News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:58:26 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 13:12:58 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 16:27:44 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 16:53:28 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 14:20:40 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 13:35:36 AEST

We want to better understand your needs for before and after school care in NSW.

Have your say today on before and after school care.

Fill out the survey by Service NSW to share your specific care needs and to register interest to stay informed of new developments.

Your input will provide insights into where there are gaps in service availability and help us to deliver extra places where they are needed.

You can also contact the team responsible for rolling out the before and after school care commitment at BASCreform@det.nsw.edu.au.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:22:11 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 11:41:17 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 14:04:44 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 11:36:25 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 12:22:46 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 15:10:50 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 15:08:55 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 14:41:22 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 13:18:03 AEDT

Now that students are back to school after a break it’s a good time to chat with your child about safe behaviours when you walk or commute to school.

Here are our top tips to help our students make a safe trip:

1. Be alert and aware

Take note of the dangers you come across on your walk and bring them to your child’s attention. Point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways. Talk to your child about being alert in a road environment.

2. Hold hands

When on the footpath, at a crossing or in a car park always hold your child's hand. It is advised to do this up to the age of at least 8 years old and closely supervise until at least the age of 10.

3. Choose a safe crossing

Lead by example and choose a safe place to cross the road. Explain why it is the safest place to cross.

4. Set a good example

Your child watches everything you do, so if you cross at the crossing they will too. It is also important to share these messages with other carers who may walk with your child to school.

5. Stop, Look, Listen, Think every time you cross the road

Discuss this important road safety message. STOP! one step back from the kerb. LOOK! continuously both ways. LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! whether it is safe to cross.

Practise makes perfect

The more supervised practice your child can get the better, so why not make Term 1 the start of a new routine to walk with your child to school more often.

Older children may be ready to make the journey to school independently. Before they take this step, observe if they are road safe and reinforce the road safety messages.

For more information, check out the department’s pedestrian safety advice for students, parents and carers.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:56:55 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 16:23:12 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.

Information Sessions - WPS Building Works and School Upgrade

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 21:49:37 AEST

Wednesday 12 September 6.30 - 8pm WPS Hall
Thursday 13 September 9.15 - 10.30am WPS Hall

Please see the Information Sessions (pdf 693 KB) flyer.

To register, please go to: https://willoughbyps.eventbrite.com

Grandfriends Day - 29 March

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 21:49:37 AEST

Grandfriends Program 2018 (pdf 328 KB)

Class Formation Arrangements for Years 1-6 Tuesday, 30 January 2018

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back for the 2018 school year on Tuesday, 30 January.

Please read the arrangements for Year 1-6 Class Formation Day 1 2018 (pdf 887 KB).

Kind regards,

WPS School Executive

Student Stationery Lists for 2018

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Uniform Shop Opening Times for School Start 2018

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:29 AEDT

Monday 29 January - 11am to 1pm, also Dr Shoe is available from 11am - 1pm
Tuesday 30 January to Friday 2 February - 8.30 to 9.30am

Normal shop hours resume from the second week of school in Term 1.

The Uniform Shop will be open each Wednesday and Friday morning from 8.30 -9.30am.

After School Care at WPS in 2018

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

Willoughby Public School After School Care

The tender process for our onsite after school care service has been completed. Helping Hands was the successful tenderer. We are excited to be partnering with this company to provide the onsite service for our community. They have detailed in their presentation a comprehensive program for after school and vacation care. There is also a significant commitment to working as part of our Willoughby community.

We have met with Helping Hands this week to determine the process of transitioning from our existing provider to Helping Hands. They have indicated a commitment to honouring the existing enrolments and waitlist of students for 2018.

Helping Hands will hold an information session for parents in the school hall on Monday 4^th December at 6.30pm.

We will provide you with further information as it becomes available.

Parent Online Payments - POP

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

For instructions on how to make a payment online, please view/download the following information:

POP Explained (pdf 216 KB)

New WPS Newsletter

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

Throughout the year our new eNewsletter will include video, image galleries, online bookings and feedback forms, calendars and more.

The Newsletter will be published fortnightly, even weeks of the term - 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, on a Thursday.

Contributions need to reach the school office by 4pm Mondays for inclusion.

To subscribe to our fortnightly Newsletter go to

Open Day at Willoughby PS

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

Save the date…..Planning has commenced for our 2017 combined Education Week and Book Week Open Day Event on Thursday 17 August from 9-11.30am.

We hope many parents and carers will be able to join us for another exciting Willoughby event. See the Newsletter for more details.

ATTENTION – IMPORTANT NOTICE NUT & PEANUT ALLERGY (ANAPHYLAXIS)

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

At Willoughby Public School we have a number of students with a

LIFE THREATENING NUT / PEANUT ALLERGY.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Even a small trace of nut, peanut or nut/peanut product may trigger a severe allergic reaction called Anaphylaxis, which attacks the immune system leading potentially to death within minutes.

This reaction can happen by taste, touch and sometimes can be airborne. All of these students have access to an adrenaline injection in the form of an Epipen, which can save lives. Photo posters are displayed in the classrooms, canteen, staffroom, playground bags and sick bay for easy identification of these children.

Willoughby PS works with parents/carers to support students in developing an awareness of their allergies and what foods to avoid. Students are encouraged not to share food and to always check with a parent/adult/teacher if unsure at any time.

HOW CAN YOU HELP TO KEEP WPS STUDENTS SAFE?

Please help us by not including peanut or any nut products in your child's lunchbox. This includes peanut butter and Nutella.

Please avoid products with any nuts/peanuts listed as an ingredient.

Explain about nut/peanut allergy to your child and encourage the ‘no food sharing' rule.

Please consider what you are sending for birthday treats to share with the class, checking there are not nut products included.

The school canteen does not serve products containing nuts.

It is only with the continued support of all parents and staff that we can effectively maintain a safe school environment for these children.

Thank you for your understanding. We know you will want to support the school and these children.

Our Skoolbag Smartphone App

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

Our School has our own Skoolbag Smartphone App which we will be using to send you important information. Please download and install it by searching for our school name in either the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.

You can also click the button below to view the Skoolbag Communication Centre which contains all of the content that we put in our App.

Education Week Open Day at WPS

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

Education Week Open Day at Willoughby –

THURSDAY 4 AUGUST (MUFTI DAY for STUDENTS)

Open classrooms from 9.00am -11.00am.

This year we have decided on countries of the Olympics as a theme for our WPS open day. All events will take place between 9-11am in the classrooms.

Our students have been learning about the involvement of many different countries in the Olympics with their classmates and teachers, and this will be an opportunity for you to enjoy visiting as many classes as possible throughout the school, learning a little about each country as you go.

Each student will be given a "passport" to stamp in the classrooms they visit and there will be quiz questions to answer too. Students will have a map of the classrooms, so hopefully there will be no lost student or adult travellers!

Students will be responsible for escorting their visitors from class to class, while our classroom teachers will remain in their own rooms to welcome and assist you. Please come prepared for walking as you travel throughout the school visiting many amazing countries!

We hope many parents and carers will be able to join us for another fabulous Willoughby event.

Program Summary:

9.00- 9.20am Parents and carers to move straight to their child's class where the classroom teacher will provide an outline of the morning. Families with more than one child may wish to start in one class and then progress immediately to the classes of their other children. The family could then "travel" to all the other classes and countries as a family group. Please discuss the arrangements that will work for you with your children prior to the day. We understand that families are always very busy, so classroom teachers will find a "travel buddy" for any students without visitors.

9.20-10.50am All classrooms will be open. Students and families can "travel" to each room, stamping their passports, viewing the many creative displays and answering quiz questions. We encourage all children to move sensibly around the school knowing that the playground equipment will be out of bounds during open classroom times.

10.50am Students return to their OWN classroom, where they will leave their passport and collect their morning tea. After lots of walking and exploration of classrooms, parents and carers may wish to bring a picnic morning tea and stay for recess.

11.30am End of recess and Open Day events. Students return to class.

MUFTI DAY

Students are permitted to wear casual clothes, MUFTI, on Open Day -Thursday 4 August.Students can wear mufti/casual clothes in the colours represented on the flag of the country they have been studying OR if they have a national dress (ie: one that represents their own family background or one that represents the country the class is studying) they may also wear that.

Assemblies for 2016

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

We welcome all parents and carers to our assemblies, held in the school hall on a Tuesday or Thursday.

The timetable of classes is published in our weekly Newsletter.

Please note the NEW TIME for our assemblies is 2.20 to 3pm.

Family Fun Night

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

Come along to our fabulous annual Family Fun Night 4-8pm Saturday 2 April, welcoming all new and existing families, to a new school year!

Tickets are available at www.wpspandc.com.au for only $1.00 per Adult (Entry only), and $15.00 per Child (All children MUST be accompanied by an adult).

Child ticket includes:

• Entry
• 1 Sausage Sandwich
• 1 Bag of Popcorn
• 1 Fruit Drink
• Giant Inflatable and fun ride (unlimited turns!)
• Laser Tag in the hall (unlimited entry)
• Circus Works (learn to walk stilts, juggle, spin plates and more!)
• Live music

PLUS we have lots more in store at the famous Side Show Alley run by our Year 6 students, with side show games, and crazy hair, face paint and tattoos. Tickets for each activity are only 50c, and the KIDS LOVE IT!!

Some parents prefer to bring a picnic, but if you'd like an easy night, we will have our BBQ cooking up sausage sandwiches, with drinks, ice creams and snacks available to purchase as well.

If you are new to the school, this is a great opportunity for you and your children to get to know the people in your class and year, in a relaxed and fun environment. There will be an area set aside for each Kindy Class – so look out for your class! Sit back and have a chat while the kids have a ball. Or bring a rug and find a spot on the astro-turf in the Year 5/6 area (other side of library), where most of the fun and games will be located. Our live band will keep you entertained while the kids have a great evening.

See you there!

Tickets are available in our webstore until Wednesday 30 March.

Swimming Carnival

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:28 AEDT

The remaining events from our swimming carnival will be completed next week (we are currently awaiting confirmation of venue). There will be no cost for competitors.

The last event completed was the Junior Girls Backstroke, consequently the remaining events will be held under the same conditions for all competitors.

A new permission note will be given to the students who indicated they wished to compete in the events below:

11 Years 50m Backstroke (Boys/Girls)
Senior 50m Backstroke (Boys/Girls)
Junior 50m Butterfly (Boys/Girls)
11 Years 50m Butterfly (Boys/Girls)
Senior 50m Butterfly (Boys/Girls)

We thank you in anticipation of your understanding.

Class Formation 2016

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

CLASS FORMATION ARRANGEMENTS THURSDAY 28 JANUARY

Students in Years 1-6 return to school on Thursday 28 January. The executive staff are writing to inform you about class formation arrangements for the beginning of the 2016 school year.

To assist in a smoother transition into our 2016 classes, student lists will be displayed in designated areas around the school enabling you and your child to check their class and the area where they will need to line up. The school executive anticipate this process will reduce the waiting time in forming our classes.

Teachers and executive staff will be at each of the grade areas to help the students find their classes. In each area, the playground will also be marked with a class line-up space for leaving bags.

When the bell rings and your child is seated in their class line, please take this opportunity to depart so that teachers are able to take their classes for the start of the school day.

Only in the event of wet weather, 2016 grades will move to the following areas;

Year 1 - Hall Year 4 – Area 2 verandah

Year 2 - Hall Year 5 – Year 5 rooms outside Senior Tech area

Year 3 - Library Year 6 – Year 6 rooms – above the Library

Please ensure your child is aware of pick-up arrangements for the afternoon.

Thank you for your co-operation,

School Executive

Uniform Shop Opening Times

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:29 AEDT

The Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday 27 January (9.30-11.30am), Thursday 28 January ( 8.30-9.30am, with Dr Shoe on site) and Friday 29 January (8.30-9.30am).

Normal hours will resume in Week 2 - Wednesday and Fridays ( 8.30-9.30am).

Crazy Socks Day

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

Wear some Crazy Socks with your school uniform on Wednesday, 16 September.

Bring a gold coin to support the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Positive Behaviour For Learning

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Current research into effective student wellbeing promotes the implementation of positive behaviour programs. Our school follows the Positive Behaviour Engaging Learners (PBEL) program (sometimes referred to as Positive Behaviour for Learning PBL) across the whole school. This program was implemented after the school's PBEL team had undertaken intensive training.

The philosophy of this program aims to improve outcomes for all students by creating sustainable school-wide, classroom and individual systems of support that acknowledge the link between positive behaviour and enhanced learning environments.

PBEL provides students and staff at Willoughby with a positive and proactive system for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviours. Three core behavioural expectations are taught to all students through social skills instruction. These expectations are applied across all areas of the school. They are: show respect, be responsible, do your best – The Willoughby Way.

In understanding what these expectations are, how they apply to all areas of the school, and the clear consequences of not following these expectations, students gradually learn to regulate their own behaviours. In order to reinforce positive behaviours, students are rewarded regularly and acknowledged through the school merit systems and assemblies. Our reward system reinforces positive behaviour from students with mini-merits, certificates and badges for displaying the three expectations. Students who display inappropriate behaviour are given time to discuss this behaviour and reflect on their behaviour. A clear flowchart and matrix of expected behaviours exist to enable students to understand the appropriate consequences of their behaviour. Signage and posters around the school will reinforce these expectations.

PBEL increases student engagement and learning by increasing ‘on-task' behaviours and decreasing distractions in the learning environment. The result is a positive school environment in which student academic and social outcomes are improved through increased teaching time and consistent expectations of behaviour.

Staff at Willoughby will continue to be assisted throughout the process so that they can intervene effectively to manage behaviours in non-classroom environments and also in the classroom settings. Data is collected and analysed regularly so that system changes can be made when necessary. We can see from our data so far that the program is highly successful in our school.

PBEL at Willoughby PS assists our staff in the delivery of the highest quality learning programs and improving academic and behavioural learning outcomes for all students.

School Planning and Reporting

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

To view our current Annual School Report click on the Our School tab at the top of the page.

Photos Rescheduled

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Due to wet weather, Years 1-5 class photos will be rescheduled for Monday, 27 April (Term 2, Week 2).

The following classes will have their class photos taken on the 27 April:

1R,1W, 2B, 2C, 2R, 2T, 2U, 2W, 3BR, 3C, 3L, 3M, 3S, 4D, 4I, 4L, 4M, 4N, 4S, 5T, 5D, 5L, 5M and 5S.

Students are required to wear full school uniform, including black school shoes.

NAPLAN 2015

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

NAPLAN for students in Years 3 and 5 will take place from the 12-14 May 2015.

Parents and carers are encouraged to read the information included in the following letter.

NAPLAN Letter to Parents (docx 40 KB)

Tell Them From Me Survey

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:28 AEDT

This term, our school is 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. Students in Years 4-6 will be given the opportunity to participate. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve. The survey is completed on-line and is run by an independent research company, The Learning Bar, which specialises in school-based surveys.

Staff in schools will not be able to identify individual students from their responses. To ensure confidentiality, participating students will receive a unique username and password. Where fewer than five students respond to a question, the results will be suppressed. The survey typically takes less than 35 minutes to complete and will be administered by the school during normal school hours. Once the surveys are completed by students, reports are prepared and in most cases are available to schools within three business days.

As well as schools getting student feedback, the Department of Education and Communities, through the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE), will have access to data from across the State and will run a research project to look at state-wide patterns of student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices. The research will look at how these things impact on student outcomes, including academic performance. Individual students and schools will not be identified in any CESE publications, and all information will be handled in accordance with the relevant privacy legislation. Students' personal information will not be disclosed by the Department to any other person or body other than as required by law.

This research will help schools in New South Wales to better understand how to improve student wellbeing and engagement. It will also help teachers and principals discuss what works to improve student outcomes.

Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary. Your child will not take part if either you or your child do not wish to. If, during the survey, your child is uncomfortable answering any question, he/she should leave it blank and move on to the next one. Your child can stop the survey at any time.

If you do not want your child to take part in the survey, please complete the attached form and return it to school by Monday 2 March.

More information about the survey and the research is available on the CESE website: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents

Non-Participation Form (docx 24 KB)

School Tours 2015

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Join us for a school tour. Tours commence at 9.30am from the school office and take about 1 hour. Please phone 9958 1355 to confirm your attendance. Tour dates for 2015 are: Monday 27 April, Thursday 28 May, Monday 22 June, Monday 20 July, Thursday 20 August, Monday 14 September, Monday 12 October and Thursday 19 November.

Starry Night

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

A Starry Night - movie, markets and family fun on the WPS mini oval! Friday 28th November from 5.30pm.

Tickets now on sale at www.wpspandc.com.au

Contact fundraising@wpspandc.com.au for more information or to volunteer to help on the night.

Uniform Shop Extended Hours 2015

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:28 AEDT

Extended Uniform Shop Opening Times

Tuesday 27 January- 12-2pm
Wednesday 28 January- 8.30-10.30am
Thursday 29 January- 8.30-10.30am
Friday 30 January- 8.30-10.30am

Please note: From Wednesday 4 February the Uniform Shop will open each Wednesday and Friday morning 8.30-9.30am.

A special thank you to Lynda Morris and all the fantastic parent/carer volunteers for all your hard work during the year and the wonderful service you provide to so many families.

WPS 2015 Parent Surveys

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Have your say! Please take a few minutes to complete our school surveys. The closing date is Wednesday 13 November.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BNPHYTH

LEARNING

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BFGVLYT

MATHEMATICS

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BGQMTFP

SCHOOL

WPS 2015 start of year procedures

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

2015 Start of Year Dates

Staff Development Day (no students) – Tuesday 27 January
Kindergarten Best Start appointments – Tuesday 27 January to Friday 30 January
Year 1-6 students (& new WPS students by appointment) commence school – Wednesday 28 January
Kindergarten students commence school – Monday 2 February

Uniform Shop Online Ordering

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:28 AEDT

The Uniform Shop is located at the end of the wooden classroom opposite the entrance to the Kindergarten and Year 1 building. It is open each Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 9.30am.

The complete uniform is available. For the convenience of those families who may not be able to shop personally, online shopping is now available at:

https://wps-uniform-shop.myshopify.com/

Preloved items are available at very reasonable prices.

Group Photos Rescheduled

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

The school photographer will be returning to Willoughby on Thursday 18 September. Please check the timetable for the approximate times and uniform requirements. Students involved in several photos will need to bring the appropriate uniforms to change for each photo.

Approximate time	Group	Requirements
9:00	PSSA AFL	wear AFL uniform & maroon shorts
9:20	Skipping Group	wear black pants. Students will be given a white singlet to wear.
9:40	Zone Swimming	wear sports uniform
10:00	Zone Cross Country	wear sports uniform
10:20	Senior Dance Group	wear dance costume
10:40	Ukulele Group	wear school uniform
10:55	Library Leaders & Monitors	wear school uniform

Kindergarten Grade Photo

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

The 2014 Kindergarten grade photo is on display at the office.

There are two options for ordering the photo:

Option 1 - Order and pay $14 online. Go to www.advancelife.com.au and enter the code Y3H VW9 FJ4 , then browse group photos.

Option 2 - Ask at the school office for an order envelope, pay $15 by cash and return the envelope to the school payment box by Friday, 12 September.

Group Photos

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

The school photographer will be returning to Willoughby on Thursday 4 September. Please check the timetable for the approximate times and uniform requirements. Students involved in several photos will need to bring the appropriate uniforms to change for each photo.

Approximate time	Group	Requirements
9am	Performing Band	instrument, wear black pants and black polo shirt
9.15am	Concert Band	instrument, wear school uniform
9.30am	Training Band	instrument, wear school uniform
9.45am	Junior Choir	wear school uniform
10.00am	Senior Choir	wear school uniform
10.15am	SRC	wear school uniform and SRC badge
10.25am	Debating	wear school uniform
10.35am	Rugby Union	wear sports uniform
10.45am	Chess	wear school uniform
RECESS
11.25am	Netball	wear netball uniform
11.40am	School Leaders	School Captains wear school uniform House Captains wear sports uniform Band Captains wear school uniform SRC Presidents wear school uniform
11.50am	PSSA Soccer	wear soccer jersey and maroon shorts
12.10pm	Library Leaders & Monitors	wear school uniform
12.25pm	PSSA AFL	wear AFL uniform & maroon shorts
12.40pm	Zone Swimming	wear sports uniform
12.55pm	Zone Cross Country	wear sports uniform
LUNCH
2.10pm	Senior Dance Group	wear dance costume
2.20pm	Ukulele Group	wear school uniform
2.35pm	Skipping Group	wear black pants. Students will be given a white singlet to wear.

Stall for Dad

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

It's Time For The Kids To Spoil Their Dads!

On Wednesday 3September the WPS P&C is holding a gift stall at school to coincide with Father's Day.

At the stall the children can buy a good quality gift for Dad, Grandpa, Poppy or Uncle Bill from a range of great products. The stall is not designed to make a profit. Instead, it provides fun for the kids to secretly buy a great gift for Dad or another carer to open on Father's Day. Teachers escort the children to the stall during class on the day of the stall.

Please visit www.wpspandc.com.au to purchase your gifts online.

Download an order form: Father's Day (pdf 292 KB)

WPS Open Day

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:29 AEDT

Come and celebrate Education Week with us on Thursday 31 July. Enjoy our performances and open classrooms from 9-11.30am. See Newsletter for further details.

School photos

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Students took their class photos home today - Friday 27 June.

Sibling photos will be distributed next term.

Please direct all enquiries to Advancedlife rather than the school via enquiries@advancedlife.com.au or call direct on 1300 728 972 between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

Cubbyhouse information evening

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

The Cubbyhouse Team wishes to invite all our Willoughby parents/carers and children to meet us at the school hall from 6.30pm-7.30pm on Tuesday 24th June for canapés and a juice. We are so excited to get to know all your wonderful children and we are so looking forward to speaking with you all next Tuesday and planning some amazing activities in our exciting programs to come.

Cubbyhouse after school care

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

Parents/carers who wish to register their child/children for after school care are asked to contact the Director Joan Stone via email: director@cubbycc.com.au. Please state your childs/childrens' name/names, their class and the days you require after school care.

The Cubbyhouse website address is: www.cubbycc.com.au

Telephone Enquiries: 1300 553 583

The Director has assured the school that those families who have emailed or phoned already are on the priority list.

Kindy and Year 6 grade photos

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

Due to the rain, the Kindy and Year 6 whole grade photos have been postponed until Thursday 26 June. All students are expected to wear their winter school uniform, including black school shoes.

Girls' uniforms

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

The girls' Summer and Winter uniforms have arrived and are now available from the uniform shop. All pre-ordered stock has been delivered to students. Thank you to Lynda for all her hard work and to the outstanding volunteers who have helped through this process.

Old Summer and Winter uniforms may be placed in a collection box at the office. Preloved uniforms will be donated to children in need via Cana Communities.

Class photos

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

SMILE.....Year 1 to 5 photos will be taken on Monday 7 April.

Kindergarten and Year 6 photos will be taken on Thursday 10 April.

Students are required to wear their school uniform and black shoes.

Sibling photos

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Sibling photos will be taken on Thursday 3 April. Students will be called to the hall during the day for their photo. An envelope is available at the front office for anyone wanting to pre-order a sibling photo. Please record your family name and details on the list at the office as well. Envelopes should be kept at home until photo day. Change will not be available.

Information about our other photo days will be sent home soon.

School tours for 2014

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

Come along and see wonderful Willoughby!

Tours start at 9.30am from the office and take about an hour.

Please RSVP on 9958 1355.

Tour dates are:

Monday 5 May, Thursday 5 June, Monday 21 July, Thursday 21 August, Monday 15 September, Monday 13 October and Thursday 20 November

Book parent teacher interviews online

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

This year we are introducing an opportunity for you to arrange an interview with your child's teacher using an online booking system. Interviews provide an uninterrupted time for teachers, parents and carers to review and discuss student progress to date. Students are not required to attend.

Interviews will be held in the week - Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April.

Interviews are scheduled for 10 minutes per student and will be held in your child's classroom, unless you are advised otherwise.

You can book an interview time that suits your family best.

The online booking system will be open from Friday 14 March to Friday 21 March, 9am.

Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au

or use the following link:

http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code

Enter M258N as the school event code.

Then enter your details, choose teachers and times and receive an email confirmation.

When you click finish, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically - check your junk mail folder if you do not receive your email immediately.

You can return to www.schoolinterviews.com.au at any time and change your interviews - until bookings close at 9am on Friday 21 March.

Interviews are scheduled for 10 minutes. The smooth running of our interview week relies on all parents and carers keeping to the timetable. Please consider other parents and carers and end the interview on time. If you require more time, please contact your teacher directly to make alternative arrangements.

Parents and carers can change their interview bookings online, at any time prior to the closing date, by re-visiting the www.schoolinterviews.com.au website and using the event code. Remember to use the same name and email address, you used when you made your original booking.

Parents and carers wishing to change their interview times after the closing date should contact the school directly on 9958 1355. If you are delayed or unable to make your interview appointment on the day, please let your teacher know by calling the school number.

Canteen munch monitor

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:25 AEDT

WPS Trial Period of Munch Monitor has been extended until end of Term 1, 2014.

Please give it a go! If we do not have sufficient support for Munch Monitor, it will be discontinued after Term 1. To set up an account go to www.munchmonitor.com and enter Username: willoughby and Password: munch2068, then click Sign up. It's quick and easy!

New girls' uniform 2014

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:26 AEDT

SUMMER DRESS for GIRLS:

We have been notified by the manufacturer that the new girls' uniform will not be available for the beginning of the school year.

As you would be aware we have been working on this for some time and had hoped that it would be ready in time to start 2014.

We would like the Kindergarten girls (and new girls in Years 1-6) to wear their sports uniform.

Sample sizes of the new dress are available at the uniform shop to try on.

You may like to complete an order form. 2014 Summer Dress (pdf 70 KB)

Order forms are also available from the office and uniform shop.

We know the new uniform will be fabulous and we will let you know as soon as it arrives.

Thank you for your patience in this matter.

BOYS' UNIFORM:

The uniform for boys is not changing.

The boys' uniform is available at the uniform shop.

Willoughby School Survey

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:57:27 AEDT

It is a requirement for all NSW schools to undertake annual evaluations related to various aspects of the school. Our 2013 focus areas are indicated in brackets.

school culture – (Planning)
curriculum– (English) AND
general school satisfaction.

This year we have again made our annual surveys available to all parents/carers online. Staff and students will also be accessing similar surveys online.

Please take a few moments to complete these surveys.

The online surveys will be ‘open' for responses until Thursday 17 October.

(Parent/Carer School Satisfaction Survey)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9GJ6B38

(Parent/Carer School Culture Survey)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9GYDZSK

(Parent/Carer English Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9GLVH7W

Thank you in anticipation of your support.