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NSW to provide a year of free preschool for all families by 2030

“This reform will deliver intergenerational results for our kids and our economy.”

The NSW government is introducing a year of free preschool education for families by 2030. This is the start of one of the biggest education reforms in a generation.

“This is incredible reform that will change lives and deliver enormous educational benefits for children across the state, securing a brighter future for NSW families.”

Dominic Perrottet, Premier of NSW

How will the NSW government provide a year of free preschool?

The NSW 2022 and 2023 NSW budget will set aside over $5.8 billion over the next decade to introduce a year of free preschool for all children in NSW.

Premier Dominic Perrottet believes the ‘nation-leading’ investment in families is on a scale never seen before in Australia.

 “We’re ensuring our youngest learners thrive by introducing a full year of preschool education before Kindergarten, as we know how important it is to have a strong educational foundation.”

Does Pre-Kindergarten or Preschool make a difference?

Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, believes there is clear evidence that providing the best education begins ‘in the early years’.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten will give every child in NSW access to a specialised year of play-based learning, smoothing their transition to school and solidifying their path to a brighter future.”

“Universal pre-Kindergarten is something I have been working hard to bring to NSW for a number of years, having seen the benefits of it for children and families in countries like Canada.

 It is so exciting to know that in NSW we will soon be unleashing the power of universal pre-Kindergarten.”

Sarah Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning

NSW Treasurer, Matt Kean, also believes children who receive quality childhood education are more likely to receive better results at school and earn more across their lifetime.

“This Budget is all about investing in a better future, and setting our kids up for success is priceless.”

Who will be involved in offering a year of free preschool in NSW?

The NSW Government will consult with families, peak bodies and service providers to create the ‘best model’ for the new change.

Parents, educators, services and stakeholders will also help with the new change and improvements to ensure a smooth transition into primary school.

The new change will build on the other commitments of the NSW budget.

“This is incredible reform that will change lives and deliver enormous educational benefits for children across the state, securing a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Perrottet said.

Governor-General Presents Barker College Redbacks with Robotics Award

The Barker College Redbacks induction into the FIRST Hall of Fame, has been recognised and honoured by Their Excellencies, The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley at a special presentation event held at Admiralty House, Kirribilli on 11 May.

In awarding the Hall of Fame Clock to the team, the Governor-General, congratulated all team members, their mentors, Alumni and staff, on the significant role played in the success of the Barker College Redbacks in the 2021 and 2022 FIRST Robotics Competition.

“It is an impressive set of skills: decision-making, planning, research and development, organisational, oral and written communications, ability to work as part of a team, and perseverance,” his Excellency said.

“The skills that enabled you to be successful at FIRST Robotics are the same skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life.”

In the 33-year history of the Competition this is only the second time an Australian team has won the award and the first time for an Australian high school team.

In his address to the guests, Mr Phillip Heath, shared how proud he was of what our students have achieved.

“Character and capacity to learn and solve challenges together is beginning to trump knowledge and content as markers of readiness to engage in post school education. The Barker College Redbacks have achieved all their accomplishments as volunteers in a co-curricular activity that sits outside our academic program. They are the creators, not the consumers, of the future,” Mr Heath said.

Sports Uniform Launch at Barker College

Sport at Barker College brings students together as a team – united in the wearing of the School colours of red and blue. There is no greater pride than to represent your School every week on the field, on the court, in the water.

It is here that our young men and women learn to understand the importance of being there for their team; trying their best and it teaches lessons for life that are learnt nowhere else at School. Sport also provides our students with great memories of good times shared together wearing the Barker ‘red’.

Sports Uniform Launch at Barker College

Over the course of the past two years, a committee of staff and students have worked closely with prominent designer Jonathan Ward and OnTrack, a leading Australian company in custom-made sportswear, to review, refine and update Barker’s sporting and co-curricular garments.

The signature Barker ‘red’ now connects the academic uniform with the sporting and co-curricular livery to reinforce the strong Barker narrative.

The review included refining the approximately 50 different sport and co-curricular uniform items and paring this back to 28 items. As a fully coed school with students at different ages and stages, the aim is to ensure students feel comfortable in what they are wearing and to privilege the story for our 1st teams.

The final design beautifully marries together Barker’s two reds – the deeper academic red and the on field sport red. The new on field sport uniforms allow for flexibility and versatility. The jerseys and shirts are gender neutral and can be worn by girls or boys, creating an inclusive environment across all sports.

New features include reversible shirts and jerseys that can also be used for training and reduce the need to purchase additional training garments.

The Barker crest features on all garments – both All school and 1st players and we are proud to incorporate the Indigenous design on many of our 1st team garments. The introduction of the 1890 locker tag on the on field sporting garments has proven to be a popular feature with the students.

The final collection offers a classic Barker feel, but with a very contemporary expression.

Barker College: PM’s Prize for Excellence

Barker’s Head of Agriculture, Mr Scott Graham, has received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, in the 2021 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

During his time at the School, Scott has continued to develop unique programs to engage students and to emphasise the positive difference agriculture makes to society.

Scott’s aim is to highlight how agriculture can lead to diverse and unique careers across a range of both urban and rural industries. He draws on 12 years of teaching experience to educate students about the importance of agriculture in Australia and employment opportunities in this scientific and business-driven field.

Student enrolments in Agriculture at Barker College have tripled over the past seven years.

The School has more than double the number of Year 12 agriculture students than any other school in Australia. Around 30 per cent of these students have gone on to pursue agriculture-related degrees at a university level.

“We teach predominantly urban students at Barker,” Scott explained.

“Even if these students don’t pursue a career in agriculture, they are still going to have at least four interactions with agriculture every day. This could be anything from the food they eat to the clothes they wear. Agriculture will have something to do with students every day for the rest of their lives, so it’s important that they have something to do with agriculture. We want them to be informed about the decisions they make.”

“One of our strategies has been to develop a range of resources and teaching materials that make students think about how agriculture fits into the bigger picture. Whether it’s dealing with food security or climate change, we want students to be involved in making a difference.”

“To be recognised in the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science acknowledges not only the importance of teaching and education, but the integral role of agriculture for our nation. I hope this recognition inspires students across Australia to take up agriculture, and teachers to continue to support the subject in schools across the country.”

De La Salle College Year 11 VCAL Students ‘Shave Dave’

As part of the Year 11 and 12 VCAL Social Justice Project, Year 11 VCAL students at De La Salle College, Malvern developed a fundraising event that would raise funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia.

On Thursday 19 May, a large group of Kinnoull and some lucky Tiverton students gathered to witness VCAL Assistant, Dave Murray, shave off his iconic moustache and beard.

The event was in honour of Dave’s wife’s battle 7 years ago and anyone who has suffered or is suffering from Breast Cancer. The aim was to raise awareness and funds for the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Students described the event as “Pink ribbons adorned the pillars outside the reception area and there were pink balloons as far as the eye could see. The atmosphere was electric, and the energy of the crowd was supportive and loving.”

All VCAL students’ names were put into a hat for the opportunity to be in charge of the shave. Much to Dave’s relief, Year 11 student Tali Bernardi, was chosen and did a fantastic job of carefully shaving off Dave’s beard. A huge roar from the crowd was heard as the final whisker was taken off.

Over $4700 has been raised so far from proceeds of the raffle, food and drink sales on the day and from the generous donations of staff, students, families and friends. Dave and the VCAL student body are extremely grateful for all the fantastic support received.

The Year 11 VCAL students send a huge thank you to the Director Learning & Development ‑ Professional Learning, Jodie McLaren, for all the work she put into the smooth running of the event.

57 people are diagnosed with Breast Cancer each day in Australia and each of us sadly know someone who is or has been affected by this disease. Dave has shown compassion, courage and commitment and as students we have found this inspiring. We commend him for his actions and hope we have helped educate the College community on the support needed for those suffering from this disease.

Year 11 VCAL students, De La Salle College, Malvern

A Re-imagined Sports Program for De La Salle College, Malvern

De La Salle College recently launched a sports initiative which is the first stage of a longer-term strategic plan to promote and enhance a broad range of sports and other co-curricular pursuits at the College.

Stage one is to provide students with an aspirational Australian Football League (AFL) program. Australian Rules is the sport of choice for many students and Old Collegians, and building a strong and resilient football program remains a key priority. Alongside our strong relationship with De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club, the College is developing a football program / pathway for Years 5 – 12 which reinvigorates the College’s strong football tradition.

This year, we announced Michael Barlow (former Fremantle and Gold Coast player) as our AFL Senior Coach, coaching the First XVIII team. Michael will also work with the Kennedy Club for Year 7 – 9 footballers, as part of our High Performance Sports Program. In another coup for the College, Richmond and GWS legend, Brett Deledio, will be assisting Michael and Andrew Raines (former Richmond, Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns player) from One on One Football will facilitate our AFL pathways program.

The new sports program complements the College’s High Performance Sports Program. Launched in 2021, the High Performance Sports Program coaches students interested in football, soccer, basketball, cricket, swimming and athletics. Students nominate themselves to join this program aiming to improve their skills, learn from sports professionals and experience high performance training.

Our Year 5 and 6 students participate in the Dendy Sports Competition which is an interschool sports competition beginning in Term 2 with Lighting Premierships against other Catholic Primary Schools. Sports include AFL, netball, soccer, basketball, cricket, district cross country championships and athletics. Our Primary students gain experience in sports competitions prior to being eligible to try out for an Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) team from Year 7 – 12.

ACC Sport has a strong tradition at De La Salle College. The College is part of a group of 13 Catholic Secondary Schools which compete in weekly sports fixtures and three major carnivals; athletics, swimming and cross country. ACC programs also include debating, art and technology exhibitions and music performances.

At the 2022 ACC Swimming Carnival, Ryo Hayashi (Year 11) broke the ACC U16 50m butterfly record which was previously held by a Whitefriars College student in 2010. Ryo is a stand-out swimmer and competes across the country in various swimming meets including the Australian Age Championships (Nationals). He is a valuable member of our Torpedoes swimming squad which trains at Harold Holt Swim Centre. The swim centre is a convenient short walk from our Tiverton and Kinnoull Campuses.

Our strong sports program and strategic approach, complements classroom learning, wellbeing support and the variety of co-curricular programs on offer. There is a pathway for each student from Year 5 to Year 12, at De La Salle, Malvern.

Meriden’s new Centre for Music and Drama declared open

Image: The Greenhalgh Centre for Music and Drama

The Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, will today open a spectacular new Centre for Music and Drama at Meriden, an independent Anglican School for girls in Strathfield.

Named by the Meriden School Council in recognition of Dr Julie Greenhalgh’s significant contribution as Principal of Meriden, the Greenhalgh Centre for Music and Drama will be home for a new generation of musicians and performing artists at the School, which this year celebrates 125 years of educating girls and young women.

The Greenhalgh Centre for Music and Drama

Designed by AJ + C Architects and built by Buildcorp, the new building was commissioned in response to the success of Meriden’s music programs, which attract some of the best and brightest young musicians in the country.

“It brings me considerable joy to walk through our beautiful new facility, and hear music and laughter rise from every classroom. The Greenhalgh Centre for Music and Drama was created in recognition of the excellence of our young performers and musicians and provides a space appropriate for their hard work. The Greenhalgh Centre for Music and Drama is a magnificent addition to our School and will be loved by generations of students to come.”

Meriden’s Principal, Dr Julie Greenhalgh.

Director of Music at Meriden, Ms Jodie Spooner-Ryan, said the success of the building mirrored the success of Meriden’s music and drama programs.

“Meriden’s music and drama programs have gone from strength to strength. For them to find a home in a building that has been carefully crafted to extend and enhance learning is a wonderful development for both students and their teachers.”

“We are very much enjoying the specialist spaces. Our composition classroom allows our students to use specialist music software and record their compositions in the recording studio, our Recital Room gives students a space in which to perform and rehearse in an intimate chamber setting, while our Ensemble Room allows large ensembles and smaller bands to rehearse together,” said Ms Spooner-Ryan.

The Allison Howell Drama Theatre, Meriden

“We look forward to staging concerts in the open spaces for the school to enjoy, rehearsing musicals in our dedicated Allison Howell Drama Theatre, and seeing our Music Academy students continue to develop their love of music and performing,” said Ms Spooner-Ryan.

Year 12 student, Chaewon Park, said the space was an exciting one to learn in.

“We couldn’t believe our eyes when we first walked through. The Greenhalgh Centre for Music and Drama is beautiful. I already love to practise my cello in the music studios and I’m looking forward to performing in the bigger spaces. We feel very fortunate.”

Greenhalgh Centre for Music and Drama construction team

CTPG, Project Managers

AJ+C, Architecture and Interiors

Buildcorp, Building contractors

DJCoalition, Feature Lighting

Funktion, Access

Harris Page, Hydraulics

Holding Redlich, Legal

MBC Group, Certifier

Norman Disney & Young, ESD/Section J

Oculus, Landscape

Omnifire, Fire Safety

Richard Stuart Theatre and Production Consultant, Theatre Design

RWDI, Acoustics

Shelmerdine Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

TTW, Façade, Structural and Civil Engineering

Urbis, Urban Planning

WT Partnership, Quantity Surveyor

Schools in NSW trialling extended hours

The New South Wales government is trialling extended school hours. Eight schools are participating in the trial aimed to suit the needs of parents and students.

The extended school hours aim to offer greater support to working parents managing their commitments.

“The reality is that the traditional school day, like the 9 to 5 workday, is a 20th century concept which may not be the best model for 21st century families, schools and the community”, said Ms Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning.

Are NSW school hours extending?

The schools in NSW trialling extended school hours will not impact class time for students.

“What we are doing is finding ways to better support students and make it easier for working parents to manage their commitments.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the schools will partner with community organisations, local businesses and sporting clubs.

Photo by Adrià Crehuet Cano on Unsplash

Kids will have access to ‘a range of high quality activities’ outside the standard 9:00 am to 3:00 pm school day.

Why are schools in NSW trialling extended hours?

Mr Perrottet aims to provide options outside of standard school hours for working parents balancing family life.

“We want to offer greater support and comfort to parents, knowing that their kids are safe and happy taking part in a homework club in the school library, a dance class in the school hall or soccer practice on the school oval.”

Current extended hours in schools

Many schools currently offer extra curricular activities to meet parent needs.

Schools are reinventing the traditional school day through breakfast clubs, homework and study facilities, or sport and arts programs existing outside of school hours.

“This research pilot will give us a better understanding of what schools are already doing, and how we can expand on or implement effective practices at similar schools.”

Ms Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning

The trial is particularly aimed at school sites that are under utilised.

When does the trial extending school hours in NSW start?

The trial will run in Terms 3 and 4 for 20 weeks.

The 8 schools in NSW trialling extended hours are:

• Cawdor Public School

• Hanwood Public School

• Hastings Secondary College

• Kentlyn Public School

• Matraville Soldier’s Settlement Public School

• Orange High School

• Spring Hill Public School

• Tacking Point Public School

Summary of schools in NSW trialling extended hours:

• 8 schools in NSW are trialling extended hours.
• The extended hours do not change classroom hours. They aim to provide parents with help outside of the 9:00 am to 3:00 pm school day.
• The trial will take place with the help of community organisations, local business and sporting clubs.
• The trial will run in Terms 3 and 4 for 20 weeks.

Governor-General Presents Barker College Redbacks with Prestigious International Robotics Award

The Barker College Redbacks’ induction into the FIRST Hall of Fame, has been recognised and honoured by Their Excellencies, The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley at a special presentation event held at Admiralty House, Kirribilli on 11 May.

In awarding the Hall of Fame Clock to the team, the Governor-General, congratulated all team members, their mentors, Alumni and staff, on the significant role played in the success of the Barker Redbacks in the 2021 and 2022 FIRST Robotics Competition.

“It is an impressive set of skills: decision-making, planning, research and development, organisational, oral and written communications, ability to work as part of a team, and perseverance,” his Excellency said.

“The skills that enabled you to be successful at FIRST Robotics are the same skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life.”

In the 33-year history of the Competition this is only the second time an Australian team has won the award and the first time for an Australian high school team.

In his address to the guests, Mr Phillip Heath, shared how proud he was of what our students have achieved.

“Character and capacity to learn and solve challenges together is beginning to trump knowledge and content as markers of readiness to engage in post school education. The Barker Redbacks have achieved all their accomplishments as volunteers in a co-curricular activity that sits outside our academic program. They are the creators, not the consumers, of the future,” Mr Heath said.

Roseville College’s Learning Festival 2022

Roseville College’s annual ‘Learning Festival’ will be returning in 2022. Roseville College’s Learning Festival provides parents and families with the wonderful opportunity to visit Roseville College and see learning in action and experience the warmth of their community.

What is the Learning Festival?

The Learning Festival is an open day where prospective families have the opportunities to visit the Roseville College campus and meet the students and staff.

Parents can learn more about Roseville College’s approach to K-12 learning with an interactive and festive day on campus.

From music to drama, science to art, sport to history, food and coffee stalls, and a petting zoo there will be lots to see and do.

Things to do at Roseville College’s Learning Festival

Join a student-led tour

At Roseville College’s Learning Festival you will have an opportunity to meet their Registrar and join a student-led tour of our campus!

Their Registrar will be available on the day to answer any enrolment enquiries you may have.

Where to go: Visit the Registrar’s tent for more information.

Meet the staff

Roseville College wants to help families discover more about the College and the breadth of opportunities it has to offer.

The team welcomes the opportunity to speak with you and answer any questions you might have.

So where’s our invite?

Roseville College invites you to visit them for the Learning Festival on Saturday 21 May from 12pm – 4pm at 27 Bancroft Avenue, Roseville 2069.

To learn more about what to expect, visit Roseville College’s website.