News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:49:44 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 12:53:46 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 16:07:08 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 16:35:52 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:04:52 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:32:27 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 11:19:15 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Get involved at home

Join in at home and read your child a bedtime story. Studies show that reading a bedtime story six days a week can give kids almost a year’s head start when they begin school. Reading has also been shown to develop empathy, promote critical thinking and help children find a sense of self.

Join in from the classroom

Bestselling children’s author and illustrator Matt Stanton will broadcast live to primary school children across the country from the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 17 September. We invite schools to register for the livestream of this free event.

Stanton’s author talk is among more than 140 events happening across the country involving more than 50 authors.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

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

Duration: 0:38

Looking for a good spot to open a book? We asked authors Benjamin Law, Morris Gleitzman, Jacqueline Harvey and Mick Elliott about their favourite place to read.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:36:55 AEST

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

You and your child can find information on:

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

A toolkit to empower you and your child

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

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

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

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

Keep your child safe and happy online

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

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:58:47 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:31:56 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:18:35 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:01:49 AEST

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

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

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

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:05:56 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 14:09:11 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 16:10:28 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 13:13:07 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 14:50:23 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 12:21:01 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Premier highlights the value of public education

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 15:35:34 AEST

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."

New uniform policy for NSW public schools

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 15:36:34 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 116KB) 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.

More new classrooms, preschool places and teachers in $17.3 billion education budget

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 15:37:25 AEST

NSW Budget 2018 features historic firsts for education, including record funding to expand the number of new and upgraded schools, unprecedented investment to air condition more classrooms and universal pre-school for three year olds.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Early Childhood Minister Sarah Mitchell outlined a range of new initiatives funded by the $17.3 billion education budget in 2018-19.

The Government will be investing $6 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools, including planning for more than 20 new projects.

"We are proud to be making this unprecedented investment into the future of our children," Mr Perrottet said.

"This year's NSW Budget takes our already record school building program to another level – a massive 170 schools new and upgraded schools over the next four years.

"That brings our total schools building program to 230 new and upgraded schools since 2011."

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government's strong financial management has allowed us to invest so heavily in our schools and education system."

Mr Stokes said communities right across NSW will benefit from this record investment into education.

"NSW is experiencing an increase in school enrolments and we have in place an unprecedented program of investment in new and upgraded schools to meet this demand," Mr Stokes said.

A staged investment of $500 million is being allocated to provide cooling for schools, while improving the indoor environmental quality, through the installation of smart and sustainable air conditioning systems powered by solar energy.

In another landmark initiative, NSW will become the first Australian state to provide universal access to community preschool for three years old under a $197.8 million program.

"Because of this historic investment, average daily fees will decrease significantly and the savings will go directly back into the pockets of hard working families," Mrs Mitchell said.

This brings total spending on early childhood education to $474.3 million in 2018-19.

Other education investment in the 2018-19 NSW Budget includes:

$160 million to be spent in 2018-19 to continue its blitz on planned school maintenance, part of a record $747 million investment over four years;
$71.8 million to implement the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in NSW schools;
$50 million in additional flexible funding will be provided to government schools to implement the School Leadership Strategy - freeing up principals and school leaders from administrative work;
$3 million for the first comprehensive review of the entire school curriculum since 1989;
$2.8 million to encourage the preservation and study of Aboriginal languages;
$30 million to continue to deliver greater access to green space and sports facilities in public school playgrounds through the Share Our Space program, and;
Funding for around 900 extra full-time equivalent teaching positions in NSW government schools.

The NSW Government will also invest $1.3 billion on non-government schools, an increase of 7.5 per cent on 2017-18. This includes a $32 million increase in the Building Grants Assistance Scheme over four years for capital works projects to support enrolment growth in non-government schools.

The record $17.3 billion investment in education allocates $15.7 billion for recurrent expenses and $1.6 billion for capital investment in 2018-19.

Cross Country Postponed

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

Due to inclement weather, tomorrow's School Cross Country at Timber Hills has now been postponed. We will now proceed to the back-up date for this event which is on Tuesday 2 May (week 2, Term 2).

A Taste of Tomerong Community Dinner

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:20 AEST

‘A Taste of Tomerong', our community dinner to be held on Saturday 6 August, is shaping up to be a fantastic night. Our group of highly regarded, local chefs have joined forces to offer a fantastic curry night, complete with live music at the Tomerong School of Arts.

Tickets are $30 each, payment can be made by depositing funds into the Tomerong Public School Parents and Citizens Account 06 2585 0091 0411. Please ensure you add your name and phone number when making payment. Alternatively, money for tickets can be placed in an envelope and dropped into the money collection box located in the office waiting room with your name and contact details clearly marked. This is a fantastic opportunity for the school and wider community to come together and celebrate all the great things happening at Tomerong. For further details please contact Mala on 0409 918 820 or email tomerong-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.

Please click on the link below to view the information flier.

Curry Night (pdf 929 KB)

Now Enrolling for Kindergarten 2017

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Yes, it's that time already! If you intend to enrol your child in Kindergarten 2017, please make contact with the school so we can include you in our numbers. Similarly, if please if you know anyone who is considering enrolling for 2017, please ask them to come and see myself or the administrative staff.

Tall Trees Before & After School Care

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

Our Before and After School Care numbers continue to grow but places are still available Monday - Friday both mornings and afternoons. For all enquiries relating to this fantastic, fully approved service, please call Anna and Philip on 0490337292.

Before and After School Care Opens!

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:19 AEST

Our Before and After School Care officially opens today!

Places are still available for most days. Please return your enrolment forms ASAP or contact the school on 44434376 for enquiries.

Congratulations to the amazing committee who have worked tirelessly to offer this fantastic service to the Tomerong community.

SRC Talent Quest

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

On Monday 14 December, Tomerong SRC will be holding their annual ‘Tomerong's Got Talent', talent quest. Students who would like to perform, are invited to start practising and thinking about their performance, either individually or in a small group. Last year, we had some amazing acts which included singing, dancing, comedy, musical instruments and short skits.

The SRC will be visiting the classes early next week to take the names of students and their acts which they would like to perform.

Bandana Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:19 AEST

On Friday 30 October the SRC are holding a fundraiser for ‘National Bandanna Day'. This fundraiser helps support young people who are dealing with cancer all around Australia. Colourful bandannas will be available for sale in the morning as well as lunchtime on Friday 30 October for $4 each. Please purchase one and enjoy wearing it at school for the day to show your support for young Australian's who are affected by cancer.

Special School Assembly

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

Next week's assembly will be held on Thursday 22 October at 2pm instead of Friday. We have invited the volunteers from the Bay and Basin's ‘Great Mates Shed' and the artist Vanessa who helped make the Library murals possible. These wonderful volunteers spent over a year helping our students to draw, design and create the three magnificent murals that were installed on the Library wall during the last school holidays. It was such a great program and we are so proud of what our students have achieved. I hope we can see as many parents attend the assembly as possible.

School Gymnastics Program

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

The school Gymnastics program will commence on Thursday 15 October and will run each Thursday for eight weeks. Students will learn a range of skills including handstands, forward rolls, cartwheels and safe jumping and landing techniques. The program is taught by experienced gymnastics coaches and students will have the opportunity to use a variety of gymnastics equipment, including trampolines, horizontal bars, parallel bars, rings, beams and much more!

There is no cost to students for this program. Students will need to wear their sports uniform for each of these sessions. Permission notes were sent home with today's ‘Bulletin'. Please return your permission note by Wednesday 14 October to enable your child to participate. If needed, additional permission notes will be available from the office foyer or downloaded here Gymnastics 2015 Permission (pdf 269 KB).

RSPCA Cupcake Fundraiser

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

The SRC are holding a special cupcake fundraiser to help raise money for the RSPCA on Thursday 10 September (week 9). Students are asked to donate a maximum of 1 dozen cupcakes (which will be sold to the students on the day for 50c - $1). T

This year the SRC has decided that it would be fun to have an 'animal theme' cupcake decoration. If possible, please get creative and decorate your cupcakes with an animal theme. Please see the website http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au for some more ideas!

All money raised from the sale of cupcakes on the day will go the RSPCA and the animals in their care. Every cupcake you bake, as the power to change lives. Happy baking!

Senior Gala Day - Postponed

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

Unfortunately due to the wet weather, the Senior Gala Day scheduled for this Friday, 28th August has been postponed until Friday 18th September. Permission notes for the new date will be sent home shortly.

Athletics Carnival Ribbons - Assembly

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:19 AEST

Ribbons from our School Athletics Carnival will be awarded this Friday, 28th August at this week's whole school assembly. To allow extra time for this, our assembly will start at 2pm. Parents, Grandparents and carers are most welcome to attend.

Athletics Carnival Postponed

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:18 AEST

Unfortunately, due to the wet conditions at Sanctuary Point Oval, we have had to postpone our Athletics Carnival until next Wednesday, 29th July.

NAIDOC Week Activities

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Tomerong Public School would like to extend an invitation to all our families to attend our NAIDOC Week celebrations commencing on Monday 22 June.

Our celebrations start with a flag raising ceremony on Monday 22 June at 9.30am.

We are also holding a NAIDOC doing things together day on Wednesday 24 June. Some of the activities include paperbark art, rock art, painting, Johnny cakes, dreamtime stories and lots more. Please feel free to come along and any parent helpers who would like to lend a hand throughout the day are more than welcome.

Kindergarten 2016

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

Tomerong Public School is now taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2016. If you are intending to enrol your child or know of someone who is going to enrol their child in Tomerong's Kindergarten for 2016, would you please let the school know. This will not only assist our planning for staffing in 2016, but will also assist with the organisation of the Kindergarten Orientation program which will be held in Term 4.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Student reports will be sent home in the last week of this term, then during week 1 of Term 3, parent/teacher meetings will be held after school. Each class will be on a separate day so parents who have children in more than one class have the opportunity to speak to each of their child's teacher on separate days, thus avoiding the rush and bustle of trying to fit them in on one afternoon. Details about which class and when will be provided in a later 'Bulletin'.

Students will be given a note next week on which you will be able to indicate your preferred times. All efforts will be made to accommodate your preferred times, but this may not always be possible due to high demand for certain times.

Mrs Blackmore's 3-4B parent/teacher interviews will be held in the last week of this term due to her pending retirement, commencing Term 3.

2-3B Art Competition Success

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:18 AEST

Students from 2-3B recently participated in the Jervis Bay Marine Park, Marine Debris School Art Competition with some wonderful results achieved by our students. In the K-2 category, students took out 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. In the 3-6 individual category students placed 1st and 2nd. One of our student's artworks entitled 'Clean Vs Dirty' was also featured on the Jervis Bay Marine Park Poster for World Environment Day and all the students artworks were displayed at the Old Church, Jervis Bay Maritime Museum as part of the World Environment Day exhibition. For their efforts our students were each awarded book vouchers and the school also received $200 work of book vouchers. Congratulations and well done to Miss Beal and the students of 2-3B.

Congratulations KP and K-1D

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

Students in KP and K1D performed in the Shoalhaven Eisteddfod at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in the verse speaking section. As a result of their wonderful performance they were awarded first place. The received a 96% for their presentation. The judging not only looked and listened to the verse speaking, it included how the students went on and left the stage, facial expressions and actions and how well the students looked as a group. Congratulations and well done. Also, I would like to say a big thank you for the efforts of Ms Pomroy and Mrs Dilley in preparing the students so well and to Mrs Ford and Jenny for their support on the day.

Scholastic ‘Book Fair’ is Coming!

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

The Scholastic ‘Book Fair' will be held next week from Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May. The ‘Book Fair' will be set up in the school's Connected Classroom and will be open:

Monday 3 - 3.30pm,

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 8.30 - 9.15am, 11.45am - 12.05pm, 3 - 3.30pm,

Friday 8.30 - 9.15am, 11.45 - 12.05pm

A large range of books as well as a few novelty items will be available for purchase at very reasonable prices. I know many students are looking forward to browsing and perhaps choosing a book or two to purchase. Parents, grandparents and carers are most welcome to come and peruse the selection of books and make a purchase, should they wish to do so.

Mother's Day Stall

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Once again, the P&C we will be holding a Mother's Day Stall on Thursday 7 May. There will be a selection of gifts for mums and grandmothers at a cost of $5 each. If your child is not participating in this event, would you please discuss this with them prior to the day to avoid disappointment. Also, we are looking for parental assistance during the Mother's Day Stall, so if you are available to assist, please contact the school office.

District Cross Country

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

Congratulations to the students who qualified for the District Cross Country to be held at ‘Timber Hills' Kells Road, Tomerong, on Friday 1 May from 10.45am to 2pm.

(If postponed due to bad weather, an announcement will be made on Radio 2ST or Power FM between 7 - 8am). Parents will need to organise transport to and from the venue. All competitors are required to pay $1 to cover the cost of providing toilets at the venue. Students who qualified for the District Cross Country were given a permission note yesterday. Please return your permission note with payment as soon as possible. Parents who will be transporting children other than their own, will need to ensure that the school has current vehicle registration and drivers licence details. If you are transporting students from school you will need to sign them out in the excursion transport book, which is located in the office waiting room.

This year, Tomerong Public School is hosting the District Cross Country canteen to be held at ‘Timber Hills' on Friday 1 May. We are asking for assistance to help run the canteen on this day. If you are able to assist, please contact me on 0408 023 435 or Bec Kingma on 0414 900 832.

Please note that there will be no canteen at school on this day.

Stewart House Fundraiser

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

Each year, 1,800 public school children in need attend Stewart House from many parts of NSW and the ACT. During their stay, children are provided with optometric, dental and medical treatment as well as emotional support. This is balanced with health and educational programs and out of school activities to boost their self-esteem and to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Stewart House Donation Drive Envelopes were sent home with today's 'Bulletin' seeking donations in support of the 2015 Drive. All donations of $2 or more will go into the draw to win a $4000 family holiday to a destination of your choice. Envelopes should be placed in the money collection box in the office waiting room by Friday 15 May to be eligible for the draw. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Staff Development Day - Term 3

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

As part of the School Plan 2015 - 2017 and as one of our Strategic Directions, the staff will be participating in professional learning to increase student engagement through implementing Inquiry Based Learning in the classroom. All teachers will be attending a Professional Learning conference at Gerringong Public School on Friday 8 May, 2015. Therefore, there will be no supervision of students on this day, making it a pupil free day. It is proposed that the scheduled Staff Development Day at the beginning of Term 3, Monday 13 July, 2015 will now be a teaching day with students returning to school on this day for lessons. Please contact the school as soon as possible if you have any concerns about this rescheduling of our activities.

School Photograph Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

This is a reminder that our school photograph day will be held next Wednesday, 29 April. An information flyer from MSP was sent home with this week's ‘Bulletin'. Students should come dressed in their full winter uniform. Year 6 students are permitted to wear their Year 6 t-shirts. Individualised order envelopes were sent home with students last term and additional envelopes for sibling photographs are available from the office foyer. Parents can order and make payments online, or complete their envelope/order, enclose payment and return to school

ON PHOTOGRAPH DAY.

Life Education K-2

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

The Life Education Van will be visiting the school on Monday 27 April for students in Kindergarten to Year 2. As it is part of the school's Health/PE/PD program, there will be no cost for students to attend.

Volunteers Thank You and Happy Holidays

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:29 AEST

As we come to the end of Term 1, we would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thanks to all our parent volunteers who have come into the school on a regular basis this term to assist us with activities such as reading groups, library book covering, processing book club, uniform pool and of course, the canteen. Also a big thank you to our hard working P&C members for their ongoing support. Your commitment and assistance are greatly appreciated by both the staff and students at Tomerong Public School.

We wish all of our students and their families a relaxing and enjoyable break and hope everyone has a great Easter. Students return to school on Tuesday 21 April.

ANZAC Day Assembly and March

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:18 AEST

To commemorate ANZAC Day, our school will be holding its annual ANZAC Day Ceremony on Friday 24 April (Term 2 - Week 1) commencing at 10.30am. Parents and carers are most welcome to join us for this very special assembly and a representative from HMAS Albatross as well as Mr Alex Paton from Club Jervis Bay, will be our guests for the ceremony.

This year, the annual ANZAC Day march will take place on Saturday 25 April at Huskisson. Students joining us for the march should assemble on Hawke Street (West of White Sands Park) at 10am ready for a 10.30am step off. This will be followed by a Memorial Service in Voyager Park. Students attending should wear their full WINTER school uniform.

If your child/children intend to march with our school this year, would you please complete the permission slip ANZAC 2015 (pdf 228 KB) and return as soon as possible.

School Cross Country

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

Who did the rain dance yesterday? We certainly made the right call! It would have been a bleak day out at ‘Timber Hills', but we definitely needed the rain.

The Cross Country Carnival will now be held next Tuesday, 31 March at ‘Timber Hills', Kells Road, Tomerong.

The bus has been re-booked, so let's hope we get a nice sunny day.

If you have not already done so, please complete and return your permission note with payment as soon as possible. The cost of the excursion is $7 for those students travelling by bus or $1 (Toilet Hire Levy) for those travelling by private vehicle. A limited canteen will be operating at the venue and volunteers will be needed. Donations of cakes, slices and muffins will be gratefully accepted.

Year 6 Leadership Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:29 AEST

On Wednesday 11 March, Year 6 students travelled to Killalea Environmental Education Centre to participate in a range of leadership workshops. It was an excellent day for the students and they had a wonderful time developing their co-operation and team work skills. Some of the activities included making fire, outdoor cooking, building shelters, circus stunts, bike riding, bushwalking and other initiatives.

Clean Up Australia Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:20 AEST

On Friday 6 March, Tomerong Public School participated in ‘Clean Up Australia Day'. We weren't able to do it the previous Friday due to the launch of our KidsMatter Program.

This year was a huge year with more than 434,588 students from over 2,324 schools Australia wide taking part in the event. Our school's results are counted along with the 526,268 volunteers who removed 13,563 tonnes of rubbish at 6,165 sites right across the country. What an amazing effort! Well done Tomerong!

School Cross Country

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

This year's Cross Country will be held next week on Tuesday 24 March at ‘Timber Hills', Kells Road, Tomerong. This is a whole school (K-6) activity and students will travel by either bus or private vehicle to the venue. The cost of the excursion is $7 for those students travelling by bus or $1 (Toilet Hire Levy) for those travelling by private vehicle. Permission notes were sent home with the students last week. Please complete and return these with payment as soon as possible. A limited canteen will be operating at the venue and volunteers will be needed. Donations of cakes, slices and muffins will be gratefully accepted.

SRC News - Harmony Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) NEWS

Harmony Day will be held this Friday, 20 March. Students are asked to come dressed in bright colours and bring a gold coin donation. There will be lots of fun activities on the day. Money raised will go towards purchasing something for our sister school in Bali (SD Cepaka) as part of the Adopt-a-School in Bali Program.

Change to Afternoon Bus Routines

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:20 AEST

Recently parents have been advised by Nowra Coaches of changes to their afternoon bus routes, which will take affect from Monday 23 March. Those students who currently travel on Bus 27 will travel on Bus 34 and those students currently travelling on Bus 20 will travel on Bus 27. As a consequence of these changes, those students who travel on bus 34 in the Pine Forest Road and Fall Creek areas will arrive at their normal stop approximately 10 minutes later. For further information, please contact Nowra Coaches on 4423 5244.

Grandparent's Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:24 AEST

Grandparents Day acknowledges the vital role that grandparents play in our society, both as custodians of individual and cultural memories and as providers of care, love and guidance to their children and grandchildren. Grandparents Day recognises the irreplaceable role grandparents have in their families and in the wider community.

At Tomerong we embrace the vital role Grandparents play in the students lives and this year we will be celebrating Grandparents Day on Wednesday 18 March. Grandparents and parents are invited to a morning tea which will commence at 11.30am, followed by an assembly and if time permits visits to the classrooms. Normal classes will resume at 1.55pm. For catering purposes, please advise our office staff or call the school on 4443 4376 to confirm your attendance by Monday 16 March. I look forward to seeing you all for our celebrations.

District Swimming Team 2015

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

I was extremely proud of the efforts of the students at the recent PSSA District Swim Carnival. It was really wonderful to see all the students competing in their events to the best of their ability and their behaviour throughout the meet was outstanding. Our students were poolside the entire day, constantly encouraging and supporting all their team mates. It made me feel very proud to be a part of such a great school. Thanks to all of their efforts, our school managed to walk away with the ‘Point Score Shield'. It was a terrific effort and I know the students were very proud of themselves. Congratulations

Thank You

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:29 AEST

On behalf of Tomerong Public School, I would like to say thanks you to Shoalhaven Signs for their wonderful donation of the materials for the tree templates that were painted by the students and staff as part of our Kids Matter launch BBQ. These trees were then attached to the fence around the peppercorn tree for all to see. The trees look wonderful and without your support we would not have been able to launch Kids Matter as successfully as we did.

Scripture and Ethics Classes

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

Scripture lessons will commence next Wednesday, 4 March. Half hour scripture lessons are provided by volunteers from our local Protestant church communities. These lessons are held in conjunction with the Ethics Classes which have already commenced for the year.

KidsMatter

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

KIDS MATTER

Special BBQ

Our school is having a special BBQ to celebrate the launch of our ‘Kids Matter' program on Friday 27 February at 12pm.

Kids Matter is a flexible, whole school approach to improving children's wellbeing.

Students have been asked to invite up to two special people in their life to come and enjoy the fun activities and sausage sizzle at their school.

Please return your RSVP to school as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you there!

Garden Bites

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:23 AEST

This is a reminder that Garden Club is held each Friday from 11.15am - 12noon. More parent helpers are welcome and needed to help supervise students. If you would like to come along and help out, leave your name with the administration staff. Kindies and other new students will need to fill in a Garden Club membership form from the office.

Below are entries for our ‘Biggest Pumpkin' and ‘Best Vegie Collection' competitions (for produce that students have grown in their own gardens at home). Also a massive marrow that grew and grew in the school garden over the holidays.

Scripture and Ethics Lessons

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

Ethics classes commenced today Wednesday, 11 February and Scripture lessons will commence on Wednesday 4 March. If your child will not be taking part in either Scripture or Ethic lessons, you will need to send in a note to this effect. It is a Department of Education requirement that we have an updated exemption letter each year. Please note there will be no Catholic scripture lessons at this time.

School Volunteers

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

Each year we have a number of our parents coming to the school to volunteer in so many ways, in the classroom, the canteen, uniform pool, garden club etc. and I thank those parents who give so generously of their time. I would just like to inform our new and existing parents that should you wish to volunteer at school, you must first complete a Working with Children Check - Declaration for volunteers and contractors form (Appendix 5). New regulations have come into force requiring that Proof of Identity (100 points check) be filed with the declaration form. For more information and to obtain a form, please contact the administration office on 4443 4376. Please note that those parents who have already completed a declaration form, are not required to submit a new one.

Parent Information Sessions

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

This year's Parent Information Sessions will be held on Monday 9 February for 3-4B and 5-6M from 3.30 - 4.15pm and Tuesday 10 February for KP, K-1D and 2-3B from 3.30 - 4.15pm.

These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for parents to find out about class expectations, the programs and units of work that the students will be participating in throughout this term and other helpful information which will help you support your child/children in their learning.

If you wish to discuss other matters concerning your child/children, please make an appointment to speak to their class teacher at another time.

P&C End of Year Disco

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

A reminder that the P&C End of Year Disco is on this Friday, 5 December. K - Year 2 disco is from 5pm - 6.30pm and Years 3 - 6 disco is from 6.30pm - 8.00pm. There will be a supply of glo-sticks for sale at each event. We do require parental supervision at this event, so if you are able stay and help supervise it would be greatly appreciated.

Lion King Excursion

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be travelling to Jervis Bay School to watch their school's musical production of The Lion King on Friday 12 December.

This excursion is FREE.

Travel will be by bus which will depart Tomerong Public School at 9.20am and return to Tomerong Public School at 1.30pm.

Tall Trees Reminder

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

This is a reminder that students with Tall Tree awards that make them eligible for their first Achievement Award for this term, should return them to school by this Friday, 5 December as this year's Principal Reward Morning/Afternoon Tea, will be held on Tuesday 16 December.

Annual School Picnic

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:18 AEST

This year's annual school picnic for students from Kindergarten to Year 5, will be held at Plantation Point, Vincentia. Please complete the permission note and return it to school with payment as soon as possible. There will be no supervision available at school for any students not attending the picnic.

Presentation Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Preparations are well underway for our Presentation Day Assembly to be held on Wednesday 10 December, commencing at 10am. Juan Alvarez, a representative of Ms Ann Sudmalis' office will be attending to present the Young Leader Award for 2014. Vincentia High School representatives will also be attending to present the Vincentia High School All Rounder Award. I do hope you are able to attend.

School Captains and Vice Captains for 2015 will be announced at the assembly.

Parent and Community Helpers’ Morning Tea

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Due to unforseen circumstances, our parent and helper ‘thank you' morning tea to be held on Friday 12 December has changed and will now be held on Monday 8 December at 11.30am. I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. Without the help of our volunteers, many of the daily activities that occur within the school would not be possible. I ask that you contact the school on 4443 4376 or call into the office to advise us of your attendance by Friday 5 December.

Student Leaders for 2015

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

This Friday, 5 December, students wishing to be Captains and Vice Captains for 2015 will be giving their speeches at a special morning assembly. Following the speeches, all students (Kindergarten - Year 6) will be given the opportunity to vote for the 2015 School Leaders. Parents are most welcome to stay and listen to the speeches and I wish all our participating students all the very best for their presentations.

The 2015 Captains and Vice Captains will be announced at the Annual Presentation Day Assembly to be held on Wednesday 10 December.

Garden Club Bites

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:24 AEST

Tomerong Pubic School Garden Club is growing like never before, thanks to a generous donation of $1,525 from Club Jervis Bay. A new greenhouse, seeds, fertilizer and fruit trees are among the many new resources that have been funded by the club's community grants program. The garden is continuing to supply produce to the canteen for salads and students enjoy taking any excess crop home. Thank you again, Club Jervis Bay.

Kindergarten Orientation

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

The first session of our Kindergarten Orientation program will be held next week on Thursday 30 October. These sessions are designed to help our new Kindergarten students get ready for big school next year. It is important for the children to attend all four sessions, or if not, as many as they can. If children become familiar with school and its routines, a smooth transition into school is more likely to occur. The first session will focus on administration and enrolment requirements. I am looking forward to seeing you and your child there.

Grandparents Day Celebrations - 31 October

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:24 AEST

At Tomerong we embrace the vital role Grandparents play in the students lives and this year we will be celebrating Grandparents Day on Friday 31 October. Grandparents and parents are invited to an afternoon tea which will commence at 1.35pm, followed by an assembly and if time permits visits to the classrooms. For catering purposes, please advise our office staff or call the school on 4443 4376 to confirm your attendance by Wednesday 29 October. I look forward to seeing you all for our celebrations.

Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young People

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

All Australian Education Ministers released a national declaration on 12 December 2008 of the educational goals for young Australians. View the declaration (pdf 954 KB) here.

School Gymnastics Program

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

The school Gymnastics program commenced on Thursday 9 October and will continue each Thursday for eight weeks. Students will learn a range of skills including handstands, forward rolls, cartwheels and safe jumping and landing techniques. The program is taught by experienced gymnastics coaches and students will have the opportunity to use a variety of gymnastics equipment, including trampolines, horizontal bars, parallel bars, rings, beams and much more!

There is no cost for this program. Students will need to wear their sports uniform for each of these sessions.

Welcome back

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:29 AEST

Welcome back everyone. I hope you all had a restful holiday and have returned ready for another very busy term. Activities already planned for this term are the School Gymnastics Program commencing tomorrow for a period of eight weeks, the Kindergarten Orientation sessions commencing in Week 4, Grandparents Day on Friday 31 October, Years 5 and 6 excursion to Canberra in Week 6 and Presentation Day on Wednesday 10 December.

For your convenience, attached Term 4 Planner 2014 (pdf 218 KB) is the planner which includes the dates of upcoming school activities. It is not possible to list all relevant dates and activities, so please continue to check the Diary Dates in the ‘Bulletin' each week to update your planner.

Too sick for school?

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:29 AEST

Sometimes it's hard to know if your child is really coming down with something or just suffering a bout of Mondayitis.

For safety's sake, if your child seems unwell you should always keep them home from school and seek medical advice.

However, if they miraculously recover by 11:00am, ready to race around the backyard, keeping them in bed all day may send the message that staying home isn't nearly as much fun as going to school.

The School A to Z website's Too Sick For School? chart will help answer your questions about common childhood illness and how long sick kids need to miss school.

Find more parent tips on the School A to Z website.

PLEASE NOTE: This information has been supplied by NSW Health and is not intended to replace a visit to your doctor if anyone in your family is unwell

Family Portrait Fundraiser

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

The P&C would like to invite all families, relatives and friends to save the date of Saturday 11 October, 2014. Laura Jean Photographers will be in attendance at Tomerong Public School for the day to capture some beautiful photos of you and your family. The fundraiser will cost just $20 per shoot, which includes a free framed 10" x 13" portrait valued at over $90, plus a 3-pose photo sitting for each family, with the opportunity to purchase high quality portraits and CD's. So ask your friends and family to get involved and book a time slot. It's as easy as emailing lainiehaig@hotmail.com or phoning Lainie on 0437 925 767 to secure your booking. Payment will be required prior to the day to secure your sitting.

P&C Meeting - Monday 15 September

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

The date for the next P&C Meeting has been changed and it will now be held on Monday 15 September at 6pm. All parents and members of your school community are welcome at these meetings.

Fathers Day Stall - Thursday 4 September

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:23 AEST

We will be having a Father's Day Stall at the school on Thursday 4 September. The cost of each gift is $5, if your child is not participating in this event would you please discuss this with them prior to the day to avoid disappointment. We are also looking for parent volunteers to help run this Father's Day Stall which will run for approximately 2 hours. If you can help, please contact the school office or a member of our P&C executive.

Giant Parade Puppet!

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:19 AEST

Bay & Basin "Great Mates" Men's Shed in partnership with Tomerong Public School Giant Parade Puppet!

Term 2 was an exciting term at the ‘Great Mates Men's Shed', with Year 6 students taking part in a ‘Giant Parade Puppet Making Workshop'. The student's creative flair and outstanding team work was evident throughout the process of designing and creating two amazing parade puppets! The student's worked in two teams; with the communication skills and team work something to be proud of. The puppets were a stand out at the Arts in the Park Event during the See Change Festival, where the students took the time to come along and parade the puppets to hundreds of screaming youngsters. After the event the puppets were displayed and entered into the Vera Hatton and Long Gallery, Lady Denman Heritage complex, as part of the, Synergy Exhibition, which is an exhibition of collaborative works by the Jervis Bay and Basin Community.

The reaction when the puppets arrived at school on completion of the exhibition was also a site to be seen. All of the students at Tomerong Public School were beside themselves with excitement, while the participating year 6's exuded feelings of pride and happiness at bringing so much excitement and joy to their peers. The puppets are now a part of the Tomerong Public School community, I am sure you will catch a glimpse of them at school events in the future.

Bay & Basin men's shed is located in Sanctuary Point at 18 Sanctuary Point Rd (just down from the Hardware) for further information on the men's shed contact the community project officer on 4443 7681.

Canteen Closed

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:19 AEST

Please note, our canteen will be closed this Friday, 29th August.

Bookweek Celebrations

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:19 AEST

Well it's that time of the year again and we will be holding our annual Book Week celebrations, including a Book Character Parade. The parade will be held at school on Tuesday 9 September at 12.15pm. The children are invited to dress up as a book character and will parade with their class on the Multi Purpose Area. I look forward to seeing you on the day and please feel free to invite grandparents, aunties and uncles and friends.

On Tuesday, 26 August at 12.45pm will see the return of a free performance by the Children's Librarians of Shoalhaven City Library. They will perform at our school, for no cost, a Readers Theatre of two of the short-listed picture books. This has been a huge hit over the years with the students and we have been fortunate to secure them again this year.

Happy reading.

Sue Driscoll Teacher/Librarian

School Volunteers

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

There are many opportunities for you to become involved with our school. If you have some spare time, you can assist in the school garden which is open each Friday from 11.30am to 12pm. or you can be involved in the canteen on either a Wednesday or Friday for the day or half a day if preferred. There are also opportunities to assist our teachers in the classrooms with reading activities. If you would like to be involved, please speak to the friendly team at the Administration office who can help you to be involved in our school community.

P&C President

School Attendance

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

As you know, regular school attendance is crucial to ensure your child/children has the maximum opportunity to learn and develop friendships. Being on time for school sets your child up for learning. They have time to catch up with friends before class which in turn allows them time to prepare themselves for class. It is amazing how quickly time lost due to arriving late or leaving early, by even 10 minutes, can mount up. Over a year a student may have missed the equivalent of at least four days of schooling due to being late for school. Therefore, I ask parents and carers to please ensure, where possible, all appointments are made out of school time to maximise your child's learning time.

An explanation note is required for ALL student absences which should be given to your child's teacher on their return to school. Explanations should be received within seven days, after which, the absence is deemed unjustified by the Department of Education and Communities. Should your child be away for an extended period of time due to sickness a doctors certificate should accompany the absentee note on your child's return to school. Absentee booklets are available for your convenience from the office waiting room.

Library Links

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:25 AEST

1-2F have voted, they have listened to all six Children's Book Council of Australia Early Childhood books 2014, discussed the various plots, characters, settings language and illustrations and made their decisions. The human graph below shows ‘Granny Grommet' with two votes, ‘Baby Bedtime' with three votes, ‘I'm a dirty dinosaur' with five votes and ‘The Swap' with a winning fourteen votes. Sadly, ‘Banjo and Ruby Red' and ‘Kissed by the Moon' missed out entirely. CBCA will choose their winner later this month.

By popular demand the book character parade is happening again in week nine of this term. On Tuesday 9 September students will be parading as their favourite book character. More details to come. I hear Miss Beal is already planning her costume! The children are invited to dress up as a book character and will parade with their class on the Multi Purpose Area. I look forward to seeing you on the day and please feel free to invite grandparents, aunties and uncles and friends. Enjoy the planning.

Sue Driscoll - Teacher/Librarian

Education Week 2014

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

As part of our Education Week celebrations, we will be holding an Open Classroom session where the students will be participating in Science activities on Friday 1 August from 10 - 11.15am. Parents, Grandparents and Carers are invited to come along. Please feel free to bring along a picnic lunch to share with your child during the lunch break which will include some fun outdoor activities.

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the first Education Week and is an ideal opportunity to take stock and measure progress. The original slogan in 1954 for Education Week was: "Lighting the way to a better world". This is also the slogan for this year's anniversary celebrations. As part of acknowledging the proud history of NSW public schools, schools are focusing on celebrating the success of our graduates from Prime Ministers to Premiers, Oscar winners to Olympic gold medallists, Nobel Prize winners to Australians of the Year, Supreme Court judges, business leaders and artists, there are many eminent citizens whose paths began at a NSW public school.

P&C Book Sale 10 books for $10

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

The Tomerong P&C are currently seeking donations of good quality, pre-loved books, both adult and junior fiction, to sell at their Book Sale next week. Books can be brought to the administration office within school hours. Thank you to those families who have already contributed. This is a great opportunity to share the gift of reading with others and all funds raised will be spent within our school. You will then be able to purchase 10 books for $10 next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, prior to the bell from the stall located on the grassed area near the Library.

KidsMatter Survey

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:24 AEST

KidsMatter Primary is a mental health and wellbeing framework for primary schools and is proven to make a positive difference to the lives of Australian children. KidsMatter Primary provides methods, tools and support to help schools work with parents and carers, health services and the wider community, to nurture happy, balanced kids. As we are now a KidsMatter school, we are very excited about this initiative and the positive effects it will have on the students at our school. A parent survey has been sent home with today's "Bulletin". We appreciate your participation in completing and returning this survey by 22 August, 2014. Collect a raffle ticket from the office when you submit your survey and your child will be placed in the draw for a prize.

Special Assembly - Athletics Ribbons

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

Our whole school assembly to be held this Friday 1 August will commence at 2pm. This is to allow time for the presentation of the ribbons and certificates from our recent Athletics Carnival. All parents, carers and friends are invited to attend to support our great achievers.

Shoalhaven Eisteddfod

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

The Tomerong Infants Choir took part in the Shoalhaven Eisteddfod last Thursday at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. The Eisteddfod is a competition but, more importantly a celebration of the performing arts and an opportunity for young people to get involved and use their abilities in music, drama and dance.

The choir performed very well and was awarded a highly commended, with the adjudicator noting the improvement in the choir and his appreciation of the effort put into the singing and actions of a very challenging song that was handled very well.

A big well done to everyone who performed and thank you to the teachers for helping us during choir and parents for coming to support us!

Miss Corish

Fitzroy Falls Whole School Excursion

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:23 AEST

The whole school will be participating in an excursion to Morton National Park, Fitzroy Falls on Friday 27 June.

I would like to thank Tomerong Public School P&C for subsidising this excursion to keep the cost for families to a minimum. Permission notes were sent home recently. Replacement copies are available here - Fitzroy Falls Permission (pdf 331 KB).

Student Attendance

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

As you know, regular school attendance is crucial to ensure your child/children has the maximum opportunity to learn and develop friendships. I ask parents and carers to please ensure, where possible, all appointments and such are made out of school time to maximise your child's learning time. An explanation note is required for ALL student absences. Absentee booklets are available for your convenience from the office waiting room. Each week in the ‘Bulletin' you will find hints and tips. The first of these being ‘Responsibilities' with more hints and tips to follow in the next eight weeks.

Cross Country Canteen

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

The P&C will be providing a limited canteen at the school cross country at ‘Timber Hills' on the rescheduled date of Thursday 10 April. We are seeking donations of cupcakes, cakes and slices to sell on the day. These can be delivered on the day to the school canteen or directly to the venue. If you can help out on the day, please speak to Deb Hyam or Cath Brotherton.

P&C - Canteen News

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Exciting things are happening in the canteen, starting in Term 2. New food has been added to the menu and some small price changes/increases have been made. Every two weeks we will be offering four food choices to a different class room, the item with the most class votes will be served in the canteen on a Friday for the next fortnight. Last week I spoke to 5-6M and Nachos with Wrap Chips got the winning vote! Next term, on Friday 2 and 9 May Nachos with Wrap chips will be available to order in the canteen. A small serve will cost $3.50 and large is $4.50.

School Photograph Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:27 AEST

This year, we will be holding our school photograph day in Term 2 and the date has been set down for Tuesday 6 May (Week 2, Term 2) please mark this on your calendar. Once again the service will be provided by MSP Photography. Individualised order envelopes will be sent home with students later this week. Please note, there are additional order and payment options online, however, if you would still like to place your order in the envelope provided, with payment, please return it to school ON PHOTOGRAPH DAY. There is also a family concession with the third child and onwards half price for the Premium, Classic, Value, Essentials and Basic Packs. The Captains and Vice Captains will receive their leader photos for free. Additional photos including, SRC, House Captains, Whole School etc. will be available for sale after photograph day. Sibling photograph envelopes will be available from the officer foyer.

ANZAC Day Assembly and March

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:18 AEST

To commemorate ANZAC Day, our school will be holding its annual ANZAC Day Ceremony on Friday 11 April (last day of Term 1) commencing at 10.30am. Parents and carers are most welcome to join us for this very special assembly and a representative from HMAS Albatross will be our guest for the ceremony.

This year the annual ANZAC Day march will take place during the second week of the school holidays on Friday 25 April at Huskisson. Students joining us for the march should assemble on Hawke Street (West of White Sands Park) at 10am ready for a 10.30am step off. This will be followed by a Memorial Service in Voyager Park. Students attending should wear their full WINTER school uniform. If your child/children intend to march with our school this year, would you please complete the permission slip and return as soon as possible ANZAC Permission Note (pdf 225 KB).

Cross Country and Easter Hat Parade - Change of Dates

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

We have been advised by the owners of 'Timber Hills' (the property where we hold our Cross Country), that because of the recent rain, they have been unable to prepare the track for our Cross Country Carnival this Thursday.

We have rescheduled the carnival for next Thursday 10th April. A new permission note for this date will be sent home. Any payments already made, will be transferred to the new carnival.

Our Easter Hat Parade set down for Thursday 10th will be held on Wednesday 9th to allow for the carnival.

International Competitions & Assessments for Schools 2014

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:24 AEST

Entry forms for the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) for all students in years 3 - 6 are available here - ICAS 2014 Entry Form (pub 191 KB). These competitions provide an opportunity for students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation as well as providing an opportunity to gain experience and understanding of the various requirements of sitting for exams. This can only be of assistance when students are faced with other forms of external exams such as NAPLAN and the various end of year assessments in high school. It also provides teachers and parents with comprehensive reporting of results. All students receive a certificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly, as well as the average mark for the state/region. If you would like your child to participate in any of the competitions, please complete the form and return to school with your payment by Friday 11 April.

P&C Meeting - 24 March

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

The next P&C Meeting will be held on Monday 24 March commencing at 6pm. All parents of our school community are welcome to attend. I hope you are able to come along and be a part of this enthusiastic group of parents.

Junior Gala Day - 28 March

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:24 AEST

The Dragon Tag Junior Gala Day for Years 3 and 4 will be held at the Thomson Street Complex, Sussex Inlet on Friday 28 March. Students will travel by bus to the venue. Permission notes are available here - Junior Dragon Tag 2014 (pdf 237 KB).

A canteen will be running on the day, however, please ensure that your child has adequate nourishment, a water bottle and their hat.

Cross Country - 3 April

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

This year's Cross Country will be held on Thursday 3 April (Week 10) at ‘Timber Hills', Kells Road, Tomerong. This is a whole school (K-6) activity and students will travel by either bus or private vehicle to the venue. Permission notes are available here: Cross Country 2014 (pdf 539 KB).

Please complete and return this note with payment as soon as possible. A limited canteen will be operating at the venue and volunteers will be needed. Donations of cupcakes will be gratefully accepted.

Mr Munn

Internet Safety Day

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:24 AEST

SAFER INTERNET DAY was on Tuesday 11^th February and Tomerong Public School Students from years three to six, Staff and Parents were given the opportunity to attend a Cyber Smart Presentation,by Mirra Danan from the Australian Media Commission Authority. Mirra is an Ex Federal Police Woman and School Teacher who held the undivided attention of everyone who attended her presentations. She shared a lot of serious, enthralling and true stories informing attendees about what can take place when a young person uses the Internet and social media unrestricted and unsupervised. She was able to enlighten us all on the serious and frightening consequences of what can happen when a young person is not aware of how to use the Internet and social media appropriately and safely. It is noted that children are getting into unsafe and illegal situations on the Internet when using their smart devices at home, not when at school where strict supervision and restrictions are in place. It is our job as parents and community members to protect and educate our children on how to be smart and safe when using technology. Technology is an enormous and important element in young people's lives these days, much more so than ours as adults and parents, so the emphasis is on us to keep informed and up to date within this ever changing world. It's important to seek and gain education for ourselves, this helps us to teach and support our children and keep them out of trouble and safe in their social interactions on the net.

Valuable and interesting tips that Mirra wanted to pass on to parents are:

No one is anonymous online. Each person's digital footprint never goes away!

Skype is not a private application. Random People can get your child's details and contact them.
Instagram is 13+.Parents are advised to turn Location Service off the smart device, so that random Internet users cannot track down your child. You can do this by going into settings.
Kik is 17+.This is a private chat site that is very popular amongst younger children. Due to its privacy it is often difficult for parents to monitor. Users should never put their Kik address on an open forum such as Facebook or Instagram.
Google owns YouTube.YouTube videos do not possess classifications, like the programs we see on TV and in video shops. Therefore, it is up to us, as the consumer to flag or report anything we think is not suitable for general viewing. Anyone can upload material to YouTube. By flagging or reporting this alerts Google that there is a potential problem, so they can check and delete if deemed inappropriate.
Password When choosing passwords do not use names, DOB or phone numbers or address details. Mix it up using numbers, symbols and capital letters.
Snap Chat Imagesdo not disappear in 10 seconds as many believe.
Ask.fm is a very dangerous site, which has caused numerous teenage suicides in the past two years. It is not owned by Google and has no restrictions or safety net to protect the consumer. Discourage your children from using it.
Importantly teach your children to keep their digital reputation clean as it could effect their future prospects!

Some fantastic and easy to use sites for further information and education are below: -

http://www.ikeepsafe.org

www.cybersmart.gov.au

www.google.com.au/safetycentre

Alison Taylor

Social Welfare Worker

School Assembly 28 February - Change of Time

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

The School Swimming Carnival Ribbons will be handed out to students at our next school assembly, which will take place at 2.10pm this Friday, 28 February. We look forward to seeing lots of proud mums and dads in attendance.

P&C Annual General Meeting - 10 February

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:26 AEST

Our first P&C meeting for 2014, will be held on Monday 10 February with the AGM commencing at 6 pm, followed by an ordinary meeting. At the AGM, the positions of President and Treasurer will become vacant and we are looking for interested people to take on these fulfilling roles.

All parents are encouraged and welcome to attend this meeting. All of our meetings keep you informed of future activities that your child will be involved in and it is also an opportunity to find out what procedures and programs are being implemented at our school.

I hope to see you there on Monday, 10 February at 6 pm.

P&C President

Ethics Classes

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

From 19 February, ethics classes will begin at our school. These classes will be run at the same time as scripture lessons and are only offered to those students who are currently attending non-scripture. At the moment classes will be held for Years 1 through to 6.

If you would like your child to attend ethics classes and have not yet returned your note to the office, please do so as soon as possible. Spare letters of interest can be downloaded here (Ethics Classes EOI) or obtained from the office foyer.

If you have any questions, please visit the website at http://www.primaryethics.com.au/ or call me on 0414 900 832.

We are still looking for teachers, so if you are interested in helping out, see the details below.

Become an Ethics Teacher

Primary Ethics provides the opportunity for NSW public primary school students who don't attend scripture classes (SRE) to participate in philosophical ethics classes. We need volunteers to teach Years 5/6 ethics classes, from Term 2 of 2014. The classes teach children how to approach ethical issues and develop their capacity for considered moral judgment, which will enable them to respond more thoughtfully to many of the problems and issues they will face in their lives. Volunteer ethics teachers are trained to deliver our age-appropriate curriculum every week and to use the accompanying learning and teaching materials. For more information about the role and to volunteer, please go to:

http://www.primaryethics.com.au

Cyber Bullying Forum

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:18 AEST

As a part of a national program of cybersmart initiatives provided by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, our Social Welfare Officer has organised a Cybersmart Outreach - Internet Safety Awareness presentation on Tuesday 11 February commencing at 6 pm. The presentation will cover the ways children use the internet and emerging technologies and the potential risks for children online, such as cyberbullying, identity theft, inappropriate contact and exposure to inappropriate content with tips to help children to stay safe online. All parents are invited to attend the presentation which will take place in the Connected Classroom. For catering purposes, please leave your name with our office staff as soon as possible and we look forward to seeing you.

Canteen Resumes 7 February

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:19 AEST

The first Canteen day for this year will be Friday 7 February. In the coming weeks the Canteen will be open on Fridays only. If and when our Canteen volunteers increase, we will then open the Canteen for a second day.

If you are able to assist, please place your name on the Canteen roster or call Rosemary on 0408 023 435.

School Swimming Carnival

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:29 AEST

Next Wednesday, 5 February will we be holding our school swimming carnival at Bomaderry Aquatic Centre. All children who turn 8 this year (ie any time in 2014) or older will be attending.

A detailed note has gone home today and needs to be returned to the school by Tuesday 4 Feburary. In the event of inclement weather, please listen to 2ST or Power FM radio stations between 7:45 and 8:25am on the morning of the event.

These carnivals are great fun for both serious swimmers and those just having a go. Everyone is encouraged to attend and earn points for their sports house.

Whole School Picnic

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:29 AEST

Students in Years K - 5 will be going to Plantation Point, Vincentia for our annual school picnic on Tuesday 17 December. A permission note was sent home last week, however, if you did not receive one, additional copies can be obtained from the office foyer. Please return your note and payment by Monday 16 December. All of the K-5 classroom teachers will be attending the excursion and there will be no supervision at school. Parents are most welcome to attend.

K 1 WORKERS IN THE COMMUNITY DAY

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:20 AEST

On Tuesday 19 November, Kindergarten and Year 1 students participated in a ‘Community Careers Day' as part of the HSIE unit ‘Workers in the Community'. The children came dressed in outfits of a job of their choice and didn't they look fantastic? A collage of the days activities is attached to this ‘Bulletin'.

End of Year Presentation

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:21 AEST

Our end of year presentation for 2013 is being held at our school on Wednesday 11th December, commencing at 10am. All classes will perform a short item. Awards for academic achievement and citizenship will be presented to each class as well as special achievement awards to selected children, eg sports awards, literacy awards. Year 6 students will be awarded their graduation certificates. All parents and carers are encouraged to attend to show your support to our students for their hard work and dedication over the past year.

Staffing Changes - Welcome Ms Beal

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:31:28 AEST

The school has received notification that Ms Catherine Beal will be replacing Mrs Smith after her retirement. Ms Beal is currently teaching at Hay School of the Air and will commence duties here at Tomerong Public School at the beginning of 2014. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms Beal from our school community. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Ms Gordon for so admirably teaching 4-5G during this interim time.