News

New Passive Playground

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 13:26:33 AEDT

West Pennant Hills is excited to annouce the opening of our new Passive Playground, a fantastic place for outdoor learning and play. Go to our gallery to explore more photos of this fantastic learning enviroment.

Novel coronavirus advice for parents and bushfires support information

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 13:19:43 AEDT

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:05:18 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 13:27:41 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 16:48:46 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 17:14:10 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

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:02:40 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 13:37:59 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 11:24:30 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 11:44:48 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 14:09:19 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 11:39:46 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 12:25:28 AEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:17:46 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

Starting Big School program 2020

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 11:48:26 AEST

Starting big school program for kingergarten enrolment 2020

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:36 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 15:21:31 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.

Harmony Day 2019

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 10:50:08 AEST

Harmony Day 2019 was a wonderful success. It was a day filled with bright clothes, lively music and enjoyable performances which reinforced the rich cultural diversity within our school community. We are thankful for the kind support and involvement of all students, families, staff and community members who helped make this day a memorable one.

Harmony Day

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 10:18:29 AEDT

West Pennant Hills Public School will be celebrating Harmony Day on Tuesday the 26th March.

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:29:42 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.

School community charter

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:15:52 AEDT

The following School Community Charter outlines the responsibilities of

parents, carers, educators and school staff in NSW public schools to ensure

our learning environments are collaborative, supportive and cohesive.

To find out more, head to https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/school-community-charter .

Welcome back to 2019

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 10:14:49 AEDT

A big welcome back to our school community!

Students return to school on Wednesday 30th January.

Kindergarten students will be participating in their best start assessments from Wednesday 30th til Monday 4th February.

Kindergarten students first day of school will be Tuesday 5th February. Tea and tissues event will be in the hall for all Kindergarten parents.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:01:48 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 16:25:37 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.

Upcoming arts showcase

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 10:47:44 AEDT

Save the date for our upcoming arts showcase! More information to come.

Year 6 Jindabyne snow trip

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:38:09 AEST

Last week was the highly anticipated Year 6 Ski Trip held at the Sport and Recreation site in Jindabyne. Seventy five excited students and five staff set off for a wonderful week of activities, fun and adventure!

Students worked cooperatively while supporting each other as their went for ski lessons each day. It was a wonderful experience that allowed students to challenge themselves as they developed greater self-confidence and understanding of their own ability.

P&C Walkathon: Walk for the farmers

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:43:21 AEST

On Friday 21st September, the P&C organised a walkathon to raise funds for rural aid to assist the farmers in drought. Students gathered sponsors, dressed up as farmers and walked laps around the school in good spirits! Each student finished their walk with an ice block and sausage sizzle.

Thank you to the P&C, sponsors and Mrs Berios for all your organisation and contribution to the day.

Walkathon photos

Lachlan Smith to compete at Australian School Sports National Championships

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 20:27:31 AEST

Lachlan Smith has qualified to compete in the National Swimming Championship in Tasmania.

West Pennant Hills Public School are extremely proud of his achievements and cheering him on!

Good luck Lachie!

Enrolling for Kindergarten 2019

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 20:27:25 AEST

Our Starting Big School Program is scheduled to begin very soon! Find more information below about SBS and how to register your interest.

Download the form below for the SBS session dates and to register your interest:

SBS Dates and RSVP (docx 21 KB)

Schoolzine

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 20:27:45 AEST

Our newsletters and notes have moved!

Check out our Schoolzine website with all the updated school information you need!

Click on link below or click Schoolzine on menu bar.

Schoolzine

Completion and opening of the new amenities block

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 20:27:20 AEST

On the 1st of May, the new amenities block was officially opened with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Thank you to the P&C and the school community for making this project possible through various events and fundraisers. Students will benefit from the extra amenities block on the oval and are all looking forward to using it.

New Amenities Block

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:09 AEDT

The construction of the new amenities block located on the school oval is well underway, it is expected to be finished by the end of March.

Schools Spectacular 2017

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:13 AEDT

Schools Spectacular is an outstanding showcase of the talent in NSW public schools. In terms of sheer size, scale and scope, Schools Spectacular is unequalled in the world with a 2700-strong choir, 2300 diverse dancers, an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a world-class stage band and a huge number of outstanding solo performers.

Last weekend 12 of our talented dancers represented the West Pennant Hills Public School community performing and showcasing their incredible talent at the 2017 Schools Spectacular. Congratulations to Kayla, Rachael, Bridget, Olivia, Anna, Sophie, Talia, Shreya, Madison, Abhijay, Sienna & Mia. Ms Clarke & Mrs Alchin are so very proud of all of you.

Schoolzine App

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:13 AEDT

Stay in the loop about the latest news and reminders, calender events and school notes.

Download the free Schoolzine App to receive instant alerts!

On your device, open the App Store, Play Store or Windows Store
Search for "Schoolzine"
Download the "Schoozine" app
Open the app and search for "West Pennant Hills"

Schoolzine App FAQ

Kindergarten 2018

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:07 AEDT

Are you starting Kindergarten at WPHPS in 2018?

Download the calendar and begin your countdown with fun activities each day!

Countdown to Kindergarten (pdf 1030 KB)

Jindabyne Winter Program

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:06 AEDT

The annual Jindabyne Ski trip was enjoyed by year 6 and their teachers. The students and their teachers hit the slopes for a week of adventure and fun.

Year 5 Mini Fete

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:20 AEDT

The annual Year 5 Mini Fete was another big success.

Year 5 had fun organising and running their game, activity or food stall and the rest of the school had fun visiting them.

Thankyou to the parents and teachers for supporting Year 5 and Thankyou to Year 5 for raising money for the Year 6 Farewell.

Father's Day Breakfast

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:04 AEDT

Fathers and students gathered on Monday morning to share a delicious breakfast together in the sun to celebrate Father's Day.

Mr Vella visits 4C

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:08 AEDT

Michael Vella, a former Australian rugby league player who played for the Parramatta Eels visited 4C.

100 Days of Kindergarten

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:00:56 AEDT

100 Days of Kindergarten

On the 25th of July, 2017 Kindergarten and their teachers celebrated 100 days of school. On reaching such a big milestone in their schooling, teachers organised a fantastic day of activities to celebrate this occasion with painting, games, craft all around the number 100! To top it off, Kindergarten wore mufti which stood out across the school! What a memorable day it was!

View all the photos from the day in the Gallery

Musica Viva

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:09 AEDT

Musica Viva // 25th July 2017

The band 'Akoustic Oddysey' takes their inspiration from life on the Mediterranean. This ensemble of guitar, violin, cello and percussion write their own music and explained some of the Greek myths which give them ideas for their compositions. The quartet also play their instruments in original and different ways during their joyful performance. The Students were able to join in during different pieces and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

View more photos in our Gallery

Bluey visits 4C

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:00 AEDT

Take a look at the video clip of the special visit.

Bluey Visits 4C

Schools Spectacular 2017

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:13 AEDT

Mrs Alchin & Ms Clarke were delighted to receive acceptance for our talented dance group to participate in the 2017 Schools Spectacular.

What a splendid piece of news!

Congratulations Rachael, Kayla, Catherine, Ava, Bridget, Olivia, Talia, Anna, Sophie, Madi, Sienna, Mia, Shreya & Jade.

Well done West Pennant Hills dancers. This is the fifth consecutive year we have been accepted into this annual event of the NSW Arts Unit.

Sydney Writers' Festival 2017

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:19 AEDT

A small group of Stage 3 students attended the annual Sydney Writers' Festival at Walsh Bay. Miss Benson and Mrs Alchin were thrilled to accompany these students in an exceptional experience that was both highly engaging and beneficial for the students' love of writing.

The students were thrilled to meet and learn writing techniques from amazing authors such as Lauren Child, Matt Stanton, Kate DiCamillo and Jack Heath. After participating in four brilliant sessions on character, creativity, perseverance and themes of adventure, many students met the authors and had their novels signed.

It was an absolutely outstanding learning experience and the Stage 3 students were wonderful ambassadors for our school community.

2017 The Year of WPH Art

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:00:56 AEDT

The first of our art workshops for 2017 took place on Friday.

Students led by Ms Stephens, began work with clay, creating their own piece which will form part of a larger display. All other students will create their own piece and together, they will be placed on the end of the staff room wall opposite the library.

This year our school is holding an Art Show in Term 3.

Constable Crystal Visits

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:01 AEDT

School Liaison Officer, Constable Crystal talked to Stage 2 and Stage 3 about how to be cyber-safe.

Constable Crystal emphasised the importance of never giving personal details online. She reminded students that many social networking apps had a minimum age requirement and urged students to let their parents/caregivers know if something online made them feel uncomfortable.

Milson Island Adventure

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:08 AEDT

Students enjoyed wonderful weather and a variety of outdoor activities at the Year 5 camp at Milson Island last week.

Look in the gallery for more photos.

Reward System Implemented

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:01:11 AEDT

The arrival of the barrels heralded the impending inaugural drawing of the Fast & Frequent Solar Ticket.

Students were very excited to see the new transparent barrels placed in the quad. Each student has been collecting the tickets as rewards for good behaviour in the playground or classroom.

With the first weekly draw scheduled for Thursday, Jordan was the first to place his in the barrel for Stage 2 and Stage 3. For more information, go to the Reward System.