Cover photo and above: P&C Federation President Yvonne Hilsz and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar at Cambridge Park Public School in Sydney for the launch of Education Week 2023 on 31 July. Earlier this year the Federation and the department signed an historic Partnership Agreement that recognises the critical role of parents in helping students achieve their learning potential. Photo: NSW Department of Education
Parent & Citizen Journal
TheJournaloftheFederationof ParentsandCitizensAssociationsof NewSouthWales
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AGREEMENT ENSURES A STRONGER VOICE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS of Education By the P&C Federation and the NSW Department
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY By Murat Dizdar
stakeholderstodevelopthePartnership Agreement.
“Buildinghealthyandrespectfulrelationships betweenschoolsandfamiliesiseveryone’s responsibility.”
Thedepartmenthascommittedtoworkwith theP&CFederationonthedevelopmentand implementationofeducationalpoliciesand programs,withthesharedgoalofachieving thebestoutcomesforstudents.
MrDizdarsaidresearchshowedthatparents’ engagementintheirchildren’seducation improvedstudentwellbeingandacademic successandpromotedbetterrelationshipsin theclassroomandtheschoolcommunity.
Asa fi rstinitiativeundertheagreement, thedepartmenthasworkedwiththeP&C Federationtodevelopapracticalguide, Building Productive Partnerships ,tohelp schoolsandP&CAssociationsworktogether effectively.Theresourceisnowavailable andhelpstoclarifytheirrespectiveroles, responsibilities,andkeyfunctions.This isresourceisnowavailableontheP&C FederationMemberPortal.
“Weknowstudentlearningisenriched bypositiveconnectionsbetweenschools, parents,carersandthecommunity,and thisformalagreementwillbuildonthose relationshipsforourstudents,”MrDizdar said.
To read the P&C Federation NSW and the NSW Department of Education Partnership Agreement 2023-2033 or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/DoE-PC- Federation-Agreement or scan the QR code here
“Parentsarethe fi rsteducatorsoftheir childrenandbysupportingthemtocontinue tobeinvolvedintheirlocalpublicschool wecanmaintainthesebene fi tsalltheway throughourstudents’lifeatschool.
“ThePartnershipAgreementsetsoutthe visionandintentofhowweworktogether withparentsandcarersandprovidesastrong foundationforongoingworkbetweenthe departmentandtheP&CFederation.”
Extensive consultation
Extensiveconsultationwasundertaken withtheP&CFederationandmember associations,schoolleadersandtheir staff,parentsandcarers,andotherkey
TheP&CFederationNSWhassignedan historicPartnershipAgreementwith theNSWDepartmentofEducationthat recognisesthecriticalroleofparentsin helpingstudentsachievetheirlearning potential. Supporting parents’ participation Itisthe fi rstformalagreementbetweenthe P&CFederationandtheNSWDepartmentof Education.
The10-yearPartnershipAgreement, signedinJune2023,willsupportparents’ participationintheirchildren’seducation, ensuretheirvoicesareheardandvalued, recognisetheworkoflocalP&CAssociations, andstrengthenengagementwithschool communities. Itoutlineshowthedepartmentwillconsult withtheP&CFederation,thepeakbodyfor publicschoolparents,onstrategicmatters relatingtotheeducationofstudentsinits 2,200schoolsandsupporttheeffective engagementofparentsandcarersinthe schoolcommunity.
Celebrating excellent parents
LasttermIhad thepleasureof presentingat theMinister’s andSecretary’s Awardsfor Excellenceat SydneyTown Hall.Itwasa rareopportunity forschool
communitiesalloverthestatetostep outsidethegatesandcelebratesomeofthe greatpeoplewhohelpmakeoursystema success.
IwanttosincerelythankP&CAssociation membersfortheirthoughtfulsubmissions.It wasanhonourtoreadyourvaluableinsights. Wehaveheardtheparticularinterestparents haveinhowtheneedsofindividualstudents couldbemetandyourcallsforsupportto provideadditionalpost-schoolpathways. The fi nalplanalsoaddresseswidespread recognitionoftheworkloadchallenges teachershavebeenfacinginourschools. Wewanteverystudenttoreachtheirfull potentialateverystageofschooling,sothey canleavethepublicsystemwitharichly stampededucationpassport,readytomake theirmarkontheworld.
IwashonouredtopresenttheSecretary’s ParentoftheYearAwards,whichrecognised sometruechampionsofourschoolsand theireffortstoputtheneedsofourkids aboveanythingelse.ThesededicatedP&C Associationmembersgoaboveandbeyond everydaytocreatewarmandengaging environmentsforourschoolcommunities.
Thankyoutoallparentsandcarerswho attendedtheawards,supportedyourschools, andmadetheeventsuchamemorablenight.A fulllistofawardwinnersandtheircitationscan befoundonthePublicEducationFoundation’s websiteat www.publiceducationfoundation. org.au
Yourfeedbackhasbeeninstrumentalin shapingthe fi nalplan.Wearereleasingitin Term4sothatschoolshavesuf fi cienttimeto incorporateitintotheirownschoolplans,ready forittocomeintofulleffectforTerm1in2024.
Formoredetailsontheplan,seep19inthis issueofthejournal.
Strengthening collaboration
ToreadmoreabouttheAwards,seep14inthis issueofthejournal.
Wrapping up a big year
Lasttermthedepartmentsignedits fi rst PartnershipAgreementwiththeP&C Federation.Iamincrediblygratefultoeveryone involvedin fi nalisingtheagreement.
Theendoftheyearisfastapproaching,and summerschoolholidayswillbeherebeforewe knowit.
Asparentsandcarers,weworktirelesslyfor thesakeofourfamiliesandlovedones,so weshouldremembertotaketimeouttoenjoy them.
The10-yearagreementsetstheroadmap forhowthedepartmentwillconsultwiththe Federation,asthepeakbodyforpublicschool parentsandcarers.Itde fi nesourongoing partnershipandwillhelpparentsandcarers continuetobeengagedwiththeirchild’s education.
Newly-electedP&CFederationPresident
YvonneHilszsaidthePartnershipAgreement highlightedtheimportantroleofparentsin thefuturedirectionofNSWpubliceducation.
“Thisagreementbuildsonourstrong workingrelationshipwiththeDepartmentof Education,”shesaid.
“Wewelcometheformalacknowledgmentof theimportantroleofparentsandcarersin publiceducation.
Whenthetimecomes,Ihopeyouallhavethe chancetorelax,rechargethebatteries,and keepbringingyourpassionandenthusiasmto the2024schoolyear.
HaveagreatTerm4.
Throughaninitial$1.6millioninfundingover twoyears,wehopetostrengthenengagement, improverepresentation,andgiveparentsand carersevenmoreopportunitiestobeconsulted onhowthepubliceducationsystemcanbest serveourschools.
Iamcon fi dentthisnew10-yearcommitment willstrengthencollaborationbetweenschools, yourlocalassociations,andthewider community.(Seenextpageformoredetails.)
I
t’sbeenawonderfulyearofgrowthand opportunityforNSWEducation.Iknowthat togetherwewillcontinuethattrajectoryfor Term4,whichmanywouldrightlydescribeas thebusiestandmostexcitingtimeoftheyear. AstheGovernment’snewprioritiesgain momentum,itisapleasuretobeworkingso closelywithourparentsandcarerstocreatea rejuvenatedpublicsystemwhereeveryyoung mindcan fl ourish.
IwanttocongratulateandwelcometheP&C Federation’snewPresidentYvonneHilsz, whoIknowhashitthegroundrunning.Ifeel fortunatetohavesuchastrongadvocate forinclusivepubliceducationatyour organisation’shelm. Plan for NSW Public Education
ThistermIampleasedtobelaunchingthe department’sPlanforNSWPublicEducation –settingourvisionforanoutstandingand equitableeducationsystemwhereevery studentcanlearn,grow,andbelong.
The fi nalplanistheresultofextensive engagementandconsultationwithparents, carers,teachers,andprincipals.Thisincluded apublicexhibitionandonlinesurveyonthe draftplan,whichclosedon25August.Iwas incrediblyinspiredbytheresponsewehad duringthisperiod,withmorethan20,000 peopleengagingwiththedraftand8,000 makingasubmission.
Overallfeedbackindicatedstrong endorsementoftheplananditsfocuson deliveringequitableoutcomes,opportunities, andexperiencesforeveryone.
Murat Dizdar Secretary, NSWDepartmentofEducation
Yvonne Hilsz and Murat Dizdar at Harrington Street Public School earlier this year. The Federation and the department recently signed an historic 10-year Partnership Agreement. Photo: NSW Department of Education
P&C Federation President Yvonne Hilsz (centre, speaking) and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar (centre right) with parents at Harrington Street Public School, Cabramatta West. The Federation and the department have signed an historic Partnership Agreement that recognises the critical role of parents in helping students achieve their learning potential. Photos: NSW Department of Education
MuratDizdar Secretary,NSW DepartmentofEducation
We want every student to reach their full potential at every stage of schooling
P&C Federation President Yvonne Hilsz and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar at Cambridge Park Public School in Sydney for the launch of Education Week 2023 on 31 July
EMU HEIGHTS NAMED P&C ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR TWIN WIN FOR JERRABOMBERRA MINISTER PRAISES P&C CONTRIBUTION muHeightsPublicSchoolP&C AssociationwasnamedtheNSW P&CAssociationoftheYear.
EPresidentOwenSargeantaccepted theawardonbehalfoftheassociation attheAwardsCeremony.
“Fromtheplayground,whereteachers andstudentsengagewithrespect,tothe eloquentlanguagesheemploysduring schoolassemblies,herin fl uenceispalpable.
“Ourmembersover-achieve,theydo everythingforeverybodyelse,andI’m soincrediblyproudofthem.”
“P&Cpresidentsunderherspeakofthe genuinemutualrespectand‘noproblem toosmall’attitudeshehasalways demonstrated.”
NSWP&CFederationPresident YvonneHilszcongratulatedEmu Heightsonitswin.
“TheEmuHeightsP&CAssociation, overits50-yearhistory,hasbeenan integralpillarofthelocalcommunity,” shesaid.
MsHilszsaidMsPrescottwasnotonly PresidentofJerrabomberraPublicSchool’s P&CAssociationbutVice-Presidentof JerrabomberraHighSchool’sP&C.
“Thisgroupofdedicatedvolunteers hasorchestratedeventslikeMother’s andFather’sDaystalls,andthe notableColourRunfundraiser,which raised$20,000.
“Herdedicationandleadershiphavebeen instrumentalinbuildingcommunityacross bothschoolsovermorethansixyearsand throughchallengingtimes,”MsHilszsaid.
“Kylie’sleadership,hardwork,andadvocacy [are]testamenttoherdedicationand unwaveringeffortsinsafeguardingthe interestsofthelocalcommunity.
“Beyondlocalinitiatives,their compassionhasextendedto supportingEastMurwillumbahPublic Schoolduringitstimeofneedafter fl oods.
“They’vealsomadetangibleimpacts ontheschoolgrounds,fromnew signageto fi nancialplanningfor communityspaces.
“Additionally,hertirelessworkinsecuring politicalcommitmentsfortheconstruction ofStage2atJerrabomberraHighSchool, expandingitscapacitytoaccommodate 1,000students,hashadapositiveimpact onbothschoolsandthebroadercommunity.
“Kylieeffectivelyengagedwiththeschool communityandtooktheleadinagrassroots campaign.
“Theirdedicationisshowcased intheelaborate50th-anniversary celebrationsheldinSeptember 2022.”
“Sheengagedwithschoolcommunity members,communityleaders,political representatives,andgovernmentof fi cialsto advocateforpositivechange.”
JerrabomberraPublicSchoolP&C Associationhadextracausetocelebrate aftertakingouttwoawardsatthe ConferenceandAwardsCeremony.
SchoolPrincipalChrisHuntertookoutthe inauguralPrincipaloftheYearAward,while PresidentKyliePrescottwasnamedjoint MemberoftheYearwithWaratahPublic SchoolP&CVice-PresidentRachelGarner (picturedpreviouspage).
MrsHuntersaidshewasparticularly honouredbytheaward.
“IwasevenmorehonouredthatKyliegotit atthesametime,”shesaid.
“Allgoodpublicschoolstrytoworkreally hardwiththeircommunitytomaketheir schoola[place]thatservestheneedsofthe adultsandthechildreninthe community.
“Ourthemewas‘Enrich,Engage,Elevate’, andmanyofourdelegatestoldmethatthe day’sprogramprovidedthemwiththetools todojustthatfortheirP&Cs,’’MsHilszsaid. “Buttheundeniablehighlightofthedaywas theNundlePublicSchoolP&CAssociation’s presentationabouthowTheGreatNundle DogRacebroughtitscommunitytogether toraisemoneyforitstinyschoolof24 students.”(Seestoryp10).
SWEducationMinisterPrueCarpaid
tributetothestate’sthousandsof
P&CAssociationvolunteersinherkeynote speechatthe2023P&CFederationAnnual ConferenceandAwards.
“I’mincrediblyproudasEducationMinister toknowthatwehavesomanysel fl ess anddedicatedpeopleinourschool communities,”shesaid.
“Educationisaserviceindustry,andwe needtokeepallofourcustomershappyand worktogether.”
MsPrescottsaidshewassurprisedand delightedbytheaward.
“I’malsoveryappreciativeofthe JerrabomberraPublicSchoolP&Cfor nominatingnotjustme,butourPrincipal, ChrisHunteraswell,”shesaid.
“Iamgrateful,andIthinkitistestament tothehardworkofourentireP&C,notjust myself,andIsharethisawardwiththem.”
NSWP&CFederationPresidentYvonneHilsz congratulatedbothwinners.
“ChrisHunter’sremarkable44-yearcareer asaneducator,withanimpressive21- yeartenureasPrincipalatJerrabomberra PublicSchool,exempli fi esherunwavering commitmentandoutstandingleadershipin the fi eldofeducation,”shesaid.
GoLove,andMoon&Back/BearMemories– ourpresentersand,ofcourse,ourwonderful P&CAssociationmembers.
SpecialthankstoUncleMichaelWest, HeadofCommunityDevelopmentand PartnershipsattheMetropolitanAboriginal LocalLandCouncilforhisfantasticand educationalWelcometoCountry.Atthe startoftheday,Aurielle,aYear10student atNewtownHighSchoolofthePerforming Arts,deliveredanAcknowledgementof Countryfollowedbyaself-choreographed contemporaryAboriginaldancepiece,and weclosedtheconferencewithsuperb singingfromStrath
“Kidsonlygetoneshotatachildhood,and weallmustworktogethertohelpthemreach theirfullpotential.
“Thankyousomuchforeverythingthatyou do.Oursystemcouldnotsurvivewithoutyou.”
NSWP&CFederationPresidentYvonneHilsz saidtheMinister’saddresssetthetone forajam-packedandoftenlaughterfi lled program.
fi eldNorthPublicSchool choir,supportedbyTheArtsUnit.
“Thisyear’sconferencewasahuge success,”shesaid.
MsHilszsaidthedayendedonahighwith theannouncementoftheAnnualP&C Awardswinners.
TheP&CFederationalsooffersaspecial thankstoMinisterCarforherinspiring keynoteaddress,allouramazingsponsors andsupporters–theNSWDepartmentof Education(majorsponsor),ASCA,ParkEquip, LWReid,SpriggySchools,SchoolBanners, BiteSizeGroup,Schoodle,HicksonsLawyers,
RepresentativesfromP&CAssociations acrossthestateconvergedontheSydney PullmanHotelorjoinedonlineforadayof networking,workshopsandpresentations inAugustaimedathelpingthemachieve thebestpossibleoutcomesfortheirschool communities.
“Rachelhasimprovedeveryaspectofthe WaratahPublicSchoolP&Coperations,” saidNSWP&CFederationPresidentYvonne Hilsz.
“Shehasintroducedastrongsense ofgovernanceandcommitmenttothe executivecommitteeoftheP&C,andindoing sohasbeeninstrumentalinsupportingour kidsandfamiliestoensuretheygetthebest schoolexperiencepossible.
aratahPublicSchoolP&CVice- PresidentRachelGarner(pictured thispage)andJerrabomberraPublicSchool P&CAssociationPresidentKyliePrescott (picturednextpage,farright)werenamed MemberoftheYearjointwinnersattheP&C Federation’sAnnualAwards. Rachel,theimmediatepastPresident,said shewasshockedtohearhernamereadout duringtheawardsceremony.
“Sheidenti fi edtheimportanceofan activeschoolcommunityandworkingin partnershipwithparentsandcitizenstobuild aschoolthatistheheartandsoulofthe localcommunity.
“Chris’unwaveringcommitmentto excellencepermeateseveryaspectofthe educationalexperience.
theP&C-rununiformshopandcanteen. Duringthisdif fi culttime,Rachelandthe P&Cprovidedinformation,linkstosupport services,promotedlocalbusinessesand evenprovidedcookinglessonsandcolouring sheetsviatheFacebookpageforparents duringlockdowntoensurenoonefelt isolatedandalone.”
“Shehassinglehandedlytakencontrolofthe P&C fi nance,taxationandinsuranceissues. Shehadthetenacitytotakeaccountability andunbundleyearsof fi nance,taxationand insuranceissuesthathadsnowballed.
“WhenCOVIDhit,Rachelledthepivotto onlineorderinganddigitalpaymentsfor
“Youdon’tdoitfortheaccolades,”shesaid. “Youdoitforthekids.Youputyourheartand soulintoittomakesureallkidshavefair access.It’sallaboutinclusion,andhonestly youcan’tdoitwithoutthesupportyour family.”
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car (right) with P&C Federation President Yvonne Hilsz at the Federation’s 2023 Annual Conference and Awards. Photo: P&C Federation NSW
Rachel Garner Award winners’ photos: Cassandra Hannagan
Chris HunterKylie Prescott
NEW PARENTS & CARERS HUB! INTRODUCING YOUR NEW P&C FEDERATION BOARD & DELEGATES &CAssociationsfromaroundNSWrecentlyvotedforP&CFederationofNSWBoard members(Directors)andDelegatestorepresentthemforthenexttwoyears.
PBy Larissa Ryan P&C Federation Partnerships and Engagement Manager
OurnewParents&Carers Hubisaninclusiveonline spacethatbringsallparents andcarerstogethertochat, accessnewresourcesand addtheirvoice.
additionalrepresentationonbehalfofthe P&CFederation.TheroleofDelegates istoattendandparticipateintheP&C Federation’sAnnualGeneralMeeting.
Atthecoreofeverythingwedois education,parentingandstudents.By workingcloselywithourpartners,suchas theNSWDepartmentofEducation,eSafety Commissioner,BlackDogInstituteand NESA,wearedrawingonexpertstocreate acentralone-stopcollaborativeonline platform.
TheParents&CarersHub( https:// community.pandc.org.au/parentandcarer/ home orusetheQRcode)offers downloadableresourcessuchasarticles, videos,podcastsandwebinars,thatcover everythingfromhowtoeaseachild’s transitiontokindergartentodealingwith thechallengeofteenagersrefusingtogo tosleeporschool.
Parent Online Communities ThroughtheHubyoucanconnectwith otherparentsandcarersviaourseries oftopic-relatedParentCommunitiesand chatabouttopicsthatmattertoyou.Join ourParentCommunities,includingHealth &Wellbeing,Curriculum,Cybersafety& TechnologyandDiversity&Inclusiontoask questionsandshareyourperspective.
GREAT NUNDLE DOG RACE TAKES CENTRE STAGE We’dliketocongratulateandintroduceyour newBoard(electedDirectors),itsPresident, Vice-PresidentandSecretary,andDelegates for2023-2025.
AnelectionofDirectorsandDelegatesis heldeverytwoyears,withoneDirectorand twoDelegateselectedforeachofthe16P&C FederationElectoralareas.Theelections areadministeredbytheNSWElectoral Commission.
TheroleofDirectorsistoattendthebi- monthlyBoardmeetingsaswellasany
By Gemma Quinn P&C Federation Member Services Manager T
hetinyruralNSWtownofNundle,andits dogs,weretheunexpectedstarsofthe showattheAnnualNSWP&CFederation ConferenceinSydneyinAugust.
Parent Voice
TheP&CFederationismostexcitedby thepossibilitytocreateopportunitiesfor parentsandcarerstohavemeaningful engagementandprovidedirectfeedback thatwillshapeeducationpolicyand programs.JoiningourParentVoicepage ontheHubisonewaythatparentscan participatewiththeNSWDepartmentof Educationandotherpartnersinsurveys, interviewsandfocusgroupsaboutlearning andwellbeingdecisions.Optintothe ParentVoiceontheHuborwhenyousign uptotheHub.
increasinglyseekdiverserevenuestreams andgreatercommunityinvolvement,the examplesetbyNundleP&Cdemonstrates thatsometimesthemostunconventional ideascanyieldthemostrewardingresults.
Theracehasbeenacatalystforincreased parentalinvolvementforover40yearsand hasofferedaplatformfordialogueamong communitymembers,therebyindirectly contributingtotheeducationalwellbeingof Nundle’syouth.
communitiescancometogetherforacause –whilehavingagooddealoffuninthe process. The fi rstNundledogracewasheldin1979 afterabetbetweenacoupleoflocalfarmers overwhosedogwasthefastest.Theracehas sinceturnedintoalandmark,eventinvolving morethan20racesthatnotonlybringsthe Nundlecommunitycloserbutalsogenerates signi fi cantfundsforthepublicschool.
Theconference,on26August,wasattended byP&CAssociationmembersfromacross thestateandfeaturedanimpressive listofexpertspeakers,includingNSW DeputyPremierMinisterforEducation andEarlyLearningPrueCar.Yet,amidst allthediscussionsonthefutureofpublic education,curriculumchangesandschool funding,itwastheNundlePublicSchoolP&C Association’spresentationaboutthe GreatNundleDogRacethatcapturedthe heartsoftheconferencedelegatesand broughtthehousedown. Uniting the community
TheGreatNundleDogRaceistheP&C Association’smajorfundraiserforthe schoolofjust24students,65kmfrom Tamworth.Itwaspresentedasacase studyforcommunityengagementandlocal fundraisingbyNundlePublicSchoolP&C AssociationPresidentDonnaDentonand SecretaryNatashaHarvey,whomadethe longtriptoSydney.
Rewarding results
Whiletheideaofdogsracingmightseem impracticalformostschoolswithlimited accesstoopenspace,theunderlying messageisoneofunity,community,andthe valueoflocalinitiatives.TheGreatNundle DogRaceismorethanjustalocalspectacle; it’satestamenttowhatcanbeachieved whenacommunitycomestogetherwitha sharedpurpose.Suchinitiativesnotonly havethepotentialtoimprovetheeducational environmentbutalsoenrichthecommunity asawhole.
ThestoryofNundleanditsdograceserves asauniquebutpotentlessonforP&C Associationsaroundthestate.Asthey
TheGreatNundleDogRace,heldannually inthetownonthe fi rstSundayinMay,was showcasedasanexampleofhowsmall
An inspiration for others
ThestoryoftheGreatNundleDogRace servesasaninspirationforotherP&C Associationstothinkcreativelywhen engagingtheirowncommunities.The successofsuchlocaleventscanhavea rippleeffect,encouragingotherschoolsand districtstoundertakesimilarendeavors. Afterall,educationisnotjustaboutwhat happenswithinthefourwallsofaclassroom; it’saboutbuildingasupportivecommunity aroundourchildren,wherelearningcan extendbeyondtextbooks.
right)
the hearts of conference delegates with their presentation on
A GUIDE TO SPONSORSHIPS & DONATIONS The NSW Department of Education andthe P&C Federation NSW presentthisQ&Aguide forP&CAssociationsandschoolsonmanagingsponsorshipsanddonationswithindividualsand businesses
Associationtosponsoraschoolinitiative, whetherthisiswithcash,oravalue-in-kind contribution.Keepinmind,NSWpublic schoolsmustactimpartiallyandbeequitable inprovidingsponsorshipopportunitiestoall suitableparties.
How does a business sponsor their local school?
P&C PHOTO COMPETITION Photo: NSW Department of Education
&CAssociationshavebeenshowingoffthefantasticworktheirmembersdointheirschoolsandcommunitiesfortheP&CFederation’s PhotoCompetition.Here’sjustsomeofthemanyentrieswe’vereceived.Winnerswillbeannouncedsoon.
ofsponsorshipordonations.Department schoolsandemployeesmustremain impartialandtreateveryoneequally.Never usesponsorshipordonationstotrytogain inappropriatein fl uence,favourwithstaff,or bene fi taparticularstudent. Can parents/carers sponsor with goods and services or only money?
Parentsandcarerscansponsoraschoolwith goodsandservices,buttheschoolmayneed longertoaddressanyspeci
fi cissues.The schoolwillneedtoensure:
•Ithasawrittenagreementwiththe parent/carertoensurevalueformoney, andtobeclearaboutthegoodsor servicesprovided.
•Ithasaddressedanyrisks.Forexample, forasponsorshipordonationofavehicle, aschoolmustensurethevehicleissafe. •Anynecessaryorappropriateinsuranceis inplace.
• Thereisnocon fl ictwithamandatory purchasingcontract.Forexample,a schoolcan’tacceptdonatedsoftware licensesorITsolutionsifthesedonot integratewiththedepartment’sIT systemsandpresentasecurityriskfor departmentandpersonaldata.
For more information P&C Associations: contacttheP&C FederationMemberSupportteambyemailing mail@pandc.org.au Schools: contacttheNSWDepartmentof Education’sBusinessEngagementteamat be@det.nsw.edu.au
Scan this QR code to download our Sponsorship and Donations factsheet for P&C Associations. Initiatives that are opt-in and extracurricular, such as a gardening project, can be sponsored.
Governmentschoolsmustalsoseekvalue formoneyinanysponsorshiparrangement anddecideonthebestoffertomaximise thebene fi tandeducationaloutcomesfor students.
Publicschoolsmaypublisharequestfor expressionsofinterest(EOI)tosponsora schooleventorinitiative.Abusinesscanalso offertosponsoraschooleventorinitiative evenifnoEOIhasbeenpublished.Theschool mustdocumentallsponsorshipagreements, includingwhatabusinesswillcontribute, andwhatbene fi tstheschoolwillofferin
TheP&CFederationencouragesP&C Associationstobesimilarlymindful,lookingat valuefortheirschoolcommunityandfollowing principlesoftransparencywhendetermining sponsorshiparrangements.
return.Theschoolisnotpermittedtoendorse anybusiness,products,orservices,evenif thatbusinessdonatesorsponsorsaschool initiative. How does this di er for P&C Associations seeking sponsorship or donations?
What’s the di erence between a donationandasponsorship?
Schoolsmustapplysponsorshipfunds, anddonatedmoney,goodsandservices toprogramsandeventsthatare‘overand abovethecorecurriculum’.Theycanbeused toenhanceprograms,butnottodisplace governmentfunding.
AP&CAssociationmaysetitsownrules forsourcingandmanagingsponsorship anddonations.AP&CAssociationisan independentbody,andassuch,isnotbound bytheprocessesoftheschoolinthisregard. However,aP&CAssociationshouldfoster constructiverelationshipswiththeschool andmaintainanopendialogueregarding sponsorshipanddonationopportunities whereverappropriate.
Donations Apersonorbusinesscandonatetotheschool atanytime,buttheschoolisnotpermittedto provideanythinginreturn,beyondamodest acknowledgment.Iftheschoolhasapublic libraryfundorbuildingfund,itcouldbe eligibletoreceivetaxdeductibledonations.
What things can be sponsored at a school?
Sponsorship
Ifanindividualorbusinesswouldlikea bene fi tinreturn,theywillneedtosponsora schoolinitiative.Thiscouldbeinresponse totheschoolsharingarequest.Theycan alsooffertosponsoraschoolinitiative,even iftheschoolhasn’tasked.Theschoolcan acceptthisofferifitisunique,orashorttime framedemandsquickaction.Inmostcases, aschoolwillneedtoopenthesponsorship opportunitytootherparties,especiallythose inthesamemarket,tobetransparentand equitable.
Programs,events,andinitiativesthatare opt-inandextracurricular(overandabove theusualdeliveryofthesyllabus)canbe sponsored.Forexample,theschoolmusical, aroboticsteam,orproductsandequipment thatprovideadditionallearningopportunities forstudents.Youmay fi ndthatyourP&C
Associationisalreadyprovidingthesesortsof servicesorresourcestotheschool,socheck fi rst. What types of businesses would not be able to sponsor a public school initiative?
Theindividualorbusinesswillneedtoagree onthecontributionandthebene fi tsinreturn inwritingwiththeschool.
Ifabusinesspromotesunhealthyfood, alcoholconsumption,gambling,tobacco, weaponsmanufacturing,oranythingillegal. TheP&CFederationrecommendsthatP&C Associationsdonotacceptsponsorshipfrom thesesortsofbusinesses.
Remember,apublicschoolcannever endorseorprovidetestimonialsfora business,products,orservices,regardless
How does a parent/carer nd out if their business, or a business they’re a ffi liated with, can sponsor something at the school?
ParentscancontacttheschooloritsP&C
Youcanalsogetintouch withyourchild’snew schoolfororientation resources.Engaging withyourchildinpositive conversationaboutthe expectationsofschool canalsohelpthemfeel prepared.
anearlychildhoodeducationandcareservice thatoffersapreschoolprogram,suchasits abilitytodevelopandbroadentheircon fi dence andenthusiasmtolearn.
Ways to support your child at preschool
•Findoutasmuchasyoucanaboutthe preschool,includingitsroutinesand whatyourchildneedstobringeachday.
•informationaboutyourchild’sstrengths, interestsandneeds
•yourchild’sdiagnosis(iftheyhaveone) •requestsforaninterpreter.
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE Additionally,yourchild’s earlychildhoodeducator maycompleteaTransition toSchoolDigitalStatement tosharedirectlywithyour chosenschooltohelp setyourchildupforsuccessinlearning.The statementsummarisesyourchild’sstrengths, interestsandapproachestolearning,providing valuableinformationforschoolleadersand kindergartenteacherstosupportcontinuityof learning.
•Getinvolvedinyourchild’spreschool, perhapsbyjoiningaworkingbee.
•Talkwiththepreschoolteamabout activitiesyoucandowithyourchildat home,suchasreadingtogether.
•Talkwiththepreschoolteamaboutyour child’slearningandraiseanyconcerns orissuesearly,soyoucanworktogether toresolvethem.
•Talkwithyourchildeachdayaboutwhat theydidatpreschool.
•Connectwithotherparentsandcarers.
Basedonyourneeds,families mayalsoconsiderusing outsideschoolhourscare (OSHC)servicesfortheir children.OSHCprograms provideplayandleisure-basedexperiences thataremeaningfulandsupportchildren’s wellbeing,learninganddevelopment,while supportingfamiliestoworkbeyondschool hours.The Outside School Hours Care Guide (seeQRcodeabove)answerscommon questionsaboutOSHCservicesandcan providehelpfulinformationforfamilieswho arealreadyusingorconsideringusingOSHC services.
YoucanlookupOSHCservicesinyourlocal area,includingtheirqualityrating(seeimage above),onthe Before and AfterSchool Care Finder ( https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/ transaction/ fi nd-a-basc-provider ). What will my child do at OSHC?
AllOSHCservicescreatetheirprogramsbased ontheirchildren’sinterestsandlearning opportunities.Servicesuseanapproved learningframeworkcalledMyTime,OurPlace toguidetheirplanninganddeliveryofplay andforeducationalexperiencestosupport children’slearning.
Childrenareabletochoosebetweenplanned andspontaneousactivitiesthatmayinclude avarietyof:creativearts,reading,excursions, long-andshort-termprojects,imaginative play,self-directedplay,STEM,dance,drama, cooking,games,sport,music,andvisitorsto theservice.
THE LEARNING JOURNEY KINDERGARTEN
TheTransitiontoSchool DigitalStatementis availableforallNSW
DepartmentofEducation preschools,community preschoolsandlongday carecentres.Moreinformationcanbefound onthe Transition
The transition to school Startingschoolisabigmilestoneforyour child.Apositivestartwillensurethatyour childfeelssecure,con fi dentandconnected intheirnewenvironment,leadingtobetter educationalandsocialoutcomesintheir schoolyear.
To School: Information For Parents and Carers page(seeQRcodeabove) onourwebsiteoraskyourserviceorschool.
earlychildhoodteachersto makethestartofyourchild’s earlylearningapositiveand happyexperience.Theguide alsohighlightsthemany bene fi tsofsendingachildto
PRESCHOOL Starting preschool guide Forfamiliespreparingtheirchildrenfor preschool,theNSWDepartmentofEducation’s Getting Ready For Preschool Guide (seeQR codeatrightforlink)provideshelpfultipsfrom
nsw.edu.auifyouhaveconcernsorwouldlike assistance.
Additional support
Ifyourchildhasadditionalwellbeingorlearning andsupportneeds,requestameetingwith yourchild’sschoolteacherorprincipalbefore theystartkindergartentodiscuss:
Parentsandcarersplayanimportantrolein theprocessasyouknowyourchildbest,and therearemanywaysyoucangetinvolvedin supportingyourchild’stransition.Speakto yourchild’searlychildhoodserviceto fi nd outthetypesoftransitionactivitiestheycan participateintohelpthemadjusttonew routines.
•NirimbaFieldsinnorth-westSydney. •Gablesinnorth-westSydney. •Melonbainnorth-westSydney.
•CarterStreetPrecinctnearSydney OlympicPark.
orefamilieswillsoonbeabletoaccess preschoolonschoolsitesastheNSW DepartmentofEducationbeginsitsworkto build100newpublicpreschools.
•MelroseParkPublicSchoolnearRyde. •GulyangarriPublicSchoolinsouth- westSydney.
•WiltonJunctioninsouth-westSydney. •NowraontheSouthCoast.
•LennoxHeadPublicSchoolonthe NorthCoast.
Finaldecisionsontheremainingschools thatwillreceivenewpublicpreschoolswill bemadeonlyafteraninfrastructureanalysis andcloseconsiderationoffeedbackfrom schools,stakeholders,andearlychildhood educationandcareservices.
Anannouncementoftheremaining preschoolsitesisexpectedearlyin2024, withthepossibilityofsomepreschool locationsbeingannouncedearlierwhere feasible.
•ThurgoonaPublicSchool,inAlbury, southernNSW. Thepreschoolsitesarebeingselected basedonlocalintelligenceandinsights, feedbackfromschools,stakeholders andearlychildhoodeducationandcare services,analysisofeducationneed,child developmentoutcomesandprojectedfuture demandforpreschoolaccess.Childrenand communitieswithgreatesteducationalneed arebeingprioritised.
TheinitiativeispartoftheNSW Government’scommitmenttoensuring thateverychild,regardlessoftheirfamily’s postcode,incomeorcircumstances,has accesstohigh-qualitypreschoolsothatthey canbesetupforalifeoflearning. TheNSWGovernmentrecently announcedthefirst10publicpreschools tobebuiltaspartofthiscommitment. Consultationisunderwaywithlocal schoolprincipalsandearlychildhood educationandcareproviderstoinform thedecisionsaboutthelocationofthe remainingsites. Thefirstofthe100publicpreschools willbebuiltalongsidenewandupgraded primaryschoolsat:
The star graphic from the quality rating certificate. NSW early childhood services and before and after school care providers receive a quality rating following assessment by the NSW Department of Education against the National Quality Standard
Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar during a classroom visit. Photos this page: NSW Department of Education
HELPING KIDS COPE WITH BUSHFIRE SEASON ANXIETY them.Age-appropriateeducation canbeapowerfultoolin teachingchildrenwhatbush fi res areandhowbesttorespond tothem,offeringpractical knowledgethatcanalleviate anxiety.
Source acknowledgment: insights for this article were inspired by guidelines focused on helping children manage anxiety related to bushfires, titled Looking After Children Who Are Anxious About Bushfire Season , published by the Australian Psychological Society. The guidelines are freely available to download at https://bit.ly/bush fi re-readiness
Emotionalsupportshouldnotbe underestimated;thereassuring presenceofanadultor structuredschoolactivitiescan offeramuch-neededemotional bufferduringturbulenttimes.
Aswenavigatethechallengesofthe upcomingbushfireseason,itisour collectiveresponsibility–parents, educators,andcommunitymembers– toensurethatourchildrenarenotjust physicallypreparedbutalsoemotionally equippedtofacetheuncertaintiesahead.
T
WithNSW,andtherestofAustralia, bracingforwhat’spredictedtobethe worstbush fi reseasoninyears,it’simportant torememberthatpreparationisnotjust abouthazardburning,havinga fi resurvival planandstockinguponessentials;it’salso aboutemotionalreadiness,particularlyfor ourchildren.
Childrenaresusceptibletotheemotional upheavalsthatcomewithbush fi reseason. Theincreasedattentionfrommediaand the fl urryofdiscussionswithincommunities canheightentheirsenseofinsecurity andanxiety.Addressingtheseconcernsis crucialandcanbedoneeffectivelythrough opendialogue,age-appropriateeducation, andemotionalsupport.
Opendialoguehelpschildrenarticulate theirfearsandprovidesanopportunity forclari fi cation,ensuringtheyareneither dismissiveoftherisksnoroverwhelmedby
NOT-FOR-PROFITPARTNERINGWITHSCHOOLSANDSUPPLIERS
Forover44years,ASCAhasdonatedover $4million to charities whichsupport theeducationofvulnerablechildren.
Weworkwithover100supplierpartnerstodeliverthebestvalueforyour schoolandcanteen ,savingourmembersover$10millionperannumwhilst assistingourCharityPartners.
ASCAMEMBERSHIPISFREETOYOU!
YourASCAmembershipnotonlyunlocks exclusiveaccess toour100+Preferred Suppliers,butyou’llalsoreceive:
ASCARewardsPoints,TermlyandMonthlySpecialsforCanteenpurchases- plushugebacktoschoolofferstorestock
ExclusiveASCAmemberpricingforsupplierslikeTheGoodGuysCommercial, BunningsTrade,Officeworks,aswellassustainabilityandenergyadvisors Newsletters,e-NewsandInvitationstoASCAEvents
AdedicatedASCAAreaManagertopersonallyassistyou
ASCAplusSTAFFBENEFITSPROGRAM
ASCAplusisa FREEStaffBenefitsprogram forthestaff(andvolunteers)ofASCAmember schools. Enjoysavingsonpersonalpurchasesfrombrandsyouknowandlove-includingTheGood GuysCommercial,Bonds,EndotaSpa,Rebel,PricelinePharmacyandmuchmore!
hereare13spotsavailableacross NSWforpublicschoolstudentsto jointheMinister’sStudentCouncil (DOVES)foratwo-yearperiod. ApplicationsopeninTerm42023 andcloseTerm1 2024forstudents currentlyinYears5-9, withinterviewsbeing heldinweekthreeof Term1.
TheDOVESrepresentadiverserange ofstudentvoicesthathaveadirectand positivein fl uenceoneducationandschool policy.Thecounciladvocatesforpositive studentengagementandinclusivitythrough educationalimprovementandinnovationin NSWschools.
pplicationsarenowopenforstudents tojointheMinister’sStudentCouncil –thepeakforumforinteractionbetween NSWpublicschoolstudents,NSW Education,andtheNSWDeputyPremier andMinisterforEducation.Fordetailson howtoapply,seetheboxatright.
Ithasprovidedfeedbackonarangeof policyinitiativestodate,aswellasadvice andinsightsonthereturn-to-school roadmapfollowingperiodsoflearningfrom homeduetoCOVID-19.
TheMinister’sStudentCouncil,knownas theDOVES(DepartmentofStudentVoices inEducationandSchools),wascreatedin 2021,followingarequestfromtheNSW Governmenttodevelopaformalstructure toaccessstudentviews.
DOVESforumsarealsoheldinmetropolitan andregionalareastoensurewiderstudent consultationonmattersthatarecurrentand importanttothefutureofeducationand/or relevanttogroupsofstudentswithinschools.
DOVEScouncilmeetingsenablestudentsto openlydiscussissuestoberaisedwiththe DeputyPremierandfurthercontributeto positivechangeandoutcomestomakeNSW thebesteducationsysteminthecountry.
Seeking positive change
See some of the schools represented on the Minister’s Student Council by visiting https://education.nsw.gov. au/student-wellbeing/student-voices/ minister-s-student-council/members
AsrequiredbytheDeputyPremier,the DOVESmayalsobeaskedforinput throughouttheyearintopolicyandcurrent issuesthatdirectlyaffectstudentsandtheir educationalexperience.
Thecouncilmeetstwiceaterm,either virtuallyorface-to-face,toparticipate inworkshopsandhearaboutNSW DepartmentofEducationinitiatives.The councilprovidesadviceoneducation andschoolpolicyaswellasfeedbackto aidintheplanninganddevelopmentof departmentprograms.
futureuse,thememoriesofKellyvillePublic School’s150thcelebrationswilllinger. Thankyou,KellyvillePublicSchool150th committeeforgivingustheselifetime memories! UsetheQRcodetolearnmoreand apply.
historicitems,spreadacrosssixclassrooms, theschool’soriginal1898building,thelibrary andthehall.
AgaladinneratCastleHillRSLfollowedfor paststudents,staff,andcommunitymembers, alongwithmanycurrentstaff.Formerstudent TristanSmithwastheguestspeaker,andtwo parentskeptthecelebrationstickingalongas MastersofCeremonies.TheHillsShireCouncil Mayor,DrPeterGangemi,wasaspecialguest. Averysuccessfulauctionandraf fl ere fl ected theworkthecommitteehaddonetomake KellyvillePublicSchoolproud. Thecelebrationscontinuedattheschool thenextdaywithanotheropendayforthe community,featuringadisplayfromthe VeteranCitroenCarClub,alongwithhistoric vehiclesandfarmmachinery.Theclassrooms wereonceagainopenforthepublicto reminisce,enjoyconversationsandsharetheir memories. Whilethemuseumitemshavenowbeen carefullydismantledandpackedawayfor
verthe fi
rstweekendofAugust2023, KellyvillePublicSchool,innorth-west Sydney,celebrated150yearsofpublic education.
The150thAnniversaryCommittee,consisting ofnon-teachingstaffandcommunity members,includingmembersoftheKellyville PublicSchoolP&CAssociation,wasformed in2022toprepareanddeliveracelebration nottobeforgottenbytheKellyvillecommunity. Thissmallbutexceptionalcommitteeworked tirelesslytocoordinate,organiseanddeliver aweekendofnostalgicmemories,funand friendshipforpastandpresentstudents,staff andtheentireKellyvillecommunity.
OnSaturday,5August,pastandpresent students,fromtheyoungeststudentin kindergartentotheoldestpaststudent, 91-year-oldMrHickman,staffandthe communitywereinvitedtotheschoolto celebratetheanniversary.Therewerecarnival rides,foodtrucks,craftstallsandapetting zoo,alongwitha‘museumofthedecades’ featuringcollectionsofmemorabiliaand
A display of memorabilia in one of the classrooms during the
EDUCATION WEEK 2023 SHOWCASE by the NSW Department of Education
crossNSW,celebrationsbigandsmallmarkedthe175thyearofpubliceducationduringEducationWeek2023, from31Julyto4August.
AThephotosandstoriesonthispageshowcasethevarietyofwaysNSWpublicschoolcommunitiescelebratedtheevent.
Tolearnmore,seephotos,orwatchthelivestreambroadcastofthelaunchofEdWeek2023,visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/education-week orscantheQRcode.
EVERYDAY EXCELLENCE Narrandera Public School
BIG SCHOOL FOR LITTLE KIDS WHY MATHS MATTERS FOR OUR STUDENTS’ FUTURES Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
TechnologicalandAp- pliedStudies(TAS)to retrainassecondary teacherswhilework- ingaseducational paraprofessionalsin NSWpublicschools. Therearecurrently 79participants, andrecruitmentfor thefourthcohortis underway.
With mathematics, students learn to communicate in ways that are so succinct they can be applied by anyone, anywhere, irrespective of the language they speak. Photo: NSW Department of Education
Asoneoftheoldestpublicschoolsin theRiverinaregion,NarranderaPublic SchoolonWiradjuriCountryiscelebrating 150yearsin2023.Thephotoabovewas takenattheschoolin1883or1884.
PrincipalBrentFennessysaidtheschool’s EducationWeekcelebrationsfocusedon whattheschooldoessowelleveryday,while recognisingthepast.
Theschoolheldtwobigdaysofcelebrations forits150thanniversarywithagoodold- fashionedcommunitybarbecueandassembly on21and22September.
THEATRICAL FLOURISH Pymble Public School
PymblePlayersCommunityTheatreGroup providedPymblePublicSchool,Sydney, withperiodcostumesforan1880sdayfor EducationWeek. Theschool,onGuringaiCountry,openedin 1952.
ChildrenattendingAshcroftPublic SchoolPreschoolonDarugCountryin westernSydneyareweeklyvisitorstothe schoolwheretheywillbespendingthenext sevenyears.
DuringEducationWeekthepreschoolers createdanartworkthatwasdisplayedatthe school.
TIME TRAVEL nthebirthplaceofpubliceducation, MacleayValleypublicschoolshosteda one-night-onlymusicfestivalonDunghutti landtocelebrateEducationWeek.
ITenpublicschoolsfromtheMidNorthCoast area,includingbothhighschools,sang, strummed,anddrummedinfrontofalarge audienceatMelvilleHighSchoolCommunity Hall.
trainedteachersofmathematics,reducing mathematicsanxiety,andincreasingthe numberofmathematics-quali fi edstudents enteringtheworkforce.
StudentsatUndercliffePublicSchool, Sydney,onthelandoftheEoraNation, highlightededucationthroughhistoryduring EducationWeekbysteppingbackintime dressedinvintagetunics,pinafores,high socks,dappersuits,andhats.
CREATIVE SHOWCASE Irrawang High School
rrawangHighSchoolcelebratedEducation Weekwithaperformingartshowcasewith theLakesideLearningCommunityofPort Stephens.
TheannualShowcaseonWorimiCountry, whichalsoinvolvedstudentsfromWirreanda, Medowie,GrahamstownandIrrawang publicschools,ranovertwonightsbeforean audienceof1,000guests.
Thishasbeenachievedbystrengthening mathematicsteachingbyprovidingevidence- basedprofessionallearningtosupportquality teachingofmathematicsfromKindergarten toYear12,enrichingexpertiseinprimary mathematicsteachingandproviding mentorshipforsecondaryteachers.
NSWpublicschoolstudentshaveaccessto high-qualitymathematicalexperiencesand developanunderstandingoftheusefulnessof mathematics.
Andimportantly,wearebuildingpositive perceptionsofmathematicsinthebroader community,includingsupportingparentsand carersinfeelingmorecon fi dentintalkingwith theirchildrenaboutmathematics.
To learn more
VisittheNSWDepartmentofEducation’s Mathematicswebsiteviathelinksbelow.The EverydayMathsHubhasavarietyofresources inEnglishandotherlanguagesforprimaryand secondaryschoolstudentsandtheirparents andcarers,suchasgamesandactivities, theHSChub,careersadvice,theNSW MathematicsStrategy, aquarterlynewsletter, andmore.Visit https:// education.nsw.gov.au/ teaching-and-learning/ curriculum/mathematics orusetheQRcode.
thasbeenestimatedthattwo-thirdsof today’sprimarystudentswillonedaywork inacareerthatdoesnotcurrentlyexist.
I
• Curriculum-aligned courses: In2023 morethan10,400ed- ucatorshaveenrolled inshorttoyear-long coursesdevelopedby theNSWMathematics Strategy,anatten- dancerepresenting57%ofallNSWpri- maryschools.Thesecurriculum-aligned coursessupportteachersandleaders ofmathematicsinimplementingthe newsyllabuswithcon fi dence.Preliminary fi ndingsindicatethatthecourses havealreadyhadsigni
Thebestwaythatschoolscanaddressthis uncertaintyandrateofchangeisthroughthe studyofmathematics,accordingtotheNSW DepartmentofEducation’sDirector,Curriculum SecondaryLearners,CathyZemaitis. Mathematicsgivesstudentstheopportunity todeveloplifelongfundamentalskills theywilluseineverydaylifeandinalmost everycareer–problem-solving,analysing, reasoning,justifying,collaborating,questioning, interpreting,proving,wondering,andnoticing.
“Withmathematics,studentslearnto communicateinwords,symbols,models, diagramsandinwaysthataresosuccinct theycanbeappliedbyanyone,anywhere, irrespectiveofthelanguagetheyspeak,”Ms Zemaitissaid.
fi cantbene
fi ts forteachers’con
“Weknowwewantmorestudentsengagedin maths,andthatwehaveashortageofmaths teachers.Thosearethechallenges.”
fi denceandability inteachingmathematicsandhave improvedstudentattitudestowards mathematics.
• Specialist maths teachers: This year25graduateprimaryteacherswith amathematicsspecialisationwereap- pointed,totalling102sincetheinitiative began.Sixteensecondarymathsteach- ershavebeenappointedaftercomplet- ingtheSecondaryteach.MathsNOW scholarshipprogram,makingatotalof 40appointmentstodate.Another21 scholarsareengagedasparaprofes- sionalsinschoolswhilecompletingtheir initialteachereducationquali fi cation, withafurther155scholarshipsbeing completed,ofwhich67startedin2023.
The2018mathematicalliteracyresultsfrom theProgrammeforInternationalStudent Assessment(PISA)showthatNSWsecondary studentsareonparwiththeOECDaverage,a trendevidentsincePISA2013.
TheTrendsinInternationalMathematicsand ScienceStudy(TIMSS)2019showsthatNSW studentperformancehasimprovedsigni fi cantly inYear8MathematicsandSciencesince 2015.
TheNSWDepartmentofEducationis committedtoimprovingmathematicsand numeracyoutcomesofstudentsfrom preschoolthroughtoYear12andbeyond.The initiativesinclude:
•The Numeracy course forstudents buildsmathematicsandnumeracyskills usingreal-lifescenarios.Thisyear2,655 Year11studentsstartedthecourse and1,604Year12studentscontinued withit.
Since2019,theNSWMathematicsStrategy hasbeenmakingrealprogressinaddressing thechallengesofreversingthedeclining enrolmentsinhigherlevelsofStage6 (HSC)mathematics,improvingstudent outcomes,increasingthenumberofsuitably
• The Mathematics Retraining Program ,whichsupportsexperienced primaryandsecondarytrainedteachers lookingtoprogresstheircareersas mathsteachersorHeadTeachers– Mathematics.Theprogramhadits fi rst cohortof39teachersin2023andap- plicationshavejustclosedforasecond cohorttostartin2024.
•The Mid-Career Transition to Teaching Program ,whichstartedin2022 andsupportsindustryprofessionalsand academicsinScience,Mathematicsand
MACLEAY VALLEY ROCKS AND ROLLS
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Ashcroft
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PROUDLY AN AUSTRALIANOWNED COMPANY CLOTHING AUSSIE FAMILIES SINCE 1922
