News

Student Use Of Digital Devices And Online Services Procedures

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 20:17:13 AEDT

The independent review into the non-educational use of mobile digital devices in NSW schools is complete and NSW has taken action to address its recommendations. A new Student Use of Digital Devices and Online Services policy is now available. It covers student use of smartphones, smart watches, tablets, laptops and any other device that allows connectivity to the internet and applications. It applies to both school owned and personal (BYO) devices. The policy builds upon the important work in schools, teaching young people to use digital technology in safe, responsible and respectful ways, as we prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Each school has been asked to develop a procedure for how they are going to implement this policy. As our school is very advanced in its use of technology in the classroom, this policy and procedure changes very little of our classroom practice as our technology is always for educational purposes.

The main points to consider are:

Mobile phones are not to be at school, and all communication between parents and students during school time will go through our front office as per usual.
If a student does need a mobile phone for before/after school safety reasons, it must be handed in to the front office upon arrival at school. It will be locked away securely for the day, and the student can retrieve the device at the end of the day.
Parents, teachers and students need to take an active role in discussing online safety so that our children can be safe, responsible and respectful when using devices and the internet at school and home.

This procedure will be discussed at our upcoming P&C meeting. You are able to download the procedure below. If you have any questions or feedback, please email the school.

You can check out the procedure here.

Small School Swimming Carnival Winners!

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 20:45:30 AEDT

It's official: Terara won the Small Schools Swimming Carnival! Congratulations to all students that entered in events, and congratulations to our age champions Molly, Finn and Viktor. Students will be notified if they will be competing in our District Carnival once the qualifying times have been released. Again, well done on such a fantastic result!

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:53:19 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 13:01:48 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

Back To School Guide

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 16:16:49 AEDT

Your #Ready2020 primary school guide

2020 Equipment List

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:21:00 AEDT

Each year, students are encouraged to bring in their own equipment to allow them to work independently and take ownership and responsibility for their learning. Please note that all items must be labelled and that some may need to be replenished throughout the year.

You can also download a copy here:

Equipment List 2020

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:15:44 AEDT

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region-specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:43:30 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.

Film By The Bay Success!

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:31:57 AEDT

Winner of "Best Film" and "Best Actor".

Congratulations to everyone involved in The Perfect Record, which won the "Best Film" award at this year's Film By The Bay Film Festival. A special congratulations goes out to our three lead actors, Mia (who won the "Best Actor" award) Grace and Wyatt, who put in an incredible amount of work to portray very compelling and difficult characters. We are beyond excited about everyone's success and can't wait to see what movie is made next year!

Check out "The Perfect Record" below.

Jump Rope For Heart

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:27:08 AEDT

This term we have been participating in Jump Rope for Heart, which is a program that helps us stay fit and healthy and raises money for people with heart disease.

Our goal for fundraising was $4000 and we had 5 weeks to accomplish it. In one week we have already raised $4,379 with 34 students fundraising, which is an incredible effort. We have now bumped our goal up to $6000. If we keep this fundraising going and get the rest of our students involved we could raise a lot more money for this great cause!

On Tuesday Week 6 we are celebrating the end of our fundraising by having a super fun “Jump Off” skipping activity day that the Year 5 leaders will be organising. Well done everyone. Let’s keep it up!

- Indy 5/6W.

Lantern Parade

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:26:02 AEDT

Our community in the River Festival Lantern Parade

Thank you to all those parents who brought our students along to the Shoalhaven River Festival Lantern Parade last night. Despite the blustery conditions, it was a great night and the students thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Marla and the river festival committee for inviting us, and a huge thanks to Dora and all her helpers (before and on the night) for helping our students create such magical looking lanterns!

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:12:37 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 13:33:44 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 11:20:32 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 11:38:49 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 14:01:17 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 11:33:47 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 12:20:36 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.

Our new lights!

Mon, 27 May 2019 13:37:25 AEST

Last week 5/6W practised for an assembly item. We had to choose what we wanted to be in the item. I chose to be backstage with the lights. Most of the language on the board I understood, like dimmers and strobe lights. I played around with the lights and figured out that the lights worked quite well. I also got to teach Mr Watt how to use them, as he could not work them out. I really like being on the lighting desk and can't wait to use them again! - Max B.

How to make beeswax wraps!

Mon, 27 May 2019 13:38:20 AEST

In class, K/1C and 1/2G made beeswax wraps. We did this because we wanted to not use as much plastic in our lunch boxes. My favourite part was using the iron to melt the beeswax into the fabric. Here is how you make them.

Beeswax Wraps

What you need:

Baking tray
Baking paper
Fabric
Beeswax (we got ours from myNaturopath Kitchen, Kinghorn Street, Nowra)
Iron

Steps

1) Put a piece of baking paper in a tray.

2) Put the fabric on top of the baking paper.

3) Spread the beeswax evenly over the fabric.

4) Place another piece of baking paper over the fabric covered in beeswax.

5) Iron the fabric until the beeswax has melted into the fabric.

6) Hang the wraps to cool down.

7) Use your new bees wax wrap to cover your food!

We are also excited to make a video to teach you how to make these too. - Ashdyn H.

Lanterns for the River Festival

Mon, 27 May 2019 13:36:21 AEST

On Friday 5/6W started making their lantern fish to parade at the Shoalhaven River Festival. Dora, the artist in charge of the parade, taught us how to make them. We measured long pieces of cane and stuck them together to make the frame of the fish. My mum and other parents came in to lend a helping hand. It took us four hours to finish the frames. We all had so much fun making the lanterns with Dora and are excited for when she comes back this Friday to help us finish them off.

After we finish our lanterns, Dora and 5/6W will help the other classes make theirs. - Kylah C.

War On Waste - Beeswax Wraps!

Sat, 25 May 2019 10:56:25 AEST

We are continuing to tackle our war on waste. Yesterday K/1C and 1/2G made beeswax wraps. They learnt about the process of making the wraps and the importance of reducing plastic waste. Years 3-6 will also be learning to create their own reusable wraps in the near future.

A massive thank you to the McLean family for donating the materials.

Student Article: The Road To Regionals

Mon, 20 May 2019 23:01:27 AEST

On Friday 28 students from our school went to the District Cross Country. When I was stretching I felt really nervous. I was hoping I could make it into regionals. As soon as the gun went I ran hard, beating a lot of people. The track was hard. I started sprinting when I was close to the finish line and people came and cheered me on. It was such a great day and I am so excited that Lana, Molly and I made it into regionals. - Airlie.

'The Promise' Heads To Sydney Film Festival!

Mon, 20 May 2019 22:57:10 AEST

Last year our school won the "Best Film" award for our movie The Promise in the Film by the Bay Film Festival. Last week we received the exciting news that our film was selected to be screened at a special "Film By Invitation" Film Festival in Sydney on the 21st of June. Australian Actor and festival patron Bryan Brown watched films from all 13 festivals held across the state and personally selected ours to be screened. Bryan Brown and Murat Dizdar (Department of Education Deputy Secretary) will personally be in attendance at the red carpet event as well.

When we made our film last year we had no idea how far it would go, and Miss Cooper and I are beyond excited for all involved in this film that it is being honoured at such a huge event. As of this time, the school has only been offered a very limited amount of tickets to the event, with the first tickets being offered to the families of the three lead actors. If more tickets become available we will reach out to other students involved in the film.

Student Article: NAPLAN Done and Dusted!

Mon, 20 May 2019 23:00:51 AEST

Last week Year 3 and 5 did four different NAPLAN tests on the school Chromebooks. We did writing on Tuesday, reading and grammar on Wednesday and numeracy on Thursday. Even though the tests might have been a bit hard the teachers made sure we all felt calm and relaxed. The best bit of doing NAPLAN was that we got to do sport afterwards. - Jack F.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:05:37 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 15:07:07 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:20:20 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 13:15:05 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:53:09 AEDT

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

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

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:23:28 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.

Telstra Gaming Kits

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:40:37 AEST

This week students assembled their new gaming kits, coded with Arduino, that they received from Telstra.

Students needed to follow instructions and assemble the units component by component.

Now they will be learning the Arduino coding language to animate their name and create simple multiplayer games.

For more information about these gaming kits please click here.

Book Week 2018

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 12:34:34 AEST

Find Your Treasure

In Week 6, students at Terara celebrated Book Week by dressing up in costumes relating to the theme "Find Your Treasure".

Our students and teachers looked fanstastic as they paraded their costumes. I think it's safe to say that we've all found our treasure here at Terara.

Year 6 Fundraiser

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 12:26:47 AEST

Year 6 Country and Cupcakes Day

In week 4, Year 6 held a fundraiser to raise money for their Year 6 Farewell. Students were able to wear country mufti clothes and purchase cupcakes made by students in Years 3-6.

The day was a huge success, with $600 being raised for the event. Thanks you everyone for your contributions!

Besides feeling sick after eating the abundance of cupcakes, Year 6 had a great day fundraising!

Visit from author Kirli Saunders

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:08:29 AEST

Freedom Machines

Today Kirli Saunders, a South Coast based author, poet and educator led the students in workshops where she reflected on her journey into writing her incredible children's book 'The Incredible Freedom Machines'. The students were inspired to create their own Freedom Machines and write about what motivates them to be the best they can be.

Click here to find out more about Kirli Saunders.

2018 Equipment List

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 22:34:44 AEST