“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
― Albert Einstein
Author: admin
William Blue Dining evening
Help for families preparing for return to school
The NSW Department of Education is working to support school communities affected by the summer bushfires to ensure a return to school as normal as possible for as many students as possible.
We encourage students and families who have been affected directly and indirectly to seek practical help through government and non-government agencies such as the NSW government’s Office of Emergency Management. The department also provides advice to assist parents, teachers and students.
The Office of Emergency Management has a list of bushfire recovery assistance contacts including emergency accommodation, animal welfare, recovery allowances and payments, farm and business assistance, legal assistance, water assistance, and counselling.
Affected staff can seek support through the Department’s Employee Assistance Program during the holiday and in term time, and counselling will be available for students and staff through their school once term begins.
The assessment of school buildings and facilities affected by the fires was started by officers of School Infrastructure NSW as soon as it was safe to do so, in order that school communities can be advised as soon as possible about the status of their school, and, if necessary, alternative arrangements.
It is expected that the vast majority of students will be returning to school as normal: advice about preparing for the start of school is on the Department’s Back to School page, but families facing any additional difficulty can also contact their school once term begins.
The school safety page will be updated with a list of government and non-government schools that are not operational.
Are you #Ready2020?
Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.
We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.
We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into…
For families of students starting Year 7:
-
download our Getting ready for high school booklet
-
read our top tips for a smooth transition.
For families of returning students:
-
visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
-
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
-
check out our hints for setting up a study space.
Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school
Duration – 1:00
Coronavirus – Department of Education statement
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.
Open night 2020
The Smashed Project
Eastside Debating Competition round 1
Coronavirus (COVID -19) Information for parents and carers to support children and young people
Schools to implement distancing measures
The NSW Department of Education is introducing proactive measures to limit the impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our schools.
Mark Scott, Secretary of the Department of Education, today announced that schools would adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences.
Mr Scott said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.
“Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of coronavirus have developed globally,” Mr Scott said.
“From Monday onwards, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.
“The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff.”
“These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sports, initiative activities and events.
All major arts, sports and initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice. This includes whole-school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.
“Local inter-school sport and other activities can proceed, but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken,” Mr Scott said.
“I trust our principals and staff to show leadership during this time.”
Schools will be provided with more detailed advice and suggestions on how they can adjust their day to day activities with minimal disruption.
The department is continuing to prepare for further closures if necessary with scaling up of technology, additional training of staff and preparation of offsite lessons.
Families and students in self-isolation can find useful information to continue learning from home.
For the latest information, check COVID-19 advice for schools.



