News

"South Creek" for Term 4 2019

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:43:32 AEDT

The first magazine of St Marys High School was known as "South Creek", named after the creek that runs alongside our school and the name early Europeans had for the surrounding area in the 1800s.

We now continue the tradition of the "South Creek" school magazine, written and compiled by our students. The latest edition can be found here.

Starting at our school - some answers to some questions!

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 02:49:36 AEDT

Orientation Week 2020

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:40:41 AEDT

Staying healthy into the new school year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:47:44 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 16:30:55 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.

A message from our School Principal - Bushfires, November 2019

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:33:02 AEDT

Many of you may now be aware that a Catastrophic Warning has been predicted for Tuesday for the Greater Western Sydney area.

Once this warning has been confirmed the Department of Education will provide advice to schools about ceasing operations.

This should not affect St Marys Senior High School as we are not a Bushfire Registered School but some of our students live in areas which are, particularly the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains areas. Generally, the Department will provide information about closures by 4pm. However, I expect that this will be issued earlier today.

Once we have all the available information we will update our school community. The following link provides information about school closures: https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/announcements/list-of-schools-temporarily-closed-due-to-fires

Please consider your family arrangements for Tuesday. Keep safe.

"South Creek" for Term 3 2019

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 15:50:56 AEDT

The first magazine of St Marys High School was known as "South Creek", named after the creek that runs alongside our school and the name early Europeans had for the surrounding area in the 1800s.

We now continue the tradition of the "South Creek" school magazine, written and compiled by our students. The issue for Term 3 2019 can be found here.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:18:38 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 12:11:32 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 11:26:07 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 11:24:45 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 12:52:15 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

"South Creek" for Term 2 2019

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:15:33 AEST

Final school examination timetables 2019

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 14:28:20 AEST

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:03 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.

SMSHS school examination period 2019 - draft timetables released

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 12:58:49 AEST

Our school athletics carnival!

Sun, 02 Jun 2019 11:51:01 AEST

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:41:39 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 15:55:51 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

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:19 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 14:17:06 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.

"South Creek" for Term 1 2019

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 21:35:12 AEDT

The first magazine of St Marys High School was known as "South Creek", named after the creek that runs alongside our school and the name early Europeans had for the surrounding area in the 1800s.

We now continue the tradition of the "South Creek" school magazine, written and compiled by our students. The second issue can be found here.

Open Evening 2019 - Friday 5 April

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 05:39:13 AEDT

Students keen to see what St Marys Senior High School has to offer, along with their parents, family and friends are warmly invited to attend our Open Evening on Friday 5 April, starting at 3 pm.

Faculties across the school will have displays that show the wide range of courses and programs that we offer, and our current students will be available to answer any questions about the school community.

Our school cafeteria will also be open for the evening, selling refreshments for our visitors.

The program for the evening can be found here.

If you have any questions, please be sure to contact our front office on 02 9623 8333.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:33:02 AEDT

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

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:20:53 AEDT

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.

Our first week of 2019!

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:34:51 AEDT

With the new school year about to start, we wanted to share some of the details of the first week with our students, parents, families and community members.

We are looking forward to an amazing 2019!

"South Creek" for Term 4 2018

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 17:36:46 AEDT

The first magazine of St Marys High School was known as "South Creek", named after the creek that runs alongside our school and the name early Europeans had for the surrounding area in the 1800s.

We now continue the tradition of the "South Creek" school magazine, the first issue of which can be found here.

Girls in Science @ UNSW

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 17:48:35 AEDT

The student forum, L'Oreal Girls in Science at UNSW, saw twenty of our young women exploring a whole range of areas - and we look forward to continuing to make links with academics and experts in the sciences!

Heritage Day 2018 - A film!

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:51:07 AEDT

The compilation of footage from our annual Heritage Day celebration has been finalised, and does a fantastic job of showing what a special day this is for our school community.

Heritage Day 2018 - A Film Project

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:59:35 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.

Remembrance Day 2018

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 14:10:45 AEDT

Today, our school leaders took some time to represent our school at the Remembrance Day Ceremony organised at Penrith Paceway by our local RSL branches and a range of other organisations across our local community.

Lisa Bunt, Avisha Khan, Rida Babar, Belle Powell and Neha Bhatt proudly represented our school in the parade and at the ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, they laid a wreath on behalf of our school community at the cenotaph forming part of the Poppy Park installation at Penrith Paceway.

Tomorrow, our school community will hold our own ceremony to again remember all who have given so much to our country through their service.

Lest we forget.

Congratulations to our Year 12 2019 SRC Reps!

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 18:47:50 AEDT

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) have a proud tradition of working to support students across our school in a wide range of areas, including organising whole school events and bringing important issues to the notice of the school community.

This term, a number of fantastic young people stood for election in each Cluster, with the ballot in every group very tightly contested.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate every candidate in the election on their willingness to become involved in the leadership of our school's student body - and we look forward to many of the nominees leading the way in student clubs and activities across the school.

The SRC members for Year 12 2019 are shown above:

Back row (L - R): Tom Huggett, Juan Sausa Ventura, Anshdeep Singh, Paaras Dhaliwal, Brent Severino, Kusi Boamah-Addai, Dilman Mangat

Front row (L – R): Belle Powell, Anna Della Libera, Patricia Tolentino, Eiriz Merjudio, Neha Bhatt, Avisha Khan, Gian De Leon, Kimberley Quinto, Krystal Owen, Jasmeet Kaur, Skye Fernando

Max Potential 2018

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 22:17:09 AEDT

Congratulations to Yuli Chen, Jasmeet Kaur, Faiza Ahmed and Marnee Larden on their completion of the Max Potential Program.

This program encourages students to 'max their potential' through a six month long leadership development course which involves one on one coaching with local business leaders.

The course culminated in a community project where students make a difference in their local community. These projects were showcased at a celebration of success at Penrith RSL Club this evening.

A special thank you to Macy Aguilar for her work as our Teacher Facilitator of this program this year.

All the best, HSC class of 2018!

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 16:21:13 AEDT

We are looking forward to a positive HSC examination period, starting on Thursday 18 October 2018. A number of examinations are scheduled for this first day, including Paper 1 for a number of English courses.

Our students have been working hard - and we know that they will do everything they can in each and every exam.

Wishing you all the best, Year 12 2018 - you can do this!

Well done, Mae!

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:50:17 AEST

Zonta is a worldwide service organisation that works to advance the status of women through service and advocacy. The Nepean Valley Club present this award annually to a young woman who is committed to community service and school activities.

During her time at St Marys Senior High School, Mae has actively maintained a positive balance between her commitment to her academic studies as well as participating in a large number of activities focused on service to our school and the wider community.

Congratulations, Mae on all you have achieved at SMSHS - and that you will undoubtedly go on to achieve in the future!

Outstanding HSC Major Works!

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:34:19 AEST

At our annual Major Works Assembly, we were able to recognise the efforts of over forty of our students who have completed major projects as part of their HSC studies in a wide range of subjects.

Congratulations to each of these award winners on the amazing products of their talent, perseverance and dedication!

Congratulations to our captains and vice captains elect for 2019!

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 11:24:40 AEST

Congratulations to our school captains elect for 2019, Neha Bhatt and Avisha Khan, and to our school vice captains elect for 2019, Belle Powell and Ashutosh Sharma. After the fantastic example set by our captains for 2018 - Andrea Reyes, Isidro Alfonso, Scott Abbott and Morwarid Faiz - we look forward to another outstanding year ahead!

SMSHS scholarships for Year 12 students

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:03:42 AEST

Each year, our school community offers a number of scholarships to our students, based on their performance throughout their HSC courses of study.

We encourage all of our students to read through the material provided here - and to contact Danielle Ervine, our Year 12 Deputy Principal with any questions.

Applications close on Friday 19 October 2018.

Vocational education and training awards

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 23:42:31 AEST

Congratulations to Erica Hill and Rabeeta Nasir on their awards this evening at the Schools Industry Partnership Annual Awards Evening.

With award winners coming from right across Western Sydney, it was terrific to see these two young women receive their awards in recognition of their outstanding work in Business Services (Erica) and Retail Services (Rabeeta).

Well done, Erica and Rabeeta!

Well done, Titration Team!

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 12:57:28 AEST

Congratulations to our Titration Team!

At the National Titration Championship on Saturday 8 September, St Marys Senior High School proudly placed fifth out of very strong field, our students winning two gold medals and one silver medal. Only five schools at the championships were described as Excellent, with two other teams being highly commended out of the thirty six teams from across Australia who made it to this elite level.

A fantastic result for our team, made up of Jessica George, Jahanvi Maheshwari and Erin Shin, expertly coached by Nicola Preston and Rosemary Spears.

2019 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 19:13:21 AEST

Applications for the 2019 Charles Hawker Scholarships open on 3 December 2018 and close on 4 January 2019. An application form and further information about C.A.S. Hawker and the scholarship is available from www.hawkerscholarship.org or by contacting the secretary to the Trustees in Adelaide on 08 8127 1654.

Hawker Scholarships are valued at up to $60,000.00 over three years and are amongst the most generous privately funded residential scholarships available to Australian undergraduate and postgraduate students.

There are a number of scholarships awarded each year. The Trustees offer them to capable students of principle and character, who have demonstrated a committed to the wider community. Selection is based on personal qualities as well as academic ability.

Since 1990, the Hawker Scholarship Trustees have awarded $6 million dollars to 122 Australian students, including a significant number from regional areas. In 2018, the four successful candidates were awarded their residential C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships from a strong field of 180 applicants.

Londonderry Leadership Day 2018

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 19:41:10 AEST

When Londonderry schools take over the Parliament of NSW!

The Honourable Member for Londonderry, Ms Prue Car hosted a fantastic opportunity for student leaders from across her electorate today and two of our student leaders, Krystal Owen and Ashutosh Sharma were excited to be involved.

Throughout the day, Krystal and Ashutosh got to meet with student leaders from other schools as well as learning first hand about the operation of our State Parliament and the importance of leadership in our community.

Ms Car wrote on her Facebook page: "Thanks to all our wonderful school leaders for their participation in this year's Londonderry Leadership Day. So impressed with all of you!"

Road upgrade - Great Western Highway and Pages Road, St Marys

Sat, 25 Aug 2018 09:22:38 AEST

The Roads and Maritime Services department has let us know that the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Pages Road here in St Marys will be undergoing a major upgrade, the details of which can be found by clicking here.

New additions to our farm!

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 15:27:30 AEST

Congratulations to our Agriculture Team on the birth this week of twin lambs and twin kids.

While the baby goats have been named Sir Geoffrey and Lord Chaucer, we are waiting on our students to name our new baby sheep.

Happily, mothers and babies are all doing well!

Congratulations to Piadora!

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 12:07:47 AEST

The Long Tan Awards are an important initiative by the Australian Government in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force designed to encourage senior students - tomorrow's leaders - to actively participate in the life of their schools and local communities.

Only one student in each school is selected to receive this award and Piadora was chosen by the School of Languages as their award winner. While she is studying for her HSC at St Marys Senior High School this year, she is also completing her HSC in French Continuers with the NSW School of Languages.

We take this opportunity to congratulate Piadora on her fantastic achievement!

Public schools building great Australian lives

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:19:28 AEST

The Public Education Foundation has launched a new campaign promoting the importance of public schools to the community.

The online campaign helps raise awareness and instil confidence in parents and the community that our public schools provide a vibrant, inclusive and high quality education to all Australians.

The videos feature three famous Australians who credit their public education for equipping them with the skills and values that have enabled them to go on and make great contributions to society.

David Hetherington, executive director of the Public Education Foundation, said the campaign aims to highlight the impact of public schools to society.

"We believe that public schools are an essential pillar of Australian society. Tens of millions of Australians have benefited from public education as a springboard to happy and successful lives," Mr Hetherington said.

"We wanted to shine a light on this great national institution so we've asked a few famous Australians to share their stories."

Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, said the campaign represents our commitment to supporting our students.

"We want every student in public education to be known, valued and cared for and the Public Education Foundation campaign highlights our commitment to providing opportunities for all our young people to succeed," he said.

Television personality Craig Reucassel, a writer, comedian, and host of ABC TV's War on Waste, spoke about the impact of attending a public school on his career and life.

"One particular teacher established this debating and public speaking class, and it really changed how I saw a lot of things," he said.

"I think they instilled in me a lot of the interest in social justice that I have now."

The videos also feature Professor Larissa Behrendt, the first Aboriginal Harvard Law graduate, who spoke about the teacher who had the most impact on her at school.

"My English teacher, Miss O'Sullivan, was somebody who really shaped my confidence," she said. "I was encouraged to have a voice and be passionate about what's right and wrong."

The Hon. Michael Kirby, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, recalls the encouragement he received at school to strive for excellence.

"We were a public school, encouraging people to do what they want to do and with excellence."

"Excellence was the motto of my school," Mr Kirby said.

The three students featured in the videos attend Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School.

The Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to young people in public education and enhancing the value and reputation of public schools.

More information on the foundation is available on their website.

More new classrooms, preschool places and teachers in $17.3 billion education budget

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:10:19 AEST

Above: Artist impression of the new Alexandria Park Community School. Credit: Design | TKD Architects, Visualisation | Narrative.

NSW Budget 2018 features historic firsts for education, including record funding to expand the number of new and upgraded schools, unprecedented investment to air condition more classrooms and universal pre-school for three year olds.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Early Childhood Minister Sarah Mitchell outlined a range of new initiatives funded by the $17.3 billion education budget in 2018-19.

The Government will be investing $6 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools, including planning for more than 20 new projects.

"We are proud to be making this unprecedented investment into the future of our children," Mr Perrottet said.

"This year's NSW Budget takes our already record school building program to another level – a massive 170 schools new and upgraded schools over the next four years.

"That brings our total schools building program to 230 new and upgraded schools since 2011."

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government's strong financial management has allowed us to invest so heavily in our schools and education system."

Mr Stokes said communities right across NSW will benefit from this record investment into education.

"NSW is experiencing an increase in school enrolments and we have in place an unprecedented program of investment in new and upgraded schools to meet this demand," Mr Stokes said.

A staged investment of $500 million is being allocated to provide cooling for schools, while improving the indoor environmental quality, through the installation of smart and sustainable air conditioning systems powered by solar energy.

In another landmark initiative, NSW will become the first Australian state to provide universal access to community preschool for three years old under a $197.8 million program.

"Because of this historic investment, average daily fees will decrease significantly and the savings will go directly back into the pockets of hard working families," Mrs Mitchell said.

This brings total spending on early childhood education to $474.3 million in 2018-19.

Other education investment in the 2018-19 NSW Budget includes:

$160 million to be spent in 2018-19 to continue its blitz on planned school maintenance, part of a record $747 million investment over four years;
$71.8 million to implement the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in NSW schools;
$50 million in additional flexible funding will be provided to government schools to implement the School Leadership Strategy - freeing up principals and school leaders from administrative work;
$3 million for the first comprehensive review of the entire school curriculum since 1989;
$2.8 million to encourage the preservation and study of Aboriginal languages;
$30 million to continue to deliver greater access to green space and sports facilities in public school playgrounds through the Share Our Space program, and;
Funding for around 900 extra full-time equivalent teaching positions in NSW government schools.

The NSW Government will also invest $1.3 billion on non-government schools, an increase of 7.5 per cent on 2017-18. This includes a $32 million increase in the Building Grants Assistance Scheme over four years for capital works projects to support enrolment growth in non-government schools.

The record $17.3 billion investment in education allocates $15.7 billion for recurrent expenses and $1.6 billion for capital investment in 2018-19.

Athletics carnival 2018

Thu, 10 May 2018 21:27:34 AEST

A report on the recent athletics carnival, held at Blair Oval St Marys on 9 May 2018.

Our first athletics carnival in many years was recently organised and we had a fantastic day!

The weather was beautiful and we started competing early, each age group getting the chance to compete in both track and field events.

It was amazing to see students excelling in all areas, with high jump being a particularly popular event for spectators.

Cluster chants and a huge range of novelty events, including the leap frog relay and the chicken race were also very popular and ensured that everyone was positively involved in the day.

We would like to thank Jo and all of her team for organising a fantastic day, and look forward to our carnivals in 2019.