News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:19:16 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.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:39:42 AEDT

Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.

We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.

We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into...

For families of students starting Year 7:

download our Getting ready for high school booklet
read our top tips for a smooth transition.

For families of returning students:

visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
check out our hints for setting up a study space.

Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school

Duration – 1:00

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:00:48 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 17:21:02 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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:12:33 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.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

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 – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:27:46 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.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:26:04 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:54:18 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

Keep your family healthier this winter

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 AEST

Colder days and chilly nights have set in and influenza (flu) season is here. The flu is much more serious than a cold and can be prevented by vaccination.

What are the symptoms?

Flu symptoms range from mild to severe and can include:

fever and chills
cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose
muscle aches, joint pains, headaches and fatigue
nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults).

Steps to stop the spread of flu

Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep you and your family healthier this winter and stop the spread of flu.

Get a flu shot

The best way to keep your family healthy is to get a flu shot. Free flu shots are available for pregnant women, children under 5 years old, Aboriginal people, children and adults with serious medical conditions, and people aged 65 years and over.

A flu shot is safe for everyone over 6 months and it does not give you the flu.

Sneeze into your elbow

Sneezing into your elbow instead of your hands can help stop the spread of flu. Did you know a sneeze can travel 1–2 metres and a single sneeze droplet may contain 200,000,000 individual virus particles?

Clean your hands

Regularly wash your hands with soap for at least 10 seconds or use a hand sanitiser – a flu virus can survive on unwashed hands for at least 30 minutes and up to two days on other surfaces.

Stay at home if sick

Flu can spread quickly when large numbers of people are in close contact, such as at school, work, sport or social events so keep sick children away from school and other activities.

If you are sick with flu, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people to prevent them from also becoming sick.

This is especially important for people who are more likely to get really sick if they get the flu – don’t visit pregnant women, infants, older people or people in hospital or residential aged care.

See a doctor if symptoms get worse

It’s important to seek immediate medical advice if the illness quickly becomes worse or if any of the following symptoms occur:

shortness of breath or rapid breathing
chest pain
confusion or sudden dizziness
persistent vomiting.

More information

For more information ask your health worker or GP.

It’s in your hands.

Visit NSW Health.

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 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

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 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

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 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.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 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

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 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.

Did you know our playground is open in the holidays?

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 AEST

We are excited to participate in the Share Our Space program when it returns these autumn school holidays. Participating public schools across regional and metro areas of the state will continue to open their playgrounds, ovals and sports courts for the whole community to enjoy.

You and your children can play in public schools all over NSW. Schools from Lord Howe Island Central School 600km off the east coast of mainland Australia all the way to Palinyewah Public School in the far west will share their outdoor facilities as part of the program.

Participating schools are open 7 days a week between 8am-6pm from 13 to 26 April 2019, including weekends and public holidays.

Come and visit our playground. For more information or to find another participating school near you, visit Share Our Space.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:11 AEST

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Back to school

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:10 AEST

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Family feedback about schools always welcome

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:10 AEST

We know the quality of the relationship between families and schools has a direct impact on student wellbeing and educational outcomes.

There will be times when parents and carers want to ask a question, raise an issue or make a complaint about our schools and it can be hard for families to know where to start. Families have told us that it can be difficult to find the right person to talk to, or don’t know what steps to take to bring an issue to someone’s attention.

A short video, produced in consultation with schools, is helping families find the right person if they have a question or want to raise an issue, make a complaint or provide a compliment. The video encourages families to contact their school or the department early and in a positive way to help resolve any issues together.

The video complements information on our website and is an accessible way for families to find out about the complaints process. Positive feedback is also important and families are encouraged to let us know when something has gone well.

Visit the complaints, compliments and suggestions webpage for more information.

2019 school budget allocations

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:48:10 AEST

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.

Tell Them From Me Student Feedback Survey

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:45 AEST

Wyong High School will participate in a Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW-wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices.

More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au

The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us with valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. More than 6,300 schools in Australia and around the world have used Tell Them From Me to survey 5.4 million students. Capturing the voices of our students will help improve how we do things at our school.

The survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 12 March and 13 April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.

A consent form is being sent home with students. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by Friday March 16, 2018.

If you did not receive the form, you can download it via the link below.

Consent Form (pdf 111 KB)

Tell Them From Me Parent Survey

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:44 AEST

You're invited to participate in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) parent survey designed for parents and carers. This survey complements the TTFM student and teacher surveys, which focus on student engagement, wellbeing and effective teaching practices.

Please access the survey through the following link:

https://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/wyonghs

Sanitarium helps inspire careers in technology - PTECH

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:43 AEST

Sanitarium's People & Culture team recently hosted an industry visit at Berkeley Vale Factory for a group of 50+ students from Wyong High School.

The visit was part of Sanitarium's partnership with a government initiative called P-TECH which is short for 'Pathways in Technology'. The session was targeted at year 9 and 10 students and was aimed at showcasing roles in technology.

Students heard from departments including SDI (NPD, Sensory & Analytical), Technical and IT, exploring the types of roles which exist in each of these departments, as well as the required qualifications. They also looked at where the industry is going in the future, showcasing some of the Foresight group videos. The P-TECH program was developed to inspire students to enrol in STEM* electives and, in turn, hopefully consider further tertiary education in their chosen STEM field and pursue careers in technology.

The program helps students understand the types of careers that are on offer locally to them within the STEM field. The visiting students received a goodie bag with various products to take with them, as well as an insight into potential career path opportunities at Sanitarium.

The next stage of the P-TECH government initiative is pairing students up with mentors from the industry which Sanitarium will also be involved in. IBM will be providing an online mentor platform for mentors and mentees to utilise.

*STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Seasons for Growth Program

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:44 AEST

Calling for student participants for the upcoming Seasons for Growth program. Seasons for Growth is a peer support delivered grief and loss educational program that builds resilience and develops supportive strategies for students affected by grief and loss.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Lesley Burdon, School Chaplain (Wed & Fri) on PH: 4353 1088.

Uniform!

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:45 AEST

At Wyong HS we value respect, responsibility and learning. Wearing school uniform is a requirement under our school policy and Department of Education guidelines. It visibly demonstrates these values to our community and presents our students in a positive light. This enhances employment opportunities and also provides practical attire for learning. It also allows for increased student safety to better identify any person who should not be on the school site. We understand that uniform is a cost to parents and carers, yet we are committed to ensure our students get the best possible representation in the community.

We are seeking your support to ensure that your child is wearing correct school uniform every school day. We will be reinforcing this expectation with our students consistently and providing recognition for those many students who do wear the school uniform appropriately and proudly. We are supported by LOWES who stock our full school uniform at their Tuggerah store 7 days a week. Our uniform is available online at www.lowesschoolwear.com.au

If you require support or further clarification regarding the provision of school uniform please contact the school on 4353 1088

CAPA Evening 2017

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:43 AEST

' SAVE THE DATE!!!...Wyong HS CAPA Evening 2017 - The Art House - Monday 24 July, 2017 6 - 8pm...Tickets on sale soon....Stay tuned.....'

Science and Engineering Challenge

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:44 AEST

On Tuesday 20/6/17, 25 of our top Year 10 Science students took part in the Science & Engineering Challenge at ST Edwards College East Gosford.

The Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors.

Our students competed against 6 other schools in a range of activities where students experience aspects of Science and Engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment.

The Challenge focuses on inspiring students in year 10 to consider a future career in science and engineering by choosing to study the enabling sciences and mathematics in years 11 and 12.

All of the students displayed our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Learning and represented themselves and the school with distinction. We finished 5^th on the day but more importantly all students were engaged and had fun.

Lowes Online Uniform Shop

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:43 AEST

Wyong High School uniforms are now available to order from Lowes website. Click on the link below to access it.

Lowes Online Unform Shop

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:45 AEST

Dear Parent/Caregiver

It has come to our attention that there has been a confirmed case of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) within our school community.

After advice from the Department of Education Work Health and Safety Team and the Local Public Health Unit, we have attached to the back of this letter information from both the Department and the Ministry of Health.

As a preventative measure, The Public Health Unit has advised that any student, staff member or parent helpers, who are unwell and presenting with a cough, should see a doctor and provide a medical certificate for any time absent from school together with a medical clearance certificate to return to school.

Further information can be found at:

www.health.nsw.gov.auipals

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (pdf 108 KB)

Website Update Underway

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:45 AEST

Work has now commenced on the overhaul of the Wyong High School website.

During this time, some of the content may be incorrect or missing. Please contact the school on 02 4353 1088 should you be unable to locate the information you require during this time.

We thank you for your patience.

Important Information: School Renovations

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:43 AEST

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS

Dear Parent / Caregiver

Our school has been selected to receive an upgrade at the front of the school as part of the Secondary School Renewal Program (SSRP).

Work will commence this Monday the 29^th of August. We will receive major landscaping, a new bus shelter, retaining walls replaced, new signage and security. There will also be major renovation of our Administration Office to make it more accessible and welcoming to community. This will greatly improve the appearance, access and security of our school.

Construction will occur over approximately 12 months.

All necessary vehicle access to the school will be limited to the Jennings Road entry and exit at the rear of the school. A makeshift pedestrian access around the front oval will be established for students.

The Administration Office will be temporarily relocated at the staff car park end of Blue Block. We apologise for the inconvenience that this will cause during construction but trust the benefits for the school and wider community will be substantial upon completion. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Rodney Hill

Principal
Wyong High School

Wyong Student Action Teams

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:45 AEST

Wyong High School is building the capacity of the Student Voice Project to create Student Action Teams that will result in authentic projects that will improve teaching and learning outcomes for all students.

Click the link below to watch our fantastic students taking part in this process.

ClassMoviesTV

Communicating student attendance

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:43 AEST

Communication to our community regarding student attendance is a priority area for Wyong HS. Attendance at school is the crucial first step to a successful future. We use the SENTRAL SMS notification system to inform parents/carers about student absences from school and student lateness to school.This provides clear lines of communication to enhance student safety and learning.

Mr M. Balfe

Deputy Principal

Student and Parent Portal

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:30:44 AEST

The Student and Parent Portals are a new initiative the school has undertaken. They will provide access to information such as student timetables and attendance.

Below is the Parent/Carer user guide.

ParentPortalUserGuide (pdf 360 KB)

to access the Portal visit:

http://web2.wyong-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/portal