISS OUT AGAIN!!

Are you Following us on Facebook?

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Keep up to date with what's happening at WHPS by following our Facebook Page.

www.facebook.com/winstonhillsps

Summer PSSA Draws

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

Summer PSSA Draws are now loaded onto our website

Click PSSA for details

Bazaar Day

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Please find attached the Bazaar day note that was released this week. It unfortunatley was not loaded in Notes and Newsletter section of the website

Bazaar Day (pdf 373 KB)

Year 6 Farewell

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:33 AEDT

Please find attached the year 6 Farewell Note that was released this week. It unfortunatley did not make the Newsletters and Notes section of the newsletter.

Year 6 Farewell (pdf 291 KB)

SCHOOL PHOTOS NEXT TUESDAY

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

School photos are on next Tuesday 5 August 2014.

Students are required to wear FULL WINTER UNIFORM including a Jacket. There will be no Sport on Tuesday.

Education Week

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

EDUCATION DAY AND OPEN DAY ARE ON TUESDAY 29 JULY. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR TIMES OF ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE AT WINSTON HILLS PUBLIC SCHOOL:

8:30 - 9.00 – Book Fair in the New Hall

9:30 – Book Character Parade in the Primary Playground

10:30 – Book Fair in the New Hall

11:00 – Parent Morning Tea outside the New Hall. Items by

the Performance Band and School Choir

11:30 - 12:15 – Open Classrooms K-6

education week (pdf 74 KB)

NEW NOTES AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

There are three new notes that have been added to our website to assist families.

1. Enrollment form

2. Scripture Options and Authority

3. Permission to Publish Photos authority

All these forms can be found on the Curriculum page of this website.

BOOK PARADE

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

The annual book parade will be held on Tuesday 29th

Who: All students K-6

When: Tuesday 29^{th July 2014 at 9.30am}

^Where:^{Primary Playground - Area A}

^What:^{Students come to school dressed as their}^{favourite book character.}

^{Students can wear a label or bring the book their character is in.}

^{Book Week Theme:}^{‘Connect to Reading'}

^{book parade (pdf 137 KB)}

Term 3 Calender

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:33 AEDT

Term 3 has begun. Make sure you don't miss anything by keeping and eye on our Term calender. If you subscribe to our newsletter email, you would of recieved this last term. For those that didn't please download your copy now!!!

Term 3 2014 Calender (pdf 31 KB)

Excursions Excursions Excursions

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

Its a busy time of year with several of our Stages heading out of schools on some excursions.

To keep up with what is happening keep an eye on our website, facebook page and Newsletter for photos and updates. Stay in touch!!!

Mothers Day Breakfast

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

A huge thank you to all our families that came to our Mothers Day Breakfast on Thursday morning. Everyone had a great time and the staff were pleased that all the mothers were spoilt.

Please check out our photos below in the photo gallery.
Happy Mothers Day for Sunday Mums!!!!

PSSA DRAWS for Winter 2014

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

Attached are the PSSA draws for Winter 2014.

Please note that games are played in the afternoon from 1pm. Students leave school at 12.15pm approx. They will return by 3.00pm.

Rugby League Draw (pdf 224 KB)

Soccer/Newcombe Ball Draw (pdf 329 KB)

Online Payments now available

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

It is now possible for parents to make online payments to the school for amounts owing for students, via a secure payment page hosted by Westpac. Payments can be made using either a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. The payment page is accessed from the front page of the schools website by selecting $ Make a payment

Items that can be paid include voluntary school contributions, subject contributions, excursions, sales to students and creative and practical arts activities (these include band, drama and dance). There is also a category called Other this to cover items not covered in the previous headings, Other can be used to make a complete payment of a school invoice.

When you access the $ Make a payment you must enter:

the students name, and
class and reference number OR
the students name, and
date of birth.

These details are entered each time you make a payment as student information is not held within the payment system. There is also the option to enter the Student Registration Number and Invoice number if you are aware of them, these are optional fields.

This is a secure payment system hosted by Westpac to ensure that your credit/debit card details are captured in a secure manner, these details are not passed back to the school.

You have the ability to check and change any details of the payment before the payment is processed. Receipts can be emailed and/or printed.

Details of the payments are passed daily to the school where they will be receipted against your child's account. As a receipt has been issued from the payment page a further receipt will not be issued by the school.

For any enquiries regarding the Online Payment process please contact the School Administration Office.

Term 2 Calender

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:33 AEDT

Term 2 Calender is now available. There is lots going on this term so make sure you print yours so you don't miss out.

TERM 2 CALENDER (pdf 32 KB)

Congratulations Gala Day Cricket Team

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Congratulations to Mr Freney and the Cricket Gala Day team on there fantastic win in Round 1 of the District Cricket Gala Day Competition. All boys played well and had an outstanding win against Jasper Road. Good Luck next round boys and Girls!!!

Staff at Winston Hills celebrate Harmony Day

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

The staff at Winston Hills PS have celebrated Harmony Day not only with their students but each other. With everyone wearing orange we gathered for Morning Tea. Happy Harmony Day Everyone!

HARMONY DAY 20 MARCH 2014

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

Just a reminder that Harmony day is tomorrow. It is a day that we celebrate all the multiculturalism of our wonderful school. Parents are reminded that their child can wear an accessory that is orange and that full school uniform is still required.

Parent Teacher Interviews - Online Appointments

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

Parent/Teacher Interviews will be conducted in the week starting the 24th March. We believe that it is important for parents and teachers to meet early in the year to discuss each student's progress so far and raise any issues or concerns.

Parents can book an appointment with their child's teacher on-line. The booking site is live as of 8.00pm on Friday 7th March and will close at 8.00pm on Friday 21st March.

A parent information sheet is accompanying this newsletter and explains the simple process for booking a parent/teacher interview.

You can book interviews at www.schoolinterviews.com.au

Please follow the instructions on the parent information sheet sent with this weeks newsletter. If you have lost your copy click on the Newsletters and Notes section of our website.

Winston Hills PS goes Social!!!

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:33 AEDT

Winston Hills PS has joined Facebook!!!!

facebook.com/winstonhillsps

To keep up to date in what is happening at Winston Hills PS, go and like our Facebook page.

We would like to ask parents to remember this is an administration page to inform you about what is happening and not an opportunity to ask teachers questions. This site is monitored by the administrative staff and not the teaching staff. Should you have any questions or concerns, as always, please direct them to your classroom teacher.

We look forward to working with you on Facebook!!!!!

Kindergarten Excursion Tuesday 18th March

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

Kindergarten will be attending their first excursion on Tuesday 18th March to Fagan Park.

Students are to wear their sports uniform to the excursion and as a result, sport is cancelled on Monday.

Hope you enjoy your first excursion!!!!!

Congratulations Zone Swimmers

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Congratulations to all our Zone Swimmers who yesterday represented the School at the Castle HIlls Area Zone Swimming Championships. Some great swims from all our swimmers and our relay teams. Good Luck to all the finalists representing tonight at 5.30pm at Waves Baulkham Hills. GO WINSTON HILLS!!!!~!

Swim school starts Monday 3 March

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

Swim School starts on Monday for a 2 week period. Please remember to label all your childs belongings including towels and goggles. Let the washing begin!!!!!

PSSA Draws

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:32 AEDT

PSSA draws are currently available from the Castle Hill PSSA site CLICK HERE.

Parents are welcome to attend and cheer on their son or daughter. However we would like to remind all parents that all supporting is to be positive and encouraging. Teachers are attending to teach and coach your child during this time and are not available for consultation. Should you wish to speak to the teacher please make an appointment at the office.

GO WINSTON HILLS!!!!

Dance Groups Announcment

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:30 AEDT

Mrs Downton would like to thank all the wonderful dancers that came to the Auditions last week.

An announcement will be made this week.

Good Luck

Parent Morning Tea - Homework

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

Parents are invited to attend the first ‘Parent Morning Tea' for the year on Wednesday 5th March from 9.15 – 10.45 in the school hall. I will be running the session on ‘Homework' and during the workshop I will be:

• presenting the results of the parent survey in 2013

• looking at the research and Department's policy guidelines

• present and discuss the use of ‘homework grids' at our school in 2014

• discuss parent expectations for homework

Parents who are planning to attend are asked to RSVP to the school office on 9639 8518 by Tuesday 4th March. I am looking forward to discussing these issues about homework with parents at the workshop. All welcome!

Parent Information Evenings

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:38:31 AEDT

Parent Information Evenings are being held this week for parents. At these meetings teachers will provide details of class routines, homework, student expectations and general curriculum information.

Kindergarten - Tuesday 25th February at 5.00pm

Stage 1 - Tuesday 25th February at 6.00pm

Stage 2 - Tuesday 25th February at 7.00pm

Stage 3 - Thursday 27th February at 7.00pm

Support Unit - Thursday 27th February at 6.00pm

Please Note:

¿ Teachers are not available on this night for individual parent interviews. If you wish to discuss your child in detail you will need to make an appointment for another time.

¿ If at all possible, parents are requested not to bring any children with them to the ‘Parent Information Evening' as it can be quite distracting and noisy during the sessions.