News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:52:02 AEDT

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

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

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:58:55 AEDT

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

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

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

You’ll find:

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

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Kindy

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:12:44 AEDT

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

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

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

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

Travel health

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

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

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:40:47 AEDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:07:46 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 13:33:17 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 11:20:00 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 11:38:10 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 14:00:22 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 11:33:04 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 12:19:54 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 15:04:09 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 15:06:41 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

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

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

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

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:15:36 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 13:14:24 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.

Super School News - Early Stage 1

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 10:33:49 AEDT

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:52:11 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:22:37 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.

Family Portrait P & C Fundraiser

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 21:47:54 AEDT

The P&C are running a fundraising portrait photography day. If you haven't had a family portrait taken in a while this is your chance. Make an appointment and we will see you on Saturday 27th October.

NAIDOC Week 2018

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:12 AEST

What a fantastic day of celebrating NAIDOC around our school! The list of events commenced with a whole school assembly in the school hall where special awards were presented and performances were carried out by the choirs and Aboriginal dance group.

Students then participated in a range of activities including a class art project, Dreamtime stories and fitness games.

Because of her, we can!

2018 Athletics Carnival - Friday, 3rd August Adcock Park

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:04 AEST

2018 Athletics Carnival - Adcock Park West Gosford

On Friday, 3rd August 2018 our Kindergarten to Year 6 students will be taking part in our annual Athletics Carnival. The event will start with only primary students racing in the 800m at 8.30am. All other students will arrive at Adcock Park around 9.20am.

The Primary Carnival will be held at the 'velodrome' at whilst the K-2 carnival will be held on the oval beside. See attached file with organisation details, map and events 2018 Athletics Carnival (pdf 831 KB)

School Athletics Carnival Notes:

K-2 Athletics Carnival (pdf 191 KB) 3-6 Athletics Carnival (pdf 192 KB)

2019 Kindergarten Open Day 2

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:05 AEST

Our 2019 Kindergarten Open Day 2 will be held on Thursday, 6th September 2018.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and students to attend our school, have a personal tour and look at our classrooms. You will be offered tea and coffee and some light refreshments and have time to meet our kindergarten teachers and Principal.

We look forward to meeting you.

If you have any questions, please call our school office on 4341 1899.

Skoolbag App Update information

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:16 AEST

Our school's app, SkoolBag, is being updated with some improvements to give you more control over the content and notifications you receive.

You do not need to download the update, however you will notice some changes when using the app.

Save Subscription Group Settings across devices

You will be invited to set up a username and password when opening the app. These details will be saved to allow for quick access in the future. Your account details allow you to log into the SkoolBag app on different devices and see the same groups and subscription settings. After logging in, you will be prompted to subscribe to groups. See attached instructions skoolbag update info (pdf 376 KB)

Canteen & Uniform Shop temporarily moved

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:07 AEST

Canteen and Uniform Shop Refurbishment

Construction of the new canteen will take approximately 5 weeks, however during that time a makeshift canteen will be operating out of B Block. The P&C have advised that the canteen will be CLOSED on Monday 14th May and reopen for LUNCH ORDERS ONLY from Tuesday 15th May. There will also be a temporary menu for the time of our relocation. This is to keep everything simple and safe for all involved.

This will mean we will have no counter service before school, at recess and at lunch. If anything is required for lunch it must be placed on a lunch order bag or ordered through the quickcliq system. Quickcliq Online Canteen Tables will be set up on the verandah for people to fill out their lunch order bags.

Uniform Shop - From next Monday 14th May, the uniform shop will be operating out of the P&C/Community room while the canteen refurbishments are being undertaken. This is located next to 1A at the school office end of the K-2 COLA. Online purchasing for pickup Monday or Friday 8.30am-9.30am is available at Quickcliq Online Ordering

Temporary Menu is available Temporary Canteen Menu (pdf 136 KB)

Stage One

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:18 AEST

Stage One students working hard in L3 sessions. All students are participating in guided reading and writing lessons, setting goals for their learning. Keep up the hard work.

Great start for our school leaders!

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:09 AEST

All of our newly appointed school leaders have been doing an amazing job in their roles, already. The House Captains rallied the troops at the annual swimming carnival and the SRC, Prefects and School Captains have been taking the new format for the K-6 assemblies in their stride. Well done to all.

Rugby 7's Winners

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:15 AEST

Congratulations to our Rugby 7's Under 12 Girls team who won 15-10 in the Rugby 7's competition today at Wyong Community Christian School. Thank you to our wonderful coach Mr Waight. Well done!!

Rugby League, Rugby Union and AFL Team success

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:15 AEST

This year has seen WWSPS sporting teams achieve unprecedented success. Our football teams continue to have outstanding results with our League team to play in the Sydney North PSSA Knockout final on 9 August, our AFL team crowned Central Coast Champions and progressing to the last 16 in the State. Congratulations to our Rugby Union team for winning the Central Coast Schoolboy Rugby 7's. A win in this tournament is a first for our school, which is very impressive. Congratulations again to the boys and thanks to Mr Waight (Rugby Union), Mr McKinnon (Rugby League) and Mrs Rigas (AFL) for their expert coaching. Congratulations to our Rugby Union team for winning the Central Coast Schoolboy Rugby 7s. A win in this tournament is a first for our school, which is very impressive. Congratulations again to the boys and thanks to Mr Waight (Rugby Union), Mr McKinnon (Rugby League) and Mrs Rigas (AFL) for their expert coaching.

Super Start To 2017

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:19 AEST

Classes are settled and learning programs have begun at WWS. Thanks to all the parents for supporting you children during the transition to a new year and new classes. Congratulations to all our students for their positive attitudes towards learning in 2017!

K-2 Public Speaking

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:10 AEST

Fantastic public speakers from Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 competed in the Woy Woy South Public School K-2 Public Speaking Competition. The class finalists were Emmeline, Chloe, Noah, Jonty, Ollie, Max, Karen, Mahli, Ember, Piper and Brayden. After a very close competition, the grade winners were:
Jonty (Kinder), Max (Year 1) and Piper (Year 2)

Congratulations to all finalists on their skill in public speaking and on their sportsmanship. Thanks To Mrs Fuary who was the organiser and Mr Young who judged these excellent speeches.

Debating Success

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:08 AEST

Congratulations to Woy Woy South Public School Debating team- Maddison, Abbey, Alex, Lily & Max who were successful at their last challenge against Empire Bay Public School. The topic under debate was "Parents should reward their children for improving schoolwork." Well done debating team!

Buzzing Bee Day Fun

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:06 AEST

Congratulations to the students who participated in Buzzing Bee Day last week. Over 400 vouchers were used by students who were showing our 3 R's Respect, Responsibility and Relationships. Students wore slippers and pj's, had technology time, swapped classrooms, created beautiful chalk drawings and enjoyed the lunchtime dance party. Thanks to the teachers who helped to supervise activities. We are now looking for new ideas for Buzzing Bee Day Vouchers for Term 3.

Stage 3 Classroom News

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:18 AEST

5S have been learning about fractions in maths. We did a group activity that saw us make equivalent fractions. Summer and Charlotte were making a whole, halves and sixths and comparing them. Jess and her group were comparing a variety of common fractions.

In history 5S have been learning about the different types of governments around the world. We worked together to complete a research project using the laptops and tablets in the classroom.

5S and 5/6L have been doing drama lessons together. We have been learning about the art improvisation. We played a game called The Martha Game.

One person runs into the space, forms their body into a statue and announces what they are, as in "I'm a tree."

Instantly the next person runs on and forms something else in the same picture. "I'm a bench under the tree."

The next person further adds to the picture. "I'm a bum on the bench."

Then "I'm a dog peeing on the tree."

"I'm the newspaper the bum is sleeping under."

Etc., until the whole group is part of the picture.

We had loads of fun playing this game.

In this scene the children were in the shopping centre. Summer had slipped over, Jasmine was the shopping cart, Will was the robber, Ella was the shop assistant being robbed and Tayla was drinking coffee.

Minibeast Fun

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:12 AEST

Last week Rumbalara field officers visited our school to teach Stage 1 and K/1R students all about ‘Minibeasts.' We became scientists and collected samples of invertebrates that live in our school gardens. After categorising them we observed them under a microscope. Look on our gallery page on this website for more photos of our young scientists in action.

Buzzing Bee Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:06 AEST

Congratulations to all the students who participated in our first PBL Buzzing Bee Day for term 2. Our students used 362 Bee Award Vouchers last week, which means they earnt over 1500 Bee Awards so far this term. We had many students in pyjamas or wearing their slippers. Some students had computer and tablet time or enjoyed playground art or the lunchtime dance party. A popular voucher was classroom swap where students could visit another room. Keep following your 3 R's and earning Bee Awards WWS.

Purple Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:14 AEST

On Thursday, 19 May, we held a "mufti-day" to raise funds for the Australian MPS Society, a non-profit organisation formed by parents, relatives and friends of those suffering from a range of rare genetic disorders known collectively as the mucopolysaccharide (or MPS) diseases. The Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are rare genetic disorders in children and adults which cause progressive damage in sufferers. One of our families have 3 children at the school and also have another 2 children who suffer from one of these diseases. We asked for a gold coin donation and to "Wear something Purple" and raised $420. Well done WWS!

Kindergarten Classroom News

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:11 AEST

In Term 2, Kindergarten have been learning to read and write. By the end of this term, students will be starting to write simple sentences on their own. Kindergarten students have also begun to take home readers and Words to Learn home with them to practice. Every Tuesday morning, all Kinder students go to the hall for dancing. This program teaches students basic movement skills. They are having a wonderful time dancing!

Cross Country

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:08 AEST

On Friday 8th April, Woy Woy South's Cross Country Carnival was a great success. Well done to all the students who participated. A huge thank you to our many parent helpers who assisted as track marshals and other officials to ensure our carnival was safe for all students.

Another big thank you goes out to all the staff for going above and beyond your normal duties to assist with this great event.

Some student quotes about the day;

"I liked doing cross country because you get to cheer for your team and play with your friends"

"I didn't like that the little kids don't get to run as far as the big kids"

"I think the race was too long. Please make it shorter!"

Rugby League News

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:15 AEST

Last Thursday our Stage 2 and 3 Rugby league teams competed in the annual Woy Woy Cup. All players were great representatives of our school and showed great skill and outstanding sportsmanship. Our Open's team won their pool to advance to the Semi Final. They were beaten by just one try in a nail biter. Special mention needs to be given to Jack in the Stage 2 team for his fantastic work in the forwards and courageous defense. Blake played beautifully all day and displayed incredible skills in attack. Taylah also played wonderful football and was the first girl to play Rugby League for our school for a number of years. Well done to all involved!

Mr McKinnon – Coach

SeaFM Broadcasts from WWS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:16 AEST

The visit from SEA-FM started very early on Wednesday with the setup crew arriving at 4.30am and we are very grateful to Raelene for opening the gates at this time.
By 7.00am we had quite a few students enjoying the live broadcast, the games and the wonderful fruit breakfast. We even managed to have Mr Kendell and the ukulele group perform live on the radio
Our thanks go to Tracey Wild for initially nominating us for this visit and to all the other parents who came on board and voted for us. A huge thanks also to Brian Hilton Motor Group for their donation of $1,000 which has been used to purchase 3 i-pad minis for use in teaching and learning activities.

Teddy Bears Picnic

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:19 AEST

If you go into the school today you're in for a big surprise ........ It's the Kindergarten Teddy Bears Picnic. Kindergarten performed some special bear songs and completed teddy bear activities during the day. Parents visited classrooms and some even wore their child's teddy bear ears. We enjoyed a yummy picnic lunch with our teddy bears and families. Thanks to Mrs Parker for organising such a super fun day! Look in the gallery for some photos of families joining in with the fun.

Easter Hat Parade

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:09 AEST

Congratulations to all those parents and grandparents who helped to make Easter hats this year!! The standard was outstanding. The K-2 students enjoyed parading and singing. What a lovely Easter Hat parade. Look in our gallery to find some photos of this great day!

Girls Cricket Represents WWS Proudly!

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:09 AEST

On Wednesday the girl's cricket team played their first match against Woy Woy. Woy Woy batted first and scored 105 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. The girls bowled well with Taylah and Izabella taking 2 wickets each. Heather S, Maddy, Maegan, Ebony, Cora and Holly all bowled confidently. Woy Woy South batted next and scored 7/87. Maddy scored 6 while Aaliyah and Vivienne finished the innings well. Tiarna did a great job as wicket keeper. Emily also fielded well. Although it was a short season I'd like to thank the girls for their great efforts at training. They were very committed to the team and should be congratulated. Well Done!

Stage 3 Classroom News

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:18 AEST

Stage 3 have been improving their story writing skills through a program called The Seven Steps to Writing Success. The Seven Steps is a unique system that chunks writing into seven main techniques and aims to make writing fun. The students are given a variety of tools to use which hopefully make it easier for them to write great stories.

The skill is taught in a lesson and then students have two weeks to practise that technique.

So far we have completed;

Sizzling Starts (beginning a story with action)
Plan for Success (using a story graph to plan)
Show Don't Tell (using actions to show emotion rather than telling)

Some examples of student work;

Sizzling Start- The Strange Day

The day started just like any other until, DING! DING! DING! The doorbell rang. Who was it? It couldn't be mum or dad, they're still sleeping, I thought to myself. I smelt fear, I was nervous! It was only 5:00am in the morning. I answered the door. It was Sally. But what did she want? She was just standing there.

Charlotte 5S

Sizzling Start- The box

She opened the box and could not believe her eyes. In the box was a large leathery egg-like shape. She peered out the door to search for anyone who could have placed the small, black box by her door, but saw nothing. There was a note on the box. It read - Whatever you do keep it warm at all times and don't crack it. It will affect the behaviour of what is inside. Her eyes widened at the sight of the last sentence. Quickly she put the egg on a pillow under her heat lamp and sat watching the surface of the egg pulse and become translucent. A small creature came to life and learnt of its destiny.

Max 5/6L

Sizzling Start- Rescue

"Help," I heard a koala yell out.

I looked over and the huge gum tree was about to be chopped down. The people didn't know that the small grey koala was clinging to the branch.

I had to think quickly about what to do before it is hurt.

Tap, tap! Bang, bang! The people were preparing to cut the tree. I yell, "Stop, stop! There's a baby koala on that branch." I pointed.

Everyone was motionless as they looked high up into the leaves. "Right, there it is a baby koala" the boss man said. "Oh sorry where should it belong now"

So I called the fire brigade. It was very busy work to slide up the very long ladder into the tree. The firemen were very brave to climb so high up the tree to rescue the now frightened Koala.

I took it to the yard next door and it scampered along the ground to a smooth trunk of a shady gum tree.

Show Don't Tell- Guess the emotion

"Next please!" I walked up and my hands were shaking. My heart was pounding and beating as fast as one thousand kilometres per hour. I looked up again and then towards the exit. That's when I bolted for the door.

Blake 5S

Show don't Tell- My teacher is angry

Her eyes tipped inwards. Her face scrunched up like an unwrapped piece of paper. Her arms flew up into the sky. "Here we go again" we all thought. Her arms came flying down as she whacked the table. "Why are you here?" her voice boomed, nearly shattering the windows.

Heather 5/6L

Harmony Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:10 AEST

Woy Woy South was a sea of orange on Monday 21st March as we celebrated Harmony Day. Activities included wearing orange, visiting the website www.harmonyday.gov.au, listing our family cultural backgrounds and students visited their buddy classrooms to read together, developing positive relationships in our school. The canteen offered yummy lunch orders with food from around the world. See the gallery for some photos of buddy reading on the day. Happy Harmony Day!!!

Stage 1 Classroom News

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:17 AEST

Stage 1 students have started the year very well and are showing they are responsible, respectful learners and kind friends. In mathematics, students have been learning about graphs, length, fractions, addition and subtraction. In history, we are learning about family life in past times. We are also discovering how we learn about history through stories, art, artifacts and written records. Learning about how things grow in science is also lots of fun!

Buzzing Bee Day Fun

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:05 AEST

With over 300 Bee Awards Vouchers being used last Thursday and Friday there were many students with smiling faces, some of those face even had moustaches!! We had students enjoying wearing mufti, having extra computer time as well as using their Playground Swap Voucher at lunch. Some students may still be smiling next week as they use their No Homework voucher. Congratulations to all our students being rewarded for following our 3 R's Respect, Responsibility and Relationships!!! Look in our Gallery to see some fun photos from the day.

Kindergarten Classroom News

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:11 AEST

Kindergarten students are settling in well to 'big' school. They are learning the letters of the alphabet, to read and write and are making new friends each day. This term kindergarten students are also learning the skills needed to begin to play floorball - and they are having a ball doing so.

A Splashing Success

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:05 AEST

The Woy Woy South Public School Swimming Carnival was held on Wednesday 10^th February. Thank you to all the parents and students who attended the carnival. It was a successful carnival and the teachers enjoyed watching all the swimmers compete so well. Thank you to all the teachers for making the carnival so successful and a big thank you to Miss King for her help in organising such a great event.

Congratulations to the following students who were the swimming champions for 2016.

Junior Girl – Amy

11yrs Girl – Sienna

Senior Girl – Izabella

Junior Boy – William

11yrs Boy – Riley

Senior Boy – Alexander

The winning house for 2016 was Cook. Congratulations to our winners for 2016. Information about the SSC Zone Swimming Carnival will be available shortly. All the successful swimmers will notified and receive their notes and information soon.

Nathan Lincoln

Sports Coordinator

Parent Information Sessions

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:14 AEST

Please remember that our Parent Information Evenings are on tonight (Tues 16 Feb) for K/1R and all Year 1 – Year 6 classes. Year 1 and 2 sessions are from 6.00 – 6.30; Year 3 and 4 from 6.35 to 7.05pm and Year 5 and 6 from 7.10 – 7.40pm. Tomorrow night Kindergarten class teachers will be available from 6.00 -6.30pm. All these meetings will be held in the teacher's own classroom. Also at these meetings we will be mentioning our quick survey which we are using to determine what areas you would like us to target for parent learning sessions and what times would be most suitable. You can also access the survey through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLGXXFP

Swimming Carnival Organisation

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:19 AEST

Our swimming carnival will be held this Wednesday 10th February 2016. Notes and money need to be handed in by Monday 8th February. Sports Captains need to attend even if they are not competing. We wish all our swimmers the very best of luck and we look forward to seeing friendly competition and good sportsmanship. See you at the pool!

All Smiles For The First Week Of Big School

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:05 AEST

Super big smiles were seen in all the kindergarten classrooms this week as we welcomed our new kindergarten students to 'big school.' We are already busy working in the classroom and making new friends in the classroom. What a wonderful start to each students learning journey at Woy Woy South PS.

Mr Collins wins NSW Premier’s Public Service Award for “Building Stronger and Safer Communities”

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:12 AEST

Mr Collins and Mrs Whealey travelled to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for the very prestigious "NSW Premier's Public Service Awards" 2015. Mr Collins was a finalist, representing the Department of Education in the category "Building Stronger and Safer Communities". It is a huge honour to be nominated for these awards and an outstanding achievement for Mr Collins to win the award for this category. We congratulate Mr Collins for his service to our school and the wider community, acknowledging how lucky we are to have him as a teacher at Woy Woy South PS. We are all very proud of you Mr Collins!!

Stage 1 Workers In Our Community Classroom Visits

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:17 AEST

A very big thank you to two wonderful parents who came to speak to our Stage 1 students about their work roles. Mr Prince spoke about his job as a Town Recreational Planner and Mrs Beer spoke about being a Paramedic. The students thoroughly enjoyed your presentations and learnt many interesting facts about community workers.

NSW Premier's Sporting Callenge

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:14 AEST

This year our school has participated in the NSW Premier's Sporting Challenge, which promotes and encourages young people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. Our school received the highest overall DIAMOND result in the challenge. All students who participated in the challenge worked towards our school achieving this goal and will receive a personal certificate of achievement. Well Done Woy Woy South.

Grandparent Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:09 AEST

On Wednesday 28th October we welcomed grandparents and friends into our classrooms. Grandparents participated in art, maths groups, PE and literacy activities. They especially liked having a turn on the interactive whiteboards and talking about how education has changed since they have been in a classroom. Thank you to all our visitors for making it such a special day. Look in the gallery to see some photos from Grandparent Day

K-2 Spelling Bee

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:10 AEST

Congratulations to all our competitors in the K-2 Spelling Bee. There were many nervous but excited entrants showing the audience their amazing spelling skills. We thought the word 'sausage' would trick our spellers but it did not phase them as they are all Spelling Super Stars! Thanks to Mrs Fuary for organising the event.

National Writing Award For Aboriginal Students

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:13 AEST

On Wednesday 9th September 2015, we were very excited to welcome Mr Dylan Williams, representing the Prime Minister, and Mr Bob Ward, representing the Mayor of Gosford, to our school to present a very special award to two of our students. You may remember last year when our Yr 2 and Yr 3 Aboriginal Literacy group students, under the teaching of Mrs Beaton, won two Encouragement awards in the Patrick White Young Indigenous Writers' Competition. This year, we have continued Aboriginal student Writing groups, led by teachers from each stage. The Stage 3 group has been working with Mrs Shearer and, within that group, Marlee and Isaac combined to write the story reproduced on the back of this newsletter. The story was then sent to the Prime Minister's NAIDOC committee. Twenty-five award winners were chosen in NSW after over 200,000 entries were considered and shortlisted through a process involving the Federal NAIDOC committee, a panel of Aboriginal Elders and Department of Education representatives. We are delighted that our students have achieved an award at this prestigious level.

Spelling Bee

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:16 AEST

On Monday 7th September, Miss King took our school Spelling Bee winners Ebonee, Alexa, Zarne and Liam went to the Regional Spelling Bee held at Umina. In the Junior Spelling Bee, Ebonee got through to round 5 and Alexa got through to round 7. In the Senior Spelling Bee, Zarne got through to round 6 and Liam got through to round 3. During the competition there were some extremely difficult words and all the children should be proud of their achievements. Thankyou to the parents and grandparents who attended the Regional Spelling Bee in support of our students.

Daffodil Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:08 AEST

On Friday 28th August there was a sea of yellow to be seen at WWS. Students and teachers wore a touch of yellow to support Daffodil Day. Our aim was to raise some money and support the Caner Council in their quest to find a cure for cancer. Here is a photo of 2R Daffodil Day supporters.

Kindy Patch

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:11 AEST

Our new Kindy Patch is proving very popular with K-2 students. It is wonderful to see the creative play happening at recess and lunch as students experiment with the sound walls and driving the new buses. We cannot wait to see what the children create when the sandpit is completed in the next few days!!

Tell Them From Me Surveys

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:21 AEST

The Tell Them From Me Parent survey is now open for Woy Woy South parents to complete. Last year we received some really helpful feedback and used this to write up our school plans for the coming 3 years. Please use this link to enter the survey https://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/j_acegi_security_check?j_username=parent17462&j_password=Woy4329 or, alternately, the QR code. We will have "B" Block computer room open from 8.30am and after school until 3.30pm for parents who would like to use our internet facilities. Please take this opportunity to help plan the future directions for your children. Our Year 4-6 students are also completing their survey so their ideas and concerns are taken into account.

NAIDOC Week

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:13 AEST

NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS _

What a great week of activities! It started with a smoking ceremony at our monday assembly. We listened to a local Aboriginal community member playing the didjeridoo and then students, teachers and parents were invited to walk through the smoke together, to signify the start of NAIDOC week activities. Later in the week students learnt about Aboriginal art, music, dance, story telling, games and boomerang throwing. We had a sausage sizzle where we enjoyed kangaroo and crocodile sausages. One afternoon during an Aboriginal performance we had a giggle at the teachers on stage doing an Aboriginal dance. What a great way to celebrate NAIDOC Week!

Dazzling Dancers

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:08 AEST

On Friday June 19, the Senior Dance Group participated in the Central Coast Dance Festival at Laycock Street Theatre. The members of the group have all worked hard together throughout the year to put together an energetic, fun dance and did themselves proud on the night with an exceptional performance. The girls also did a fabulous job of representing our school with maturity, respect and responsibility. Well done girls. ¿

Buzzing Bee Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:06 AEST

Congratualtions to all the students who participated in our first Buzzing Bee Day. What a fantastic day for all students to celebrate their positive behaviour! Students celebrated by taking their shoes off in the classroom, cancelled homework for the week, spent time on the computer, danced up a storm at the lunchtime disco, enjoyed an afternoon of freetime, some students even dressed up as Super Heroes or in onesies. Our student leaders traded 481 vouchers in the last 5 weeks. That means teachers have handed out 2405 Bee Awards for students following the 3 R's Respect, Responsibility and Relationships.

Congratulations Woy Woy South students, we are all very proud of your positive behaviour in Term 2. Look in the Gallery to see some photos of students enjoying the day.

Soccer Stars!

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:16 AEST

During the last two weeks our Stage 3 soccer teams set off to compete in the first two rounds of the NSW PSSA Football Knock Out. Both the boys and girls had some impressive play and managed to put a few goals away. The highlight for the girls was an 11-0 win against Ettalong with the goals shared among much of the team. Heather a notable force in attack with 7 goals on the day. The boys did not experience the same success but Liam and Tora managing to keep the spirits high with a goal each.

Year 3 Netball Workshop

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:23 AEST

Katelyn from Netball NSW delivered a netball skills workshop for Year 3 students today. Boys and girls were excited while participating in skill drills and games organised by Katelyn. The pilot program encourages students to participate in sport on a regular basis with local sporting competitions.

Rumbalara Visits Stage 1

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:15 AEST

Rumbalara -

The bad news was our excursion to Rumalara was post poned due to the recent storms on the Central Coast. The good news was the staff from Rumbalara came to visit our school so Stage 1 students would not miss out on the fun 'Need For Shelter' activities. Students learnt all the different types of bird nests and built nests with fibres, using only tweezers! Very tricky! We also made aboriginal shelters from sticks and palm leaves. Some designs were more successful than others but we all learnt alot about working as a team and how to keep shelter designs strong. Look in the gallery for some photos of our creations.

Stage 2 Excursion to Sydney

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:17 AEST

Maori History Excursion -

During the final week of Term 1, Stage 2 classes visited The Rocks in Sydney to participate in a Maori History Tour as part of their 'People and their Beliefs' unit on New Zealand.

The Tour showed the students where the first Maori's lived when they came to Australia, stories of their struggles and how they became part of the multicultural mixture that was early Sydney. The students visited museums, inspected artifacts, witnessed traditional singing and greetings and enjoyed a traditional Maori Hongi for lunch.

Thanks must go to the teachers and support staff for making the excursions a great success.

ANZAC Day Assembly

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:05 AEST

A Time To Remember -

Mrs Whealey and all the teachers are very proud of the students who took part in the ANZAC Day service. Congratulations to our student leaders who ran the assembly and all the primary students who sang so beautifully, adding a personal WWS touch to the ANZAC Day assembly. All classes made poppies which have been displayed in Gosford to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. Lest we forget.

Kindergarten Visit Lion's Park

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:11 AEST

Kindergarten's Big Day Out -

At the end of Term One, on a beautiful, sunny day, Kindergarten went on their first excursion. They enjoyed morning tea and lunch at the newly renovated Lion's Park playground.

Everyone enjoyed playing on the equipment, as well as taking a walk along the waterside bike track, and feeding the ducks!

Easter Hat Parade

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:08 AEST

Hippity Hoppoty Easter's On Its Way -

Rabbits, chickens and easter eggs galore could be seen on the last day of Term 2. Kindergarten and Stage 1 students enjoyed parading around, showing off their easter hats and singing easter songs. A big congratulations to all our parents and grandparents who helped make such colourful Easter hat creations! It was wonderful to see so many families sharing a picnic after the parade, celebrating the end of a wonderful Term 1.

Bullying No Way Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:05 AEST

Bullying No Way At WWS -

Friday 20th March was national Bullying No Way Day. All classes participated in activities to take a stand together against bullying at our school. Students and teachers wore a wrist band to show whole school support of no bullying at WWS. For more information go to www.bullyingnoway.gov.au

Cross Country 2015

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:07 AEST

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go! -

Congratulations to all the Year 3-6 students who ran in our school cross country last friday. The crowd was cheering, with all students displaying good sportsmanship and encouraging their house mates. What a fit bunch of athletes you are WWS!

Victorious Girls Cricket Team

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:23 AEST

A Smashing Effort From Our Girls Cricket Team -

On Monday the girls' cricket team played their first game of the PSSA knockout competition against Ettalong. Ettalong won the toss and elected to bowl.
At the end of 25 overs Woy Woy South had scored 102 runs. Madison D top scored with 7 runs. Soraya scored 6 runs, while both Mia and Mareta scored 3 each. After lunch the girls had a bowl with great success. Mia had the best figures taking 4 – 14 off 5 overs. Mareta, Soraya, Jade and Jasmine also took wickets with Grace and Maddy J contributing with the ball. Leonie and Maddison D shared keeping duties while Emma, Heidi, Zarah and Keira did an outstanding job fielding. Ettalong made 55 runs giving Woy Woy South a fantastic win.
Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship and were a credit to their schools. The girls play Empire Bay next week. Good luck girls.

Harmony Day

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:09 AEST

Celebrating Harmony Day -

During Week 9 we celebrated Harmony Day. Many students wore a touch of orange and some had a special lunch order choosing from Australian, Italian or Hawaiin cuisines. Delicious!!! Each class participated in Harmony Day activities. So many interesting cultures that make WWS unique and special!! Look in our gallery to see some photos of the day. Happy Harmony Day!

Swimming Scheme

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:19 AEST

Swimming Scheme A Big Success -

Congratulations to our Year 2 and 3 students who have spent the last 2 weeks swimming everyday. The students have improved their swimming and water safety skills. A big thanks to Mr Young for organising this opportunity. Perhaps we will see one of these students swimming at the olympics one day! Check out our gallery to find some photos of our swimming stars!!!

Stage 2 First Aid Course

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:17 AEST

Stage 2 First Aid Experts

We are ready for an emergency now that Stage 2 students have been involved in a St Johns First Aid Course. Students now know how to keep themselves safe and help someone needing medical assistance. Perhaps some of the students will go on to study medicine at university now!

New School Leaders

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:13 AEST

2015 School Leaders

We welcome our new school leadership team for 2015. The school leaders are already busy with their new responsibilities and are presenting themselves as enthusiastic leaders and excellent role models for our younger students. We can't wait to see you all grow into leaders for 2015 and into the future. You never know we may even have the next Prime Minister of Australia gaining leadership experience here at Woy Woy South PS.

Tell Them From Me

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:20 AEST

Tell Them From Me Info (pdf 147 KB)

This term, Years 4, 5 and 6 are taking part in the Tell Them From Me student survey. The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve. The survey is completed online and is run by an independent research company, The Learning Bar, which specialises in schoolbased survey. For more information please see the attached document.

Mariners Visit

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:11 AEST

Soccer Clinic With The Central Coast Mariners

We were lucky enough to have Adam Kwasnik from The Central Coast Mariners visit our school and run soccer clinics. The students played soccer and showed off their impressive kicking and goal scoring skills. Each student who attended the soccer session left with an arm full of goodies including a drink bottle, posters and blow up soccer ball. Some were lucky enough to get Adam's signature. Maybe one day some of these students will play for the Mariners as the teachers saw many soccer stars in the making!!!

Welcome Back To School

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:38:23 AEST

A Super Start To 2015

Welcome back to school to all our Woy Woy South families. Our students have made a super start to the new school year. The teachers are very happy with the way students are displaying our school rules Respect, Responsibility and Relationships. Classrooms are buzzing with excitement as students begin their learning programs for 2015. Have a great year everyone!