News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:57:24 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 13:10:42 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 16:25:20 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 16:51:33 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 14:18:59 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 13:35:12 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 11:21:51 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 11:40:46 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 14:04:02 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 11:35:53 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 12:22:25 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 15:09:41 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 15:08:34 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 14:30:19 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 13:17:27 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 14:56:07 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 16:22:50 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, 05 Sep 2018 11:30:29 AEST

Kiama and Parramatta public schools hosted the launch of Education Week today.

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, 05 Sep 2018 11:31:50 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, 05 Sep 2018 11:32:52 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.

Laguna P&C 27th Art Exhibition

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:24 AEST

The Laguna P&C 27th Annual Art Exhibition for 2018 will be held from the Friday 24th- Sunday 26th August in Laguna Community Hall.

This year we welcome a previous exhibitor, Michele Heibel as our feature artist. Michele is local to the Hunter Valley and creates intricate artworks using an etching needle on black clay board.

If you are interested in exhibiting your own artworks entry forms can be downloaded from the P&C icon on this website, which also gives a brief outline of the wonderful work that the P&C do for our school.

The opening evening dinner will be catered by Sacha & Nat from Wollombi Catering from 6pm and bookings are essential. Tickets can be purchased online through Sticky Tickets: http://tix.yt/lagunaartshow2018

Laguna P&C 25th Art Exhibition

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:24 AEST

Celebrating it's 25th year in 2016, the Laguna Public School Art Exhibition is a premier event in the social calendar attracting visitors from all over Sydney and the Hunter Valley. The exhibition kicks off on Friday 26th August with an Opening Night Cocktail event ( over 18's only) and official exhibition opening by Dr Miranda Lawry, Senior Lecturer, Fine Arts/Photomedia at Newcastle University and former Laguna Public School parent.

Traditionally there has been one Feature Artist each year but in celebration of the 25th Anniversary, Feature Artists since 1991 will be exhibiting. Accompanying them will be over 40 Wollombi Valley artists with 300 works displayed in Laguna Community Hall. As the main fundraising event for Laguna Public School, artwork will be for sale.

The pop-up Art Show café will be back again serving fresh scones, cakes, sandwiches, hot pots of tea, coffee and soft beverages across the weekend.

Our new playground is here!

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

A big THANK YOU to our wonderful P&C for your generous donation to help purchase our new play equipment. It has been a massive hit with the students and was very much needed.

Thank you also to John, Kirt and Dean for preparing the site and to Imagination Play http://imaginationplay.com.au/playground-equipment-sydney/. for supplying and installing the eqipment with prompt service.

Time to try again for Term 2!

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

After an eventful week at Laguna PS school form Term 2 will begin Monday 27th April.

The school was closed early on Tuesday 21st as floodwaters had already cut the Great North Road at Blaxlands Arm and by 9.30am the bridge at Watagan Creek Rd was under.

The school finally became accessible from Wollombi on Friday morning and teachers spent the day at school, which remained closed as power was still out which means no toilets and no water. Happily power has now been restored and we look forward to finally welcoming all students for Term 2.

Our school survived the storms in good shape, with only the sandpit looking particularly worse for wear. Our thoughts are with those school communities to the north of us who are still doing it tough with floodwaters and fallen trees.

School closure 24th April

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

The weather has eased, and the roads are now open to Laguna PS from the north and south.

There is still no power to Laguna PS therefore the school will remain closed Friday 24th April. Hopefully electricity will be restored over the weekend and school will resume Monday 27th April.

School closure 23 April.

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

Due to flooding in the Wollombi Valley our school will remain closed on Thursday 23rd April. At this stage teachers are unable to reach the school and there is no power, particularly for the operation of the water pumps.

We hope that all school families are safe and well.

Another update to be posted tomorrow.

Kinder Orientation Dates 2014

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:24 AEST

Transition dates for Kinder students in Term 4 are Friday 14th & Friday 21st November 9.30am to 12.30pm ( this includes lunch- break) and Friday 28th November and Friday 5th December 9.30am to 3.30pm. Parents will be given school information packs on Friday 14th.

We look forward to welcoming these students and parents and helping with their transition to school next year.

2014 ART SHOW SUCCESS

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:23 AEST

Wow! What a wonderful exhibition this was. With much hard work and dedication from our parents and community members the hall was once again transformed into a dazzling display of quality art and sculpture. Opening night had a real buzz in the air ( and not from the mozzies!), with exquisite food on offer and a wide range of fine wines donated by local wineries. It was wonderful to see the restaurant filled with so many community members catching up with friends and enjoying the evening. Many compliments were made regarding the execution of the exhibition in it's many forms. From the hanging of the artworks to the ambience of the restaurant, the quality of the food and wine, the friendliness and camaraderie between everyone involved, the delicious home-baked treats in the weekend cafe, the student marimba performance and the list goes on. The quality of the art on display was extremely impressive and of course all these things together contribute to the success of our annual school fundraiser. Thank you to everybody who gave their time and efforts to bring this wonderful event to our valley and thank you to all who visited and supported us. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

PARENT ONLINE PAYMENTS ARE LIVE $

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

Parents can now make online payments to the school for amounts owing for students via a secure payment page hosted by Westpac. As from Monday 11th August the page became live and payment can be made by selecting the sign above $ Make a payment. The site is very easy to follow and you can also see full instructions below if you encounter any problems.

A SIGNED PERMISSION NOTE WILL STILL NEED TO BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL FOR EXCURSIONS

INSTRUCTIONS (pdf 1798 KB)

OON News

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:25 AEST

Why not check out the local Our Own News (OON) which is available in our local stores and is accessible through this link OON. Every month Laguna P.S. has their own "Dispatch from Laguna" with an update on the latest news and student achievements.

Laguna P&C Dance 2014

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:25 AEST

The Laguna Public Schools Parents & Citizens Association is a very active group supporting the school in many ways. One of our favourite tasks is hosting community events to involve all our local community and everyone from further afield too! Our first event for 2014 is the Laguna Dance & Social to be held on Saturday 5th April at Laguna Hall. Tickets are on sale at the Great Northern Trading Post and Wollombi Store.All proceeds will help towards fundraising for the schools wishlist.

Check it out on Facebook and come and join us for a fifties inspired night of fun. "Grease is the Word!"

Over 18's only please.

Welcome Mr Howe

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mr Craig Howe as our new school Principal. As many of you know Craig has already spent quite a few years at Laguna teaching the junior class and stepping into the role of relieving Principal when neccessary. The students, staff, parents and community are all very pleased with this outcome and are looking forward to yet another fantastic year at laguna. Congratulations Craig.

140 Years of Public Education at Laguna

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:23 AEST

Period clothes, traditional games and dances and a time capsule were just some of the highlights of our wonderful celebration. We were joined by many and stories of days gone by were at the forefront of our conversations. There were plenty of photographs for people to reminisce and chat about and the morning culminated with a delicious array of food and drinks. Thank you to all who attended and helped to make yet another page in our school's long and wonderful history book.

Retiring Miss Davey

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! What a fantastic evening we had to farewell our wonderful principal Christine Davey. Friends, family, ex students, ex-pupils and the wonderful community all joined together to make this a truly memorable night for Chris. Thank you to everyone for your support, your time, your memories, your love and your laughter. We really made her night.

Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:24 AEST

CCGPS

"Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools (CCGPS) has developed an exciting and interactive new website to support our families and the broader community.
Learn more about the initiatives in place across our schools, creating strong educational pathways for all our students. Great links to parent support sites and local community services, and information about who we are and what we are doing within your community.
Check out the new website and get involved in your child's future today!"

Art Show Success! 2012

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:23 AEST

After 21 years, the Laguna Public School Art Exhibition remains a vibrant and exciting event on the Wollombi Valley calendar. This year the opening night was again a fantastic success – the restaurant and bar were in full swing under the big top, and we heard the beautiful harmonies of Coastal Acapella and the exciting new sounds of local musicians Kate Johnston and The Easels. But the biggest feature of the night was of course the art – we exhibited more than 500 artworks, with over 60 artists represented, most of them local. The feature artist this year was Kes Harper, who apart from exhibiting her own work also worked with Laguna students whose work was featured in the restaurant area. The art show continued over the weekend, with the Art Show Café in operation and a marimba performance by the school students.

The art show is the principal fund raiser for our school. Over the last 12 months the P&C have funded many projects, including the installation of a water tank and irrigation for our vegetable gardens, new computer furniture, solar panels, new musical instruments and the cost of buses for educational excursions. Every family at Laguna PS contributed in some way to the staging of the show, and we were thrilled to see many ex-parents and local community members also lending a hand. The team spirit that was so evident in the setting up and running of the show more than matched the funds that were raised.

Special thanks to Veronica Chambers and Karen Toohey, this year's Art Show Coordinators, to Joni O'Sullivan who led the hanging team and to Renee De Silva who ran the kitchen and served over 250 meals. And a very big thank you to the wonderful local community who support our school so generously and have done so over many years.

Laguna P&C

Laguna PS relay team makes it to the State Championships!

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:25 AEST

For only the second time in its history, Laguna PS students made it through to the State Schools Athletics Championships at the Homebush stadium in Sydney.

After successfully making it through the Small Schools Carnival, the Zone Carnival and the Regional Carnival, our team of Jarrod Biggs, Ben James, Tom Williamson and Sally Toohey spent weeks in training in order to be at their best for Homebush. Competing in the 4x100m relay, they ran a personal best to make it through to the semi-finals before bowing out. They were very proud of their efforts, as were their parents and indeed the whole school community.

Thank you to our sports teacher Simone Smith, whose expert coaching gave our students a chance to excel.

Laguna success at the Academic Challenge!

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:25 AEST

Laguna Public School's run of success at the Cessnock Mayoral Academic Challenge continued with a second place in the 2012 Challenge. The team of Fin Pratt, Ben James and Jarrod Biggs won their heat, then their semi-final before coming second to the eventual winner, Nulkaba PS in the final. Paxton PS came third, making it a very good result for local small schools. In 2010 Laguna won the challenge, and in 2011 came third, a point behind the tied winners.

We received a $1000 prize, which the boys will donate to the school for the purchase of laptops for use in classrooms. A great effort boys, and great coaching by Ms Davey, the senior room teacher.

Student return date for 2012

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

All students for 2012 including kindergarten return to school in 2012 on Monday 30th January. Parents are invited to attend a information morning in the Art Room commencing at 9:30am. An overview of the year will be presented detailing the year's focus with excursions and events. There will be time for general questions to the staff and P&C. Morning tea will be served at the completion of the session. Parents will also be able to purchase uniforms.

Best wishes for the festive season and the staff look forward to sharing 2012 with you and your family.

School Surveys

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

At this time of the year the school undertakes an evaluation of its programs and progress of targets. This year the curriculum area of spelling and the management area of planning will be evaluated. Parents, we would be appreciate your responses to the surveys. To make life a bit easier, we have included online surveys this year. There are 3 surveys, each in 2 parts. Click on the links below to complete the surveys online. Surveys will close on Wenesday 23rd November 2011.

School Planning part 1 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TX69WDQ

School Planning part 2 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TNKTJKN

School Satisfaction part 1 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TNL2TR5

School Satisfaction part 2 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TNVMCJV

School Spelling part 1 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TN7T73S

School spelling part 2 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TN9RKLH

Art Exhibition Success

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:23 AEST

The 2011 Art Exhibition was a huge success. Over 250 people attended opening night, 192 meals were served and lots of art was sold. Thank you to everyone to made the 20th exhibition such a success. The total amount of monies raised will be available next week. A debrief of the event will be held Wednesday 7th Sept 9:30am at Laguna Hall.

Free Support for parents

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:24 AEST

We all know that parenting is challenging. Every parent struggles from time to time with every day issues or more complex ones. We know that because we have spoken to close to 10,000 parents in the last 12 months.

The State Government funded helpline, Parent Line NSW (managed by CatholicCare) provides a unique free support service to parents across NSW. Highly skilled professional counsellors are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to take calls from parents and carers about any parenting issue, from tips on how to manage the morning routine, to concerns about distant adolescents to complex challenges of living in blended families. It is the only free counselling service available to parents during any part of their parenting journey, at any time of the day or night, any where in NSW. It's convenient because parents can call when it suits them, they don't have to arrange child care to talk to a professional counsellor and they can call as many times as they need.

As Parent Line is a not for profit organisation, and our funds go primarily into direct service, we always struggle to get the word out to parents about this unique support that is available to them. We are hoping that your school will support us in getting awareness about Parent Line out to your school community.

We have a website for parents, carers and professionals ( www.parentline.org.au ) with a range of tip sheets for parents about contemporary issues facing families today, some parenting stories written by our counselling team that normalise parenting challenges and some links to other NSW wide services.

Many schools in NSW already have a link to our website on their website and many schools regularly print our parenting article in their newsletters.

We are particularly focusing on rural and remote families currently, as our recent statistics tell us that families from these areas of NSW are less likely to contact us with a small issue and tend to manage things along until there is a major crisis (like a child running away or violent behaviour of the child).

Swimming Safety Program

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

Our students have just completed a Swimming Safety Program at Kurri pool, with students from Wollombi and Congewai joining us. The program ran for 5 days, with the students spending 90 minutes in the pool. They received swimming instruction as well as instruction in water safety and the use of life-saving equipment. Our students travelled by bus to the pool, which was an hour each way, and the program was made more affordable by a grant towards the cost of the bus the After School Sports program. We found the facilities and staff at Kurri Pool to be excellent, and our students had a fantastic time. See our swimming photo gallery below!

Tabloid Sports at Millfield!

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

On Thursday 4th November, students from our school joined with students from Millfield, Wollombi and Congewai schools to enjoy an afternoon of fun and games! The students had a fabulous time together amidst an atmosphere of fun, cooperation and goodwill! Look at our photo gallery for more pics!

Visit to Wiley Park School

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:26 AEST

Thank you to Mrs Shaunessy for organising a fantastic trip to Wylie Park School. Our students were welcomed by WPS staff and the Principal.

Then we saw a range of cultural performances from dancing to hakas. Our students performed two dances- thank you Simone.

The students then entered a hall of food from different cultures – United Nations, Asian, Pacific Islands, Indian, Middle Eastern and were able to select a plate full of food. They played and mixed with the WP students during recess and lunch. Some played handball, others talked in groups. Our staff felt the day was of great benefit for our students.

I was very impressed with our students manners and the friendliness and manners of the Wylie Park students. Parents thank you for your support of this school trip. It was a very successful multicultural event.

On Yer Bike!

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:25 AEST

On Wednesday 13th October we had a fantastic bike day, held across the road at John Forsythe's oval. Our students were joined by Wollombi school, and we had former Olympic cyclist Scott Steward organising activities. Thank you to Simone for coordinating what was a fantastic day - it was hard to get the kids off their bikes by hometime!

Go to the photo galleries to see some of the day's highlights.

Marimba making workshop

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:25 AEST

Members of the community are invitied to attend a marimba making workshop to be held at Laguna School in the near future. Marimbas are percussion instruments with bars or keys made of wood and struck with mallets to make a beautiful sound. Andy Debus has made one marimba for the school which sounds wonderful - a group of them will sound amazing!

How to make marimbas booklets are available from the school office, as is the materials list.

Please contact the school on 49988251 for more information or to register your interest.

School Planning and Reporting

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:23 AEST

2009 LPS Annual School Rerport (pdf, 14709 KB)
Laguna Public School Annual School Report has been published and is now available to download. Click on the link above to download in PDF format.

Communication Survey

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:24 AEST

In an effort to improve communication between home and school, a survey has been compiled by the P&C. Please complete by Wednesday 11th October. The online version of the survey has SSP encryption which means it is very secure and data cannot be stolen or accessed by others. Follow the link to complete the survey online.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=KFApkjrY_2b7PbkzAn75HTlA_3d_3d

Acknowledgement

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:08:23 AEST

We acknowledge the Darkinjung people who are the traditional custodians of this land on which our school stands. We pay our respects to elders, past, present and future.