News

Get #FirstDay2021 ready for the new school year

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 13:58:18 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

Our public school students are top class

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 15:19:33 AEDT

Public school students have again dominated the HSC honours securing 71 of the 126 First in Course awards announced today.

Among the high achievers, Sariena Ye from James Ruse Agricultural High School became only the fourth person since 1991 to secure first place in both Chemistry and Physics – and the first female in 27 years to top both subjects.

NSW Education Secretary Mark Scott congratulated the winners and also paid tribute to every student that had completed their HSC in 2020.

“Those students who received a First in Course – and their families - should be rightly proud of their achievements,” Mr Scott said.

“Considering the particular challenges of 2020, we are extremely proud of every student that has shown the determination and resilience to achieve their best and finish their HSC.

“They now leave school with the skills to embark upon a successful life, no matter what they choose next.”

Public school students secured First in Course across a range of subject areas including, among others, three of the five mathematics and English courses, chemistry and physics, science extension, Aboriginal studies, economics, ancient history, languages and visual arts.

Mr Scott said the diversity of subjects topped by public school students showed NSW Education was committed to quality education across all fields of endeavour.

“Our success in the HSC is also a tribute to the quality of teaching and dedication of staff in supporting our students during their final year of schooling.”

The First in Course winners this year came from a wider selection of schools with James Ruse Agricultural High School the most successful school overall, securing six First in Course positions.

Schools Spectacular remixed for television

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:48:51 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.

Supporting effective learning at school and home with the ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 13:33:05 AEDT

The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines the eight most effective teaching practices and how these can be supported at home.

Parents and carers can support effective student learning at home through the ‘What Works Best’ resource, now updated for 2020.

The What Works Best resource has been very successful helping teachers bring the best teaching practices into their classrooms. The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines eight evidence-based teaching practices that teachers can use in their classrooms to improve student learning.

You can find out more about these practices, how it’s used in schools, our handy guide for parents and carers and conversation tips to help continue student learning at home when you visit the ‘What Works Best’ parents and carers hub.

School Updates App - be prepared for any emergency

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:41:17 AEDT

Receive notifications of school closures. Opt in to receive timely, accurate notifications about the operational status of your chosen NSW public school(s).

The NSW School Updates App was created to help our parents and carers check on the status of their school during last summer’s bushfire season. And it’s been invaluable during COVID when schools were required to close for deep cleaning.

The app is free and available now for iOS and Android users.

Visit NSW School Updates App to download and for more information

Privacy information

The app doesn't store any personal or identifiable information.

Join in the virtual NAIDOC Week celebrations

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:20:11 AEDT

Education celebrates NAIDOC Week 2020 (8 – 15 November 2020) with the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.

It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the First Nation peoples – recognising them as the traditional owners of the land.

Schools were invited to film and submit videos to celebrate history, culture and achievements of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait students.

Secretary, Mark Scott will give an opening address on Monday, 9 November and then Aboriginal students run a Question and Answers session with Mark Scott, Cindy Berwick, President of the NSW AECG; Martin Graham, Deputy Secretary; Michelle Hall, Executive Director, Connecetd Communities and Karen Jones, Executive Director, Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships.

Tuesday will showcase how NSW public schools are embedding Aboriginal cultural practices. Special thanks to; Windale Public School Preschool, Terrigal Public School, Wilcannia Central School and Murrumbidgee Regional High School for participating.

Wednesday will highlight the outstanding achievements of Benson Igua Saulo, In-coming Consul-General to the US based in Houston (2021), as his is interviewed by current students from his former schools, Tamworth High School and Peel High School.

Thursday will see Uncle Michael Jarrett deliver a Gumbaynggirr language lesson.

Friday will close out our virtual celebration with a beautiful virtual choir led by Uncle Archie Roach. Students will join him singing ‘Took the children away’ and ‘Children came back’.

Join the virtual celebration via video streams hosted by Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships , each weekday morning, at 9:30am, during NAIDOC Week 2020.

2021 term dates now available

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 15:44:03 AEDT

Most students start Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division) in Term 1 2021.

To support a strong start to 2021, school staff will now have two school development days at the beginning of Term 1.

For 2021, students will return to school on Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division), unless otherwise notified by the school. School term dates for 2021 are now available.

Western division schools, also known as ‘late start’ schools, are located in the far western region of NSW. Check if your school is a Late start school.

#MathsTrainsBrains for the future

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:51:20 AEDT

Parents and carers can now explore the importance of mathematical skills with the new Everyday Maths experience, featuring activities, resources and explainers targeted to year groups.

The digital launch is part of the NSW Mathematics Strategy 2025, which aims to strengthen mathematics teaching in NSW public schools, promote understanding of the usefulness of mathematics and build positive perceptions of mathematics.

Tune into Education LIVE to find out how high profile Australians like media guru Kellie Hush, former Olympian Steve Solomon and former Masterchef Alice Zaslavsky use maths in their everyday lives.

Video – #MathsTrainsBrains

Duration – 1:00

New resources to help HSC students stay healthy

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:42:16 AEST

With only a month until the first written HSC exams, Year 12 students have an extra place to look for support.

Year 12 and the HSC can be a stressful time, and this year’s students have already overcome bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department has brought together new and updated tools to help HSC students stay healthy, active and connected as they finish their final weeks of school.

Stay healthy HSC includes:

advice about looking after your own mental health and checking in on friends from ReachOut.com
exam tips from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
on-demand video lessons, written by teachers, to help with study.

Visit Stay healthy HSC to explore the resources.

Updates to COVID-19 restrictions affecting NSW schools

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:09:55 AEST

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

NSW Health has a website to inform you of the actions you should take if you have been in a location where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 within NSW. Monitor the site and follow the relevant health advice if you have been at any of the locations at the specified dates and times.

Students and staff who have travelled through or visited Victoria

All students and staff who have visited Victoria must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Except for students and staff who reside in a border town, all students and staff who have visited Victoria in the 14 days before the commencement of school should not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

Students and staff who are unable to return to school due to these self-isolation requirements will be supported to learn and work remotely during the self-isolation period via the online learning hubs until they return to on-campus learning and teaching.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Information for students and staff on new NSW-Victoria border restrictions

The NSW Government has announced further tightening to the restrictions for people travelling across the NSW-Victorian border.

From midnight Tuesday 21 July a border zone, defined along the Murray River, will be established.

Anyone travelling from Victoria to NSW must apply for a new permit through Service NSW.

Victorian residents who have been in one of the restricted areas in Victoria in the last 14 days must not enter NSW.

Attending schools along the border

Current permits will expire at midnight, Tuesday 21 July. We strongly encourage all parents and staff to check they have a permit and if not, apply for one through Service NSW.

Students and staff who reside in Victoria will need to be eligible for a border permit to attend school in person.

Under the new public health order, the border zone has been reduced significantly.

Not all students and staff may be eligible for a border permit under the public health order. If you are not eligible for a border permit you will not be able to cross the border. Students and staff will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

Further information on the new border zone is available from Service NSW.

Border permits can be rescinded at any time if a cluster outbreak in your community occurs. We encourage parents to monitor local circumstances regularly as things may change in the coming days or weeks.

Transport to and from school will run as scheduled. For travel advice to and from school refer to Transport for NSW.

New restrictions affecting boarding schools

Any student returning from Victoria to reside at a boarding school in NSW must now self-isolate for 14 days in a NSW location separate to the boarding school. They must also obtain a negative test swab from day 10 of their isolation before entering school and have written confirmation of the test result and the period spent isolating.

Those who are unable to return to boarding while they are completing the self-isolation period will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

More information

Returning to school in Term 3

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:02:13 AEST

Our school will be open to welcome students back to onsite learning from the beginning of Term 3 – Tuesday 21 July 2020.

As you would be aware the border between NSW and Victoria closed as of 12:01am 8 July 2020.

All staff and students returning from Victoria after this time must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

All students who have been in Victoria in the last 14 days before the commencement of school must not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Students who are unable to return to school due to the border closures or self-isolation will be supported to learn remotely.

We would like to remind our community the most important action you can take is to practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing. Our school will be vigilant in implementing these requirements to minimise the risk at school.

Curriculum reform focuses on deep learning

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 08:40:20 AEST

Changes to the NSW school curriculum will be the biggest education shake-up in 30 years.

The reforms, announced by the NSW Government on Tuesday, will start rolling out in 2021. All Kindergarten to Year 12 students will learn the new curriculum by 2024.

The changes are in response to the NSW Curriculum Review by Professor Geoff Masters and will ensure every student is prepared and ready for their future.

The reforms are based on:

decluttering the curriculum by reducing unnecessary subjects
a ‘back to basics approach’ that will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, maths and science
Year 11 and Year 12 prequalification for university and TAFE courses.

Education Week to celebrate learning together

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:44:07 AEST

Education Week 2020 will be held from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August.

Education Week is our annual week of celebration to highlight the achievements of our students and staff and the role of public schools as the cornerstone of their communities.

This year’s theme is ‘Learning together’ and it reflects the incredible months of 2020 where NSW public school students have continued to learn and achieve, despite natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our schools have experienced significant disruption but our staff – in partnership with parents and carers – have worked tirelessly to ensure that high quality teaching and learning has continued for all students.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said the best learning takes place when there is a partnership of students, teachers, parents, carers and the community.

“Our schools and families benefit from strong, respectful relationships where responsibility for student learning is shared,” Mr Scott said.

“As our lives slowly return to normal, it’s time for us to reflect on the achievements and resilience of our entire school community. We look forward to celebrating Education Week with all of you in August.”

Statewide events for Education Week include:

a live stream launch on Monday, 3 August
activities for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on Tuesday, 4 August
a live streamed student film festival on Wednesday, 5 August.

Schools are invited to share photos, videos and stories of local celebrations on social media using the hashtag #EdWeek20 or send an email to educationweek@det.nsw.edu.au.

NSW students return to the classroom full-time

Tue, 19 May 2020 10:19:58 AEST

Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.

The success of the phased return to face to face teaching has demonstrated the education system and community are ready for school to come back full-time.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell thanked school communities and parents for their patience during this difficult time.

Ms Berejiklian said a return to full-time face to face teaching and learning is crucial for the education progress of every child in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

“Since starting a managed return to the classroom, we have seen a strong degree of confidence from our school communities in managing COVID-19 and a clear desire for all students to be back at school,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We expect schools to stick with the health advice – increased cleaning, access to hygiene supplies and compliance with hygiene practices – and look forward to seeing all students back on campus five days a week.

“The health advice is very clear; a return to full-time face to face teaching is safe.”

Over the last two weeks schools have been working hard to support students practise good hygiene and implement new routines at school, which has been successful giving the community confidence that full-time face to face teaching can resume.

Ms Mitchell said she was eager to see students back in the classroom full-time.

“Our principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.

“My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation.

“Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.

“Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.”

Read the department's latest advice for families.

Keeping our school COVIDSafe

Tue, 12 May 2020 16:21:29 AEST

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community by downloading the app.

Social distancing and washing your hands remain the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The COVIDSafe app, developed by the Australian Government, helps to reduce the spread by allowing health experts to find close contacts faster and more accurately.

The app does not track your location. It uses your phone's Bluetooth to record other users you come into contact with, so if they test positive, NSW Health can let you know.

Find out more:

Students begin return to classrooms

Fri, 08 May 2020 18:44:54 AEST

From Monday 11 May (Week 3) students will begin a phased return to school.

The phased return will maintain distancing in the classroom while supporting students' education and wellbeing.

Most students will continue learning from home and will only attend school 1 day each week.

Our school will continue to provide detailed information about the return to the classroom throughout the rest of Term 2.

Measures to keep schools clean and safe for all students and staff include:

25% more cleaning time focused on high-touch areas
priority deliveries of hygiene supplies including soap and hand sanitiser
local school changes to pick up, drop off, lunch and recess times and processes.

Religion and ethics lessons continue at home

Tue, 05 May 2020 10:16:13 AEST

Students learning from home can continue to access Special religious education (SRE) and Special education in ethics (SEE) classes.

Face-to-face SRE, SEE and Voluntary student activities of a religious nature in schools (VSA) will not be available until schools resume normal operations.

In response to requests from school communities, SRE and SEE approved providers are delivering their authorised curriculum with modifications to allow students to learn from home from the start of Term 2.

The lesson content and the mode of delivery has been reviewed and modified for easy access by students. The approved providers recognise that learning at home will not replicate face-to-face learning at school.

The learning from home SRE and SEE programs are now available:

Tune in at 8.45am to NSW Education LIVE

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:20:24 AEST

To welcome our students back for Term 2, join us at 8.45am from Wednesday 29 April to Friday 8 May for a special live stream.

Musician Guy Sebastian, TV foodies Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel, Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis, Sydney Swans player Ollie Florent, and our very own Eddie Woo, have donated their time to kick start learning from home each morning from 29 April - 8 May.

Tune in each day at 8:45am. We can't wait to see you!

Video – NSW Education LIVE sneak peek

Duration – 0:30

Check out this special sneak peek of NSW Education LIVE – 8:45am weekdays from 29 April.

NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:17:35 AEST

NSW school students will gradually transition back to the classroom during Term 2 as the Government continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.

Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.

“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.

“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.

“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.

“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.

“I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school.

“I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much needed relief to those families.”

During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.

Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.

As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.

Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.

“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”

In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.

A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.

“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.

Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Keep your family entertained these school holidays

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 19:30:16 AEST

We know it’s been a challenging Term 1. Just as many communities began recovering from fires, droughts and floods, we moved to learning from home to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The school holidays are coming, which means your family is about to have a lot of free time and nowhere to go.

To support you while looking after children we’ve put together a handy guide of activities to stimulate young minds and keep your family busy and engaged.

Check out our parents and carers toolkit for important self-care tips, free parenting podcasts and apps.

If you need a break, the Service NSW before and after school care finder can help locate vacation care programs near you.

No child will be turned away from school

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:47:09 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education's advice regarding schools is very clear. No child in NSW will be turned away from school.

Schools will remain open for parents who want their children to attend irrespective of their profession or working arrangements.

The decision to keep schools open has been made based on advice from NSW Health, which has not changed.

The department will provide continuity of learning for all students both on and off campus and the Premier, for practical reasons, has encouraged parents to keep their children at home if they could.

Schools will communicate directly with parents on what learning options are available using their communication methods such as the school website, newsletters, emails and other online tools.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

New COVID-19 restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 19:24:17 AEDT

The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state - triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19.

Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens.

"I understand many in the community are worried, and these changes will affect everyday lives, and may be upsetting," Ms Berejiklian said.

"But these decisions will make us all safer, they are taken with the health of all citizens in mind, and they must be taken now.

"If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so."

In line with health advice, from midday today, the following non-essential activities and businesses will be temporarily shut down:

pubs, registered clubs
gyms, indoor sporting venues
cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

It is important to note essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, constructions sites and for public transport are exempt and will continue.

As confirmed last night by the Prime Minister schools will remain open, based on health advice, which has not changed.

But from tomorrow, in NSW, for practical reasons, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home.

"Because nearly 30 per cent of children are already being kept out of school, for practical reasons NSW is encouraging parents to keep their children at home," Ms Berejiklian said.

"This will ensure there is only one unit of work, whether the student is at home or at school.

"No child will be turned away from school."

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Schools to implement distancing measures

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 19:51:33 AEDT

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.

STEM Roadshow Term 1 2020

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 13:56:58 AEDT

During Term 1, teachers from James Cook Boys Technology High School will led interactive lessons with students from local primary schools to engage both young boys and girls in the exciting world of STEM.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:17:16 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:22:10 AEDT

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

Join us for your HSC journey

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:06:21 AEDT

The HSC can be one of the most exciting moments of high school. Here’s how to be prepared.

We’re committed to supporting every student to do their best – especially during the HSC – and making sure every student is known, valued and cared for.

For HSC students, we’ve got advice on how to make the most of your study, set healthy habits and finish out high school in style.

Check out our HSC resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Year 12

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:47:49 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 16:31:04 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:18:44 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 12:11:34 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 11:26:11 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 11:24:47 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 12:52:18 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:06 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:41:40 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 15:55:55 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 15:11:21 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 14:17:26 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.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:33:37 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 15:20:56 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.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:59:39 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.

OPEN EVENING Yr 7 2019 Tuesday 20th February & Tuesday 6th March 6pm

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:35 AEDT

Parents and students are invited to attend our Open Evening to find out more about the great things we do at JCBTHS. Come and meet are passionate teachers and find out why we are the experts in boys education.

Year 7 Meet the Teacher Evening

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:45 AEDT

Year 7 Meet the Teacher Evening

We would like to invite you to our ‘Meet the Teachers' evening being held on Tuesday 13th February commencing at 5pm. This evening will allow you to meet with your son's teachers, receive feedback on their academic progress and update you on important information relating to your son's schooling.

There will be a free BBQ and Barista coffee from 5pm in the quadrangle, which will allow time for you to meet with fellow parents and teachers in an informal setting, with the official proceedings commencing at 5:30pm in the library.

Note For Parents (pdf 384 KB)

2017 STEM Roadshow

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:30 AEDT

Our STEM Roadshow runs each year in Term 1 where we visit our Bayside Community of schools.

This term we developed a new project for learning about connectivity of common materials students often access and created a game similar to the Board Game Operation.

As part of our annual Roadshow, I along with Mr Woo and Mr Jordan visited Carlton South PS, Arncliffe PS, Ramsgate PS & Rockdale PS and worked with Stage 3 students, developing their understanding of how the human-computer interactions can launch coded commands.

STEM Club

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:38 AEDT

STEM Club - Monday Afternoons from 3pm - 4pm

STEM Club commenced on Monday afternoons with a large number of Year 7 students participating. Students were led through the basics of coding through the use of Makey Makey devices that culminated in a larger sound production where we learnt about connectivity and used the school PA system to play a large scale piano. Of note this year we are finding our new students have developed a basic understanding of coding whilst at primary school, meaning we move into fun activities quickly. Students have chosen options to undertake in the upcoming terms where they will rotate each term to a new activity. Skateboard making, Arduino Programming and 3D modelling and printing will be undertaken by students with staff from our school.

2017 Athletics Carnival

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:29 AEDT

Our annual Athletics Carnival was held at Hensley Athletics Track. The Carnival was moved from Term 2 in an attempt to avoid the wet weather which caused us to cancel last year's Carnival.
All students from years 7 to 12 participated in a range of traditional track and field events to earn points for their house. The house with the most points at the end of all the events wins the Champion House title. On the day emphasis is placed on participation as a much as it is on athletic ability, with students receiving points for their house for every event they enter. It should be noted that student attendance at this carnival was 82%, demonstrating great school spirit considering the weather conditions of late.
On the day the Champion House was Tupia with a total of 486 points. In second place was Solander, with 443 points, and Banks and Hicks finished third and fourth respectively.

Whilst students participated for enjoyment, there was still great sportsmanship and competitiveness demonstrated throughout the Carnival. Special mention must go to the age champions, who took part in a range of events, earning the highest number of points for their House in their particular age group.

Special mention must go the PDHPE Faculty for organising the Carnival, and a big congratulations to all students and staff for their efforts on the day. Finally, we would like to wish all students who qualified for the St George Zone Athletics Carnival good luck when they represent the school at this competition. The Zone Carnival will be held at the end of Term 2, which gives our competitors plenty of time to prepare.

2017 Swimming Carnival

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:31 AEDT

James Cooks Boys Technology High School's Annual Swimming Carnival was held on Friday 3rd March at the Sans Souci Leisure Centre. The carnival was an outstanding day for our school community. Despite the poor weather, students were still very eager, with excellent attendance and participation.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all staff for their support on the day; their work as officials was excellent, with teachers working through the day in very difficult conditions.

A special thank you to all house patrons for helping organise their house groups in the lead up to the swimming carnival and supporting house captains on the day. James Cook Boys Technology High School would like to acknowledge the exceptional assistance from the staff at the Sans Souci Leisure Centre. The helpful manner and respect in which they treated our students was appreciated.

Junior Champion
Hussein Hijazi

Senior Champion
Mohamad Hijazi

Swimming Carnival - House points
1st – Hicks 226
2nd – Solander 174
3rd – Banks 118
4th – Tupia 118

Robotics Transition Program with Primary Schools

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:35 AEDT

Our Robotics Transition program highlights the fun ways in which Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is being used within our school context to drive learning outcomes. Schools including Arncliffe Public, Brighton-le-Sands Public, San Souci Public, Kingsgrove Public, Rockdale Public, Ramsgate Public School, Carlton Public and Carlton South Public schools sent their students from Years 4 to 6 to participate in the robotics program with positive reviews all round.

Students began their day negotiating the minefield of challenges that is the building of our coveted Harvey Mach II Lego robot.

Having successfully climbed this mountain, students engaged in a crash course in programming that gave students the skills to make their robots move, turn, veer, spin, reverse, recognise obstacles, avoid obstacles, measure distances and identify different colours. These skills were used by students to fly through 7 activities which culminated in the dreaded circle of death.

Of course none of this would have been possible without the many students from JCBTHS who have worked so hard to develop their own capacity as learners.

Throughout 2016 JCBTHS established a cohort of 24 students who regularly participant in designing, building and programming of robots during our weekly Coding Club. These students are required to use logical and critical thinking skills to attack problems; discovering solutions through trial and error.

ABCN Visit to Optus

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:31 AEDT

We established our partnership with Australian Business & Community Network (ABCN) to enable us to target corporations that ABCN are connected to, to broaden student understanding of the world of work. The opportunity to visit and interact with different businesses support students in making connections between education and career planning.

Year 10 students who had indicated an interest in business, media, communications and the creative industries were able to attend a Career Choice Day at the Optus Precinct, Macquarie Park. We were taken around the Optus campus witnessing and asking questions in the IT Global security department, multimedia and marketing, and call centre. Students were able to listen into costumer calls, learning how to communicate and manage different call situations.

The students and I were impressed by the ‘university campus' style work environment that creates a cohesive atmosphere amongst departments and colleagues, working towards common company goals.

Captain & Prefect Induction Ceremony

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:32 AEDT

On Tuesday 29th November 2016 we held The School Captains and Prefects Induction and Badge ceremony for 2017. This event was an opportunity to celebrate student leadership in our school and to acknowledge the contribution made by our student leaders, both in school and the wider school community.
Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students attended the event and assisted in inducting the students into their Senior Leadership roles. Our leaders have traditionally stepped up to be involved in all school events with a high level of commitment and strong leadership. As part of the leadership team they will be instrumental in contributing to decisions about the school, honorably representing their school and developing skills in school that will also hold them in good stead for their future endeavours.

They have already successfully demonstrated their leadership in the school through their contribution at the School's 60th Anniversary, the Presentation Day and Awards Ceremony and at the Sports Award Assembly. We look forward to their continued involvement and leadership throughout 2017.

Year 6 Transition Day

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:44 AEDT

On the 6th of December, James Cook Boys Technology High School held its annual Year 7 Orientation Day. The boys arrived with excitement and wonder into what the life of a James Cook student would entail in 2017. The incoming Year 7 cohort were welcomed by Principal Mr Marciniak and Deputy Principal Mr Mallios. Both gave an insight into the expectations of the behaviour and application required as a high school student, and the exciting new curricula and extracurricular programs that will be offered as the boys' commence the journey in high school.

After the orientation assembly the boys took part in 2 workshops which gave a taste into the newly developed curriculum on technology in STEM, Science and Robotics. Head Teacher of Science Dr Bowles took the students through the importance of science and the wonders it can accomplish through asking questions and using experiments to achieve your answer. They were able to create a ‘slime' with simple household items and experience fun experiments that intrigue the mind.
The second workshop was run by Mr Jordan and saw the boys participate in our ever growing Robotics Program. The student groups were challenged mentally and physically to construct a LEGO Rover and then implement a command program to achieve the desired path. Led by James Cook student helpers, the boys discovered the precise nature of technology and started to develop the perseverance and resilience needed in high school.
The day concluded with a sausage sizzle and a cheerful greeting from the parents of our incoming year 7.

Cook's Watch Issue 3 out now

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:32 AEDT

Cook's Watch Issue 3 for Term 3 out now

We have published our newsletter for Term 3.

2016 Cook's Watch Issue 3 (pdf 4648 KB)

BYOD Program - 10% Discount with HP Australia until 7 December

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:31 AEDT

BYOD Program with HP Australia. 10% Discount for all JCBTHS students until 7th December

Our recommended BYOD devices are available to all parents at a discount of 10% until the 7th December.

Discount Code: jcbths10%

Link to Flyer - Click here

Purchasing portal link:

www.hpshopping.com.au/jamescookbyod

Year 12 Graduation 2016 - Information for parents

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:43 AEDT

The Year 12 Graduation and Presentation Evening will be held at Ramsgate RSL Memorial Club located on the Corner of Ramsgate Road and Chuter Avenue in Sans Souci on Tuesday 20^th September, between 7pm and 10 pm.

Each student is required to bring a parent to the occasion to celebrate and acknowledge the completion of the Year 12 students' secondary education.

As we need to finalise the numbers with Ramsgate RSL Memorial Club, we will require that all payments are received by Friday 2^nd of September.

For further details, please contact Ms Axiotis at the school on 02 9587 1770.

Note sent home to parents (pdf 620 KB)

2016 Term 2 Cook's Watch Newsletter out now

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:29 AEDT

Find attached Term 2's Cook's Watch Newsletter

Click here to open the newsletter

Year 12 Trial Examination Schedule 2016

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:44 AEDT

Find attached below the 2016 Examination schedule for Trial exams

Examinations will commence on Monday 15^th August and conclude on Friday 26^th August. If a student is ill, a call must be made to the school notifying us of the absence from an examination by 9am and a Medical Certificate for the time period submitted on attendance to the next examination. We will set up another opportunity to complete the missed examination within the Trial examination period.

Please note that Year 12 students are not expected to be at school when they do not have an examination. Students must arrive at the examination venue at least 20 minutes before the scheduled starting time of each examination in full school uniform.

Please contact Mr Mallios at the school directly on 9587 1770 if you have any questions.

HSC Trial Exam Schedule (pdf 631 KB)

Visual Arts Excursion to the 20th Biennale of Sydney

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:42 AEDT

Year 10 Visual Arts students' excursion to the 20^th Biennale of Sydney on Cockatoo Island

On Tuesday the 3rd of May the Year 10 Visual Arts student visited Cockatoo Island to view the art works of the 20th Sydney Biennale, a bi- annual art exhibition that showcases some of the best international contemporary visual artists.

Cockatoo Island's history as a convict prison, a reform school for girls and boys and its subsequent function as a shipyard for the Australian Navy offered a unique and unusual setting for this international art show.

The following report was written by Eric Bahk, Year 10

We made our way to Kogarah station early that morning; you could say we were just a bit excited to be going to Cockatoo Island. I was excited to travel on a ferry to the island; something rare for me. The Island was smaller than I expected but what it lacked in size it made up for in creativity.

Three artists from the Sydney Biennale were on show for our trip – Lee Bul, William Forsythe and Chiharu Shiota. The first work was by Chiharu Shiota; her artwork features strings and beds. Black strings criss-crossed the small room like spider webs holding seemingly heavy beds at obtuse angles. The artwork titled itself ‘Conscious Sleep' to symbolize the interconnection of the mind, body, emotions and memories. As the island used to be a convict prison, Conscious Sleep; in tandem with the prison and cells; produced a state of reflection upon the devastating physical and emotional experience of men long dead, connecting us to the past for just a moment.

We proceeded to the ruins of the "exercise-yard" and found huge speakers placed all over repeating one to two beats continuously. Some of the beats were irritating, but when they combined it made quite a nice beat, a bit like a heartbeat. The "exercise- yard" had thick sand-stone walls with "arrow slits" facing the ocean to shoot at any escaping convicts. Looking through one of the arrow slits I happened upon a beautiful view of city. Even Sydney's jellyfish floating along on the surface of the water added to the experience of our day.

We then found a huge high ceilinged old factory hall that demanded the attention of the whole class. Pendulums were suspended from the ceiling and swinging in a magnetic rhythm. These pendulums did not stop moving and at first I didn't understand what was going on before a helpful assistant explained that it was the artist William Forsythe who enjoys experimenting with installations, magnetic fields and the reaction of the audience. We all had a fantastic time running through the strings as if we were dancing, challenging each other to miss the oncoming pendulums at play.

Venturing on we found a huge hall even bigger than the pendulum room containing enormous unknown machinery. Helpful Ms Dauter explained how the machines; almost too big for our eyes to take in all at once; were once used to build battle ships.

The last artwork we looked at was by Lee Bul an artist from South Korea. This was an installation of a sizeable silver Zeppelin floating in a factory hall accompanied by a large transparent balloon. I wish I knew what any of this meant but I guess there's always more to learn and think about.

The day ended well as we took the ferry across the harbour, the wind blowing flowing gently over us as the sea sprayed.

After arriving home my legs stopped working; but it was nice to go out. A day well spent in the company of good friends, good teacher and exciting ideas.

New WWCC facts for parents hiring private tutors

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:34 AEDT

Keep Kids Safe: #parentscheckthecheck!

Parents or carers who engage the services of a private tutor or coach have an important role to play in helping to keep their children safe. From 1st April 2016 adults who provide private tuition or coaching services to children will need to obtain a new Working With Children Check.

The Certificate for Self Employed People will no longer be valid after their expiry date and the certificate holders will need to apply for a new Working With Children Check. Parents or carers should ask their child's tutor or coach for their name, date of birth and their Working With Children Check number.

They must then go online and verify the tutor or coach is not barred from working with children in NSW. Verifying that a tutor or coach can work with children is quick and easy–just follow the simple steps at www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/parentscheckthecheck

If you suspect that an adult is providing services to children without a Working With Children Check you can go online to make a confidential report or phone (02) 92867219.

Help to keep kids safe by sharing #parentscheckthecheck with your family and friends through your own social media networks.

2016 Term 1 Cooks' Watch Newsletter out now!

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:29 AEDT

2016 Term 1 Cooks' Watch Newsletter out now for our school community

Click in the image below to open the newsletter

STEM Interdisciplinary Program - Year 8

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:38 AEDT

STEM Interdisciplinary Program - Update

The integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program "Catapulting into Success" has been launched in Year 8 (Stage 4). They have welcomed a project based approach to learning. Students learnt about establishing hypotheses with experiments, studied balanced motion through a marble launcher, studied the path of projectile motion including its motion, range and angles which are higher order concepts studied in the mathematics stage 6 course.
Our students participated in many group work and collaborative activities which enhanced their creative, critical and problem solving skills that would be required in real world situations by applying these skills in their jobs.
Students have built a small catapult out of household items by encapsulating concepts learnt in class. They were taught to think like engineers to apply a "build, test, redesign" approach to understanding design principles. All of Year 8 participated in the great Marsh Mellow Challenge where we saw students project marsh mellows in excess of 12 metres. The winning group was Jay, Precious and Andrew. A big congratulation for their win.
Also, students participated in the construction of a large catapult and conducted their own risk assessment on the hazards of construction and using a catapult. Year 8 showcased the catapult project and challenge day activities to Department of Education (DoE) , where an educational film was created documenting the progress of their learning experiences. The boys had found STEM learning rewarding, fulfilling, challenging and most of all fun.

2016 Swimming Carnival - Sans Souci

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:28 AEDT

James Cooks Boys Technology High School's Annual Swimming Carnival was held on Friday 19^th February at the Sans Souci Leisure Centre. The carnival was an outstanding day for our school community. We were blessed with beautiful weather and students were all very eager, with excellent attendance and participation. The highlight of the day was Mohamad Hijazi's record breaking swims, breaking long held records in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all staff for their support on the day; their work as officials was excellent, with a number of staff working through the day on different events and supervisions.

A special thank you to all house patrons for helping organise their house groups in the lead up to the swimming carnival and supporting house leaders on the day. James Cook Boys Technology High School would like to acknowledge the exceptional assistance from the staff at the Sans Souci Leisure Centre. The helpful manner and respect in which they treated our students was appreciated.

Junior Champions

Lachlan Brown

Hussein Hijazi

Senior Champions

Mohamad Hijazi

Ali Hijazi

Swimming Carnival - House points

1^st – Hicks 338

2^nd – Banks 272

3^rd – Solander 192

4^th – Tupia 131

SRC Induction Ceremony 2016

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:37 AEDT

SRC Induction Ceremony 2016

On Tuesday 5^th April, we conducted Our Student Representative Council Induction and Badge Ceremony for 2016. This event was an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of our school leaders. In attendance on the evening were parents, caregivers, teachers and students who actively participated in the ceremony, which was another successful night in James Cook's repertoire of outstanding school events.

In an address by the Principal Mr Marciniak, he outlined the significance and contribution of the student council to school life. James Cook Boys holds the position of the student representative council as one of great significance. It provides a voice for all students in our school community, while imparting leadership skills that will hold students in good stead for the future.

As one of the largest SRC bodies in our local area of schools, students in the SRC can have a far reaching impact in school life and that of the greater school community. The dedication and commitment of the students in the SRC is continually reflected in the actions and participation of this outstanding group of individuals.

The school congratulates all inducted students from Years Seven through to Twelve on their induction into the council and we look forward to your continued success throughout 2016 and beyond.

Rose Bay Aquatics Excursion - Student Report

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:37 AEDT

Rose Bay Aquatics Excursion - Student Report by Omar Bani Mohammad, Year 9.

On the 11th of March, Year 9 and 10 P.A.S.S classes went on an excursion to Rose Bay for a day of kayaking. The teachers that came along were Mr Sawford and Mr Yelavich. When we arrived at the destination we walked to the park bench next to the kayaks and placed our bags and got changed in our swimwear to get ready.
A few minutes later, the teachers discussed to the students behaviour expectations in the water, and when we go to the town after we are finished from kayaking. After the discussion, we went on the sand to put on some life vests and partner up with a friend to enter a double seated kayak. Some of the students had to go on single kayaks if the numbers were uneven but I reckon it was better to go on a single kayak because there is less weight and pressure in the water. When we boarded the kayaks students actually struggled to start paddling because we were paddling against the currents and so I swapped with my friend because he kept wobbling the kayak side to side but it was still fun to experience the water. After nearly reaching the middle of the bay some people wanted to swap and kayaks some were just racing each other and rocking the kayaks. I then swapped with another friend to go in a single kayak and from then on we needed to catch up with the rest of the group to paddle to Rose Bay. If you got lucky and were at the back of the kayak you could get one of the instructors to ride in the back of the speed boat to tail the other group.
When we arrived at Milk Beach we docked our kayaks on the shore to play some activities such as relays and other activities. If you didn't come first in the relays you would have to do some hard but fun boot camp exercises. When we finished, we started to kayak back to Rose Bay to have some lunch and walk around the shops. When we arrived at the town, there were Woolworths, Thai Restaurants, Dominoes, Oporto's and Subway. My friends and I went to go eat Oporto's and my friend got a discount just for working at another Oporto's. It was funny and we had some laughs after we ate, we headed back to the bay.
Everyone enjoyed the kayaking and was laughing and having fun, telling stories on the bus after a long exciting day.

Harmony Day 2016 - Student Report

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:33 AEDT

Harmony Day 2016 Student Report by Thirumalesh Ullal & Dylan Paraskevopoulos

James Cook Boys High School has been hosting harmony day events annually for a very long time now. This day has been a very big celebration for the school as there are over 40 different nationalities represented in our school. Harmony Day is held every year on the 21st of March. This year we raised money for the UNICEF- Cyclone Winston Appeal.
All students were invited to wear mufti clothes and make a gold coin donation towards our fundraising efforts. Everyone was asked to wear an orange piece of clothing, as this colour symbolises harmony. To raise extra funds we had a BBQ, soft serve ice creams and a cake stall. The food served was amazing. At around one o'clock, all students were asked to go the hall for a formal assembly and presentation. There were a number of performances. Our assembly started with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony, by Terry an Aboriginal Tribal Warrior. Next, Year 8 student Isaac Campbell-Buck delivered the acknowledgement of country. We then sang the National Anthem, led by two of our International students, Kevin Wang and Gary Fang. Our principal, Mr Marciniak then addressed the school, discussing the importance of Harmony Day, and what it means to our school. Our Year 8 SRC representative Osman Sesay then spoke about what Harmony Day meant to him, and why he thinks Harmony Day is so important in Australian culture. The first performance of the day was by two students from Greystanes High School. They performed the song, ‘Love yourself'. Our second musical item was by James Cook students, performing the world wide hit song, Happy by Pharrel Williams. Our school Captain, Justin Del Prado then gave his speech outlining how multiculturalism was alive and well within our school culture, and how we can all learn from one another. The third musical item was a song, "Blame it on me", performed by four James Cook students. Our final performance, was the famous song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by an ensemble of James Cook Musicians.
To conclude, the 2016 Harmony Day celebrations for James Cook Boys Technology High School was a wonderful event and we successfully raised a lot of funds for the UNICEF- Cyclone Winston Appeal. There were many wonderful performances and presentations that made the day enjoyable and a memorable event. The wonderful food filled myself and Dylan's stomachs and getting to see the traditional smoking ceremony was amazing. We can't wait till next year's harmony day!

Year 7 Camp - Peer Support Leaders' Report

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:44 AEDT

2016 Peer Support Leaders' camp report. By Nicolas Alvarez, Eric Bahk, Joshua del Prado, Chavez Velasquez and Michael Vrckovski

Our job is to support the year seven in any which way possible. The year sevens were phenomenal during camp displaying active listening and actively learning with each experience. The camp was the first opportunity the peer support leaders spent time with the year sevens, however, you couldn't tell as the communication between us was effortless, creating supportive relationships. We had as much fun as the year sevens during camp, participating in the activities alongside our new James Cook Boys Technology High School students. The camp was based around having a go, some people didn't want to participate in activities initially, but due to the peers working supportively on an individual level everyone participated.

The year sevens and peer support leaders learnt new skills that can be used throughout our lives, like team work, negotiation and problem solving. In conclusion, camp was fun for everybody and we all would do it again if the opportunity arises.

Hazelhurst Artexpress Excursion

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:33 AEDT

Hazelhurst Artexpress Excursion - Stage 6 Visual Arts

Year 12 and Year 11 Visual Arts students visited the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery in Gymea on Tuesday the 23rd of February to view the 2016 Artexpress Exhibition. Artexpress is an annual exhibition that showcases some of the best HSC Visual Arts students' work from the previous year. While this excursion was planned to build all students' understanding of artmaking practice, it was also an opportunity for the Year 12 boys to consolidate their knowledge and visualise the level of work required for the Body of Work which forms part of for their HSC external assessment in the subject. The diverse nature of artmaking ideas and forms presented by the students in the exhibition also inspired the year 11 students to start thinking about their Body of Work and ways to resolve their current artmaking task on portraiture.

The Body of Work is worth 50% of the HSC assessment by the Board of Studies for Visual Arts. It requires the students to select an expressive form such as painting, drawing, photomedia etc and create an individual self- directed major artwork that reveals both conceptual meaning and technical accomplishment.

Early in term 2, the year 12 students will be presenting their progress works to a panel of visual arts teachers in order to gain valuable feedback on their works and strategies for moving their work to the point completion, ready for exhibition in the TAS and Creative and Performing Arts Showcase Evening in Term 3. More information on the TAS CAPA showcase evening will be distributed later in the year, but keep Week 2 Term 3 free as we will be inviting our school community to this event so we can celebrate and showcase the talents of our Music, Timber and Visual Arts HSC students of 2016.

Open Evening - 2nd March 2016

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:35 AEDT

James Cook Boys Technology High School has successfully educated young men since 1956 and we have established a proud history of academic, sporting and leadership excellence.

JCBTHS specialises in boy's education with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) and we strive to achieve the best learning outcomes for all our boys through a personalised learning approach. On Wednesday the 2^nd of March between 5-7pm we are cordially inviting students, parents and the community to visit our school during our Open Evening. This will provide the community the opportunity to:

Learn more about our Technology Transition Program (TTP) where all Year 7 students will be provided with a laptop to enhance their learning
View demonstrations of Inquiry Based Learning through STEM
Take a tour of our sports, recreational and learning facilities
Enquire about our leadership and wellbeing programs
Discover innovative and collaborative learning experiences through our extracurricular technology (Code Club, Robotics, Drones, Makey Makey) and through interest activities (Band, arts programs, homework tutoring centre)
Meet the teachers, senior executive staff and students
Learn how we have consistently achieved the highest educational growth for boys in the St George area
Learn more about our partnership with St George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League Club and our emerging partnership with the St George Football Association

Mosaic Program 2015

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:34 AEDT

Mosaic is a cultural mentoring program run in conjunction with the University of New South Wales. As part of the program, students will complete a Major Work expressing their own views of culture and identity, presented at an Expo Night.

See the video created by our students.

Term 3 Cook's Watch Newsletter out now!

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:40 AEDT

Our Term 3 Newsletter for 2015 is out now. Read it here or on our school app.

2015 Term 3 Newsletter (pdf 9620 KB)

Preliminary HSC Yearly Examination Schedule

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:35 AEDT

The Preliminary HSC Yearly Examination schedule is attached below for weeks 9 & 10. During this time, Year 11 students will only attend for scheduled examinations.

Dates: 10th September to 18th September

Prelim Exam Schedule (pdf 47 KB)

Year 11 Subject Information booklet for 2016

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:43 AEDT

On Monday 17th August we held our Subject Information evening for Year 10 students outlining their pathway opportunities for Year 11 and 12. The attached booklet outlines information shared at the event. We will be interviewing students with their family individually over the coming days to ensure appropriate pathways and subjects are selected.

Year 11 2016 Subject Info (pdf 2058 KB)

Exhibition of the 2015 HSC Major Works

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:33 AEDT

Exhibition of the 2015 HSC Major Works

On Thursday 23rd July we showcased the 2015 HSC Major Works to the school community and the public. With a turnout of over 80 guests it was a cultural event for the area.

See the program attached below.

2015 Exhibition Program (pdf 3086 KB)

Trial HSC Examination Schedule

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:42 AEDT

The Trial HSC Examination schedule is attached below for weeks 5 & 6. During this time, Year 12 students will only attend for scheduled examinations.

Dates: 10th August to 21st August

2015 Trial HSC Examinations (pdf 28 KB)

Term 2 Cooks' Watch Newsletter out now

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:40 AEDT

Our Term 2 Newsletter for 2015 is out now. Read it here or on our school app.

2015 Term 2 Cooks Watch (pdf 2230 KB)

Preparing for High School

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:35 AEDT

Is your child starting high school in the next two years? Council is hosting a parent and carer information night with expert speakers to help families prepare for the transition.

For further information please see the attached file. Preparing for High School (pdf 951 KB)

School Cross Country Carnival - 7th May

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:37 AEDT

The Annual School Cross Country Carnival will be held at Scarborough Park on Thursday 7th May.

We will be providing a BBQ and drink to the students on the day. See the attached note for more details.

Cross Country Note (pdf 356 KB)

Term 1 Cooks' Watch Newsletter out now

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:39 AEDT

Our first Newsletter for 2015 is out now. Read it here or on our school app.

2015 Term 1 Cooks Watch (pdf 5542 KB)

Rockdale Council National Youth Week

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:37 AEDT

Lowes School Uniform Ordering

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:34 AEDT

Uniforms for James Cook Boys Technology High School can now be purchased online by clicking on on the following link: www.lowesschoolwear.com.au

Breakfast Club is back !

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:31 AEDT

For many generations we have been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
Good news! The James Cook Breakfast Club is up and running. In a combined effort between the Staff, SRC and the Local Churches the Breakfast Club aims to provide students who may not have had the time or access to breakfast food the opportunity to get a healthy start to their school day.
The Breakfast club is also a great way to raise the student's awareness of the importance of good nutrition whilst interacting with their peers and teachers in an informal setting.

Breakfast Club runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays mornings between 8:00am - 8:35am and is located in the canteen area.

Year 12 half Yearly Eaxmination Timetable

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:44 AEDT

Yr12 (pdf 90 KB)

Assessment Schedule

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:31 AEDT

2014 - 2015 HSC and Preliminary assessment schedule handbooks are now available for parents and students. You can find these under the curriculum & activities tab and assessment and reporting link. Contained within these booklets is everything you need to know about your sons at school and home assessing for all subject areas.

Excursion Notes

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:33 AEDT

Notes relating to upcoming excursions can be found under the "About JCBHS" tab located at the top of the webpage.

Term 4 School Newsletter

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:42 AEDT

Term 4 School Newsletter

View our latest newsletter under the newsletter tab.

Principal’s Report – Term 1, 2015

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:35 AEDT

Welcome back and congratulations to our 2014 HSC students. Many of our students performed exceptionally well in their HSC and the James Cook Boys community are extremely proud of their achievements. Our boys' achievements are a reward for the countless hours of hard work, not just in their final years of study, but through their years at James Cook. There were a significant percentage of Band 5 and Band 6 results awarded across the cohort and across different faculty areas. Mathematics and Science were of a particularly high standard with 44% of our chemistry students achieving a Band 6 result (90% and above). Many faculties also achieved outstanding results ensuring that students across the board were able to achieve their full potential. Many of our students also achieved outstanding ATARs (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank); several students received an ATAR of 90 and above. Ray Mio was our highest achieving 2014 HSC student with an ATAR of 99. Our students' academic success is also testament to the high quality teaching which occurs every day from our professional and committed staff at James Cook Boys Technology High School.

I would like to also welcome our new Deputy Principal Mr J Mallios. Mr Mallios comes to JCBTHS as a highly effective and knowledgeable practitioner. Mr Mallios has six years prior experience as a substantive Deputy and we are privileged to have such a highly accomplished senior executive member join the James Cook Boys community. Mr Mallios has extensive knowledge in Information Technology and in particular, implementing technology to engage and enhance student learning. Additionally, Mr Mallios has a wealth of experience working in schools with a focus on improving pedagogy and developing strong connections with students, staff and the community.

Toward the end of 2014 the school implemented some faculty restructuring to create greater efficiency and to continue to improve student learning. As a result an amalgamation occurred between the TAS, Visual Arts and Music faculties. Ms H Cork was successful in her internal application and has been appointed as the relieving Head Teacher TAS/CAPA for 2015. Staff changes have remained relatively constant with the exception of the appointment of our new school Counsellor, Mrs Blake. Mrs Blake will be attending JCBTHS on Tuesday and Thursday and will be working closely with the senior executive team, Mr Tsaridis our Head Teacher Welfare, our students, parents and the broader community.

We also welcome our 2015 Year 7 students to our community. They have already become part of our caring and nurturing learning environment. Last year our Year 9 students participated in our peer mentoring "Step Up" program in preparation to support and mentor Year 7 students through their transition and to create an inclusive environment. Later this term both student groups will have the opportunity to further develop their peer relations when they attend our school camp.

Finally, I would like to welcome another new partner to our community, Bon Appetite who were the successful applicant for the canteen tender process, facilitated at the end of last year. Bon Appetite is providing a broad range of healthy foods at a competitive price that caters for our culturally diverse community.

Thank you for your support during last term and I look forward to working with you during 2015.

Mr M Marciniak

Principal

School Captains and Prefects - 2015

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:37 AEDT

Congratulations to the following boys for their inspiring speeches last Friday. The boys spoke with confidence and maturity about various aspects of life at James Cook. The following boys were voted to represent the student population in 2015.

L to R: Jonie Raymundo(Prefect), Ahmad Zahr (Vice Captain), Danyal Aslam (Captain), Liam St Vincent (Vice Captain), Aaron Su (Prefect), Shivam Prajapati (SRC President)

The Family Energy Rebate

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:42 AEDT

The Family Energy Rebate is one of a number of NSW Government energy assistance programs to help eligible households reduce the impact of electricity costs.

The busy holiday period is fast approaching and there is usually a lot to do between now and December. Applying for this year's rebate soon could support family households budgeting for the holidays. It takes just two minutes to apply online<https://applications.fer.trade.nsw.gov.au/> and once submitted the rebate application begins processing. Applying online can also be done from mobile, internet-enabled devices including smartphones and tablets.

Message from Mr Marciniak - Principal

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:34 AEDT

I would like to introduce myself to the parents and the broader community in which James Cook Boys High School plays an important role in educating and developing young boys into confident, knowledgeable, successful young men who will positively contribute to the local and broader community.

My previous position was as deputy principal at Granville Boys High School. During that time I was successful in working collaboratively and collegially with students, staff, parents and the community to make significant improvements to the school academically and socially.

I would like to thank the staff and students at James Cook Boys High school for their warm welcome over the last week. I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism of the staff and their commitment to providing the best learning opportunities for our boys. During the recent school holidays I was amazed by the amount of staff that was present at the school; facilitating HSC classes, preparing teaching and learning programs and planning for term 4. During my initial discussions with the staff they all mentioned how lovely the boys were and I have to say I am in agreement with them.

Last week the Year 11/12 boys who had been nominated by their cohort delivered their captains speeches on assembly. All the candidates were articulate, confident and showed commitment and leadership to working with the school to uphold it values and traditions. Votes have been counted and the captains and prefects will be notified of the results during week 2.

This term like most terms during the year will be extremely busy with students in years 7-10 working toward their final exams and teachers completing their yearly reports. Timetables and staffing need to be finalised and there are many extracurricular and internal projects running across the school to provide all our students with varied learning opportunities. But of course our primary focus is on teaching and learning and ensuring that all our students are working to their true potential and meeting our educational goals.

I look forward to meeting our 2015 Year 7 cohort and their parents who will be attending our school on Wednesday the 3^rdof December for our orientation day. I wish all Year 12 students the best of luck in their HSC exams and hope that they reach their individual educational goals.

Our next P&C meeting is scheduled for Monday 20^thOctober at 6pm in the common room where we have a lot to discuss and plan for the remainder of the term.

Mr M Marciniak

Principal

Appointment of new school Principal

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:31 AEDT

A letter from Ms Sue Cran, Director of Public School NSW relating to the appointment of the new school principal, Mr Mark Marciniak.

Mr Mark Marciniak (pdf 72 KB)

Newsletter Term 2

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:34 AEDT

The latest edition of Cooks Course is now available.

Newsletter Term 2 (pdf 3473 KB)

Table Tennis Knockout Competition

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:07:39 AEDT

Recently five students, Matt Oberg, Seth Jones, Kenny Wong, Dion Paraskevopoulos and Justin del Prado from James Cook attended a regional knock out Table Tennis competition at Homebush. Below is a brief summary of the competition as written by Year 10 student Justin del Prado.

On the 6th of June, there was a table tennis knockout competition in Homebush. Matt Oberg, Seth Jones, Kenny Wong, Dion Paraskevopoulos and I (Justin del Prado) were privileged to join the other schools and compete. We arrived at Olympic Park at 8am, and the competition started at 8:30, there were about 16 schools competing for the state regionals and about four rounds to reach the finals. We won all matches with the score of 4-2 each except for our final match, which we unfortunately lost. We competed first against Blakehurst then St George Girls and Rosebury high. It certainly was a challenge and we were humble with each victory. After defeating the three schools, we had a half an hour break where we ate our lunch and prepared ourselves for the next and most import final match. As soon as we reached the finals against Sydney Boys, we lost 6-0. They were spectacular and outplayed us all but we were graceful in defeat as it was our first time reaching the finals, and is an achievement for ourselves and most especially for our school.

The boys performed incredibly well and the school community would like to congratulate them on reaching the final of this very prestigious tournament.

Left to Right - Justin del Prado, Dion Paraskevopoulo, Matt Oberg, Seth Jones and Kenny Wong.