News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:16:03 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 13:50:33 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 17:21:16 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.

KPS students are helping monitor air quality

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:06:36 AEDT

Our school is one of a several schools who's students are part of a the Blue Mountains and Lithgow Air Watch, a community initiated study run by the EPA to monitor the air quality in our region.

A group of 15 student volunteers give up their lunchtimes to be part of the project.

The Blue Mountains News came to school last week and interviewed and photographed the students. Have a look at the article and the lovely photos.

(Image above by Angelo Velardo of Blue Mountains News.)

Cooking up a storm at KPS

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:18:43 AEDT

It was 5W's turn to be on chook duty last week. Not only did they do a fabulous job tending to our lovely chickens, but they also used the eggs they collected and silverbeet from the garden to make the most delicious quiches you've ever tasted!

KPS is operational tomorrow

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 18:47:16 AEDT

All schools across the mountains are open tomorrow.

This follows liaison with the Rural Fire Service and the Bureau of Meteorology. The Fire Danger Rating for tomorrow has been downgraded to Very High, as a result of a lessening of the wind and a decrease in temperature. A Total Fire Ban, however, remains in place.

Of course, this is subject to any incidents or changes in weather conditions that might arise overnight, so please check your emails first thing in the morning.

Please continue to monitor messages from the school and the department's website, if needed.

Stage 3 camp CANCELLED

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 16:26:41 AEDT

Due to the uncertainty of conditions in the State we have decided to cancel the Stage 3 camp to Tea Gardens for tomorrow.

We are aware that this an extremely important experience for our Year 5/6 students and so have waited as long as possible keeping in contact with the camp coordinators and watching conditions. In the end our main priority is of course the safety and well-being of students and staff.

We will endeavour to secure some alternate dates but this is not confirmed at this time. Thank you for your patience, understanding and support. Please spread the word to families who may not get this message.

Katoomba Public School CLOSED 12 November

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:22:40 AEDT

The Department of Education has advised that Katoomba Public School will be CLOSED tomorrow, 12 November 2019.

The Director has apologised for the late notice.

Please spread the word to families who may not be on Facebook, Skoolbag or the school's website.

School will resume Wednesday.

Stage 3 Camp is going ahead on Wednesday - see you for an early start at 6am on Wednesday, Years 5 & 6.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:33:42 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.

A Dr Seuss Spectacular

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:45:50 AEDT

Katoomba Public School was treated to A Dr Seuss Spectacular for the 2019 Drama Performances. We enjoyed watching eight Dr Seuss plays performed by 60 very talented students.

The students did their own stage direction, created their own props, did the casting and costuming and learnt some very difficult scripts. Thank you to a very talented bunch of young actors for a fabulous performance!

See the Gallery for more photos from the day.

KPS's War on Waste

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 14:57:43 AEDT

Katoomba Public School has launched it's very own "War on Waste" with an all-day workshop run by Blue Mountains City Council's environmental education team.

We brainstormed ways we could reduce waste and came up with lots of creative ways to save things from landfill.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:29:10 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

Snow update

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:49:06 AEST

The school will be operational from 11am today. Please take care on the roads as they are slippery. We advise students not to ride their bikes today.

Children in the Primary Proms Choir performing at the Town Hall are travelling on a later train to the city. Please meet at Katoomba Station at 10am.

Performing Arts at KPS

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 10:10:25 AEST

The Senior Recorder Ensemble, who performed at the Opera House earlier this year, is now preparing to play at the Old Timey Folk Festival at Junction 142. The Drama Group are putting the finishing touches on their fabulous Dr Seuss plays. The band is practising hard for the Creative Arts assembly and the Choir and Koori Club Singers have been performing at community events and performing at the Upper Mountains Choral Festival. Our dancers have just finished wowing the audiences at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts and are now preparing to perform as part of the Upper Mountains Dance Festival.

What very talented performers we have at KPS!

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:41:50 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 11:28:03 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 11:50:25 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 14:16:46 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 11:44:58 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.

Weather Update

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 11:24:54 AEST

KPS will be operational from 11am.

However, there will be no normal classes as some staff are still unable to travel to work.

Student supervision will be provided in the Library.

Thank you for your support.

SNOW/WEATHER UPDATE

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 08:52:51 AEST

Due to early morning snow and rain and predicted high winds, conditions are difficult at this stage. Some staff and students are unable to get to KPS due to highway closures. At this stage we are advising students to remain at home if possible.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:29:00 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 15:28:06 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 15:16:06 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 15:31:27 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 13:49:45 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 15:09:30 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

Bush Classroom Update

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 20:18:39 AEDT

The fire pit is underway! Have a peek through the fence next time you’re passing and have a look at how good it’s looking. A huge thank you to Scott for sourcing the fire pit and putting it in for us and to his helper, Christian. Thank you to Zoe, Toby and Heath who have offered some more pine rounds to sit on.

The percentage of mulch to grass is also increasing and the area is already starting to take shape. Plants have been ordered and we’re planning what plant will go where!

This project is jointly funded through Katoomba Public School P&C and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Staff Changes for 2019

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 20:37:48 AEDT

KPS staff are leaving us...

Mr Gero is leaving us to take up permanent employment.

Congratulations Mr G!!! He was successful at interview and has accepted a permanent teaching position at Mt Victoria Public School starting in 2019. We thank him for his enthusiasm and joy of teaching and wish him well in his new job. He will be missed by the staff and community.

Mrs Schoeler has decided not to return to KPS in 2019. Mrs Schoeler has given our students the opportunity to deepen their musical knowledge and experience the joy of music. Thank you for over 10 years of dedicated teaching at KPS. We wish you well.

New Staff in 2019..

In 2019 we are happy to be welcoming Mrs Amanda Perry to our KPS family. Mrs Perry has been transferred to KPS, filling one of our vacant positions. She has been working at Tregear PS, lives in the mountains, has a young child and is happy to be starting here in the new year. Mrs Perry and Mrs Snow will be sharing a class in 2019.

3/4N Visit Anita Villa Nursing Home

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 20:30:49 AEDT

On Thursday 22nd November 3/4N went to Anita Villa, a nursing home. 3/4N went to the nursing home because in the nursing home there were some people they’ve been writing to. They enjoyed writing to the people.

At Anita Villa they had to be careful because they didn’t know what to expect. Some people might not talk, some might have disabilities and some might just be old. Hearing this, 3/4N got a little nervous and some just felt excited.

On the day 3/4N went there were smiles on everyone’s faces. When they went into Anita Villa 3/4N went looking for their pen-pals. I went looking for Sandra, my pen-pal. She didn’t talk much.

Once we had a chat with our pen-pals, we sang Guma Burria to the residents. After we sang they gave us hot chocolate, ice blocks and a billy cart. They thanked us for writing to them. It was great!

by Freya Gregory

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:29:16 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.

Work begins on our new bush classroom!

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 21:06:43 AEDT

Work will be commencing in our bush classroom this week and will continue until the end of term. The Ada and Waratah St corner of the playground will be out of bounds and temporary safety fencing will be erected around the area. All students have been asked to stay clear. We’ll include a weekly update in the KatNews to keep everyone informed of the progress of the project – we’re so excited!

Big Day In 2018

Sun, 04 Nov 2018 20:56:39 AEDT

Year 6 finally went to the Big Day In at Katoomba High School on Tuesday.

There were lots of people from our school, Katoomba High School and other primary schools. You could buy food, drinks and funny hats.

There were 5 different rides you could go on. Our favourite was the Vomitron. Some people got so dizzy they threw up.

It was a great day because we got to go on rides and have a day off school.

By Andy and Riley

Year 6 Parents & Carers Afternoon Tea

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 20:50:27 AEDT

The Year 6 parents and carers shared a lovely afternoon tea together in our brand new community space.

We had some visitors from the high school to answer all our questions - Ms Michelle Paulley, next year's Year 7 Year Advisor and Ms Imelda Eames, the high school's Community Liaison Officer. We will be sending home a special Year 6 newsletter very soon with all the information you need to transition to high school - as a parent!

First Annual KPS Trivia Night

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 21:10:55 AEDT

What a wonderful Night!

We are so, so lucky at Katoomba Public to have such a fabulous school community of caring, dedicated staff, engaged and passionate parents and the best students in the mountains! We are also incredibly lucky to be part of the broader Katoomba community who are so supportive of our school.

And all that support and love was so evident at the P&C Trivia Night on Saturday night! Nearly 100 people came along and had a lot of fun and raised over $2,000 for our sensory garden.

A huge thank you to Mr Tom Daniels from Katoomba High School for doing such a fabulous job as Quiz Master and Leilani Daniels for tallying the scores and to Jane and Amanda for organising the night. We couldn't have raised so much money without the generosity of all our local businesses who donated the prizes - THANK YOU!!

We received so many prizes that we are going to be able to run another raffle this term, so if you didn't get a chance to donate a prize or weren't able to come to the trivia night, don't despair!

Calmsley Hill City Farm 2018

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 16:10:46 AEDT

On 19th October, Kindergarten students went on their first Primary School excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm.

They arrived at school early and were very excited to board the coach with their friends and teachers.

At the farm, students met their guide "farmers" who took them around to see all the great things at the farm. They got to pat a bunny, baby goats and sheep. Every student had a turn at milking a cow. The students learnt lots about the animals and farms and to finish, were treated to a whip-cracking demonstration!

The KPS staff are very proud of Kindergarten and would like to congratulate them on their excellent behaviour and attitude.

Thank you to the P&C for covering the costs of the bus so that all students could enjoy this special outing.

It really was a wonderful day!

Koori Club

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 21:19:42 AEDT

Following our recent meeting, the KPS Sharing Knowledge Team are excited to announce some wonderful new projects underway at our school. We will be developing a new outdoor learning space that will allow students to connect to Country and take part in many outdoor learning opportunities. We look forward to working with local Aboriginal Community groups and KPS families to revitalise an area of our school playground.