News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:09:20 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 13:36:16 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 17:01:21 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 17:21:22 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.

Congratulations Riley

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:03:24 AEDT

Congratulations to Riley who came 2nd in the 12 year old boys 100m at the NSW PSSA State Athletics.

Sydney West Regional Athletics Championships

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:04:35 AEDT

Last week Ropes Crossing Public School was proudly represented by thirteen of our students at the Sydney West Regional Athletics Championships. These students represented both the school and St Marys Zone PSSA with excellence and are to be congratulated for their outstanding achievement. Congratulations to all students involved.

Some outstanding results from three of our students deserve special mention as they will now be representing the Sydney West Region at the upcoming NSW PSSA State Athletics Championships to be held at Sydney Olympic Park.

Riley H has qualified for 12 year old boys 100m (1st) and 200m (1st).

Indy C will represent in 11 year old girls 800m (2nd), 1500m (2nd) and High Jump (3rd).

Naomi A will compete in 12 year old girls High Jump (1st).

Congratulations to these talented athletes! We are very proud of your achievements and wish you all the best.

CLC Reading Competition

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:57:04 AEDT

Students in Stage 1 participated in the CLC Reading Competition during Term 3. Khanishka and Miley were selected to represent Ropes Crossing Public School at the CLC K-2 Reading Competition at Colyton Public School on Wednesday 23^rd October.

Congratulations to Khanishka who won the Year 2 Competition.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:20:41 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 13:39:23 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 11:25:51 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.

Operation Art 2019

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 14:39:24 AEST

Congratulations to the students who were chosen to represent Ropes Crossing Public School in the Operation Art Program.

Team Teaching at RCPS

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 10:28:49 AEST

Last week on Wednesday, 1F and 2K came together for some team teaching and collaborative learning. Stage 1 are investigating the Living World in Science this term. Year 1 and Year 2 buddied up together and looked at moving insects in soil and observed how they move. We used magnifying glasses and cotton buds to explore the physical structures of living things. It was a really fun afternoon being clever scientists!

In Term 2, 2K and 5/6C joined together for a joint mindfulness meditation session in our school hall. It was lead by Ms Castle who brought in her sound bowl and taught us to focus on our everyday breath through calm and deep breathing. 2K brought in their soft toys as breathing buddies watching their belly rise and fall. It was a beautiful collaboration between both Stage 3 and Stage 1 classes. They kick started the day with rejuvenation and renewed alertness, which helped everyone feel more engaged with their learning.

Click the link

Team Teaching

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:46:43 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.

Book Week 2019

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:54:33 AEST

Ropes Crossing Public School celebrated Book Week by coming to school dressed as their favourite book character.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:12:06 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

Multicultural Public Speaking

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 13:14:30 AEST

Stage 2 and Stage 3 students had their class finalists participate in the finals for the Multicutural Public Speaking competition. There were so many great speeches involving multicultural content. Congratulations to the following students who will attend the finals at Tregear Public School on Tuesday 2nd July 2019.

Year 3: Siddarth- What makes an Australian

Year 4: Zara- Our Backyard

Year 5: Lavena- Sports & Multiculturalism

Year 6: Alyssa- Australia Day

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:41:39 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 12:26:50 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.

Sporting Achievments

Mon, 20 May 2019 14:40:11 AEST

Ropes Crossing Public School would like to congratulate two Year 6 students for their outstanding achievements in representative sport.

Indy and Maea gained selection in the St Marys PSSA Representative Netball team at the PSSA Trials Day in Term 1. Since then, Indy and Maea represented St Marys at the Sydney West Region Netball Championships in which their team finished equal second. Further to this, Indy and Maea were deemed to be two of the best players throughout the whole Sydney West region and have been selected to represent Sydney West at the upcoming NSW PSSA State Netball Championships. Congratulations to Indy and Maea.

Additionally, Indy and Maea also were selected to represent St Marys PSSA in the Sydney West Girls Touch Football Championships that were held on Monday, 6 May 2019 at The Kingsway. Both girls represented extremely well throughout the day. Congratulations to Indy who was also successful in gaining selection to represent the Sydney West Region in Touch Football!

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:21:35 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

Mother's Day Stall

Fri, 10 May 2019 16:02:50 AEST

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing women who look after us and our wonderful students! Our super exciting Mother’s Day stall and raffle draw was held on Wednesday the 8^th of May. A massive thank you to our awesome P&C team for their generous time and efforts in making this pleasant event happen. We really appreciate all your hard work. Once again, Happy Mother’s Day to all the special mums and we hope everyone has a great time celebrating all the things you continue to do for us! Remember, Mum’s the word!!!!

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:13:27 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 15:25:04 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.

Ropes Crossing Strikers

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:39:41 AEDT

Last month our local football club, the Ropes Crossing Strikers FC visited our school and successfully ran free clinics throughout all grades. We deeply appreciate the time and effort given to our students who greatly enjoyed the soccer sessions.

The club has generously donated $1500 to our school to use subsidising costs of sport costs for students and school sport buses. We are so deeply grateful for this amazing initiative and hope to see the Ropes Crossing Strikers FC visit us again next year!

Ropes Crossing Strikers

On Tuesday, 12^th of February, Ropes Crossing Strikers came to our school and they brang soccer goals and lots of soccer balls. We had Ahmed’s couch, so first we got separated, so it was a boy’s group and a girl’s group. The girls went somewhere else while we stayed.

We stared with bullrush after we done sharks, in sharks there’s around 5 people in and they try to get the ball off you. After we did 1v1s and I scored but the other team won. After we done 2v2s and we won like 8/1. Also we did some footwork. After we had to leave and I loved it!

Thank you Strikers for coming it was fun!

By Alex 3F

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:38:50 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 15:04:39 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

School Colour Run Fundraising

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 11:15:28 AEDT

Ropes Crossing Public School P&C organised a School Colour Fun Run as a major fundraising event this year to raise much needed money for Mathematics Resource Kits for every classroom throughout our school. Congratulations to KR for being the class that raised the most amount of money. Also a huge congratulations to Kobi who was the student who raised the most amount of money. Thank you to all the students who participated in this event.

Choir Christmas Carols

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 10:38:43 AEDT

Students from our 3-6 School Choir performed at the Ropes Crossing Carols. Students had a wonderful time and sang their hearts out. They performed Feliz Navidad, Happy Christmas to You, When a Child is Born, Six White Boomers, One Candle and 12 Days of Aussie Christmas. A huge thank you to all the families who came and supported us. Also thank you to Miss Smith for taking time out of her weekend to enable the choir to perform at this event.

Sydney Kings Visit

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 10:47:44 AEDT

As the wet and windy weather cleared, our students gathered around the school basketball court awaiting the mighty Sydney Kings arrival. Their presence was welcomed with a fierce Stage 1 Haka performance which made our entire school lift with excitement. As our school senior basketball team lined up to take the court, the atmosphere lifted with cheer. The Sydney Kings gave us some pretty awesome entertainment with halftime games, slam dunks, trick moves and 3 pointers from all over the court. Then along came our Stage 1 superstars, who left us all in awe of their talent. All of our students showed great skill, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for basketball and a fun time was enjoyed by all who participated and those who cheered alongside.

A huge thank you to Miss Porter for organising this amazing event.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:27:04 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.

PBL Launch Day

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 11:20:19 AEDT

A special and momentous occasion was held on Wednesday 7^th November with the unveiling of the new Positive Behaviour for Learning signs and the inauguration of Hadley House and Fox House. Ekin was the winner of the Ropes Roo Mascot. Amidst over 250 entries, Ekin was selected as the best Mascot displaying ‘Following the Five’. He was presented with his very own version of ‘Ropes Roo’ to keep. Paige Hadley the Australian Diamond Netball Player and Jessica Fox the current C1 and K1 World Champion in Canoe Slalom visited the school and spoke about the honour of having a sport house named after them. They addressed the assembly and were enthralled and delighted with the war cries attached to their houses.

Mt Druitt Minchinbury Public Speaking Competition

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 10:26:11 AEDT

Fiver for a Farmer

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 12:02:17 AEST

Students and staff at Ropes Crossing held a Fiver for a Farmer Friday where they dressed in their farmer clothes. Thank you to all our families for your kind donations. The school raised a total of $2,120.75. The money has been donated to the Country Women’s Association Drought Appeal.

Kindergarten Excursion to the Farm

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:59:16 AEST

On Monday, 3 September our Kindergarten students boarded the bus bound for Calmsley Hill City Farm. The students were extremely excited to see the animals at the farm but the bus trip was just as exciting. When we arrived at the farm, we had recess and were quickly ready to explore the farm. There were so many animals to see and opportunities to interact with them. Everyone got to milk the cow and have a ride on the tractor. After lunch, we watched a whip cracking show and some students even got to have a turn of the whip! Then we saw a sheep shearing show and got to see a working dog round up the sheep. We left the farm exhausted from all the fun and arrived back at school just before the bell. A big thanks to the parent volunteered that came along on the day and the students should be congratulated for their outstanding behaviour, demonstrating their safe, responsible, respectful and excellent learner manners.

Education Week will be a game changer

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:02:48 AEST

Excursions to the moon, teleporting between classes, face recognition roll call or a school without bell times or walls – the school of the future is only limited by your imagination.

That is the message from the organisers of an exciting new challenge being launched today in the lead up to Education Week 2018.

The inaugural game changer challenge will showcase the theme of this year's education week, today's schools – creating tomorrow's world, which highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing, globalised world.

Under the game changer challenge students and teachers will work together and co-design the school of the future.

Based on a 60-second video application, 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – will then be selected to take part in a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop in Sydney.

The workshop includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It will also include a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of industry professionals in fields as diverse as technology, creative design and foreign affairs to design the school of the future.

The challenge winner will be selected after a shark tank-style pitch to industry and education experts, including Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott.

Full details of the competition can be found on the Education Week webpage.

EdWeek 2018 - theme and dates announced

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 15:20:29 AEST

This year's Education Week will be held from Monday 6 August to Friday 10 August 2018 (Term 3, Week 3).

The theme for Education Week is ‘Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world'.

This theme communicates how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing, globalised world.