News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:51:59 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 12:58:48 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 16:12:37 AEDT

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

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

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

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

Travel health

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

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

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:40:41 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 11:07:41 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 13:33:16 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 11:19:59 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 11:38:09 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 14:00:21 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 11:33:03 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 12:19:53 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:04:07 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 15:06:40 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 14:15:25 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.

Did you know our playground is open in the holidays?

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 16:10:53 AEST

We are excited to participate in the Share Our Space program when it returns these autumn school holidays. Participating public schools across regional and metro areas of the state will continue to open their playgrounds, ovals and sports courts for the whole community to enjoy.

You and your children can play in public schools all over NSW. Schools from Lord Howe Island Central School 600km off the east coast of mainland Australia all the way to Palinyewah Public School in the far west will share their outdoor facilities as part of the program.

Participating schools are open 7 days a week between 8am-6pm from 13 to 26 April 2019, including weekends and public holidays.

Come and visit our playground. For more information or to find another participating school near you, visit Share Our Space.

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:14:23 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 14:52:09 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:22:36 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.

Somersby Strikers Win!

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:32 AEST

Our school soccer team, the 'Somersby Strikers' won both the first and second round clashes in the NSW Small Schools Soccer Knockout last Friday. Well done everyone!

SOMERSBY SCAMPER 2018

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:32 AEST

The annual Somersby Scamper Cross Country Fun Run will be held on Sunday 29th April, 2018. Please go to our website to register: www.somersbyscamper.com

State Champions

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:32 AEST

Somersby Strikers are now the NSW State Small Schools Soccer Champions for 2017! What a fantastic day we had travelling down to the finals day in Sydney on our team bus full of supporters. The team won their first game 3-1 and won the grand final 8-0! Over the course of the championships they have scored 51 goals with only 1 goal scored against them - what an amazing effort. We are so proud of the sportsmanship they displayed in each and every game. Well done everyone!

Sydney North Athletics

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:32 AEST

Well done tour five athletes who qualified for the Sydney North Athletics Carnival that was held on Monday. A bug congratulations to Ruby who has qualified for the NSW State Athletics Carnival next term - a huge achievement!

Somersby Strikers Win!

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:32 AEST

Our Somersby Strikers Soccer team had a great win in their fourth round clash against Stroud PS coming away with an 8-0 win. We will now travel to Sydney for the finals day of the Small Schools Soccer Knockout.

Debaters Win

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:30 AEST

Our Year 6 debating team has won their first round against Narara PS in the Premier's Debating Challenge. Well done!

Zone Cross Country News

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:33 AEST

Last Friday we had a squad of 19 runners represent the Small Schools at the Zone Cross Country carnival. All runners did an extremely great job and we now have 5 students going through to the Sydney North Carnival on the 9th June. Well done everyone!

School Cross Country Postponed

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

Our School Cross Country Carnival that was to be held this Friday, 17th March has been postponed due to poor weather conditions. We will now be holding it on Wednesday, 22nd March.

Welcome Back

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:33 AEST

We would like to welcome everyone back for 2017, and extend a warm welcome to our new families. We look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead.

Soccer Match

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:32 AEST

Today Year 5 were crowned winners in the inaugural 'Year 5 v Year 6 Soccer Game.' It was a hard fought game in hot conditions. A big thanks to Mr McKendrick for organising and for those who were able to come along and cheers on both sides.

Well done everyone!

Happy Holidays

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

Wishing all of our wonderful families, friends and students a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We wish you all the very best for a wonderful 2017!

Zone Debating Winners!

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:33 AEST

Congratulations to our Year 6 debating team who have come through their rounds undefeated to win their zone. What a fantastic effort for our school!

Small Schools' Swimmming Champions

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:32 AEST

What a fantastic day to the pool! All of our students competed to the very best of their ability, and in doing so helped the school win the Overall and Handicap Champions of the day. We had several students beating pool records and Charlotte won the 11 Yr Girls Champion and Reiley the Senior Girls Champion.

Well done everyone!

Skoolbag App

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

Skoolbag provides schools with an easy way to tell parents/carers everything they need to know, and it provides parents with the most convenient way to receive school notifications.

No more lost paper in student school bags! School newsletters, school notices and alerts are communicated directly to the parent smartphone through the Skoolbag school Mobile App.

Skoolbag is school Mobile App that communicates directly with iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows Phones devices.

Skoolbag App Instructions (pdf 3458 KB)

Enrolling Now

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

We would like to encourage all students who wish to enrol in Somersby Public School for the year of 2015 to come and see us in the office. Kinder Orientation will be commencing next term and we would love to get to know you and have all the paperwork attended to befor then. Feel free to come in between 8am and 3pm or call and arrange a time to talk with our Principal Mrs Kirsty Squires.

To enrol you will need to bring : Birth certificate

Vaccination Certificate

Proof of address ( electricity bill and license)

Visa documention if appropriate

Legal guardian documentation if appropriate.

We look forward to seeing you!.

GCC Environment Awards

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

Somersby PSwas announced the proud winner of the Small Schools Environment School of the year at this week's award ceremony held at Laycock Street Theatre. Congratulations to Miss Suazo, our parent helper Lisa and the Environment group for their hard work and dedication shown towards our school and its environment this year. A big thank you to our K/1 class who performed so beautifully on the day.

Parent Online Payments

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

Great news! POP, Parent Online Payments will now be possible via a secure payment page hosted by Westpac. Payments for textbooks, excursions or voluntary contributions may be made by Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card. On the front page of our website from the 19th November an icon $ Make a Payment will be present. Click on the icon and start the easy to use payment system. Always remember to email or print the receipt.

Payments for EACH child MUST be made seperately please. You will need the student's name, and date of birth as mandatory entries, also what the payment is for and the total cost ( or part payment).

Please be as descriptive about the payment as you can!

Easy to read Instructions are on this website in the "Note" section. We look forward to working with this new system, making life easier.

CC Public Education Awards of Appreciation

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:30 AEST

Congratulations to Ms Ward and Ms Paxton who were proud recipients of a Public Education Award of Appreciation this year. They were recognised by the school for their ongoing comittment to student welfare in implementing and promoting the Postivie Behaviour for Learning program that the school has recently launched.

The Central Coast Public Education Awards were held on Thursday, 5th September at Erina High School.

We have a NEITA Teacher

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:33 AEST

The NEITA Foundation has congratulated our school on having a teacher nominated for an ASG Inspirational Teaching Award.

Neil Mitchell was nominated by members of our community and this week was presented with a NEITA Certificate of Nomination.

The purpose of these prestigious awards is to honour and recognise inspirational teachers, and highlight the work, not only of individual teachers throught Australia and New Zealand, but also the team contribution of all teachers in every school and centre.

Neil is now eligible for consideration for a National ASG Inspirational Teaching Award and grant. Congratulations Neil, thankyou to the nominator, and 'well done' to all our teachers for doing a great job!

2014 Kinder Enrolments

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:30 AEST

It is now time to enrol your kinder aged child at Somersby Public School. Children may enrol at the beginning of the year if they turn 5 years of age on or before the 31st July 2014.

To enrol is easy!

Just bring your child's birth certificate, immunisation ( or exemption ) certiicate and proof of current address along to the office between 8.30am and 3pm. No need to make an appointment and all the necessary forms are available.

The dates for our Kinder Orientation are the 12th, 19th and 26th November. Further details are available when you enrol your child. Look forward to see you.

NEW STUDENTS FOR 2013

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

As the new year has started we welcomed 8 new Kindergarten children and 4 children new to the area. Somersby School welcomes all enquires to attend our beautiful school. If you are moving to the area, please feel free to contact the school on 43 721233 to organise a time to chat to the Principal and have a look around our friendly school grounds and classrooms.

Somersby school has a very active P and C and collaborative community. We also offer a school band and a thriving equestrian team. Our Staff are friendly and actively involved in Positive Learning Behaviour within our school encouraging Respect, Responsibilty and Excellence in all areas.

Enrolment forms are available at the school office. So please, do drop in and have a look around.

News story

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:57:31 AEST

WEBSITE ADDITIONS - Following up on our community survey from Term 2, additional resources have been added to assist in promoting communication and a greater understanding of the work that occurs in the classrooms at Somersby Public School.

News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Kindy

Staying healthy into the new school year

Travel health

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Group bookings

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Have your say on before and after school care

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Get involved at home

Join in from the classroom

Take the Book Swap Challenge

Video – #ReadingHour authors talk about their favourite place to read

How to be smart and safe on social media

A toolkit to empower you and your child

Keep your child safe and happy online

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

Children born in Australia

Adults born in Australia

Did you know our playground is open in the holidays?

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

1. Be alert and aware

2. Hold hands

3. Choose a safe crossing

4. Set a good example

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

Practise makes perfect

Back to school

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

2019 school budget allocations

Somersby Strikers Win!

SOMERSBY SCAMPER 2018

State Champions

Sydney North Athletics

Somersby Strikers Win!

Debaters Win

Zone Cross Country News

School Cross Country Postponed

Welcome Back

Soccer Match

Happy Holidays

Zone Debating Winners!

Small Schools' Swimmming Champions

Skoolbag App

Enrolling Now

GCC Environment Awards

Parent Online Payments

CC Public Education Awards of Appreciation

We have a NEITA Teacher

2014 Kinder Enrolments

NEW STUDENTS FOR 2013

News story

WEBSITE ADDITIONS - Following up on our community survey from Term 2, additional resources have been added to assist in promoting communication and a greater understanding of the work that occurs in the classrooms at Somersby Public School.

Visit the Curriculum & Activities area and the Curriculum tab for further information.