News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:10:03 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 13:37:45 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 17:04:37 AEDT

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

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

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

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

Travel health

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

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

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

End of Year Message

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 13:47:36 AEDT

We wish our entire school community a happy and safe holiday break and look forward to seeing you back in 2020. To those celebrating Christmas we wish you Merry Christmas.

Click here to view a message from Mr Elletson.

Punchbowl Public School Young Performers

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:31:12 AEDT

On Tuesday 12th November 2019 the talented students at Punchbowl Public School, including our young Preschool students, performed at a local Seniors Christmas Lunch. Their talent shined and the audience rewarded them with enthusiastic applause. If you want to see a short video (7 minutes) of the performance highlights, please click on the link below.

Punchbowl Public School Young Performers

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:22:41 AEDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 14:56:49 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 13:39:44 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 11:26:05 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 11:47:09 AEST

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

You and your child can find information on:

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

A toolkit to empower you and your child

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

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

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

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

Keep your child safe and happy online

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

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:12:35 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 11:42:00 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 12:27:03 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 15:22:17 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 15:13:49 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 15:25:41 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 13:39:47 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 15:05:07 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:27:17 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

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:26:44 AEST

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

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, with (from left): Education Minister Rob Stokes; State Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee; Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott; student performers and comperes, and the Principal of Parramatta Public School, Gail Charlier (far right).

Public education can be the springboard to the top job in New South Wales.

That was the message from the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, as she launched Education Weekcelebrations today at Parramatta and Kiama public schools.

"I know that all schools across the state today are highlighting and celebrating what we all value in public education – where someone like me who couldn't speak a word of English when she started school has somehow ended up being the Premier of NSW," she said.

Ms Berejiklian said she had met many possible future leaders during her visit to Parramatta Public School and "couldn't be prouder, as your Premier, to witness the outstanding achievements of all the students across the state".

The dual school launch, linked via a live simulcast, focused on the theme of Education Week, Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world, which highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For the first time the launch was hosted entirely by primary school students and featured student performances from Eastwood Public School violinist Justine Zhang, Bossley Park High School soloist Ezra Loau and dancers from Hoxton Park Public School.

Year 8 students from Kiama High School – Alira Morgan, Jannali Morgan and Olivia Talbott – opened the celebration with an Acknowledgement of Country performed in language.

Keynote speeches were delivered from Kiama by Terara Public School Year 6 student Lucy Boundy, Molly Chapman, a Year 8 student at Dapto High School, and Nowra East Public School instructional leader Vishanti Govender.

Lucy told the launch that education was about opportunity: "Opportunity to learn, opportunity to improve and opportunity to make a difference."

In detailing her early struggles with learning, Molly said a more hands-on approach to study at her high school had a huge impact on her.

"I learn more effectively by seeing and doing things because it gets in my head more easily and pictures are worth a thousand words. Thanks to school, I'm exceeding in almost everything I touch," she said.

Education Minister Rob Stokes highlighted the "incredible legacy" of public schools on society, a role contemporary education and educators would play in the future.

"We are in a period of vast technological, social and economic change, and with that the role of education becomes more important, even bigger, and the challenge for teachers and students becomes more complex," he said.

"We need to provide training in those skills that recognise the future is uncertain and to train and encourage young people not just to be ready for the change that is coming but to be excited by it."

Education Week 2018 - Today's schools creating tomorrow's world

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:25:18 AEST

The future of education will be showcased in NSW public schools from August 6 – 10 as students, teachers and parents across the state celebrate Education Week 2018.

Education Week kicks off on Monday, August 6, with a simultaneous launch at Parramatta and Kiama public schools livestreamed on YouTube so all government schools and their communities can join in.

This year's theme, Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world, highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For the first time the Education Week launch will be hosted by primary school students and will feature a dancing robot, student performances and a film highlighting how schools are working with their communities to solve real-world problems.

A highlight of the week is the Game Changer Challenge, in which 16 teams of students from schools across NSW will compete in a three-day design program, working alongside leading industry professionals to create the school of the future.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today's students were learning at a time of great change.

"From the far west to our metropolitan hubs and everywhere in between, our state's schools will celebrate not only what we've achieved, but the future we are creating," Ms Berejiklian said.

"We are living in a time when the traditional walls of the classroom are opening up to new worlds of learning, paving the way for students to connect and collaborate with their peers regionally and globally."

Education Minister Rob Stokes said there had never been a more exciting time to be involved in schools with technology reshaping the way students learn and billions of dollars being invested in new school infrastructure.

"The NSW Department of Education is continually striving for improvement and innovation so that the young people in our care learn in a world-class education system," Mr Stokes said.

"The NSW Government is supporting that vision through a record $6 billion in funding to build the classrooms and schools of the future."

The Secretary of the Department of Education Mark Scott said ensuring today's students had the skills they would need to "not just survive, but thrive" in the future underpinned the department's evidence-based approach to learning.

"I am incredibly proud of the innovative teaching and learning that is being done across our State's public schools to ensure that every student can perform to their full potential," Mr Scott said.

"We don't know what the future will hold, but we do know that we are focused on equipping today's students with the skills and knowledge they will need to lead fulfilling lives in the future."

New uniform policy for NSW public schools

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:23:58 AEST

A new uniform policy has been introduced for NSW public schools, which for the first time include the option for girls to wear shorts and pants.

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and the Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, announced the new "clear and concise" policy today at Condell Park Public School in Sydney.

Ms Berejiklian said the "modern makeover" would ensure that uniforms were practical and comfortable for students and affordable for parents.

The new policy says all students should have the opportunity to access the full range of school activities while wearing a school uniform, including physical activities, and girls must have the option to wear shorts and pants.

For more information, read the media release by the Premier and Minister. The new policy and implementation guidelines (PDF 116.83KB) are available on the department's website.

The Department of Education supports the wearing of school uniform to promote a sense of belonging for students and create a positive identity for the school community.

Each public school decides on its school uniform in formal consultation with students, school staff, parents and the school community.

Presentation Days 2017

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:36 AEDT

Congratulations to all students who received awards at our end of year Presentation Days for 2017. We thank the parents and guests who attended the assemblies. We especially thank our special guests, Mr Jihad Dib (MP Lakemba), Mr Graheme Steigler-Peters (Principal, Wiley Park Girls High School) and Mr Robert Patruno (Principal, Punchbowl Boys High School) for their attendance and contributions to the presentations.

Follow the links to view the highlights of 2017 clips on YouTube. K-2 3-6 Sports and Performance

Wiley Belmore Writers Festival

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:34 AEDT

Four talented writers from Stage 3 worked with Ms Trad, the school librarian, to write short stories for the Wiley Belmore Writers Festival. These students were Leilani and Ye Seon from 5N, Michelle from 6Y and Batool from 6S. Each student wrote a short story which was published in a book with students from five other schools. The festival culminated in a ceremony where each student read an excerpt of their story in front of students and parents.

The famous author, Sue Whiting, gave an inspirational talk to the students about how she became a writer and how she plans each book. She congratulated the students on becoming published authors.

Their amazing short stories can be read by following the links below.

Escape to Everywhere by Leilani (pdf 135 KB)

Escape to Everywhere by Ye Seon (pdf 68 KB)

Escape to Everywhere by Michelle (pdf 127 KB)

Escape to Everywhere by Batool (pdf 151 KB)

Visual Arts at Punchbowl Public School

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:37 AEDT

The students from Punchbowl Public School continue to enjoy visual arts lessons and activities. Students from 3/4H created patterns onto scratch boards that uncovered amazing colours. They voted this as their favourite art activity for Term 2, 2017.

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." - Joseph Chilton Pearce

Sorry Day at Punchbowl Public School

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:36 AEDT

On Friday 26th May our Punchbowl Public School community commemorated Sorry Day, a day to reflect on the sad and painful history of the Stolen Generations and recognise moments of resilience, healing and the power of saying sorry.

Staff and students dressed in the colours of the Aboriginal Flag and participated in a special assembly. We thank Leslie Marks for attending and sharing a poem, Ms Manousaridis for helping us to understand the importance of the day, our parents who attended the assembly and the Stage 2 team for their organisation of the day.

We especially thank the students and families who donated generously to the Cathy Freeman Foundation 'STOMP OUT THE GAP', we raised $424. Let's take the next steps towards reconciliation together.

Harmony Day at Punchbowl Public School

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:34 AEDT

On Tuesday 21st March our school community celebrated Harmony Day with open classrooms, Harmony Day lessons and a morning tea for our parents.

The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs', the day aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster sense of belonging for everyone.

We are respectful at Punchbowl Public School.

Follow the link to watch our 2017 Harmony Day video on our YouTube channel.

2017 Harmony Day

2016 Premier's Primary School Sport Challenge

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:33 AEDT

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Premier's Primary School Sport Challenge

White Ribbon Day - Real Men Walk the Talk

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:37 AEDT

White Ribbon Day FLYER (pdf 100 KB)

You're invited to join Canterbury Bankstown Council,

Campsie Local Area Command and other community

partners at our annual White Ribbon Day March on

Friday, 25 November 2016.

The march will start at 5.30pm from Gillies Street,

Lakemba and will finish at Parry Park, Lakemba.

Between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at Parry Park there will

be White Ribbon Speeches, free BBQ, face painting,

photo booth and $1 Ice creams.

There will also be an opportunity for kids to meet the

mascots G Man from GWS Giants, Brutus and Bella from

Bulldogs and Constable Charlie from NSW Police.

White Ribbon Day March

Friday, 25 November

Starting at 5.30pm at Gillies Street,

Lakemba

Presentation Day 2016

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:36 AEDT

Please join us for these special celebration days at Punchbowl Public School

Kids and Dads Night

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:35 AEDT

Download the flyer for more information about the Kids and Dads Night which is being held at Punchbowl Public School on Thursday 17th November, 2016.

Kids and Dads Night (pdf 510 KB)

2017 Resource Allocation Model (RAM) at Punchbowl Public School

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:33 AEDT

Dear Parents,

I am pleased to advise you that our school has received our 2017 Planned School Budget Allocation Report which will assist us with the management of the total budget delivered to our school through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The Resource Allocation Model (RAM) methodology distributes funding based on the individual needs of students and schools. This gives our school greater flexibility to make local decisions to meet the unique needs and circumstances... of our students.

Learn more about the 2017 funding by visiting the Department's website. Watch a short animation about the important role of the RAM in the journey to School Excellence for NSW public schools. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Qhz1nykUc&feature=youtu.be

What does all this mean for Punchbowl Public School?

Our school is planning to use our 2017 funding to support students to improve educational outcomes primarily through the employment of specialist staff, the release of staff to plan and collaborate, speech and psychology services and improvements to our site. Our Annual School Report clearly outlines how we use our funding.

If you have any questions, I am very happy to help.

Ms Rose Manousaridis, Principal

Kindergarten Orientation 2017

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:35 AEDT

Punchbowl Public School

KINDERGARTEN

Orientation for 2017 Enrolments

Dates

Wednesday 26^th October
Wednesday 2^nd November
Wednesday 9^th November

Time

Each session starts at 9am and finishes at 11:30am.

We look forward to seeing all of our Kindergarten parents and students in attendance

Download the flyer attached for more information.

Kindergarten Orientation 2017 (pdf 135 KB)

Acknowledgement of Country

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:33 AEDT

We are very proud of the Punchbowl Public School Acknowledgement of Country.

On behalf of our Punchbowl Public School Community, we pay our respect to Elders, past, present and future and acknowledge the Bidjigal people of the Eora nation, who were the traditional custodians of the land on which we are learning together and growing as a safe, respectful and united community.

The Punchbowl Public School Acknowledgement of Country was developed by student leaders Ayah Eid, Nadia El Sayed, Amina Alam, Dwayne Tiulanae and Mohamad El Dhabi in collaboration with Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers Lesley Marks and Carol Brown and with Rose Manousaridis, Principal on Thursday 18 August 2016.

Pre-School Enrolments

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:36 AEDT

The pre-school enrolment committee have now finalised 2017 offers of placement at pre-school and a waiting list is now in place.

Letters will be posted to families in week 2 of term 4.

Please contact Ms Manousaridis - Principal, if you require further information.

Download the Skoolbag APP for PUNCHBOWL PUBLIC SCHOOL

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:34 AEDT

Exciting news at PPS!

Our Skoolbag app is ready to be downloaded!

Skoolbag is the ultimate school to parent communication tool. This School Mobile App provides schools with an easy way to tell parents and carers everything you need to know about school news, newsletters, events calendar, cancellations, school notices, school information, school timetables, sick note forms, school documents and much more!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id1126218193

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skoolbag.punchbowlpubs

Skoolbag App

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:36 AEDT

Look what's coming to Punchbowl Public School!!!

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

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

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

Will you be downloading the Skoolbag App?

Family Reading Week

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:34 AEDT

2015 Annual School Report

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:33 AEDT

The Annual School Report is our evaluation of our school, its teachers, students and school community during the past year. The report also summarises our school's initiatives and targets, and other educational practices, achievements and aspirations.

2015 Annual School Report (pdf 4284 KB)

Watch our Harmony Day video

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:37 AEDT

At Punchbowl Public School we don't tolerate 'difference', we CELEBRATE it!

The staff and students at Punchbowl Public School celebrated Harmony Day on March 21st.

We recognise that our diversity is our strength! Everyone is appreciated and belongs at Punchbowl Public School.

Click on the link to take you to our Harmony Day video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYOK_Zbtrto

Positive Behaviour for Learning Parent Information Session

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:35 AEDT

Welcome to the 2016 school year at Punchbowl Public School

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:37 AEDT

Welcome back to a new school year and welcome to those students, families and staff who are new to our PPS school community!

We hope that you had an opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy some vacation time with family and friends during these summer months. We also hope that you are ready for the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead of us as we begin this new school year.

YOU'RE INVITED

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:38 AEDT

Government Selective High School Enrolment 2017

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:34 AEDT

Information regarding the selective high school placement process for Year 7, 2017 has been sent home to interested Year 5 students. Parents must apply online for this selection process and more information can be found at the following link: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/shsplacement.

If you have any further questions please contact Mrs De Souza

We promote positive relationships to enhance a quality teaching and learning environment

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:37 AEDT

Anti Bullying Plan (pdf 636 KB)

Punchbowl Public School is totally committed to working collaboratively with staff, students and the community to strengthen a learning environment which eradicates all forms of bullying and harassment from the school to enable all students to reach their full potential.

An Interim Draft School Anti Bullying Plan is attached to assist students, staff and parents to understand how Punchbowl Public School responds to and manages bullying in the school. The plan reinforces the importance of shared responsibility and clearly articulates the mutual responsibilities of students, staff and parents.

An information session about bullying with the school counsellor and the senior executive will be held at the school on Thursday 20 February 2014 at 9.15 am. If you require a hard copy of the draft plan please contact the front office.

Some things you can do if you believe your child is being bullied :

Advise the school immediately

Listen and assure them it is not their fault

Stay calm

Give your child some strategies to cope

Homework

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 03:39:35 AEDT

The school has revised its Homework Policy in response to feedback from parents and carers in term 4 2013. The draft policy is attached and includes information developed by the Department of Education and Communities to assist parents and carers in managing homework with their children.

All parents and carers are asked to review the draft policy and provide feedback to Ms. Manousaridis, Principal by phone 97505055 or email rose.manousaridis@det.nsw.edu.au by Friday 21 February 2014.

An information session for parents and carers to discuss the policy will be held at the P&C meeting on Wednesday 26 February at 9.45 am.

Homework guide for parents (pdf 370 KB)PPS Homework Policy (Draft) (pdf 107 KB)