News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:14:12 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 13:46:36 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 17:16:53 AEDT

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region-specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:30:12 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 17:26:56 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 13:41:12 AEST

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

Have your say today on before and after school care.

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

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

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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:27:26 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 11:49:25 AEST

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

You and your child can find information on:

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

A toolkit to empower you and your child

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

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

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

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

Keep your child safe and happy online

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

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:15:26 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 11:44:03 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 12:28:25 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 15:26:20 AEST

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

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

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

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:15:33 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

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

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

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

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:29:52 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 13:47:09 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:08:10 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:28:40 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.

Science and Technology

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 09:34:57 AEST

Digital Technologies is a new component of the Science and Technology syllabus. At this staff meeting, teachers were given the challenge of programming a Bee Bot robot to move. Coding skills are important for the future and students across K-6 will learn to code. Bee Bot robots are among the many types of robots that students will have access to in term 4 and beyond.

Little Learners

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:07:50 AEST

Little Learners is a transition to school program unique to Whalan Public School.

Premier highlights the value of public education

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 13:55:28 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."

Help us support our overseas troops

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 23:55:59 AEST

In honour of ANZAC day we will be collecting unused and new donations to create care packages for the Australian troops serving overseas.

All donations can be dropped off at the office or given to your child's teacher.

Please send your donations by FRIDAY 4th MAY.

Kitchen Garden Recipes

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:01 AEDT

Our Kitchen Garden Recipes will be published for parents in the 'Our school' tab.

Have your say

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

The Parent Survey can be completed online from Monday 21 August to Friday 22 September.

Click the link below

PARENT SURVEY

Our Wisdom Stories

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:01 AEDT

During Education Week 2016, students shared their class Wisdom Stories with members of our school community. Visitors were entertained with creative retellings of the stories that brought their characters and events to life. We dedicate this book to our school community for its ongoing support of our school programs.

We hope you enjoy reading 'Our Wisdom Stories'

Our Wisdom Stories (pdf 10238 KB)

A playground investigation

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:58 AEDT

School leaders have undertaken an investigation into playground issues.

Check out the trailer and watch this space!

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Steve Leibmann at Books in Homes assembly

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:02 AEDT

Books in Homes assembly

Today we had our first Books in Homes assembly for 2016. Our very special guest was Steve Leibmann. Steve has hosted the Nine network's Today program for 20 years and has been a newsreader for Channel 10's Eyewitness News. He is one of Australia's most respected journalists and television and radio broadcasters.

A special thank you goes to our very own P&C who have funded the Books in Homes program this year so that our children can continue to receive quality books.

Congratulations to our school leaders and our library monitors who hosted our assembly in a format that mirrored the Today show. Thank you to all of the parents and visitors who came along and joined us today.

Deadly Arts for Parents and Friends

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

Deadly Arts for Parents and Friends

Check out the details

Starts next Thursday here at the school

Meet visiting artist Etta Baird

Deadly Arts (pdf 71 KB)

Community Day

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:59 AEDT

This Wednesday 21st October

Everyone is welcome to come along for part of the day or all of the day. In honour of Grandparents Day this weekend, we especially look forward to seeing lots of our grandparents on Wednesday.

The long awaited schedule is here:

Community Day schedule (pdf 187 KB)

'Tell Them From Me' PARENT survey

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:03 AEDT

Parents can complete the survey using the link below

PARENT survey

The survey will be extended for 1 more week until Friday 18th September. We've also added an extra $50 Foodworks voucher to our prize draw.

To be in the weekly prize draw, complete the survey, fill in the form below and hand it in to the office.

Prize Draw form (doc 37 KB)

We will draw one lucky winner each week while they survey is open.

Celebrating local heroes for Education Week

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:59 AEDT

Whalan Public School will be celebrating local heroes in Education Week. We will acknowledge their contributions at a whole school assembly (Thursday 30th July) followed by a morning tea for all of the local heroes.

NOMINATE NOW - here's how:

Nomination forms are available from Whalan Public School office

Download a NOMINATION FORM (pdf 354 KB) and either drop it in to the school or email it to us (whalan-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au)

If you prefer, send us an email requesting a NOMINATION FORM embedded in an email so you can hit the REPLY button and add the necessary information before sending it back to us

NOMINATIONS close Friday 24th July

Kicking it with Mark Geyer

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:01 AEDT

What a day!

Check out the articles from the local paper

Kicking it with Mark Geyer (pdf 591 KB)

Health, fitness & sport! (pdf 666 KB)

WELCOME

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:05 AEDT

Welcome to 2015

We are very excited to be this year's school leaders. We would like to welcome new students to our school as well as the kindergarten students. We are sure you are going to feel welcome, make new friends quickly and enjoy attending our school as much as we do.

SRC, library monitors and sports house leader elections are next week. We encourage you to nominate for these positions. You have the opportunity to join us in making the school a better place. When we were younger, most of us were SRC, library monitors or sports house leaders and it was a great stepping stone to becoming a school leader.

Kiara, Jason, Andre, Rhett, Kaylyn, Isabella, Sela, NJ, Stacey, Tylay, Rianna and Krszariah

2015 school leaders

Whalan Food Expo

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:05 AEDT

10.00am STALLS by the following classes:

Kookaburras, Kangaroos, KH, KR, 1S, 1K, 2M and K-6M

Bush Tucker, Food Bank, Coles and Meals on Wheels stalls

Morning tea in the kitchen at 11.15am

12.00pm STALLS by the following classes:

2C, 2/3P, 3/4K, 3/4P, 5/6C, 5/6K, 5/6N, 3-6D and 3-6L

P&C BBQ available at lunchtime (1.15pm)

School cookbook on sale with recipes contributed by all classes - only $3.00

Whalan Quarterly Issue 4

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:37 AEDT

Here it is - the final Whalan Quarterly for 2013

2013, the year that was! (pdf 29575 KB)

Childhood infectious diseases

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:01 AEDT

All you need to know about childhood infectious diseases

Infectious diseases (pdf 229 KB)

Whalan Quarterly Issue 3

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:32 AEDT

Here it is, the much anticipated, Whalan Quarterly for Term 3.

Enjoy!

Whalan Quarterly Issue 3 (pdf 21639 KB)

Education Week Invitation

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

Education Week 2013

This year, we are putting the spotlight on MEASUREMENT and opening our classrooms for parents, carers and other members of the family to come along and join in with some measuring tasks.

Click on the link to see the invitation and find out when your child's classroom will be open for visitors

Invitation (pdf 229 KB)

Year 6 Farewell movie

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:53 AEDT

Whalan Quarterly Issue 4 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:36 AEDT

Read all about '2012, the year that was...'

Whalan Quarterly (pdf 26770 KB)

Happy Teachers' Day

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

For our amazing teachers

Whalan Quarterly Issue 3 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:32 AEDT

Whalan Quarterly Issue 3 (pdf 23159 KB)

Bystanders put the bite on bullying

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:59 AEDT

School leaders and the members of the Student Representative Council made a video to highlight the role of bystanders in bullying. During the school's Bystander Awareness Day, students and staff were shown the video. Additionally, classes, designed bystander slogans and took part in role plays of 'helpful' bystander behaviour.

These videos will show you the work that was done

Whalan Quarterly Issue 2 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:29 AEDT

Issue 2 of the Whalan Quarterly is titled

My Classroom, My School

We hope that you enjoy reading it!

Cover (docx, 2518 KB)

KK page 1 (pdf, 268 KB)

KK page 2 (pdf, 163 KB)

KN (pdf, 140 KB)

KP (pdf, 294 KB)

K-3H (pdf, 337 KB)

1J (pdf, 363 KB)

1M (pdf, 240 KB)

1S (pdf, 168 KB)

2V (pdf, 303 KB)

2M (pdf, 172 KB)

2-6S page 1 (pdf, 508 KB)

2-6S page 2 (pdf, 421 KB)

3-4M (pdf, 593 KB)

3-4C (pdf, 321 KB)

3-4G (pdf, 237 KB)

3-6D (pdf, 956 KB)

3-6M (pdf, 455 KB)

5-6B (pdf, 300 KB)

5-6O (pdf, 336 KB)

5-6P (pdf, 353 KB)

Writing like an author

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:59 AEDT

Well know author, Deborah Abela, was back at Whalan Public School for another visit. This time, she worked with students in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. She talked to them about how authors love to "make trouble." 'Making trouble' is just one of the ingredients of a successful story. The two other ingredients are the characters and the setting.

The students thoroughly enjoyed 'making trouble' with Deborah.

Click on the link to see photos

Writing like an author

Whalan Olympics

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:05 AEDT

Click the link to read the latest news article about our Whalan Olympics. The article was written by journalist, Stacy Thomas.

Mt Druitt Standard article

Whalan Quarterly 2012_Issue 1

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:05 AEDT

Whalan Quarterly Issue 1 (pdf, 269 KB)

1J (pdf, 717 KB)

1M (pdf, 1029 KB)

1S (pdf, 330 KB)

2-6S (pdf, 1014 KB)

2M (pdf, 260 KB)

3-4C (pdf, 457 KB)

3-4G (pdf, 1350 KB)

3-4M (pdf, 577 KB)

3-6D (pdf, 3185 KB)

3-6M (pdf, 476 KB)

5-6B (pdf, 384 KB)

5-6O (pdf, 727 KB)

5-6P (pdf, 682 KB)

Art program (pdf, 592 KB)

Bilbies (pdf, 734 KB)

K-3H (pdf, 449 KB)

Kangaroos (pdf, 1021 KB)

KK (pdf, 475 KB)

KN and 2V page 1 (pdf, 337 KB)

KN and 2V page 2 (pdf, 448 KB)

Koalas (pdf, 1129 KB)

Kookaburras (pdf, 564 KB)

KP (pdf, 341 KB)

Twilight Tales

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:03 AEDT

The Twilight Tales logo was designed by Colin Grieve 5/6B

Notes for parents (docx, 481 KB)

Twilight Tales Tip #1

Create a Twilight Tales reading zone

Read in your child's bedroom surrounded by their favourite things - a blanket, stuffed toy, night light.

WHY? Being in a familiar place stimulates all the senses at once, making the experience pleasurable and memorable and creating positive associations with reading.

Twilight Tales Tip #2

Look for books based on your child's interest.

WHERE? School library, Mt Druitt library, bookshops and at fetes or market days.

Twilight Tales Tip # 3

Act out the characters and use variation in your voice while reading the story.

WHY? This helps your child develop critical listening skills and makes reading time a lot of fun.

Twilight Tales Tip # 4

Read favourite books more than once.

WHY? When a child reads a book over and over, they learn to predict and recognize patterns. This helps them learn and store new information and builds on their memory.

Whalan Quarterly Issue 4 2011

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:33 AEDT

Issue 4 cover (pdf, 360 KB)

Kookaburras page 1 (pdf, 359 KB)

Kookaburras page 2 (pdf, 442 KB)

Koalas (pdf, 2354 KB)

Bilbies (pdf, 9322 KB)

Kangaroos (pdf, 657 KB)

KK page 1 (pdf, 486 KB)

KK page 2 (pdf, 426 KB)

KG (pdf, 596 KB)

K-3H (pdf, 534 KB)

KD (pdf, 547 KB)

1J (pdf, 541 KB)

1S (pdf, 861 KB)

2M (pdf, 398 KB)

2L (pdf, 787 KB)

2-3V (pdf, 422 KB)

3-4C (pdf, 409 KB)

3-6D (pdf, 1019 KB)

3-4D page 1 (pdf, 394 KB)

3-4D page 2 (pdf, 391 KB)

3-4M (pdf, 478 KB)

5-6O (pdf, 259 KB)

3-6W (pdf, 1084 KB)

5-6P (pdf, 721 KB)

5-6B (pdf, 636 KB)

Creative Arts (pdf, 433 KB)

Library (pdf, 427 KB)

Deborah Abela visits Stage 2 students

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

This term, students in years 3 and 4 have been reading the Max Remy series of books by Deborah Abela. On Wednesday 16th November, Deborah Abela spent an entire day with the students talking to them about herself, her adventures and the inspiration for some of her stories. In the afternoon, Deborah Abela led a writing workshop for some of our best writers.

Teachers' Day

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:03 AEDT

On Friday 28th October, we celebrated Teachers' Day. Our great school is summed up in this video. Click below to view why our school is a great place for learning.

Student voice competition

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:03 AEDT

Congratulations to K-2 students, 3/4C and 5/6P. Their student voice videos won our school $200 in prize money.

K-2 students voiced their opinions about what our community needs and why.

Click below to hear their views

3/4C and 5/6P tell us their views about grafitti - art or grunge? Make up your mind after you view the video.

Whalan Quarterly

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:49 AEDT

Whalan Quarterly

Issue 3

Cover (pdf, 185 KB)

Koalas (pdf, 905 KB)

Kookaburras (pdf, 419 KB)

Kangaroos (pdf, 765 KB)

Bilbies (pdf, 7964 KB)

K-3H (pdf, 407 KB)

KK Page 1 (pdf, 362 KB)

KK Page 2 (pdf, 471 KB)

KG (pdf, 540 KB)

KD (pdf, 532 KB)

1J and 1S (pdf, 706 KB)

2L (pdf, 616 KB)

2M (pdf, 268 KB)

2/3V (pdf, 261 KB)

2-6S (pdf, 710 KB)

3/4C (pdf, 377 KB)

3/4M (pdf, 598 KB)

3/4D Page 1 (pdf, 37 KB)

3/4D Page 2 (pdf, 223 KB)

3-6D (pdf, 1208 KB)

5/6B (pdf, 412 KB)

5/6P (pdf, 541 KB)

5/6O (pdf, 774 KB)

3-6W (pdf, 478 KB)

Whalan Quarterly

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:46 AEDT

Whalan Quarterly

Issue 2

Cover (pdf, 236 KB)

Kookaburras (pdf, 438 KB)

Koalas (pdf, 118 KB)

Kangaroos Page 1 (pdf, 321 KB)

Kangaroos Page 2 (pdf, 285 KB)

Bilbies (pdf, 587 KB)

KK Page 1 (pdf, 255 KB)

KK Page 2 (pdf, 316 KB)

KG (pdf, 271 KB)

KD (pdf, 528 KB)

1S and 5/6O (pdf, 1001 KB)

1J and 5/6B (pdf, 604 KB)

2L and 5/6P (pdf, 649 KB)

2M (pdf, 422 KB)

2/3V (pdf, 107 KB)

2-6S (pdf, 425 KB)

K-3H and 3/4C (pdf, 684 KB)

3-6D (pdf, 794 KB)

3-6W (pdf, 401 KB)

3/4M Page 1 (pdf, 138 KB)

3/4M Page 2 (pdf, 130 KB)

3/4M Page 3 (pdf, 140 KB)

Creative Arts (pdf, 613 KB)

Library Page 1 (pdf, 78 KB)

Library Page 2 (pdf, 78 KB)

Whalan students visit Rabbitohs

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:52 AEDT

What a day! All Aboriginal students and many of their parents travelled to Redfern Oval to watch the Rabbitohs at one of their training sessions. They were treated to a tour that included the players change room. The players were friendly and the captain signed autographs and read some of the students Personalised Learning Plans.

Costa comes to Whalan

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:59 AEDT

Costa Georgiadis from the popular SBS show, Costa's Garden Odyssey was the official guest at Kindergarten's Vegi Garden opening.

Students had spent weeks preparing the soil, planting seeds and seedlings, watering the new plants and making signs for the garden. At the official opening, parents, teachers and students gathered to see the garden and watch Costa cut the ribbon. Costa gave the students a small hand made scarecrow and wished them a plentiful harvest.

He even promised to visit again when the vegis were ready to be picked and cook some of his favourite recipes with the students.

Shortly after the garden opening, Costa was a special guest at the K-2 assembly. He shared some of his favourite books with the audience of parents, teaches and students. He read his favourite Dr Seuss book and then individually presented every child with their bag of books, as part of the Books in Homes program.

Senior Camp

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:02 AEDT

Camp Crusader - Lake Macquarie

Whalan Quarterly

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:43 AEDT

Whalan Quarterly, Issue 1, 2011

Our stories, our school, our community

Quarterly title page (pdf, 232 KB)

KK_2M and 2-6S page 1 (pdf, 392 KB)

KK_2M and 2_6S page 2 (pdf, 434 KB)

KK_2M and 2_6S page 3 (pdf, 309 KB)

Creative Arts page 1 (pdf, 169 KB)

Creative Arts page 2 (pdf, 145 KB)

3-4M and 3-6W page 1 (pdf, 196 KB)

3-4M and 3-6W page 2 (pdf, 142 KB)

3-4M and 3-6W page 3 (pdf, 129 KB)

1J (pdf, 527 KB)

2L (pdf, 1021 KB)

KG and 3-4D (pdf, 878 KB)

3-6D (pdf, 1127 KB)

5-6B (pdf, 284 KB)

5-6P (pdf, 781 KB)

Bilbies (pdf, 300 KB)

K-3H and 3-4C (pdf, 691 KB)

Kangaroos (pdf, 751 KB)

KD and 2-3V (pdf, 465 KB)

Koalas (pdf, 399 KB)

Kookaburras (pdf, 374 KB)

Harmony Day 2011

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

Buddy classes played and worked together.

Our students participated in the global Harmony Game - soccer.

They also shared their 'Stories in a Box'.

This is our world

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:03 AEDT

This is our world

Whalan Public School

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:05 AEDT

Our school is committed to excellence, equity and humanity and has a safe supportive environment which promotes successful learning, student achievement, and a spirit of trust and cooperation within our school community. The school values and applies the principles of Positive Behaviour for Learning and has high expectations of student behaviour and academic achievement. Our core rules ‘We are safe' We are respectful' and ‘We are learners' are reflected in our daily work. Decisions about school organisation are made with the primary consideration given to the wellbeing and academic needs of our students. Our classroom programs focus on the continuous improvement of student outcomes. Staff professional learning is given a high priority each year. We are committed to developing partnerships with our parents and the wider community, and our dedicated P&C body strongly supports school programs.

Our upgraded facilities include the use of integrated technology and we offer opportunities for a broad range of extracurricular activities. We excel in sporting and art events with student representation at state and national levels. Our students also participate in regional debating and public speaking competitions, dance and choir performances. Our school has strong programs addressing and celebrating the Aboriginal and multicultural heritage of our community. We also offer a range of excursions and cultural experiences including junior and senior camps to consolidate student learning.

Whalan's Community Hub

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:52 AEDT

We welcome Jillian Scahill who will be working at our school every Thursday.

Check out the links below for more information about community events here at Whalan Public School and at nearby schools.

What's on in February (pdf, 226 KB)

Art in the Park (doc, 453 KB)

Learning Pizza (pdf, 200 KB)

Whalan Quarterly 4

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:08 AEDT

2010, the year that was...

Bilbies (docx, 527 KB)

Koalas 1 (doc, 11890 KB)

Koalas 2 (doc, 9430 KB)

Kookaburras (docx, 52532 KB)

Kangaroos (doc, 19093 KB)

KG (pdf, 4701 KB)

KD 1 (docx, 11909 KB)

KD 2 (docx, 11406 KB)

KR (doc, 17573 KB)

K-3W (docx, 8029 KB)

1D (docx, 4590 KB)

1M 1 (pdf, 194 KB)

1M 2 (pdf, 182 KB)

1M 3 (pdf, 125 KB)

2V (pdf, 154 KB)

2W (pdf, 179 KB)

3/4M 1 (pdf, 239 KB)

3/4M 2 (pdf, 447 KB)

3/4M 3 (pdf, 245 KB)

3/4M 4 (pdf, 242 KB)

3/4E 1 (pdf, 199 KB)

3/4E 2 (pdf, 197 KB)

3/4E 3 (pdf, 194 KB)

3/4E 4 (pdf, 178 KB)

3-6H (docx, 1691 KB)

4/5J (docx, 1360 KB)

5/6B (docx, 11 KB)

5/6C (docx, 428 KB)

5/6G (doc, 15136 KB)

Art Show (doc, 30597 KB)

3/4E are winners!

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:58 AEDT

Congratulations 3/4E and Mrs Emmett!

Winners of the Rugby League Reads magazine competition.

Students in 3/4E wrote outstanding reviews after reading a range of articles from Issue 3 of this year's Rugby League Reads magazine. Ten students and their teacher will be treated like royalty at this year's NRL Players' Charity Christmas Party.

Kitchen Garden success

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:01 AEDT

Whalan Public School is now one of 42 new schools to join the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program

www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au

Excursion movies by Kindergarten

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

We went to the city by KG

We went to the city by KD

We went to the farm by KR

News story

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:01 AEDT

Budding artists at Whalan (docx, 1174 KB)

Whalan Quarterly Term 3

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:38 AEDT

We're Connected at Whalan Public School

During Term 3, many classes used the school's Connected Classroom for their learning. The Connected classroom has an interactive whiteboard known as a smartboard. It also has a large TV screen with video conferencing capabilities. It was great to see the Connected Classroom used so much by students and teachers.

The following attachments give you a look at what each class did when they worked in the Connected Classroom.

Preschool is connected (doc, 15500 KB)

KG is connected (doc, 276 KB)

3/4M is connected (docx, 4037 KB)

5/6B is connected (docx, 428 KB)

1M is connected (docx, 3261 KB)

5/6G is connected (doc, 4298 KB)

3/4O is connected (doc, 7918 KB)

KR is connected (doc, 5915 KB)

4/5J is connected (doc, 2583 KB)

3/4E is connected (docx, 401 KB)

1D is connected (docx, 432 KB)

3-6H is connected (docx, 60 KB)

K-3W is connected (docx, 1684 KB)

KD is connected (docx, 182 KB)

Preschool (EIU) is connected (docx, 3715 KB)

Preschool & EIU are connected (docx, 12575 KB)

Early Days Youth Art Exhibition

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:00 AEDT

The Opening of the Early Days Youth Arts Exhibition took place at the Emerton Youth Recreation Centre on Thursday 23rd September, 2010 at 4:30pm. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City Council were both present at the opening and graciously presented the winners of each category with their certificates and prizes.

Students from 14 local primary and high schools had their art works displayed in the exhibition. The exhibition will be open until Tuesday 28th September so go along and have a look.

Our school has art works in the exhibition by:

Ben Smith, Uluru at sunset, paint/watercolour

Marie Vaegaau, Life on the Reef, paint/mixed media

Tristan Stevens, The Green Land, crayon/paint

Benjamin Allatt, Fishy River, paint/mixed media

Eli Wilson, My Place, paint/mixed media

Suzy Tang, A Day in the Wetland, drawing/watercolour

Lauren Slater, Lots of Faces, drawing/crayon/paint

David Baikie, Tall Ships on the High Seas, mixed media

Bonita Naera, Botanical sketches, lead pencil/charcoal/water colour

Corryn Gafa, In the Mangroves, paint

David Baikie won FIRST PRIZE in the Visual Arts category for Primary schools. Congratulations David!

A tribute to Unsung Heroes

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:57:59 AEDT

Wow! We certainly celebrated Education Week with the best that our school has to offer! Our Open Day assembly on the 29^th July was impressive. Our school leaders, Mitchell, Suzy, Roy, Chloe, Jye and Kopal did an outstanding job in leading the assembly. All students from Preschool – Year 6 showed off their talents. We had dances, songs, interviews, poems, murals, research projects, a movie and a play.

What a showcase! What a tribute to our unsung heroes!

Thank you to all of the parents, carers and community members who came along to join us. Many of you had high praise for the students and teachers and the work they had done to put together our ripper assembly.

Click on the video link below to see 3-6H's tribute to Unsung Heroes

Photos from our Open Day assembly

Parent SURVEY

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:02 AEDT

Parent / Carer Survey

As part of the Federal Government's National Partnerships Program for schools in low socioeconomic communities, our school will be given additional funds over four years 2011 - 2014.

Over the last few weeks, teachers have taken part in discussions about how best to spend this money to improve our school so that we can improve outcomes for all students.

We believe that parents are partners with teachers and would like to know what you think as well. We have prepared a parent / carer survey so that you can have your say.

Click here to take survey

Whalan Quarterly_Issue 2_2010

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:26 AEDT

Stage 2 at Blacktown Council (docx, 847 KB)1/2S at the museum (doc, 1006 KB)KG's farm animal reports (doc, 4973 KB)2V's museum recounts (doc, 730 KB)3/4M learns everywhere (docx, 6116 KB)1M at the Australian Museum (doc, 22037 KB)KR at the farm (doc, 7441 KB)Learning in the preschool (docx, 13178 KB)Cover (docx, 200 KB)Stage 3 camp (docx, 1112 KB)

Whalan Quarterly Issue 1, 2010

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:58:18 AEDT

Whalan Quarterly Term 1, 2010 P1 (doc, 43 KB)Whalan Quarterly Term 1, 2010 P2 (doc, 4525 KB)Whalan Quarterly Term 1, 2010 P3 (doc, 67878 KB)Whalan Quarterly Term 1,2010 P4 (doc, 4849 KB)Whalan Quarterly Term 1, 2010 P5 (doc, 6796 KB)Whalan Quarterly Term 1, 2010 P6 (doc, 35099 KB)Whalan Quarterly Term 1, 2010 P7 (doc, 6213 KB)Whalan Quarterly Term 1, 2010 P8 (doc, 9956 KB)
The Whalan Quarterly is published every term. It includes highlights of the work students have done in their classrooms throughout the term. Enjoy!