News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:12:28 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 13:43:06 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 17:12:56 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 17:27:10 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 14:58:17 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 13:40:36 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 11:26:53 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 11:48:33 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 14:14:16 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 11:43:12 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 12:27:52 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 15:24:43 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 15:15:02 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 15:27:52 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 13:43:31 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 15:06:56 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 16:28:06 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.

Synthetic Grass

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:41:06 AEST

September 17 is slowly creeping upon us. As this is the commencing date for the synthetic turf, I would like to remind all parents and students that during this time, a large portion of our school playground will be fenced off. This will allow the contractors the ability to complete the project in the specified timeframe and ensure all students are safe whilst at school. This project will take approximately four weeks to complete depending upon weather and various factors throughout the build.

At the completion of the project, all students will have a 12m x 36m lined, multipurpose field to enjoy for many years to come. I cannot wait to share this new and exciting space with you all. Please be patient during this time.

Japanese Students

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:51:13 AEST

On Monday, Wattle were lucky enough to have visiting Japanese teachers in their class. They taught some basic Japanese to the students, shared stories about life in Japan and participated in an origami lesson. Thank you to Ms Matsui for organising this cultural exchange.

NAPLAN Results

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:45:32 AEST

In the coming days parents of our Year 3 and Year 5 students will receive individual student reports (ISR) outlining their child’s achievement in the NAPLAN testing which took place in May this year. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how individual students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australia children. Parents can use this information to monitor how their child is progressing and to identify any areas of concern. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s performance, please make an appointment to discuss this further with your child’s teacher.

Spelling Bee

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:47:43 AEST

Last Monday 3 September Sarah, Oliver, Liam and Bella attended the Regional Spelling Bee finals at Austinmer Public School. All students involved did such a wonderful job stepping out of their comfort zone spelling many unfamiliar (rather tricky) words. I would like to congratulate them all on their performance and look forward to what is ahead in their spelling adventures. A very special mention goes to Bella who placed second on the day. What a huge achievement placing 2^nd in the region!

Father's Day Stall

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:55:05 AEST

A very successful Father’s Day stall was held on Thursday and Friday. The stall was overwhelmingly supported by the students, with many special gifts being sold. Thank you to the parent helpers who organised and ran the stall. We appreciate the amount of effort put into an event like this. I am sure all dads or special someone loved the gift they received.

Treasure Hunt!

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:48:52 AEST

Last Tuesday ‘TREASURE HUNT’ performers visited Mount Keira Demonstration School! This was an interactive and educational in-school performance that explored the issues of sustainability and the relationship with the natural environment. It also celebrated how books and reading can create understanding and bring people of different backgrounds together. The story line was highly engaging with outstanding performers. A really enjoyable show that had the students singing and bopping along.

Botanical Gardens

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:48:18 AEST

On Monday 3 September the students in Banksia visited the Botanical Gardens for World Environment Day- 'Enviro 2018'. They participated in a number of workshops throughout the day. The various workshops focused on bush fire survival, the importance of putting rubbish in bins to protect our ecosystem and discussing issues such as biodiversity where students created a landscaped garden to provide adequate shelter for native animals. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and the students returned to school earlier than expected. All in all the students had a fantastic day

Mrs Robinson's Return

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:44:45 AEST

It is with great pleasure to inform the school community that Mrs Allira Robinson will be returning to Mount Keira Demonstration School at the beginning of Term 4 2018.

Mrs Robinson is currently on maternity leave however, she will be returning one day per week (Wednesday) in Term 4. She will be doing an RFF role (Release from Face to Face) where she will work across a number of classes. We look forward to having her back here at Mount Keira working with the wonderful students, staff and parent community.

SASS Week

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:53:55 AEST

Last week we celebrated SASS Recognition Week. A week to recognise the amazing work done by our School Administrative and Support Staff and the many valuable and significant ways in which SASS staff contribute to the everyday life of our school. This band of hard workers do a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ work that ensures the school runs efficiently.

Mount Keira Demonstration School is definitely a great team- students, teachers, SASS staff and parents all working together in the best interests of students.

Thank you SASS staff for the wonderful job you do each and every day.

Science Fair

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:57:31 AEST

Our Stage 3 students have been busy designing, making, testing and drawing conclusions to their projects for the upcoming Science Fair.

This Wednesday 12 September, the students will participate in the Wollongong Performing Arts High School Science Fair, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their research projects. Each group of students will present their ideas and display their findings on large poster boards. Judges will be walking around on the day asking students questions and discovering all about their findings whilst giving all students positive feedback.

The Science Fair is a great opportunity for students to develop their scientific skills and investigate the incredible universe around us.

I look forward to seeing the weird, wacky, wonderful world of science come alive.

Golf

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:46:57 AEST

From Tuesday 11 September until Thursday 13, Callum will represent Mount Keira Demonstration School at the South Coast School Sports Golf Tournament. We wish him the very best of luck. I’m sure he will do us all proud!

Tournament of the Minds

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:20:18 AEST

It was a big weekend on 26 August for our Tournament of Minds team. After many terms of hard work and creative thinking, our team of seven amazing students, competed at the University of Wollongong with over 40 other primary and high schools. The first part of the day was spent performing ‘The Arts’ Challenge that the students had been working so hard on before during and after school. The second part involved responding to an unseen spontaneous challenge- with just four minutes of preparation and one minute of presentation.

The team showed incredible perseverance, teamwork and positivity and absolutely excelled on the day receiving HONOURS for their efforts on the day.

A huge congratulations to all involved including the dedicated Miss Green for all of her hard word and enthusiasm in bringing this wonderful activity to Mount Keira Demonstration School. Congratulations to Alyssa, Sarah, Ella, Savannah, Saul, Lilly and Sophie B who represented our school with such pride.

I CAN NOT wait for next year!

School Safety

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:09:34 AEST

Please remember that if you ever hear noise or notice unwanted visitors to our school please contact school security on 1300 88 00 21. This kind of behaviour is disappointing and comes at a large cost to the school.

Kinder 2019 Orientation

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:11:19 AEST

We have had to reschedule Kinder Orientation until Wednesday 14 November. Invitations will go home to families early Term 4. If you know of anyone in the area who may be looking to send their child next year please ensure they contact the school as a matter of urgency.

District Athletics

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:18:24 AEST

Congratulations to all of our 30 competitors who attended the Central Wollongong District Athletics Carnival which was held at Beaton Park. All competitors should be proud of their efforts, both in their athletic performance and behaviour. It was wonderful to see the team spirit our students displayed towards each other and the other competitors. Special congratulations to Kobi N who qualified to compete at the Regional Athletics Carnival to be held in Canberra later next month.

Term 3 Fees

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:13:19 AEST

Term 3 invoices were sent home last week with the eldest child in each family. They are due by Tuesday 11 September. Please feel free to make instalments if that is easier for you. The preferred payment method is online via the “Make a Payment” tab on the school website. Please list the full amount of the invoice under one child’s name and we will work out the breakup. There is no need to list individual students or activities just list the full amount as “other”.

Should you be unable to meet the payment by the due date please see Mrs Carroll to arrange a repayment plan. Student assistance may be available to eligible families.

Rubbish

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:14:31 AEST

Our school grounds are very attractive. Lots of seating, shady areas, beautiful views and immaculate gardens. Unfortunately, these beautiful areas are currently being swamped with rubbish.

Students have been regularly spoken to about ‘caring’ for their school by putting their rubbish in the bins and looking after our school grounds. To combat this issues the students will be involved in a regular clean up. Every Wednesday afternoon (5 minutes after Fitness) and every Friday (5 minutes before the end of lunch) students will do a quick ‘run around’ to clean up our school and do their part in saving our environment.

Please discuss this issue with your child and be mindful of the packaging being sent to school.

Issues with Skoolbag

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:12:37 AEST

Several parents have reported issues with the Skoolbag App. As per the notification sent home via Skoolbag last fortnight all parents should check to ensure that the App icon they have for Skoolbag is the blue bag not the Mount Keira School icon. If you still have the Mount Keira icon it is important that you uninstall that App and reinstall the new one as per the instructions sent home.

If you are still having problems seeing the information make sure you are going to the groups button on the bottom of the App which will take you to your selected classes specific activities.

Should you have any further issues please see Mrs Christlo.

Education and Book Week

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:23:03 AEST

Last week we celebrated Education Week. It was wonderful to see so many parents and visitors coming to our school to celebrate the achievements of students.

Thursday was our official open day and the classrooms were abuzz with students, parents and teachers dancing, singing, playing maths games, using the interactive whiteboards, reading and having a great time. Walking around the school you could see and hear the fun that everyone was having. Mount Keira Demonstration School is definitely a great place to be.

Thank you to parents and visitors who supported the students and the school during our Education Week, Book Week and Literacy and Numeracy Week celebrations.

Congratulations to the school community: students, parents and teachers working together to create “Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world .”

Last week there were lots of ‘strange’ people here at school as we celebrated Book Week with an amazing parade of book characters. You could have been forgiven if you thought that school was going slightly crazy. We had Alice, Cinderella, Homer Simpson, Puss in Boots just to name a few and of course there was Harry Potter in all his splendour. It was terrific to listen to the children laugh and have fun. One student came up to me and said “Mrs Carroll, I love days like this”. Thank you parents for dressing your children up and helping us to m ake learning so enjoyable. I hope you are all planning your costume for the next parade!!

NAPLAN Online

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:15:11 AEST

As part of the transition to NAPLAN online in 2019, our school will participate in the School Readiness Test in Week 6 this term. Students in Years 3 and 5 will be involved. This will provide an opportunity for school staff and students to familiarise themselves with the online platform and process whilst testing technical and administrative readiness. The NAPLAN Readiness Tests will not be marked; it is not an assessment for students. The tests will be held over two days:

Year 3 will complete one test only – Omnibus (Reading and Language Conventions.)

Year 5 will complete two tests - online writing + Omnibus (Reading and Language Conventions).

Some of the main benefits of students taking part in NAPLAN Online include:

Better assessment – and more precise results. NAPLAN Online uses a tailored test or adaptive design, where the test automatically adapts to a student's performance and asks questions that match the student achievement level, allowing the student to demonstrate their knowledge. This provides teachers and schools with more targeted and detailed information on students’ performance on the tests. Tailored testing also provides an opportunity to broaden the scope of the assessments.

Faster turnaround of results. Delivery of assessments online significantly reduces the time it takes to provide feedback to schools, students and parents, so teachers can respond more quickly to learning needs.

More engaging. ACARA research into online assessment has shown that students have engaged well with electronic tests.

Information has already been sent home however if you require additional information please access the NAPLAN Online website, which provides more information about the school readiness test: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/student-assessment/naplan-online/nsw-transition-approach/readiness-activities

Teachers are Learners Too!

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:21:45 AEST

This week staff participated in a variety of Professional Learning sessions. Staff had a two hour session based on the ‘Introduction of the new Learning Progressions’, formative assessment continued to be our key focus during staff meetings and Monday saw a number of teachers attend a professional learning day related to Effectively using School Data. Teachers utilised online learning tools to develop their skills in analysing student data and ways to use this data to support future planning and improved student progress. These wonderful learning sessions allowed teachers the opportunity to develop deeper skills and knowledge in how to plan using data to differentiate learning for their students.

Science Fair

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:16:24 AEST

Our Stage 3 students have been busy designing, making, testing and drawing conclusion to their projects for the upcoming Science Fair.

In Week 8, the students will participate in the Wollongong Performing Arts High School Science Fair, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their research projects. Each group of students will present their ideas and display their findings on large poster boards. Judges will be walking around on the day asking students questions and discovering all about their findings whilst giving all students positive feedback.

The Science Fair is a great opportunity for students to develop their scientific skills and investigate the incredible universe around us.

I look forward to seeing the weird, wacky, wonderful world of science come alive.

SASS Week

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:15:42 AEST

Next week is SASS Week, a week to recognise the amazing work done by our School Administrative and Support Staff. This includes Mrs Christlo and Mrs Cook who work in our School Office to guarantee our school runs smoothly. It also includes Mr Claridge our general assistant who makes sure the school is looking its best. Mrs Kerrigan our School Learning Support Officers who help students in the classroom and in the playground.

This band of hard workers do a lot of ‘behind the scene’ work that ensures the school runs efficiently. Why don’t you make their day by giving a big thank you to them as you see them working around the school. I’m sure this would put a big smile on their dial. Mount Keira Demonstration School is definitely a great team- students, teachers, SASS staff and parents all working together in the best interests of students.

Thank you SASS staff for the wonderful job you do each and every day.

Lost Property

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:13:59 AEST

Our lost property basket is still well and truly overflowing. Please ensure that all belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name and class. Lost property can be returned to children quickly and easily if they are clearly labelled.

Please encourage your child to take responsibility for their own items and pick up after themselves as many items are being left behind on a regular basis. This makes our classrooms and playground, messy places to be. We take pride in our schools appearance and encourage children to be independent in looking after their belongings.

Adventure Gully

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:17:19 AEST

The Adventure Gully is in ‘full swing.’ Many laughs and new adventures have already been discovered. It has been so wonderful to see the students laughing and playing together, (it really is a wonderful sound to hear!)

In order to keep each and every student safe whilst learning ‘how to play’ in the new area, a few rules have needed to be implemented. Please discuss the following rules with your child to ensure a smooth transition and fun for all.

Premiers Reading Challenge

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:10:33 AEST

The Challenge ends this Friday 31 August. Please ensure you have gone online to https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/logon.html and recorded any books your child has read at home. Thank you to those parents who have assisted their children with the Challenge at home this year.

Premier's Reading Challenge

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 15:04:25 AEST

The NSW Premier's Reading Challenge is well underway for 2018. The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. New and exciting books are continuing to be added. Page | 7 Term 2 Week 8 19 June 2018 Reading with your child is a great way to spend some quality time together. The challenge runs until 31 August, so there is plenty of time to get reading and ensure you log on to the website https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/logon.html to register the books your child has read at home.

Cookbook Buy Now

Sat, 28 Jul 2018 22:21:17 AEST

We have just 300 of our Cookbooks left to sell, which will see us meet our fundraising target of

$70 000, of which 100% of the profits will go towards improving our play areas. It is a wonderful celebration of the Mount Keira Community and has a fabulous collection of simple, family favourite recipes that will become favourites in your house too!

Cookbook – Of Sandstone and Pine - Now Available to buy online or purchase from the school.

Click here: https://www.ofsandstoneandpine.com.au/

Our Cookbook launch day - footage courtesy of WIN News, WIN Television NSW Pty Ltd

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofsandstoneandpine/ or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016119734641&fref=nf

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mtkeiracookbook/