News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:14:20 AEDT

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

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

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:46:54 AEDT

Starting school is a big moment in a child’s life. Here’s how to make the most of it.

We can’t wait for you to join us for a great year – the first step towards a lifelong love of learning.

Visit the department’s primary school resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year, whether your child is starting Kindergarten or Year 6.

You’ll find:

Getting ready for primary school booklet – everything you need to be #Ready2020
Daisy’s First Day – the story of Daisy the koala’s first adventure at Kindergarten
advice from teachers – they’ve been through this before.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Kindy

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 17:17:14 AEDT

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

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

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

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

Travel health

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

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

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:30:27 AEDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:27:06 AEDT

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

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

This year's events will feature:

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

Group bookings

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

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

Tickets for you and your family and friends

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

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:41:15 AEST

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

Have your say today on before and after school care.

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

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

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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:27:29 AEST

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

Get involved at home

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

Join in from the classroom

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

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

Take the Book Swap Challenge

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

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

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

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

Duration: 0:38

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

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:49:29 AEST

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

You and your child can find information on:

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

A toolkit to empower you and your child

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

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

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

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

Keep your child safe and happy online

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

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:15:33 AEST

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

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

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

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:44:07 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:28:28 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:26:26 AEST

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

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

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

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:15:35 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

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

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

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

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:30:01 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:47:18 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:08:16 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:28:43 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.

Forever Forward Radio

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 11:20:27 AEST

On Monday afternoons during school terms, selected year 6 students broadcast a live radio show on Bay & Basin Community Radio.

The Forever Forward Radio Program provides students with the opportunity to represent our school and experience working in a radio studio. Students share school news and information with our local community, in a one hour show each week. The students prepare a range of show content including a song list, sports report, Joke of The Week and their “Teacher Talk” pre-recorded interviews.

Our School Captains and Team Leaders have all really enjoyed their time on the show and we are now selecting additional year 6 students to invite to the program.

Gadhu Gudjaaga

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 11:25:53 AEST

Sanctuary Point Public School’s new Aboriginal performance group the Gadhu Gudjaaga (Saltwater Children) are a group of talented Koori boys and girls from Sanctuary Point Public School in years four, five and six. These students have been provided with the opportunity to share their cultural heritage through performing arts while representing our school at events within the school and our community.

Recently the group participated in the South Coast Public School’s Dance Festival held at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre. The festival has a range of performers from Kinder to year 12. The Gadhu Gudjaaga were the only Koori dance troupe participating in the festival and were chosen to open the show on Friday’s matinee performance. Their Traditional Contemporary dance choreographed by Professional Dancer and Choreographer Mac Jeffries, a Wiradjuri woman, left the audience overwhelmed with emotion.

The piece tells a story of women and the Mother Earth inspired by this year’s NAIDOC Week theme “Because of her, we can!” and they are very fortunate to have been accepted to perform at Wreck Bay during their NAIDOC Week celebration this month. They will also be performing at school during our NAIDOC Week celebrations to be held in the first week of July.

Holiday Care at Sanctuary Point Public School

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:05 AEST

Holiday Club is here!

Holiday Care is now available at Sanctuary Point Public School. Come for a day, everyday or anything in between. Even just to get the kids out of the house for the day and engaged in some school holiday fun!

For more information or to make a booking go to the Camp Australia website: www.campaustralia.com.au

Students from other local schools are welcome to access this service. There are limited spaces available so get in early to guarantee placement.

Nurture Groups

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:06 AEST

Nurture Groups are up and running here at Sanctuary Point Public School

We are very excited to have our Nurture Groups up and running.

Sanctuary Point Public School is the first New South Wales school to adopt this valuable program. It is an in-school small group program for targeted students to develop social, emotional, learning and communication skills in a consistent, nurturing environment. The evidence based program has been running internationally for over 40 years and uses the Boxall Profile as an assessment tool for social and emotional needs.

Sanctuary Point Public School is currently the only school in Australia with staff trained as facilitators of this program and can provide training to other schools and organisations. To find out more click on the link below.

Nurture Groups (pdf 2678 KB)

Camp Australia - Before & After School Care

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:04 AEST

Camp Australia will be starting our school's Before & After School Care and Vacation Care. We would like to introduce Maddison Thorncroft who will be leading the team in student care.

Please go to Camp Australia's web page https://www.campaustralia.com.au/ to enrole students for part time or full time care. Care times are mornings - 7am - 9am, Afternoons 3pm - 6pm. Starting date is Monday 30th January the first day at school

Kindergarten Orientation and KinderStart

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:05 AEST

Kindergarten Orientation and KinderStart

Kindergarten Orientation and KinderStart dates for students starting school in 2017. Sign up for KinderStart sessions at Orientation Day.

Holiday Events

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:05 AEST

Some of these events might help to keep your children busy during the holidays and have fun while their there.

Kindergarden Home Reading

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:05 AEST

HomeReaders (pdf 130 KB)

Welcome Week & 40th Birthday Celebration

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:07 AEST

Before & After School Care and Vacation Care

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:04 AEST

BEFORE SCHOOL and AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE and VACATION CARE

If you require before or after school care or vacation care please complete the survey which is attached to our newsletter or go to our school websitewww.sanctuarypointps.com.au

Please return survey to the front office by Wednesday 17th February as we will need to ascertain numbers.

Care providers Tanya & Debbie will attend Monday morning's Tea/Coffee for parents on the front lawn at 9am to answer any questions you may have.

Fee structures are as follows:

Before School Care: $20

After School Care: $24

Vacation Care: $50

Breakfast and Afternoon Tea will be included in the cost. During Vacation Care we will be providing breakfast, morning tea and afternoon tea.

Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate will be available to families. Each parent will have to contact the Family Assistance Office to obtain their percentage and the final amount they will have to pay. In some cases, families with 100% will only have to pay a minimal amount.

Child Care Survey (doc 43 KB)Child Care Survey (doc 43 KB)

Consultation Forums

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:04 AEST

Every year we seek advice from our parents and community members about what we are doing in our school and use that information to inform our planning for the next year. We are committed to meet the needs of our students and we want to do the best we can for them.

We have decided to try a new consultation model this year and have broken our school into smaller groups who may have different perspectives and expectations and needs for their children. We want as diverse opinions as we can get.

We have had Aboriginal parents/carers and parents/carers of our support unit students. This week we invite parents/carers of K-2 student Tuesday 3rd November, 9-10am in the school Library. Come and have a cuppa and chat about our school.

Forum for parents/carers of 3-6 students will be Tuesday 10th, 9-10am in the Library.

Working parents/carers and those who have missed the other mornings will also be on Tuesday 10th at 6.30-7.30pm in the Library.

Free fitness sessions with Shape Up South Coast

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:04 AEST

Shape Up South Coast - are offering FREE 1hr exercise classes Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 8.30 - 9.30am.
Katherine contacted me on Friday to tell me she was inspired by a friend to do something for our community. Shape Up already runs classes at St Georges Basin and now starting up here.
Classes will start Tuesday 17th November and Katherine will meet those who would like to join her inside the side gate of Francis Ryan Oval, off the back car park (behind the shops).
What I great opportunity for your WELLBEING, FITNESS and the start of FRIENDSHIPS.

Yrs 5 - 6 Aquarium photo download

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:07 AEST

Students in years 5-6 that went on the Sydney Excursion had photos taken at the aquarium in groups. If you wish to download the photo please follow the steps on the top left hand corner of the photo your child appears in.

School Fair and 7th Quilt & Craft Show

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:06 AEST

School Fair and 7th Annual Quilt & Craft Show

School Fair - Saturday 10am - 2pm on the school oval. Lots of things happening starting off with Welcome to Country and the Vincentia High School dancers performing.

Car show
Games with Prizes
Food and drinks
Tea & Coffee
Artists painting
Cake stall
Live Music
Fire Brigade
Jumping Castles
Show Bags
Face Painting & Crazy Hair

7th Annual Quilt & Craft Show - Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th 10am - 4pm

The school hall will be filled with hanging quilts. They are a spectacular sight with many hours of needle work and love put into them. A gold coin donation to come through the door and vote on people's choice to win the weekends prize. Also in the hall and outside under the COLA area will be craft stalls.

Don't forget, students will have been given a ticket for $100 cash prize. Please fill in your details and put them into the box on the back oval. One per family.

Entry from front gate on Idlewild Street or back gate behind Sanctuary Point shops. Come and have some fun with your family.

ROBOCUP

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:06 AEST

Selected students are traveling to Sydney today to participate in the ROBOCUP tomorrow and Friday. Students have been working and programming their robots for weeks now and are ready to take on the state. Good luck in your quest for the National Championships.

Regional Athletics Carnival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:06 AEST

Regional Athletics Carnival was held in Canberra at the AIS in Bruce. It was actually a lovely day even having to put on sun screen. Sanctuary Point had 6 students representing us they were Bailey Trigar, Reilly Carey, Ben Ebzery, Sebastian Kyte, Jake Fittler, Thomas Pearson. We would like to congratulate these students on the way they conducted themselves in their participation and their sportsmanship. Well done. Thank you to the parents/carers that took students across to Canberra to compete.

2016 Learning and Support Information Night

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:03 AEST

MUD RUN 2015

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:06 AEST

Flash Mob - World Famous

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:04 AEST

Kids Matter at Sanctuary Point Public School

Our Kids Matter program is proving to be a great success in our school. Students and Staff are beginning to have a better overall well-being and the atmosphere of the school just feels great! The video of our Flash Mob dance to the song 'Happy' by Pharell Williams has been a huge success on Youtube with almost 5000 views!

Skool Bag App

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:06 AEST

Stay in touch

Our school keeps you up-to-date with the latest news using the Sanctuary Point Public School
Skoolbag App.

Download it here:

Apple

Android

Class Blogs ready to view

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:04 AEST

Our class and student blogs are up and ready to be viewed for 2015.

Check them out here Class Blogs

Please leave nice comments and feedback.

School Safari

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:06 AEST

1 Buru go exploring on their ‘School Yard Safari'

1 Buru go exploring on their 'School Safari'

1 Buru are studying ‘Living Things' in science this term. Using our outdoor learning areas they went to search for the animals that they may be able to find. Each student is how finding out more information about their animal and making a Word document.

This is the recount about their ‘School Yard Safari':

Fun Safari

Yesterday 1 Buru went on a safari in the Aboriginal Garden. We went to search for animals to study.

First we had to get ready. We needed gloves, a spoon and a container. Next we lined up in our groups and walked to the Aboriginal Garden. Then we caught some bugs.

We had so much fun, some of us even saw a kangaroo.

De-Fib Machine

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:10:04 AEST

On Monday the AED provided training to staff and the community on the use of our newly

purchased De-Fib Machine. Now that we are trained, the De-Fib Machine will be kept in the front office for easy access.

The De-Fib Machine was bought by the P&C and presented to the school at last years presentation day. The P&C is ponde of their purchase and the De-Fib Shop has donated $150.00 back for their wonderful work