News

Get #FirstDay2021 ready for the new school year

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 16:40:08 AEDT

Be prepared for the new school year with our back to school tips and tools.

The start of a new school year can be both an exciting and demanding time for parents and students alike.

Our parents and carers Back to school hub can help you prepare for the year ahead with practical articles, tools, activities, calendars and checklists so you and your child can be ready from day 1, term 1.

Find out about what your child will learn in high school, how to support their health and wellbeing, and help them make decisions about their future.

There's also a dedicated section for students starting Year 7 and Year 11 & 12 where you'll find tips for a smooth transition into high school, and pathways for students after school.

Video – #FirstDay2021

Duration – 0:49

Schools Spectacular remixed for television

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 16:43:24 AEDT

Relive memorable acts and performances from the past four years in a special televised Schools Spectacular event.

The annual Schools Spectacular, cancelled this year due to the pandemic, will entertain audiences with a special television broadcast next week.

The Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will air on Channel 7 on Saturday 5 December at 7pm.

The two-hour broadcast will feature memorable acts and spectacular moments from the past four years.

The show will also feature a surprise digital performance from this year’s graduating Class of 2020 with the Year 12 students sharing their passion and talents while celebrating with NSW Education for one last time.

This technical feat aims to inspire audiences as more than 70 dancers, singers, instrumental musicians and signing performers from across NSW assemble virtually for the performance.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, said this event is an opportunity to revisit memories of past performances and celebrate the talents of students in NSW public schools.

“Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will be an extraordinary broadcast and a unique opportunity to look back at some of the many achievements of our talented performing arts students and their hard working and committed teachers from the past four years,” he said.

Audiences can also share their own memories and see highlights from past Schools Spectacular performances on the Schools Spectacular Facebook page.

Schools Spectacular Remixed 2020 is produced by the NSW Department of Education and proudly supported by Presenting Partners, Telstra and the NSW Teachers Federation, and Segment Partner, RØDE Microphones.

Celebrate Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed on Saturday 5 December at 7pm on Channel 7.

Term 3 2020 Update

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:58:08 AEST

Term 2 Update

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 11:36:03 AEDT

Online Learning at Fairvale

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 14:18:40 AEDT

Updated information for parents and carers about COVID-19 formerly referred to as Novel Coronavirus 6 March 2020

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:17:37 AEDT

Dear parent or caregiver,

The NSW Department of Education is working closely with the NSW Ministry of Health in response to the unfolding international COVID-19 (formerly referred to as Novel Coronavirus) situation.

Further travel restrictions

Effective of 5 March 2020, the Federal Government has issued updated advice on travel restrictions on foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) coming to Australia from the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

Current advice from the NSW Government for parents and affected staff is:

 Any student or staff member who has left, or transited through mainland China since 1 February, Iran since 1 March or the Republic of Korea (South Korea) since 5 March, is excluded from child care services, school or work for 14 days from the date they left mainland China, Iran or the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

 Any confirmed case of COVID-19 will be excluded until they are medically cleared to return.

 Close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be excluded for 14 days since last contact with the confirmed case.

Students and staff who have returned to Australia and have shown no symptoms during the 14-day self-isolation period are able to return to child care services, school or work.

The NSW Ministry of Health has processes to identify any close contacts of cases confirmed in Australia. Advice about not attending school would be provided to these close contacts by the NSW Ministry of Health.

Consistent with current guidelines, students who are unwell with respiratory illness should remain at home until symptoms resolve. In accordance with the NSW Department of Education’s current practice, if any student becomes unwell, the school will implement infection control guidelines and follow the advice provided by the NSW Ministry of Health as appropriate.

Maintaining good hygiene standards is an important way to reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading respiratory infections. Parents and caregivers are asked to promote good hygiene, including handwashing with soap as handwashing is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of germs that cause respiratory disease.

The NSW Ministry of Health has advice and resources about COVID-19 in English, Chinese.and other languages

The NSW Department of Education will continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation and provide parents and caregivers with updated information about the virus.

Telephone Interpreter Service

If you need further information please call your school principal. If you need an interpreter to assist you with your enquiry please call the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. This service will be free of charge to you.

Updated information about COVID-19 (formerly referred to Novel Coronavirus)

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 17:13:33 AEDT

Dear parent or caregiver,

The NSW Department of Education is working closely with the NSW Ministry of Health in response to the unfolding international COVID-19 (formerly referred to as Novel Coronavirus) situation.

Further travel restriction

Effective 1 March 2020 the Federal Government has issued a travel ban on foreigners coming to Australia from Iran. Only Australian citizens and permanent residents coming from Iran will be allowed entry to Australia, and from 1 March they are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days after departing Iran consistent with the restrictions for those entering from China. Additionally, Australians have been advised NOT to travel to Iran.

Updated advice from the NSW Government for parents and affected staff regarding COVID -19 is:

• Any student or staff member who has been in, or transited through, mainland China (not just Hubei province) or has been in Iran is excluded from work, school or child care services for 14 days from the date they left mainland China or Iran (as the COVID-19 incubation period can be as long as two weeks).

• Any confirmed case of COVID-19 will be excluded until they are medically cleared to return.

• Close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be excluded for 14 days since last contact with the confirmed case.

• Students and staff who have returned to Australia from mainland China or Iran more than 14 days ago and have shown no symptoms are able to return to school.

The NSW Ministry of Health has advice and resources about COVID-19 in English and Chinese.

The NSW Department of Education will continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation and provide parents and caregivers with updated information about the virus.

Updated Coronavirus from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 16:52:44 AEDT

Department of Education - UPDATED ADVICE AHEAD OF SCHOOL RETURNING

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 12:32:51 AEDT

Tuesday, 28 January 2020

UPDATED ADVICE AHEAD OF SCHOOL RETURNING

The NSW Government has today requested that children who have visited China in the last two weeks not attend school or childcare services until 14 days have lapsed from their date of departure from China.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said although the risk to children is very low, the NSW Government has taken this step as a precautionary measure.

“I’ve been advised that it’s not medically necessary, but the NSW Government has acted in line withcommunity expectations to ensure the safest possible environment for our students,” Mr Hazzardsaid.

“The internationally recognised incubation period for the coronavirus is 14 days, so this is the logicaltimeframe to ask students to refrain from attending school. After this time, there is no risk.

“Advice about not attending school has already been provided to any close contacts of confirmed cases.”

The Commonwealth Department of Health has confirmed that all passengers disembarking from planes from China are being given comprehensive information about coronavirus in both English and Mandarin.

NSW Health has been contacting passengers who were on the same planes as confirmed cases to provide appropriate advice and has processes in place to identify any close contacts of cases confirmed in Australia.

Ms Mitchell said the Department of Education has issued guidance to schools and childcare services across NSW on protocols in the event of a child becoming sick.

“Although the risk remains very low for children, we believe it is the right thing to do to take this extra step and will continue to update the community with advice,” Ms Mitchell said.

There are currently four confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in NSW. All cases had travelled to Wuhan, China or had contact with a confirmed case in China.

Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page at:www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Anyone who develops a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to Hubei or contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus, should immediately isolate themselves from other people, contact their GP or local emergency department or call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222.

NSW Government Advice Regarding Coronavirus

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:08:55 AEDT

Tuesday, 28 January 2020

UPDATED ADVICE AHEAD OF SCHOOL RETURNING

Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said although the risk to children is very low, the NSW Government has taken this step as a precautionary measure.

“I’ve been advised that it’s not medically necessary, but the NSW Government has acted in line with community expectations to ensure the safest possible environment for our students,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The internationally recognised incubation period for the coronavirus is 14 days, so this is the logical timeframe to ask students to refrain from attending school. After this time, there is no risk.

“Advice about not attending school has already been provided to any close contacts of confirmed cases.”

The Commonwealth Department of Health has confirmed that all passengers disembarking from planes from China are being given comprehensive information about coronavirus in both English and Mandarin.

Ms Mitchell said the Department of Education has issued guidance to schools and childcare services across NSW on protocols in the event of a child becoming sick.

“Although the risk remains very low for children, we believe it is the right thing to do to take this extra step and will continue to update the community with advice,” Ms Mitchell said.

There are currently four confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in NSW. All cases had travelled to Wuhan, China or had contact with a confirmed case in China.

Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page at:

www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Fairvale High School students win prizes at Hackathon

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 09:28:01 AEDT

Invictus games creates an arena for courageous life lessons

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 11:31:57 AEDT

Rydalmere East Public School students Zoe Mills and Eloise Reid were lucky enough to catch up with the Invictus Games mascot “Cobber”.

Watching wounded warriors compete courageously has reinforced important life lessons to thousands of students from all over the state at the Invictus Games at Sydney’s Olympic Park.

Through the Department of Education’s Invictus Education Project the Games became more than just a sporting event.

Resilience and courage were personified as students cheered at events, tried competition sports or contemplated the challenges of creating prosthetics limbs.

The Invictus Games uses the healing power of sport to bring together wounded and ill service personnel and veterans to promote comradeship, support and recovery.

By the end of the week, more than 6000 students will have been through the Invictus Education Project and they will leave with a heightened respect for the sacrifice and service of our defence forces.

For the students of Rydalmere East Public School, where around 30% of students are from defence families, participating in the Invictus Education Project was a special opportunity.

“Invictus is a chance to connect with something that is special to our school community,” principal John Carters said.

“It’s an amazing project and by learning about resilience and other values, it helps our students become active citizens.”

For Year 6 student Summer Wheeler, the Invictus Games and education project had special meaning.

“Both my parents are in the defence force,” Summer said.

“I would not like to see them have to leave defence through injury as they would lose mates and courage.

“That’s why Invictus means so much to me.”

While at the Invictus Games, Kindergarten student, Zoe Mills held “Daddy Bear” close as a reminder of her father currently serving as Executive Officer on HMAS Parramatta.

Invictus Games Chief Executive Office Patrick Kidd OBE visited the education precinct.

He was impressed by the number of students involved and their enthusiasm.

“This is an absolutely unique opportunity for students to see something that has got incredible energy,” Mr Kidd said.

He urged every student to be inspired by the competitors.

“Look at those individuals, think about what they are doing and think about what you can do in your own life and the lives of those people close to you,” he added.

From clashing wheelchairs to applying science and technology, the Invictus Games challenged body and brain.

Students from The Crescent School travelled from Goulburn to cheer on swimmers at the Aquatic Centre; Bilgola Plateau and Peats Ridge public school students played off against Lynwood Park Public in seated volleyball and students from Asquith Girls High and Mulwaree High discovered there is no holding back in wheelchair basketball.

At the prosthetics workshop, guided by the University of NSW Women in Engineering, students from many schools including King Street, Northbridge, Beresford Road and Wattawa Heights public schools discovered human ingenuity was helping those relying on prosthetics to go ahead in leaps and bounds.

Wentworth Point Public and Granville Public were among the schools to have students fall in love with the Assistance Dogs before learning about the valuable role they could play in the lives of wounded and ill service veterans.

Students who could not attend the Games could engage in YouTube broadcasts and virtual excursions developed for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Education Project on the Department of Education’s Learning Systems YouTube channel.

HSC survival tips

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 11:41:55 AEDT

Support from family and teachers is crucial at this busy time for Year 12 students.

We know our Year 12 students may be feeling stressed as they head towards the pointy end of the school year. Support from their family and a little extra planning in the lead-up to the HSC exams goes a long way to helping our students thrive.

Tips for students

To help students tackle their exams and to manage stress levels, the department have put together some tips on our website. Share the HSC help for students section with your teens so they can survive and thrive during the HSC.

You can:

hear advice from past students to find out how they coped with the HSC
read tips on how students can manage their time during the exam.

Help for parents and carers

It can be difficult for parents and carers to navigate this tricky time in their child’s life. Sometimes it can feel like you too are going through the HSC! A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand to help your child succeed.

Read HSC help for parents and carers for some ideas on how you can best support and encourage your child during the HSC.

Research packs positive message for lunchbox health

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 11:37:28 AEDT

Investigating some healthy lunch choices at the launch are Oliver, nib foundation director Michelle McPherson, Ella and Associate Professor Luke Wolfenden.

New Lambton Heights Infants School in Newcastle has played host to the launch of SWAP-It, a University of Newcastle research project helping Hunter parents and carers create healthier lunchboxes.

Funded through a $500,000 grant from nib foundation, researchers have developed Swap What’s Packed in the lunchbox: SWAP-It, a parent support program delivered through an app.

Lead researcher, Associate Professor Luke Wolfenden, said SWAP-It aimed to address the nutritional intake of children to align it with dietary guidelines and prevent unhealthy weight gain in childhood.

“Good nutrition is one of the most important determinants of children’s health and wellbeing,” Associate Professor Wolfenden said.

“Within the Hunter New England region, more than 135,000 lunchboxes are packed for primary-aged school children every day. These lunchboxes provide the fuel for young growing minds, containing a third of their daily intake.

“However, packed within these lunchboxes are more than 270,000 items of junk food, cleverly packaged and presented to children to be consumed each day.

“The consumption of these foods is contributing to excessive energy intake, unhealthy weight gain, diabetes and other health issues that impact on children’s physical and mental health and can lead to chronic health conditions in adulthood.”

To address the limitations of previous tactics to improve lunchbox content, the research team established a partnership with leading national provider of a school-parent communication app Skoolbag to develop and integrate the lunchbox program within the app.

The program includes three components: SWAP-It nutrition guidelines; weekly support messages via push notifications; and resources such as hyperlinks to useful information, lunchbox planners, drink bottles, ice bricks and shopping lists as visual prompts to pack healthy lunchbox foods at home.

SWAP-It will be delivered to 150 primary schools across the Hunter New England region, directly benefitting approximately 75,000 students and 60,000 families over the three year period.

nib foundation director Michelle McPherson said with obesity posing a health and social burden estimated to cost $58 billion per year, and 27 per cent of Australian children now classified as obese or overweight, there was an imperative to improve the food habits of the next generation.

“Implementing a widely accessible program that prevents unhealthy weight gain from occurring in the first place is recommended as one of the most cost-effective approaches to improving community health and wellbeing,” Mrs McPherson said.

The department’s Healthy School Canteen Strategy is aiming to make the healthy choice the easy choice by increasing the availability of healthy food and drink options in school canteens.

With NSW Health, the department is supporting canteens and their managers in meeting food and drink criteria which incorporate healthy menu options, serving sizes and how food is presented, helping students learn to make healthy choices that will last their whole lives.

2018 school student leadership team announced

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:33:10 AEST

We are excited to announce the School Student Leadership Team for 2018.

National reconciliation week

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 16:37:09 AEST

From the 29th May to the 2nd of June, Fairvale High School commemorated National Reconciliation Week, aiming to help build upon the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be finally recognised on the census. Additionally, 2017 is also the 25-year anniversary of the historic Mabo decision of 1992, introducing land rights and Native Title for the Indigenous people of Australia. Building upon these significant decisions, the theme for 2017 was “Let’s take the next steps,” calling for more recognition of Indigenous Australians within the constitution.

The start of reconciliation week at Fairvale High was marked by a formal assembly, hosted by the SRC, creating a foundation for the week ahead. Throughout the week, students participated in the creation of a 3D artwork dubbed The Sea of Hands. Hand-shaped cut outs in the colours of black, red and yellow were used to create an Aboriginal Flag. Additionally, a photo frame was passed around the school and students showed their celebrations of National Reconciliation Week as they took photos within the frame.

Overall, National Reconciliation week casted a spotlight on our progress as a nation in relation to Indigenous Australians, as well as the further progress needed to completely address the issues prevalent within this community. Fairvale High’s efforts throughout the week aimed to help take the next steps in relation to law reform regarding Indigenous Australians.

Model United Nation

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 16:39:25 AEST

On Friday, the 19th of July, a few SRC members attended Model United Nations in Schools (MUNIS) at Belmore Boys High School. The day is a simulation of the workings of the general assemble of the united nations.

The day began with a range of introductory activities. We were split up into groups, with the students of other schools, and introduced ourselves.

Finally, the main part of the event began, and we were given the brief for the purpose of the day’s mock General Assembly. The issue surrounded the tensions of European nations, namely Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the role of the United States in this issue. Students were paired up and were given a country to represent.

And so, chaos ensued. Russia was stubborn. The US was stubborn. Ukraine was stubborn. Austria and Hungary merged to once again form the Austrian-Hungarian empire. The issue was debated. Did Russia have a place in invading Ukraine? Could a resolution be possible? After a while of harsh debating, sly comments and belly-aching humour, a solution was finally reached. Russia was to withdraw troops from Ukraine immediately.
Overall, the day was incredibly enjoyable and shone a light on the issues that currently plague our world, as well as showcasing the structure and procedures of the United Nations.