News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:16:41 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.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:51:50 AEDT

Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.

We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.

We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into...

For families of students starting Year 7:

download our Getting ready for high school booklet
read our top tips for a smooth transition.

For families of returning students:

visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
check out our hints for setting up a study space.

Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school

Duration – 1:00

Join us for your HSC journey

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:05:40 AEDT

The HSC can be one of the most exciting moments of high school. Here’s how to be prepared.

We’re committed to supporting every student to do their best – especially during the HSC – and making sure every student is known, valued and cared for.

For HSC students, we’ve got advice on how to make the most of your study, set healthy habits and finish out high school in style.

Check out our HSC resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Year 12

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:47:15 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 16:29:58 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.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:18:05 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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:11:17 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.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

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 – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:25:41 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.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:23:44 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:51:45 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 11:26:47 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 11:41:26 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 15:55:24 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.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:01 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 14:14:23 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.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:30:00 AEDT

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:20:40 AEDT

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:59:23 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.

LMHS Part of Lake Mac Big Weekend!

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:19 AEST

Lake Macquarie High School is supporting the Big Weekend event over the 14th and 15th of October.

We have public car parking all day Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 4pm for $10 a car all day.

We are also keen to offer apace for local market stalls and food vendors under our concept of Food of the World.

Please contact Brendan Maher at LMHS for further details or contact the school through our Lake Macquarie High School Official Facebook page.

Year 7 Vaccination Update

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:36 AEST

The first set of vaccinations for Year 7 will be held on Friday 17th March. The second is planned for Friday 0ctober 13th. The third will be in 2018.

Return to School Dates

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:27 AEST

The following are some of the important dates to remember for the start of the new school year:

Monday, 30 January - Year 7,11, 12 commence

Tuesday, 31 January - All students are back

Below is a the Department of Education calendar with term dates:

NAPLAN at LMHS

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:23 AEST

NAPLAN testing will be occurring next week, 10 May to 12 May across the country for all year 7 and year 9 students in high school. NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken nationwide, every year. For more information about NAPLAN, click here.

Artist of the Month (February)

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:08 AEST

Liam Thomas is Artist of the Month (February)

Congratulations to Liam Thomas for being chosen as our Artist of the Month for February. Liam is a talented young man who specialises in gaming-related artworks. He works with digital technology and electronic drawing tablets to make artworks of well-know gaming and manga-style characters which he shares online at popular art websites. Liam is currently working on the creation of his own original characters. Our Artists of the Month will receive a certificate of achievement and a badge donated by The National Association of Visual Artists. Well done Liam.

Year 7 2017 Information Night

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:36 AEST

Year 5 and 6 parents and carers are invited to the LMHS Year 7 2017 Information Night!

March 22nd at 6.30pm in school library - immediately after P&C AGM

Come and see the great opportunities that will be made available to your children as they step-up to secondary learning at LMHS in 2017. At LMHS, we will challenge your children each day in the classroom, in sporting activities and as future leaders. We aim to support students in every way possible to maximise their opportunities in a life full of learning. Please contact the front office at any time for any enrolment enquiries.

P&C Annual General Meeting Information

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:25 AEST

The P&C will be holding its AGM (Annual General Meeting) on Tuesday, 22 March at 5pm in the Staff Common Room.

All parents and community are welcome.

Athletics Carnival Information

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:09 AEST

The following is important information about our upcoming LMHS Swimming Carnival

Date/Venue:
Wednesday, 23 February 2016 at the Glendale Hunter Sports Centre.
Students are not to be at the centre before 8:40am.

Cost:
The entry cost is $4.00 to students.

Transport:
Students can make their own way to the centre or if not possible, can catch a bus from school at no extra cost. This bus will leave the school at 8:45am. A bus will be available for students who will need to return to school after the carnival.

Requirements:
Students must bring a hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing for sun protection.
Any students unable to participate for medical or other reasons must bring a note. These students will be able to help as officials at the carnival.
Students will not be allowed to leave the centre early unless signed out by a parent or caregiver.

In case of bad weather, notification of cancellation will be on this website by 7:45am. Normal lessons will be held if this is the case.

NSW School Vaccination Program

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:24 AEST

The Vaccinations for 2016 at LMHS will be starting next month. All students will be receiving their vaccination cards in week 5. Below is more information about the vaccination program.

1^st visit Friday 18 March - all cards returned to Mrs Lewis on or before this date.
2^nd visit Friday 3 June
3^rd visit Wednesday 19 October

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

In 2016 the following vaccines will be offered:

Year 7 students*

• dTpa vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough)) as a single dose

• varicella vaccine (chickenpox) as a single dose; and

• human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a 3-dose schedule at 0, 2 and 6 months (students who commence HPV vaccination in Year 7 but do not complete the course may be offered catch-up doses at school in Year 8)

*The Parent Information Kits contain a consent form, information sheet and privacy statement that details how personal information will be collected, stored and utilised.

Consent form kits will be sent home to parents/guardians. To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:

• read all the information provided

• complete the consent form, including signing their name next to the vaccine/s they would like their child to receive

• return the completed consent form to their child's school – Mrs Lewis. C block

• ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.

Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school Principal or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation

To improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses throughout the year where possible.

Please note that for HPV vaccine only, parents/guardians must record their Medicare Number (all 10 digits and the 11th number beside the child's name) on the consent form, as this is required to record the student's information on the National HPV Vaccination Register and (for female students only) link to the National or State Cervical Screening Program.

A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic. Parents/guardians should ensure that this record is kept for future reference and should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Vaccination.

Swimming Carnival Information

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:33 AEST

The following is important information about our upcoming LMHS Swimming Carnival

Date/Venue:
Wednesday, 10 February 2016 at the Speers Point Pool.
Entry for students will be through the Northern gate.
Students are not to be at the pool before 8:40am.

Cost:
The pool entry cost is $4.00 to students.
Any adults who would like to come support the students, entry will be $2.00.

Transport:
Students can make their own way to the pool or if not possible, can catch a bus from school at no extra cost. This bus will leave the school at 8:45am. A bus will be available for students who will need to return to school at approximately 2:30pm.

Requirements:
Students must bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing for sun protection.
Any students unable to swim for medical or other reasons must bring a note. These students will be able to help as officials at the carnival.
Students will not be allowed to leave the pool early unless signed out by a parent or caregiver.

In case of bad weather, notification of cancellation will be on this website by 7:45am. Normal lessons will be held if this is the case.

Welcome to LMHS 2016

Sun, 20 May 2018 03:12:35 AEST

Welcome all students to another wonderful year of learning!

This is a reminder that not all students will be returning on the same day. Below is some information about the first week of school:

Thursday, 27 January

Year 7, 11, 12 only

Year 7 will be having a special morning assembly. Parents are welcome to stay during this assembly.

As this is a sports day, all Year 7 students will be required to wear their sport uniform.

Friday, 28 January

All students at school.