News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:50:53 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.

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:56:19 AEDT

Starting school is a big moment in a child’s life. Here’s how to make the most of it.

We can’t wait for you to join us for a great year – the first step towards a lifelong love of learning.

Visit the department’s primary school resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year, whether your child is starting Kindergarten or Year 6.

You’ll find:

Getting ready for primary school booklet – everything you need to be #Ready2020
Daisy’s First Day – the story of Daisy the koala’s first adventure at Kindergarten
advice from teachers – they’ve been through this before.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Kindy

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:10:01 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 16:38:33 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.

Run4Fun Colour Explosion

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 12:19:41 AEDT

P&C Run4Fun Colour Explosion fundraiser

Last Friday afternoon the students of Tacking Point Public School enjoyed the fun and colour splashes of the P&C Run4Fun Colour Explosion fundraiser (aka ‘colour run)’. Students came to school out of uniform, wearing instead a uniform of white ready for a splash of colour by the end of the day!

After lunch students lined up in class groups to complete a novelty obstacle course. This wound its way around through teams of parent and teacher colour bombers!

At the end of the course, the children were rewarded with a lovely cold Quelch Stick which was popular too!

Combining several all-time childhood favourites, running, mess and noise – the Colour Run was a huge success with the children and teachers alike!

The ‘Colour Run’ concept is taken from the ancient Indian religious festival ‘Holi’. This is a festival that lasts for one night and one day where the end of winter and the beginning of the spring and harvest are celebrated. It is a special day in the Indian calendar as it brings together the whole nation regardless of their caste.

Everyone joins in the high-jinks and good natured teasing and play! Everyone is equally smeared and drenched in water and colours, to the point that it is almost impossible to recognise anyone! Everyone on the street is fair game and ‘equal’ for one day of the year.

Another important part of the festival is that it is a time of the year to let old grudges heal and work to repair damaged relationships. Friends and enemies are reconciled if only for the day.

Funds were raised by online and cash donations from students and their families. A class party is in the offering for the class that raises the most money. With 27 classes, it has come down to the line to two classes who are super close in the money stakes!

The P&C fundraising ‘Colour Run’ has raised in excess of $17, 064! The funds are dedicated to purchasing 4 new marquees used for sporting events, additional iPads and new readers for the school reading program.

Thank you to the parents and staff who so generously supported this event, especially our P&C parent organiser Mrs Connie Button, and teacher Ben de Braun who organised the day.

Our Principal Mr Phil Harris congratulated everyone on the success of the afternoon and applauded our families for supporting this fundraiser to support the children at our school.

Written by Lea Tracy

Grandparents Day 2019

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 07:55:00 AEDT

Proud grandparents Helen and Lloyd Hewens of Port Macquarie with granddaughter Sofia Hewens and ‘adopted’ grandy for the day Lyla Eia.

Tacking Point Public School Grandparents’ Day 23^rd October, 2019

K-2 Tacking Point students celebrated NSW Grandparents’ Day early this week on Wednesday. Grandparents and friends were invited to school to share in lots of fun and exciting activities for the children and adults alike including craft, decorating cut outs of their grandparents, making brooches and cards, playing old time indoor games such as snakes and ladders and outdoor games such as hopscotch, and skipping.

Children roamed with their special guests freely across the Infants Department, participating in their activities of choice and proudly showing off their classrooms and artwork.

The celebration culminated in a giant morning tea provided by the parents of the children to share.

The glowing smiles and immense pride was equally shared between the grandchildren and grandparents alike. Children who had grandparents who were sadly unable to attend the event were ‘fostered’ on the morning by friends’ grandparents, and this surprisingly seemed to be one of the greatest hits of all amongst the grandparents on the day, feeling very needed, appreciate and vitally important to community as they genuinely are.

Grandparents’ day was organised by Mrs Xanthe Ireland. It was our first trial of “Grandparents’ Day” in this new K-2 format. It was such a resounding success with the Grandparents and the children we are considering extending the event to the senior grades in the future.

“Grandparents’ Day is a National initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). DJC supports families and local community-based programs across NSW and provides more than 1.5 million Seniors Cards to older people in NSW.

NSW Grandparents Day celebrates the contributions grandparents make to their families and communities. The campaign recognises the diversity of grandparent relationships across age groups, cultural backgrounds, and geographical locations. Grandparents, grand-friends, kin, and those who take on the role of a grandparent in their family or community are celebrated for their contributions. It aims to foster intergenerational learning and offers older people ongoing opportunities to participate in their local communities.

It's a day to spend time with an older loved one and connect across the generations.

NSW Grandparents Day is held every year on the last Sunday in October. In 2019 it will be celebrated on Sunday 27 October.”

https://www.grandparentsday.nsw.gov.au/about

Story written by Lea Horan

2019 Concert of Excellence

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 08:24:22 AEDT

Tacking Point Public School students showcase their talents of excellence:

Concert of Excellence: 15 year celebration of exalted merit in Public Education

On the 25^th September, talented Tacking Point Public School students had the privilege to perform on the professional stage at the Glasshouse. There was great excitement and expectation as the students took their turns at sharing their joy of performing at this prestigious venue. Performances included junior and senior choirs, bands, guitar group, Year 6 Drama, public speaking and of course the perennial favourite, our dance groups.

The COE was the creative vision and collaboration of previous school leaders Terry Robinson, Glenn Pleasance and Robyn Ryan with its inception 15 years ago. Tacking Point has led the way in the Port Macquarie community by being the first school to utilise the Glasshouse for such an event. Mrs Elynne Toft has been the coordinator in chief and cornerstone of this major celebration of performing excellence. This year Mrs Toft as Performance Director, delivered yet again another delightful, polished and professional production to the delight of parents and friends.

The Glasshouse experience for the children means they are equipped with life skills, knowledge and confidence. The students are taught to understand all aspects of bringing artistic concepts to life for an audience. This can be quite a life altering experience for many students, opening new windows of learning pursuits and pleasures. Some students go on to pursue performing arts for their HSC studies.

Our Performing Arts program is achieved in cooperation and participation with not only talented classroom teachers, but also our external professional teaching staff and the generous support of parents. This includes band practices, dance costumes, commitment to private tuition throughout the year, lunchtime rehearsals etc.

Phil Harris, the school’s Principal also added; ‘This is an amazing showcase of talent and that promotes not only our school but public education. We are very blessed to have truly dedicated teachers to promote this gala event at every level and we truly appreciate their gift of time in going above and beyond to allow the children of Tacking Point to have this life experience.’

The school would like to acknowledge and thank the professional staff at the Glasshouse. Every year it is a pleasure to see familiar faces and enjoy the collegiality of the crew. Nothing is ever a problem. They are such a tight outfit, it really makes the performance enjoyable for everyone. Thank you!

For now as the year winds down and eisteddfods, competitions and performances are all but done, the teachers shall take a quick breath and then start ruminating about ideas for next year!

Story By Lea Tracy

Surf talks – Water Safety Summer 2019

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 21:16:31 AEDT

Surf talks – Water Safety Summer 2019 Friday 25th October 2019

Tacking Point students K-6 welcomed guest speaker James Turnham from the Australian Surf Life Saving Association, (SLSA). James came to share important information about how to make good choices when swimming at beaches or rivers, so that you can have fun, but also return home safely.

A timely reminder for all of us to think before we choose where to swim. Three beaches in Port Macquarie over the summer months are patrolled, Town Beach, Flynn’s Beach and Lighthouse. Three beaches south are patrolled, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and Laurieton.

Life Savers are constantly monitoring the movement of the ocean waters which are never static. With their specialist expertise they are able to choose the safest part of the beach for us to swim. Being mindful of your swimming ability, keeping sunsafe, listening to the Life Guards on duty and heeding signage will help ensure we all keep safe this summer and get to swim another day.

A key point that the children found illuminating was that rips don’t pull you under the water. Rips will drag you out and away from the shore with their strong currents. It is swimmer fatigue that drags a swimmer down. Essential advice James shared is to keep calm, breath, float and raise your arm for assistance. Don’t try and swim against the rip and wear yourself out trying to fight it.

The Port Macquarie community is very fortunate to have the professional services of James who is an award winning Life Guard. He has dedicated much of his career to education. His services were formally acknowledged last year at the 2018 SLSA National Awards of Excellence where James was presented with the “NSW Lifeguard of the year award”.

“Education has been a vital aspect of James’ role with the Australian Lifeguard Service. Over the past season he has delivered presentations to over 4,000 school students as well as leading pilot Surf Rescue Certificate programs to year 11 and 12 students. James has been a first responder to numerous incidents as well as being a media spokesperson for some very high-profile incidents. James has shown courage, strong leadership and compassion in some very challenging situations. James also coordinated the Department of Primary Industries Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program in Port Macquarie and provided UAV surveillance for the NSW State Championships.”

https://sls.com.au/aoe/

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:06:18 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

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:32:52 AEST

We want to better understand your needs for before and after school care in NSW.

Have your say today on before and after school care.

Fill out the survey by Service NSW to share your specific care needs and to register interest to stay informed of new developments.

Your input will provide insights into where there are gaps in service availability and help us to deliver extra places where they are needed.

You can also contact the team responsible for rolling out the before and after school care commitment at BASCreform@det.nsw.edu.au.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:19:37 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.

Get involved at home

Join in at home and read your child a bedtime story. Studies show that reading a bedtime story six days a week can give kids almost a year’s head start when they begin school. Reading has also been shown to develop empathy, promote critical thinking and help children find a sense of self.

Join in from the classroom

Bestselling children’s author and illustrator Matt Stanton will broadcast live to primary school children across the country from the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 17 September. We invite schools to register for the livestream of this free event.

Stanton’s author talk is among more than 140 events happening across the country involving more than 50 authors.

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 – #ReadingHour authors talk about their favourite place to read

Duration: 0:38

Looking for a good spot to open a book? We asked authors Benjamin Law, Morris Gleitzman, Jacqueline Harvey and Mick Elliott about their favourite place to read.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:37:34 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.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:59:35 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 11:32:29 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 12:19:17 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 15:02:59 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.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:06:18 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 14:11:37 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.

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:13:49 AEDT

Now that students are back to school after a break it’s a good time to chat with your child about safe behaviours when you walk or commute to school.

Here are our top tips to help our students make a safe trip:

1. Be alert and aware

Take note of the dangers you come across on your walk and bring them to your child’s attention. Point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways. Talk to your child about being alert in a road environment.

2. Hold hands

When on the footpath, at a crossing or in a car park always hold your child's hand. It is advised to do this up to the age of at least 8 years old and closely supervise until at least the age of 10.

3. Choose a safe crossing

Lead by example and choose a safe place to cross the road. Explain why it is the safest place to cross.

4. Set a good example

Your child watches everything you do, so if you cross at the crossing they will too. It is also important to share these messages with other carers who may walk with your child to school.

5. Stop, Look, Listen, Think every time you cross the road

Discuss this important road safety message. STOP! one step back from the kerb. LOOK! continuously both ways. LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! whether it is safe to cross.

Practise makes perfect

The more supervised practice your child can get the better, so why not make Term 1 the start of a new routine to walk with your child to school more often.

Older children may be ready to make the journey to school independently. Before they take this step, observe if they are road safe and reinforce the road safety messages.

For more information, check out the department’s pedestrian safety advice for students, parents and carers.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:51:18 AEDT

The first day of Kindergarten and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you make the most of this time and enjoy the experience, we’ve compiled some useful tips and checklists. We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Our film #FirstDay2019 captures the excitement – and the nerves – of the rite of passage that is the first day of Kindergarten.

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:21:53 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.

Tacking Point Public students claim three first places at Tournament of the Minds

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 12:02:45 AEST

TACKING Point Public School students have raised the bar with their intellectual feats at this year’s Tournament of the Minds.

Of the four disciplines – arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), language literature and social science – Tacking Point won three first place trophies and one runner up (in the STEM category).

The outstanding effort means the school’s winning teams will move on to compete in Sydney at the NSW branch final on Sunday September 9.

If successful, they will then embark on a trip to Darwin in October for the international final.

Tournament of Minds is a problem solving programme for teams of students from both primary and secondary years.

They are required to solve demanding, open-ended challenges from one of the disciplines.

For example, the arts students were tasked with research before developing a creative interpretation in the form of dance, song, musical instruments, theatre and all forms of the Visual Arts.

Students were understandably thrilled with their results and excited to venture to Sydney – and hopefully Darwin.

Maeve Kinchington was part of the language literature team and loved competing in the challenge.

“We had to make a play based on the challenge and include all of the different marks in it, then act it out to the judges,” she said.

“We also had to do a spontaneous challenge where we had four minutes to come up with lots of different ideas.

“Tournament of the Minds is lots of fun, especially because I love working as a team. I love the challenge.”

Bowen Lowrey, school captain, competed in the social sciences category and said it was a lot of fun.

“It was a good experience. We found the remains of a fence and had to investigate who made it and what it was for,” he said.

“It was quite challenging and we only finished on the week it was due. We had five weeks to do it and worked together as a team to agree on the final outcome.”

Brodie Ferrett were unlucky not to win first place in the STEM category after losing their well-designed robot.

“We had to build a robot animal and have it demonstrate movement, sounds and how it ate,” he explained.

“We used hydraulics for the mouth and joints in each of the sections so it could coil. Unfortunately we lost it on the last day while we were recording a video and we left it behind and couldn’t find it.”

The remaining winning team, the arts, loved making their music production.

“We had to do a mix of things for our performance and none of the teachers were allowed to give us any help,” said Jack McManus.

“Our play was about a conservative trying to stop people freely expressing themselves. We built up the characters and then played out the script. It went for almost 10 minutes. We were really happy with how we performed.

Good luck to the three Tacking Point teams who will compete on September 9.

Gardening Australia star Costa Georgiadis opens our new sensory garden

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:43:45 AEST

Garden guru Costa Georgiadis visited Tacking Point Public School on December 12 to officially open the new sensory garden.

Students from Kindergarten class K1J asked the face of Gardening Australia to buzz in and he did so in spectacular fashion.

Donning his classic bee costume, Costa thrilled the children, parents and staff with his energy and inspiration when talking about all things nature.

It took just three hours for Costa to reply to the video and organise his special visit.

Class teacher, Lina Jackson, said the children have been counting the days before they could meet their new green thumb mentor.

"He buzzed in just like we expected," she said. "They've been busy painting their bee costumes, making the bees for the trees and learning their bee song."

Costa was greeted with hand-made cards, gifts, a tasty baklava and a whole lot of love before getting his hands dirty and planting some new fruit trees on the outskirts of the garden.

Garden coordinator, Verena Gandy, said it was an amazing end to the year.

"It's such a weight off the shoulders to get it all done and open. I think it's something the kids will remember for a very long time," she said.

For Costa, community projects like the sensory garden create magic moments for all involved.

Those of empathy and sharing and volunteering and feeling … talking and communicating, working together with the parents and teachers and all of these people … you put it together and you have a community.
Costa Georgiadis

"To see the kids excited about something like a garden, that's what makes me get up in the morning," he said.

"You think about the opportunity to take something like a garden and raise it as a memorable moment that they were a part of, you just can't put it into words."

Costa highlighted the importance of teaching kids the qualities the sensory garden has cradled.

"I'm very fortunate to have been able to skate in at the top when the cake is made and just light the candles," he said.

He reflected on the occasion as one that will stay with him for a long time.

"Today we made some memories for them and recognised their efforts. There were a lot of things there that money can't buy, and that's what we have to teach our kids," he said.

"We get to skate that line between value and values, and today was a day of values.

"They saw the value of seeing these new values of the sensory garden, the importance of growing and understanding the senses in not just the curriculum but day to day.

"Whatever I give in a situation like this, I reckon I walk away with a semi-trailer load above and beyond. It's such a special privilege for me."

School principal, Phil Harris, was so appreciate of his time with the project and for his gift of time with children staff and the community.

"We are looking forward to seeing Costa in 2 years time to mark the gardens growth in every possible way," he said.

Year 6 students give the principal a special gift

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:44:09 AEST

Year 6 students formally presented Mr Harris with the 2017 gift today, at the official opening of the sensory garden.

The sundial will be added to the sensory garden along with the official opening plague.

Once a suitable stone has been located it will be mounted and become part of the history of the school.

Mr Harris said he was honoured to accept the sundial and was touched with the thought that had gone behind the coordination and making of the sundial.

Costa was there to witness the presentation along with entire school and guest who attended the official opening.

Remembrance Day 2017

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:44:34 AEST

A big congratulations to our our school captains and vice captains at the Port Macquarie Remembrance Ceremony.

Our leaders showed respect and dignity and showcased our school.

We received many compliments from our community.

Concert of Excellence DVD and photos available

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:45:00 AEST

The Concert of Excellence DVDs will be going home this week, or early next week, for those families who placed orders.

The high school students who filmed and produced the DVD learnt a lot from the experience and we appreciate their hard work and the effort involved.

We hope that families who have purchased a DVD enjoy their memento from our amazing showcase.

Concert of Excellence photos

We have a large number of photos from the concert of excellence. These photos have been stored on Google Drive and are available for families to view and download. In order to do this, please go to the Google Drive to access the photos.

Many thanks to Mrs Martine Harris who took all of these stunning photos and spent many hours uploading them in order that they may be shared.

Please keep in mind that these photos are only for the immediate families of students and may not be reproduced or published online.

Our choir performs at the Sydney Opera House

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:45:25 AEST

Tacking Point Public School's performance choir, Bel Canto, travelled to perform at the Sydney Opera House recently.

The talent group performed in the NSW Department of Education's Festival of Choral Music (FoCM).

This prestigious event was held in the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 12 September.

The audition process to be part of this festival is highly competitive, with schools from all over NSW vying for selection.

Bel Canto has been successful in gaining a place in these festivals since the choir's formation approximately 15 years ago, under the direction of Mrs Robyn Ryan.

Similarly, with over 70 students in Bel Canto, the audition process to be selected for the trip was gruelling.

"The 36 students who were selected, all of who are in years 5 and 6, were thrilled with their selection and continued to work hard in order to ensure their place on the trip," said the school's assistant principal, Mrs Dayna Moritz.

"Students involved were able to raise funds towards the cost of this trip by participating in a singathon-style concert held at school."

"This singathon also raised money for the ongoing costs of running such a specialised program."

The trip to Sydney included lots of singing and sightseeing. The group was accompanied by Mrs Moritz and Mrs Ros Mangold (deputy principal).

"The choir enjoyed a ferry ride to Manly, singing on the bow for an appreciative, but unsuspecting, audience," Mrs Moritz said.

"Wherever the choir travelled, they received numerous compliments from the public for their exemplary behaviour, manners and beautiful singing."

Once at the Sydney Opera House, the choir rehearsed for the afternoon with a short dinner break before the big event.

The students sang as part of a massed group of approximately 700 students to an audience of around 2000 people.

The school was singled out by the concert conductor, Jacqui Shaw, who described the determination and talent of regional schools, and the incredible commitment by the students, their families and the staff involved in order for these exceptional opportunities to be experienced.

Tacking Point Public School's Principal, Mr Phil Harris, was also invited to speak on the evening and he introduced all the schools involved in the concert.

"The concert was absolutely breathtaking and it was an experience for the students and their parents to be remembered always," Mrs Moritz said.

"After three days away, there was no time to rest for this exceptional group, who then went on to perform in Tacking Point Public School's Concert of Excellence at the Glasshouse the following week.

"They have a few more gigs lined up to finish the year, including the lighting of the Christmas tree at Town Green."

Tacking Point Public School's record four teams for state Tournament of the Minds judging

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:45 AEST

Tacking Point Public School will provide four teams at the state level of judging in the prestigious Tournament of the Minds.

The four teams – a first for the school at this level – will travel to the University of NSW on Sunday September 10 for the competition. There is a secondary high school section to the event.

If successful, the winning teams will progress to Australiasia/Pacific level judging on October 26 in Adelaide.

The school's Tournament of the Minds facilitator and year 5 and 6 enrichment class teacher Cherry Nelson said the school community was proud and ecstatic with the results.

"We had five teams competing in the regional round of Tournament of the Mind and to have four teams take out every discipline is remarkable," she said.

"This success is due to the programs the school offers where we encourage higher order thinking, especially in science and technology.

"We are very much focused on building the skills of collaboration, critical and creative thinking, innovative thinking, communication and digital literacy."

In Tournament of the Minds, teams are given a time period in which to creatively solve a problem. At regional level the time frame is six weeks while at state level it is just three hours.

You learn new skills including how to work in a group, learn to interpret information, acting, writing scripts, communication and problem solving- Milly Dunbar

There is also a spontaneous question that requires a shorter time frame.

One of the students, Thomas Stanely, said Tournament of the Minds was based on four disciplines.

"We have four teams competing at state level in, Science Technology, Engineering Mathematics, Social Sciences and Language Literature," he said.

Another student, Milly Dunbar said there were many benefits of participating in the competition.

"You learn new skills including how to work in a group, learn to interpret information, acting, writing scripts, communication and problem solving," she said.

Zac Schneider said Tournament of the Minds was about future focus learning where you are encouraged to work outside the square.

Olivia Oakeshott said future focus learning is based on the seven ‘c's'.

"We use the seven c's to build up our skills to help problem solve. They are, cross-cultural understanding, computer technologies, career learning, collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking," Olivia said.

Twenty eight students will participate in Sunday's event in Sydney.

The school has a tremendous history of success at Tournament of the Minds with a 2009 team taking out the Australiasian and Pacific first prize in language and literature. While three of its teams have also reached state level in previous years, Ms Nelson said this was the first year four of its teams had reached that level.

Book Week Parade 2017

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:26 AEST

What a wonderful day.....................

Thursday 17^th of August Tacking Point Public School (TPPS) hosted our annual Book Parade where the whole school K-6 dressed as their favourite book characters. It was a fabulous day of celebration of children's literature sharing lots of fun and imagination. Students, staff and some gorgeous preschool visitors including students from our local ‘Eco Kids Village Preschool' joined the colourful display!

Our School Representative Council (SRC) members were a sensational help in organising proceedings and ensuring smooth running of such a large event.

Every year we are truly amazed and awe struck with the standard, freshness and creativity of costumes! Our teachers made a spectacular display of colourful and imaginative costumes too including our principal Mr Phil Harris who appeared in full ‘Pirate' regalia and our Year 5 teachers dressed as Roald Dahl's evil witches complete with a shock of purple hair and black silk roses!

Congratulations to the following winners of our $20 book voucher Lucky draw prizes:

Kinder: Lachlan Forbes K/1J

Stage 1: Lillie Merrell 1C

Stage 2: Ava Phillips 3V

Stage 3: Ally Chandler 5B

Our TPPS Canteen spoilt visitors, students and staff alike with a gourmet selection of morning tea treats including delicious creative cupcakes, chocolate and Banana cakes, washed down with a selection of Barrista made beverages from our coffee machine. Really! Visiting your local Public Primary School as a parent is nothing like it used to be! Thank you to our fabulous Canteen staff and Committee who provide us with such pleasures and civilised comfort! The Canteen sold out of cakes and made approximately $350 in takings. More funds for our children!

At our Tacking Point Public School Book Parade we have a "$10 Book Donation Table", which displays a large variety of titles that students and families can choose from to donate to our school library. Students who donate $10 are the first to borrow the title of their choice and a special donation certificate bearing their name and details is adhered to the front page of the book forever more. The children seem to really enjoy this notoriety. High School students come back to visit occasionally look for "their book" on the shelf and get quite a kick to see their names immortalised. This year we raised over $670 for our school library thanks to the very generous families in our school community.

The staff and students thoroughly appreciate the parents and families who spend so much time, effort and energy in preparing the costumes for our children. The delight and fun is palpable creating many more magical childhood memories for our children.

The Book Parade is only a success because each student AND staff member makes the effort to dress up and participate, no small feat for such a large school of over 740 students! The TPPS Book Parade really is a sensational testament to Excellence in Public Education.

Looking forward to next year already and planning!

Warm regards,

Lea Tracy

Teacher Librarian

STEM Conference

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:41 AEST

.......one of the best 2 days away with like minded people

Tacking Point Public School is one of 8 Action Schools in NSW. The recent 2 day conference showcased how STEM is a vital part of teaching in the 21st Century. Project Based Learning and improved pedagogy mean our children learn major concepts through hands on and relevant learning.

The school is now seen as a centre of excellence in the area and will assist 10 plus schools from Sydney to northern NSW to implement and assist STEM into schools.

Our school is looking forward to its STEM launch with our teachers and the school community.

Big Blast Band

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:23 AEST

...... and they played beautifully............

The HVCS Big Blast Band played for our school today and weren't they just wonderful. Dylan Norman, Jakeb Kenny-Fyfe, Ewan Hughes, Tom Stanley and Brodie Ferrett from our school joined the band under the musical leadership of Mr Jock Garven from Lake Cathie PS.

Our K-2 children had a wonderful time listening to this performance.

The schools wishes the band all the very best at the Glasshouse tonight.

Walking Safely to School

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:47 AEST

ROAD safety is a vitally important lesson that children need to know – and it is the responsibility of parents to reinforce that.

Friday, May 19, was Walk Safely to School day. The national program is run every year to reinforce the road safety message of walking and commuting safely to school.

Too often students are seen walking alone, not using the pedestrian crossing, walking in the gutter and running behind or in front of a bus.

"It's about using the pedestrian crossing, holding an older persons hand, getting out of cars safely and off the bus safely," Tacking Point Public teacher Kate Connolly said.

"We reinforce the road safety messages to our students all of the time. It is a mandatory part of the curriculum.

"The messages get through to the children at a young age, but unfortunately sometimes parents do the wrong thing."

Newsletters often feature reminders for parents to reinforce the road safety dos and don'ts to their children at home.

"There have been a few near misses where kids are running across the road not at the pedestrian crossing because their parents are beckoning them and they don't want to get in trouble," she said.

"Another important conversation parents can have to kids is stranger danger and not to walk alone."

As part of the school's promotion for the day, SRC members from year six handed out stickers to students as they arrived to school.

Tacking Point one of 8 STEM Action Schools

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:44 AEST

The email arrived........

As a result of your exemplary practice and program development as a participant of the 2016 Primary STEM Project, you have been selected to be a NSW DoE STEM Action School!

The school is honoured and looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Mr Harris said "In a lot of ways we are considered a centre for excellence by providing support now to local schools and professional learning".

7 staff members will represent the school at a Conference in Sydney at the beginning of June.

Planting of a Lone Pine at Tacking Point PS

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:35 AEST

It wasn't the only agenda on the cards for the school, with a significant Remembrance Day tree planting also taking place.

A Lone Pine donated by the Australian War Memorial was planted with the help of RSL Port Macquarie sub-branch president Greg Laird and student representatives.

The Lone Pine was a direct descendent for the pine that was at the war memorial, which makes it even more special according to Principal Phil Harris.

"The kids will know now a little bit more history about the lone pine and the history of Gallipoli," he said.

"Having the RSL representatives here has been a really nice touch.

"We wanted to keep that community spirit in the school and to have these representatives from the RSL come here to help create history is fantastic."

The Lone Pine was planted as past of the 20th anniversary celebrations. The planting has created many conversations in classrooms and has proved to be a wonderful resource to help children in Australia understand our past.

Lorin Nicholson visits Tacking Point

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:38:37 AEST

What an inspiring day...................

As one of Australia's most prolific and prominent motivational speakers, Lorin Nicholson was here at our school on Wednesday. He shared his story …

At age four, Lorin was declared legally blind. However, despite the enormous challenges of blindness growing up and the pessimistic views of others, Lorin possessed an incredible inner strength, resilience and determination which has seen him achieve many great things.

He shared some of his most profound life experiences and relayed important messages to the students about self-belief, perseverance and standing up for what is right. His presentation was motivating, captivating, entertaining and empowering for our students and teachers; a true inspiration.

Thanks Lorin!

Many thanks to the Westport Club for sponsoring Lorin's visit.