News

Term 1, Week 6

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:56:21 AEDT

March 3 - District Swimming Carnival

March 5 - Big Veggie Crunch Day

Term 1, Week 5

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 10:52:46 AEDT

Wellbeing Week

Term 1, Week 4

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 10:50:52 AEDT

Meet the teacher - Monday 17

Kinder - 3.15 - 4pm

Stage 1 - 4 - 4.45pm

Meet the teacher - Tuesday 18

Stage 2 - 3.15 - 4pm

Stage 3 - 4 - 4.45pm

Playgroup starts - Wednesday 19

Scripture starts - Thursday 20

Term 1, Week 3

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 10:43:50 AEDT

3 - 6 Swim Carnival - Monday 11

Junior dance auditions - Tuesday 12

Textbook buying day - Wednesday 13

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:03:17 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 13:23:21 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 16:43:10 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.

Term 4, Week 10.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:54:29 AEST

Tuesday, 17 December - Year 6 Farewell.

Wednesday, 18 December - K - 6 Picnic Day

- Last day of school for 2019.

Term 4, Week 9.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:51:27 AEST

Tuesday, 10 December - Presentation Day.

- Semester Two reports go home.

Wednesday, 11 December - K - 6 Concert @ MPS.

Thursday, 12 December - Year 6 Fun Day.

Term 4, Week 8.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:47:50 AEST

Tuesday, 3 December - High School Orientation Day Year 6.

- Stage 2 camp.

Wednesday, 4 December - Surf Ed Year 6.

Thursday, 5 December - Combined Scripture Service.

Friday, 6 December - PSSA Finals.

Term 4, Week 7.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:42:47 AEST

Friday, 29 November - PSSA round 9.

Term 4, Week 6.

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 19:56:20 AEDT

Monday, 18 November - Interrelate parent information evening.

Training band Demonstration Years 2-5

Wednesday, 20 November - 4Cs Parent Workshop

Friday, 22 November - Hurstville Grove Infants Year 2 Transition.

- PSSA round 8.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:10:25 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.

Term 4, Week 5.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:35:00 AEST

Monday, 11 November - Remembrance Day Service.

Tuesday, 12 November - Kinder 2020 Transition 3 (9am - 11am).

Wednesday, 13 November - Colour Fun Run.

- Public Speaking Grand Final @ St Peters.

Friday, 15 November - Wellbeing Show K-2 (12.15 - 1.15pm) 3-6 (2 - 3pm).

- Hurstville Grove Infants Year 2 Transition.

- PSSA round 7.

Term 4, Week 4.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:28:09 AEST

Tuesday, 5 November - Kinder 2020 Transition 2 (9am - 11am).

Wednesday, 6 November - Year 6 art day with Aboriginal Artist (9am - 3pm)

- Year 5 Leadership day (9am - 3pm)

Friday, 8 November - Hurstville Grove Infants Year 2 students transition.

- PSSA round 6.

Term 4, Week 3.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:23:00 AEST

Monday, 28 October - BYOD parent information evening (Year 4 parents) 6pm.

Tuesday, 29 October - Kinder 2020 Transition 1 (9am - 11am).

Wednesday, 30 October - Training Band 'Blow In Day'.

- Year 6 with Aboriginal artist.

Thursday, 31 October - P & C Halloween Disco.

Friday, 1 November - PSSA round 5.

Term 4, Week 2.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:14:59 AEST

Monday, 21 to Wednesday 23 October - Stage 3 Camp.

Tuesday, 22 October - Public speaking competition @ Oatley PS.

- Kinder 2020 Orientation Day 9am - 11am.

Thursday, 24 October - Cricket T20 Blast Regional Final @ Evatt Park.

Friday, 25 October - PSSA round 4.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:00:12 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

Term 4, Week 1

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:06:46 AEST

Monday, 14 October - Students return for Term 4.

Tuesday, 15 October - P & C Meeting @ 7pm.

- Kinder 2020 orientation evening 6.30 - 7.30pm.

Thursday, 17 October - PSSA Zone Athletics Carnival @ Homebush

Friday, 18 October - PSSA round 3.

Term 3, Week 10

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 15:37:43 AEST

Tuesday, 24 September - Debating @ Peakhurst South PS

Wednesday, 25 September - Year 6 Farewell Meeting @ 3:45pm in 5/6B Classroom

Friday, 27 September - Morty Assembly @ 2:00pm in the Hall

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:37:16 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 11:23:50 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.

Term 3, Week 9

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:20:21 AEST

Tuesday, 17 September - Bandsgate

- UNSW English Competition

Friday, 20 September - UNSW Mathematics Competition

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:43:47 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.

Term 3, Week 8

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 11:54:24 AEST

Tuesday, 10 September - Dance Sport Challenge Gala Night

- UNSW Writing Competition

Wednesday, 11 September - 3-6 Public Speaking Competition

Friday, 13 September - PSSA Season 3 Begins

Term 3, Week 7

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:03:04 AEST

Electricity Safety Week - All Week!

Wednesday, 4 September - 3-6 PSSA Trials

Thursday, 5 September - UNSW Science Competition

Friday, 6 September - 3-6 PSSA Trials

Term 3, Week 6

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 13:54:56 AEST

Monday, 26 August - PSSA District Track Carnival

Tuesday, 27 August - Kindy Excursion Calmsley Hill

Wednesday, 28 August - K-2 Public Speaking Competition

- School Disco K-2 5:00 - 5:45

- School Disco 3-6 6:15 - 7:15

Friday, 30 August - Colour Fun Run

Term 3, Week 5

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 15:54:19 AEST

Monday 19 August - PSSA District Field Carnival

Tuesday 20 August - Book Week Parade

Wednesday 21 August - Stage 2 Observatory Excursion

- School Tour for new parents

Friday 23 August - PSSA Finals

Term 3, Week 4

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 19:55:41 AEST

Monday, 12 August - K-2 Carnival

Tuesday, 13 August - NSW Netball Cup Finals @ Homebush

Wednesday, 14 August - Year 2 Excursion Susannah Place Museum

Thursday, 15 August - SPAF Concerts

Friday, 16 August - Year 1 Excursion Susannah Place Museum

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:08:01 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

Term 3 Week 3

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 12:19:42 AEST

Monday 5 August - NAIDOC Week Mufti Day

Tuesday 6 August - St George Eisteddfod

Wednesday 7 August - Education Week Open Day

Friday 9 - PSSA Season 2 Rnd 8

Term 3 News

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 19:16:35 AEST

Term 3 Week 2 News

Monday 29 July Spelling Bee

Track Carnival

Tuesday 30 July Field Carnival

Wednesday 31 July OC Placement Test

Thursday 1 August Got Game Gymnastics

Friday 2 August PSSA Round 7

Deadly Kids doing well awards

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:38:46 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 12:24:33 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 15:15:46 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 15:10:37 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 15:19:25 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 13:24:43 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 15:00:21 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 16:24:58 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.

Education Week 2018 at Mortdale Public School

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 10:15:31 AEST

Monday 6 August, 2018

K-2 Athletics Carnival from 11:30am

Tuesday 7 August, 2018

Rockdale Plaza Performances 10:00am

S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Challenge K-6 11:30am

Wednesday 8 August, 2018

Open Day

9:10am-9:45am Open Classrooms

10:00am-11:00am Education Week Concert

11:00am-11:45am Morning Tea

Thursday 9 August, 2018

Indigenous Artist Visit K-6

More new classrooms, preschool places and teachers in $17.3 billion education budget

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:38:02 AEST

NSW Budget 2018 features historic firsts for education, including record funding to expand the number of new and upgraded schools, unprecedented investment to air condition more classrooms and universal pre-school for three year olds.

Above: Artist impression of the new Alexandria Park Community School. Credit: Design | TKD Architects, Visualisation | Narrative.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Early Childhood Minister Sarah Mitchell outlined a range of new initiatives funded by the $17.3 billion education budget in 2018-19.

The Government will be investing $6 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools, including planning for more than 20 new projects.

"We are proud to be making this unprecedented investment into the future of our children," Mr Perrottet said.

"This year's NSW Budget takes our already record school building program to another level – a massive 170 schools new and upgraded schools over the next four years.

"That brings our total schools building program to 230 new and upgraded schools since 2011."

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government's strong financial management has allowed us to invest so heavily in our schools and education system."

Mr Stokes said communities right across NSW will benefit from this record investment into education.

"NSW is experiencing an increase in school enrolments and we have in place an unprecedented program of investment in new and upgraded schools to meet this demand," Mr Stokes said.

A staged investment of $500 million is being allocated to provide cooling for schools, while improving the indoor environmental quality, through the installation of smart and sustainable air conditioning systems powered by solar energy.

In another landmark initiative, NSW will become the first Australian state to provide universal access to community preschool for three years old under a $197.8 million program.

"Because of this historic investment, average daily fees will decrease significantly and the savings will go directly back into the pockets of hard working families," Mrs Mitchell said.

This brings total spending on early childhood education to $474.3 million in 2018-19.

Other education investment in the 2018-19 NSW Budget includes:

$160 million to be spent in 2018-19 to continue its blitz on planned school maintenance, part of a record $747 million investment over four years;
$71.8 million to implement the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in NSW schools;
$50 million in additional flexible funding will be provided to government schools to implement the School Leadership Strategy - freeing up principals and school leaders from administrative work;
$3 million for the first comprehensive review of the entire school curriculum since 1989;
$2.8 million to encourage the preservation and study of Aboriginal languages;
$30 million to continue to deliver greater access to green space and sports facilities in public school playgrounds through the Share Our Space program, and;
Funding for around 900 extra full-time equivalent teaching positions in NSW government schools.

The NSW Government will also invest $1.3 billion on non-government schools, an increase of 7.5 per cent on 2017-18. This includes a $32 million increase in the Building Grants Assistance Scheme over four years for capital works projects to support enrolment growth in non-government schools.

The record $17.3 billion investment in education allocates $15.7 billion for recurrent expenses and $1.6 billion for capital investment in 2018-19.

New uniform policy for NSW public schools

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:31:57 AEST

A new uniform policy has been introduced for NSW public schools, which for the first time include the option for girls to wear shorts and pants.

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and the Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, announced the new "clear and concise" policy today at Condell Park Public School in Sydney.

Ms Berejiklian said the "modern makeover" would ensure that uniforms were practical and comfortable for students and affordable for parents.

The new policy says all students should have the opportunity to access the full range of school activities while wearing a school uniform, including physical activities, and girls must have the option to wear shorts and pants.

For more information, read the media release by the Premier and Minister. The new policy and implementation guidelines (PDF 116.83KB) are available on the department's website.

The Department of Education supports the wearing of school uniform to promote a sense of belonging for students and create a positive identity for the school community.

Each public school decides on its school uniform in formal consultation with students, school staff, parents and the school community.

Public schools building great Australian lives

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:35:13 AEST

The Public Education Foundation has launched a new campaign promoting the importance of public schools to the community.

The online campaign helps raise awareness and instil confidence in parents and the community that our public schools provide a vibrant, inclusive and high quality education to all Australians.

The videos feature three famous Australians who credit their public education for equipping them with the skills and values that have enabled them to go on and make great contributions to society.

David Hetherington, executive director of the Public Education Foundation, said the campaign aims to highlight the impact of public schools to society.

"We believe that public schools are an essential pillar of Australian society. Tens of millions of Australians have benefited from public education as a springboard to happy and successful lives," Mr Hetherington said.

"We wanted to shine a light on this great national institution so we've asked a few famous Australians to share their stories."

Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, said the campaign represents our commitment to supporting our students.

"We want every student in public education to be known, valued and cared for and the Public Education Foundation campaign highlights our commitment to providing opportunities for all our young people to succeed," he said.

Television personality Craig Reucassel, a writer, comedian, and host of ABC TV's War on Waste, spoke about the impact of attending a public school on his career and life.

"One particular teacher established this debating and public speaking class, and it really changed how I saw a lot of things," he said.

"I think they instilled in me a lot of the interest in social justice that I have now."

The videos also feature Professor Larissa Behrendt, the first Aboriginal Harvard Law graduate, who spoke about the teacher who had the most impact on her at school.

"My English teacher, Miss O'Sullivan, was somebody who really shaped my confidence," she said. "I was encouraged to have a voice and be passionate about what's right and wrong."

The Hon. Michael Kirby, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, recalls the encouragement he received at school to strive for excellence.

"We were a public school, encouraging people to do what they want to do and with excellence."

"Excellence was the motto of my school," Mr Kirby said.

The three students featured in the videos attend Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School.

The Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to young people in public education and enhancing the value and reputation of public schools.

More information on the foundation is available on their website.