News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:03:22 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 13:23:32 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 16:43:30 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.

Tacoma Public School – Operation Tuesday 12th November

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:28:51 AEDT

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:10:35 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.

School Captain Speeches

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 12:37:39 AEDT

Thank you to our brave Year 5 students for your School Captain speeches this morning.

Voting has commenced and the 2020 School Captains will be announced at our Presentation Day!

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:00:18 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

50's Rockabilly Night!

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 10:50:05 AEDT

Thank you to Mrs Andrews and the team for the organisation of a SUCCESSFUL 50's Rock & Roll night here at the school last term! It was wonderful to see the Tacoma community as well as the Central Coast Rockers support the fundraiser for our school.

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:37:18 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 11:23:52 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 11:43:49 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.

Our awesome Zone Athletics Team!

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 15:09:09 AEST

Absent: Zali, Imogen, Indiah, Issabelle, Lyla, Kiana and Ameliah.

Looking forward to the 2^nd attempt at the Zone Athletics Carnival now rescheduled to Monday 23^rd September (Term 3, Week 10). New notes will be handed out soon!

Year 6 Helpers

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 11:37:58 AEST

Thank you to these year 6 legends for helping with the Fathers Day Stall this morning!

Blake, Thomas, Seth & Cohan.

Camp Cool Kids

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 10:33:58 AEST

by Jasmine from Gundang

On Tuesday we sat on the bus and waved to our families, we were on our way to camp. We arrived and every activity looked so fun. We were introduced to our camp leaders Doc and Fred, but we gave them nicknames which were Pringle Man and Freddo Frog.

As soon as we settled in to our cabins we went and did some activities. First, my group did bushcraft and next was high ropes. I did not like high ropes. The big swing was very fun. Mr Kirk went first and yelled “woohoo!”, but I think he did that because he was scared. I loved the flying fox!

They make great food there. The foods were pancakes, hotdogs, ice-cream and more. At every meal we had snow cones, they were so nice!

Before bedtime we had a camp story. I liked listening to it. We had hot Milo, we brushed our teeth and got into our PJ’s. Then, it was lights out and we went to sleep. Well, most of us.

The best thing of all for me was the flying fox. Me and Oshini went together. It was so much fun! When I came back to school I missed camp, but I was happy to see my family.

FREE Dental Care at Tacoma P.S

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 11:35:51 AEST

Primary School Dental – FREE dental care for primary schools - NSW Health is working with public primary schools to offer free dental check-ups and preventive care to students as part of a school-based mobile dental program. Your child’s school has been selected to participate in this program. The program involves a mobile dental team making scheduled visits to your child’s primary school. During the first appointment a dental check-up and preventive care package will be provided, subject to parental consent.

The program is scheduled to visit your our school from 16/09/2019 to 27/09/2019.

Parent Information and Consent Packs will be sent home, including information sheets, consent forms and the program privacy statement. Parents/guardians who want their child to receive care are advised to:

Read all the information provided

Carefully complete the consent forms

Return the consent forms to the school as soon as possible

More information about the program is available on the NSW Health website: https://ww.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/primaryschooldental.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:08:03 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

2020 Kindergarten Enrolments OPEN! (in area)

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 14:39:06 AEST

We are now taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2020 who live in our zoned area.

If your child will be starting Kindergarten next year please call the office on 02 4353 1154.

Reading 4 Life Celebration

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 11:56:51 AEST

Congratulations to our wonderful students that completed the Reading 4 Life program during Term 2!

And a BIG thank you to Wyong Rugby Leagues Club group who funded the program.

2019 Premiers Spelling Bee

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 11:02:49 AEST

On Wednesday 19^th June our students participated in the school Spelling Bee competition. Wow, do we have some fantastic spellers here at Tacoma! They were given some very challenging words to spell, they should all be very proud of their achievements! An outstanding effort, congratulations!

Our winners and runners up were;

Winners

Kindergarten: Kaede

Stage 1: Mikaila

Stage 2: Caleb

Stage 3: Thomas

Runners up:

Kindergarten: Max

Stage 1: Jack

Stage 2: Thomas

Stage 3: Grace

Our Stage Two and Stage Three Winners and Runners up will represent our school in term three at the Regional Finals at a date to be determined. All Winners and Runners up will receive special awards at the end of year presentation day.

Mrs Nicholson

Spelling Bee Co-ordinator

Wowser Award Winners - Co-operation

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 11:32:13 AEST

Congratulations to the Wowser Award Winners - 14 June 2019

Cooperation

Declan—Bamayi

Paige—Badhu

Kyah—Waagir

Chelsea-Lee—Murgu

Pippa —Garawa

Maison—Gundang

Melinda—Balba

Kye—Gulang

Jarod—Banal

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:38:49 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.

Soccer Gala Day 2019

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:43:07 AEST

On Thursday in Week 4, our school soccer team played in the PSSA gala day. They played 2 games but lost against the stronger teams of Tuggerawong and Kanwal. The first game went to extra time after a 2-2 result but we got a goal against us in the final 10 minutes. In the second game, tired legs got to us but we never gave up, resulting in a goal towards the end of the game.

What a brilliant team effort!!

Congratulations to everyone who played with wonderful spirit and tenacity. You never gave up!

Goal-scorers were Grace, Thomas and Koby.

Great job guys-I was very proud of your efforts!!!

Mr McFarlane

Netball Gala Day 2019

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:46:10 AEST

Well played, Netball team!

I loved seeing you all shine at Baker Park last week and I was so proud of your sportsmanship and teamwork.

A big thank you to Mrs Shaw and Mrs Sturt for the coaching of the team and organisation of a great gala day.

Mrs Heazlewood

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:24:35 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.

Wowser Award Winners Term 2 Week 3

Mon, 20 May 2019 13:43:42 AEST

Congratulations to the Wowser Award Winners - Respect

Isaac—Bamayi

Bentley—Badhu

Kayleb—Waagir

Cruz—Murgu

Rebel—Garawa

Charlotte—Gundang

Kane—Balba

Curtis—Gulang

Thomas—Banal

Scholastic Book Fair

Mon, 20 May 2019 14:23:27 AEST

The Scholastic Book Fair is back for 2019!

The theme of our Scholastic Book Fair this year is Book Fair Beach, where we hope you will catch the reading wave! It’s a fun reading event that brings the books kids want to read right into our school. It’s a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books and stationery items for all ages. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.

Book Fair dates:

Friday 7th June, 1:30pm - 3:30pm – Exclusive ‘parents only’ preview

Tuesday 11th June – Thursday 13th June - Book Fair open

Shopping hours Tuesday 11/6-Thursday 13/6 : 8:30am – 9am, Recess, 3:00pm – 3:30pm

Special activities: All students will have the opportunity to enter our colouring-in competition. Every student who enters goes in the draw to win one of 3 Book Fair $5 gift vouchers. Each class winner will also receive a $5 Book Fair gift voucher.

We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair!

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:15:51 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

Mothers Day Stall

Wed, 08 May 2019 14:31:08 AEST

The Mother's Day stall was a HUGE success this morning!

A big thank you to the P&C for oganising the stall as well as the parents who donated gifts and helped out this morning.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:10:40 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 15:19:32 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 13:24:52 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 15:00:24 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 16:24:59 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.

Year 6 Farewell - date change

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 10:50:24 AEDT

Due to a booking mix up at the venue end, the Year 6 Farewell will now be held on Monday 17th December - the night before the original date.

Venue - Wyong Golf Club Time - 5.30pm-9pm

We are so sorry about this change. If your child is unable to make this new date please let Mrs Stuckey know as soon as possible.

Farewell

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:30:08 AEDT

Dear Parents,

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying Goodbye so hard (Winnie the Pooh).

It is with a heavy heart that I announce to you that I have accepted the position of principal Killarney Vale Public School. For the past six years, I have had the absolute pleasure of leading Tacoma Public School and helping to turn it into one of the most inviting and dynamic schools in our area.

In reflecting back over the past six years, I am very proud of the changes together we have made to our school environment. The new school sign, whole school fencing, the library revamp, our Ngara Barayi garden, the vegetable and herb gardens, the playground and the portable kitchen to name a few, these have all had a huge impact on the way our school appears and have helped to create positive changes in the overall school culture. We have made Tacoma PS about the whole child and have really made sure ‘every face has a place’. I think you can feel it the moment you walk through the school gates. In addition to this, we have grown from seven classes to nine that has enabled us to employ more staff and flexibly use our increased funding.

While I am proud of these changes, I am most proud of the amazing staff that has come to call Tacoma home. This entire staff is filled with hard-working and remarkable people that care deeply about all of our students! Tacoma is a school full of leaders and learners who work together to figure out the best way to make education fun, engaging, and new. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of dedicated professionals.

I appreciate the support and friendship I have received from the P&C and the families of Tacoma; it has been lovely to form friendships, many of which will be lifelong.

So, it is time to find a new leader, this process will begin next term and should be finalised ready for the new Principal to begin in the new year. It is now up to the community and staff to choose who would be best to continue the spirit of Tacoma. In the meantime Mrs Shaw will be relieving principal and Mrs Kable with be relieving Assistant principal, taking on the rolls previously held by Mrs Shaw.

Thank you again for your support and help in making Tacoma PS so wonderful! This has truly been something we have done together!

Now Tacoma from the words of Patrick Swayze……

‘I’ve had the time of my life…..and I owe it all to you’ I will miss you all!

Jeanette Dillon

Have your say

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 09:19:33 AEST

Please complete our survey - we would love to hear from you. We use the results to improve our school. Here is your chance and it only takes 10 minutes. https://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/tacps1

FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:55 AEST

It was great to see so many families join us for the Father's Day Breakfast. It was a huge success, with bacon and egg muffins and raisin toast racing out the door. Wishing all our special fathers, dads, grandads, pops and uncles etc a very happy Father's Day. Thank you to the P & C for all their hard work.

FUN WITH SPHERO

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:55 AEST

This term students in Years 2 - 5 will have the opportunity to participate in a STEAM program using coding and "Sphero" robots. This fun program is both highly educational and engaging.

Gundang had so much fun in their recent session and showed how "Sphero" inspires curiosity, creativity and invention. During these lessons students learn coding and design and invent challenges proving that "Sphero" is more than just a robot.

Thomas explains the concept.

ON STAGE WESTFIELD

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:59 AEST

Our students joined other local schools to present a series of performances on stage at Westfield Tuggerah as part of Education Week celebrations.

Both Senior and Junior Dance Groups performed together with our school choir and our Kindergarten choir. The Tacoma school community should be very proud as all performances were presented with professionalism and pride in their school.

All of our performers were great ambassadors for Public Education.

BANAL FOR NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:06 AEST

"Banal" was shining on our NAIDOC celebrations which allowed our visitors and us to participate in the organised outdoor activities in beautiful sunshine.

Our NAIDOC program provided our students and visitors with a vast range of activities including a netball clinic run by members of the Pelicans Netball Club, making lemon myrtle icing, spear throwing, reading in the yarning circle, various aboriginal art activities and a cultural learning session with "Uncle Mick".

The highlight of the day was definitely the "Because of her we can" display in the school hall. The presentation included photos of inspirational women in the lives of staff and students of our school. Mrs Shaw and Ms Sturt spent many hours preparing for this wonderful display.

KNOW ANY FUTURE HAPPY SPIRITS?????

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:57 AEST

Tacoma Public School is the home of "Happy Spirits" with small hands who dream big. We would like some more.

The school is now distributing information packs for children who are eligible to enrol in Kindergarten at our school in 2019. Any children Kindergarten age who would like to join our "Happy Spirits" next year please have their family contact the school office at their earliest convenience. Information packs will be available and distributed shortly.

Further information on enrolment at Tacoma is available in the Our School section on this site or click here Enrolment.

WE'RE IN FOR A BUSY WEEK

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:08 AEST

It will be a busy week at Tacoma this week as we celebrate Education and Naidoc Week together. Activities for the week are as follows:

Monday - Ned Kindness Show

Tuesday - Combined Ngara Choir will be performing at the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander at Wyong Racecourse

Wednesday - Kindergarten, both dance groups and the school choir will be performing at Westfield Tuggerah.

Thursday - Sphero STEAM incursion for Years 2-5

Friday - Is Open Day where invite parents and friends into our school to participate in some activities listed bvelow.

9am - 1.20pm - NAIDOC Actiovities

1.20pm - Bush Tucker Meal Deal - (Must be ordered no later than Wednesday 8 August.

2pm - Values Assembly - Care

We hope you can join us at some time during this special week.

PUBLIC SPEAKING FINALS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:03 AEST

On Friday 3 August we held the finals of the Class Public Speaking competition. Two students from each class participated in the finals of their stage.

The standard of speeches was outstanding and there was a vast range of topics covered during the finals.

It was wonderful to see the support from parents who came along to watch the speeches.

THE WOW FACTOR

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:07 AEST

The "Wow Factor" of the Central Coast Dance Festival was evident by the buzz around Laycock St Theatre during the performances. Tacoma's dance groups enjoyed the opportunity to perform in this type of environment and this showed throughout their dance. They were great ambassadors for our school.

Activities like these are only made possible by the support of the parents of our school and we thank them so much.

EXPLORING PLAYING LEARNING

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:54 AEST

Students from K-2 enjoyed exploring, playing and learning about Newcastle history during their excursion to Newcastle Museum on 26 July. The children enjoyed all the hands on activities and asked lots of sensible questions. These young students were wonderful role models for our school.

WE SO LOVE OUR SUPPORT

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:09 AEST

What an outstanding indication of the support our community gives to Tacoma Public School. Last Thursday we were advised that there were 2 X $500 Gift Cards as prizes in the NSW Healthy Towns Challenge. The two organisations who recorded the most votes would be the winners. Closing was Saturday evening.

In just 3 days our dynamic little community got right behind the cause and we were announced as the organisation with the most votes. We so love our support.

ONLINE PAYMENT CONFUSION ???????

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:59 AEST

We like to keep things simple however there seems to be some confusion as to which payments can be made where. We hope this will help:

School Website: The "Make a Payment" tab on this site is where school based (not P&C) payments are made including excursions, Life Education, book packs, school contributions.

My School Connect: is for all P&C based payments including canteen, fundraising and any other P&C activities.

The helpful staff in the school office can help you out of you aren't sure.

GETTING READY FOR A BUSY TERM 3

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:56 AEST

The dynamic staff at Tacoma Public School are getting ready for a busy Term 3. For teachers the term will start on Monday 23 July with a Staff Development Day. Staff will be spending this day in various training. This training ensures that our staff have knowledge of the latest procedures. methods of teaching and topics such as Workplace Health and Safety the Department of Education have in place.

Students will return to school on Tuesday 24 July.

WE LOVE CO-OPERATION

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:08 AEST

Students were recognised for their display of co-operation in the latest Values reward assembly. These students showed that they are able to work together and comply with any requests made of them. Congratulation to the students who were rewarded for their Co-operation.

VALUES REWARDS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:07 AEST

Values education is taught in all classes. Three values are covered each term in terms 1,2 and 3. Wowser awards for displaying the values taught are presented in at the assembly in Weeks 3, 6 and 9.

Award winners for Week 6 of this term were recognised with Wowsers awards for responsibility. The final value for this term is Co-operation which will be presented in Week 9.

Values taught in Term 3 will be Care, Fairness and Democracy.

WHAT A WEEKLY HARVEST

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:09 AEST

Our Green Team sees the rewards of their hard work each Friday. The team get together at Recess each Friday and harvest any crops which are ready for use. Crops such as lettuce, cucumbers and various herbs are among the regular crops. These fresh and healthy looking goodies are then sold each Friday at the school assembly. Funds raised from the sales goes back into purchase of more seeds and seedlings.

EXCITING TIMES IN OUR CANTEEN

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:54 AEST

There was a little excitement around our school canteen on Friday 8 June when the canteen refurbishment had it's official reopening. Students witnessed the ribbon being cut by one of our school captains.

To add to the festivities the school ukulele group and Kindergarten students provided some wonderful entertainment.

A special lunch order day was held in conjunction with the day and was a great test for the new online ordering system.

A CELEBRATION OF 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:50 AEST

Our school recently had the pleasure of presenting staff member Mrs Jackie Glachan with a certificate for her 20 years of service to the Department of Education.

Mrs Glachan is a School Learning Support Officer where she provides assistance to students with special needs. She is a much loved and valuable member of our school staff.

BECAUSE OF HER WE CAN

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:52 AEST

"BECAUSE OF HER WE CAN" is the theme of this year's Naidoc Week celebrations. This theme celebrates the essential role that women have played as active and significant role models.

We are asking all students and staff to bring in a copy of a photo of an important female in their life. It can be a mother, grandmother, aunt, elder, sister, daughter, sport coach, friend or any significant female in their life. The photos must be copies and not the original as they will not be returned.

Share the fun in recognising your female role models.

RESPECT

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:05 AEST

RESPECT - due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.

Students who have shown "respect" to all in our school and have earned the "Wowser" award at the Values assembly. It is wonderful to know that our students know and show the meaning of respect.

WAAGIR MASTERCHEFS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:08 AEST

Masterchef competitors need to watch their backs as students in Waagir show us their skills in the kitchen. Mr McFarlane and his students utilised the new kitchen to whip up some corn fritters. According to reports the fritters were delicious. Who knows we may see some Tacoma people on Masterchef in the future.

ALL IN TOGETHER

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:50 AEST

Friday 18 May saw the entire school student body participating in sport activities all in together. It was such a success that a decision has been made to make this a regular event. Everybody participated in a happy sportsmanlike manner.

GARAWA'S MINDFUL YOGA

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:55 AEST

At least once a day all students in Garawa participate in a mindfulness activity. Mrs Nicholson and the student are assisted in these yoga sessions by programs on the Smartboard such as Smiling Minds or Zen Den. The students are enjoying these sessions.

OUR STUDENTS REMEMBER

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:02 AEST

What a wonderful sight to see so many of our students take the time out of the school holidays to remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our students marched in torrential rain with with students from Wyong Public, Tuggerah Public, Jilliby Public, Wyong Creek Public and Wyong HIgh school to show their respect on Anzac Day. It is wonderful that our school has such a caring community.

WE HOST INTERESTED GARDENERS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:08 AEST

On 11 April Tacoma Public School hosted the fifth meeting of the Central Coast Garden Interest Group. We were chosen by Central Coast Area Health to host this day.

Around forty staff from Central Coast Schools both public and private toured our school gardens including our special Ngara Barayi garden.

Our visitors were very impressed with the quality of our gardens and the enthusiasm for them shown by both our staff and students.

GREAT DAY FOR CROSS COUNTRY

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:51 AEST

Friday 6 April was a fantastic day weather wise for our school's annual Cross Country Carnival. A course was set up within our school grounds.

All students participated with enthusiasm and great sportsmanship.

It was wonderful to see parents encouraging their children all around the course.

CANTEEN CLOSED

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:52 AEST

Our school canteen is having a makeover and will be closed from Friday 23 March.

Due to these renovations there will be no Breakfast Club, Recess, Lunch or Uniform Shop until the beginning of Term 2.

We are very excited and can't wait to see our new look canteen.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE AFTER GREAT HELP

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:05 AEST

Thanks to a wonderful band of helpers our new books are available already for use. At the end of 2017 our school purchased an enormous amount of new books for classroom use and for borrowing in our library. Thanks to our hardworking helpers for covering the new books so that these valuable resources were ready to be used immediately by our students.

BEST DAY EVER

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:52 AEST

"Mr Kirk this is the best day I've ever had" was a comment made by Liam after a recent visit to Jilliby Public School.

Tacoma Public School students were lucky enough to be invited to participate in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) held at Jilliby. Sixteen of our students were selected by our staff to attend this fantastic day. It was an opportunity for some extensive learning in STEM areas.

The activities teams were selected for were:

Science in the Kitchen
Robotics Mania
Mega Structures
Maths Olympiad.

Although our students were challenged they had a great time and wore ear to ear smiles all day. What great ambassadors they were for our school.

EASTER HAT PARADE

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:53 AEST

What a great morning we had at our school for the annual Easter Hat Parade on Thursday 29 March.

Almost 200 parents, grandparents and members of our school community joined us to see a brilliant display of some amazing hats. It was wonderful to see our visitors participating in the dancing along with our students.

OUR SWIMMERS ARE GREAT AMBASSADORS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:03 AEST

On 7 March eligible swimmers from our school represented us at the Zone Swimming Carnival. They proved to be great ambassadors for the school displaying outstanding behaviour and sportsmanship. Mrs Kable who accompanied the students was very proud of each and every one of the swimmers.

TARGETING EARLY NUMERACY

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:07 AEST

TEN (Targeting Early Literacy) is a program in use in our classrooms to assist students understand the basic concept of numeracy.

Students are placed in ability based groups where they participate in numeracy activities using a variety of tools including dice cards and dominoes.

These photos show students in Garawa using playing cards to work on their subtraction skills.

More photos of activities undertaken in Mrs Nicholson's classroom can be viewed in the Gallery.

VALUE WOWsers

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:09 AEST

It's not the Grammys or the Oscars or the Golden Globes or the Emmys it's the Tacoma WOWsers. Values are taught in every classroom at Tacoma Public School and we have our WOWsers to recognise and congratulate those students who have WOWed us with their display of relevent values.

Our school values include participation, honesty, excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, care, fairness and democracy. What we learn becomes a part of who we are.

Our first WOWsers were recognised on Friday 16 February for the outstanding display of the value of Participation. These students together with students who will receive WOWsers throughout this term will be invited to a special high tea at the end of the term.

OUR HARDWORKING GREEN TEAM

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:00 AEST

Members of our 2018 Green Team have been working very hard since the start of the year. They have been busy planting vegetables and herbs including tomatoes, basil and oregano. The herbs will once again be for sale at the Friday assemblies for $1 a bag. Funds raised from these sales are used for the purchase of seeds and resources for the green team.

They have been lucky enough to have some unique Arnotts biscuit tins donated by Mrs Clifford, our music teacher and succulents donated by a Kindergarten parent. The succulents have been planted into the biscuit tins and have created a lovely display.

It's wonderful to see our school community supporting our Green Team.

OUR KITCHEN RULES

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:02 AEST

Toward the end of 2017 our school purchased a portable kitchen. This kitchen is available for use by all classes. During Term 1 Gundang have used the kitchen to prepare Moroccan cous cous and Murgu created a tasty pineapple fried rice during their use of the kitchen.

It was wonderful to see that these students didn't mind cleaning up and of course eating their tasty creations. They are all looking forward to their next kitchen lesson.

LEADERS EMBRACE FIRST JOB

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:57 AEST

Our Sport Captains certainly embraced their first job of 2018 They displayed great leadership and pride in their new roles at the recent swimming carnival. They encouraged other students to participate in events to represent their houses. The atmosphere was electric with the loud cheering and encouragement from the stands.

The final job for the carnival was to provide a write up for the school newsletter on the event. You can read the excellent article in the Newsletter.

MEET THE TEACHERS BBQ

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:58 AEST

Teachers and staff enjoyed meeting parents both old and new on Tuesday 13 February. Parents were invited to attend to meet their child's teacher and enjoy a BBQ supplied and manned by our hard working P&C. A wonderful afternoon of information and interacting was enjoyed by all who attended.

DEVELOPING OUR STAFF

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:53 AEST

Staff of the Department of Education are required to undertake CPR and Anaphylaxis training each year to ensure that our students are in the safest hands possible. The Tacoma Public School staff undertook the annual training in these areas on first School Development Day of the year on 29 January 2018.

A written test was undertaken together with a practical test on CPR and administering an Epipen to a person experiencing anaphylactic reactions. All staff passed these tests conducted by a trainer from the Surf Lifesaving Association of NSW.

EXCITING TIME FOR LEADERS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:54 AEST

It was an exciting time for our new school leaders and house captains when they were presented with their leadership badges. It was wonderful to have a previous school leader come to our school to present the badges. Thank you to Kendall for taking the time out to join us at this exciting assembly.

WELCOME BACK FOR FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:09 AEST

The staff at Tacoma Public School are excited to be starting another school year with another group of dynamic young people. The 2018 school year promises to be a great year for our school community with the implementation of the first year of our 3 year school plan.

Staff will be returning on Monday 29 January for a day of Professional Learning and students from Years 1 to 6 will return on Tuesday 30 January 2018. All of Kindergarten will commence school on Monday 5th February.

CELEBRATION TIME

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:52 AEST

On Tuesday 12 December our Year 6 students celebrated the end of their Primary School years. They met at Wyong Golf Club for a lovely dinner followed by lots of fun and dancing. A photo booth captured the fun atmosphere of the night. These photos can be viewed in the gallery section of this web page if you click here Gallery Photos

It was lovely to welcome the parents in for the last half hour to listen to the speeches. The night of celebration was enjoyed by all.

OUR HELPERS ARE FABULOUS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:00 AEST

On Friday 8th December we made sure that the helpers of our school realised how fabulous we think they are. The staff hosted our annual Helpers Morning Tea, where they mixed and chatted with all the volunteers, helpers and friends of our terrific school

It was wonderful to enjoy a cuppa and a nibble of some delicious food and enjoy each other's company for an hour or so. If the laughter coming from the staff room was any indication is was a most enjoyable time.

Tacoma Public School is so lucky to have a school community where the best possible education and outcomes for our children is the common goal.

ARE YOUR UNIFORMS READY

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:51 AEST

Our school uniform shop will be open on Monday 29 January from 10am until 12 noon for anybody who has just realised that their school uniforms are not ready for the new school year.

It will also be opened each morning in the first week of school from 8.30 until 9.30am.

SCHOOL LEADERS FOR 2018

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:05 AEST

At our Annual Presentation Day on 4 December the students who are to lead our school throughout 2018 were announced to some very anxious students and parents. The leaders for 2018 will be:

SCHOOL CAPTAINS:

Dylan and Simran

SPORT CAPTAINS:

Pelicans: John and Summer

Plovers: Linley and Charli

Seagulls: James and Lucy

Congratulations to our new leaders and we wish you a successful year in your important roles.

CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:52 AEST

On Monday 4 December we came together as a school community and celebrated the achievements of each and every one of our students. Five students from each class were rewarded with certificates for their outstanding achievements in various learning areas throughout the 2017 school year. Special awards such as Sportsmanship Awards, Premiers Spelling Bee, Public Speaking, University NSW Awards, Dux, Citizenship were also presented.

School Captains and House Captains for the 2018 school year were named.

It was wonderful to see our parents, family, friends together with our special guests witness the excitement of the students who received special recognition for their efforts.

Our Annual Presentation Day gives teachers the opportunity to appreciate their hard work for a job well done during the school year.

Photos of the various award winners are available at the Gallery on this webpage

LISTEN TO EARTH

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:57 AEST

Our Ngara Barayi (Listen to Earth) garden is a unique outdoor learning area filled with wonderful features. It is a colourful area with lots of sections including the learning, yarning circle, the rainbow walk which is also a sensory path, the rainforest, the desert succulents, the beach and the bush tucker.

The garden holds a very special place, with a glittery purple seat, to sit and remember Sana, with frangipanis and lots of love. When you walk by there, quietly stop and spend some time thinking of her and remembering her wadhayi badhang (her happy spirit).

The colours in the garden were chosen for a specific reason:

PURPLE - is spiritual and encourages deep thinking

BLUE - soothes us and gives us serenity to keep us calm

GREEN - gives us balance, harmony and peace

PINK - gives us tranquillity, warmth and love

YELLOW - gives us emotional strength and is a strong colour that lifts our spirits and self-esteem

All who visit or wander through this wonderful garden are asked to please look around you, take it all in and listen to the sounds.

PRIMARY CITIZENSHIP

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:03 AEST

Mrs Dillon and Mrs Stuckey recently had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley annual awards dinner. During the course of the evening two of our students were recognised.

June and Amy, our school captains were presented with a certificate and medal for their outstanding citizenship skills at Tacoma Public School. These girls are great ambassadors for our school.

NGARA ASSEMBLY OF EXCELLENCE

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:59 AEST

Four of our students were recognised at the Ngara Assembly of Excellence held today at Wyong High School. This assembly is held annually by the local AECG to showcase indigenous students who excel in different areas. Tacoma students recognised were:

Kymberly for Leadership

Tamsyn for Academic Excellence

Kiana for Cultural Excellence

Jay for Sporting Excellence

Hannah for Improved Application to Learning

SUNSHINE FOR NGARA BARAYI

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:06 AEST

The sun shone brightly for the opening of Ngara Barayi (Listen to Earth) on Friday 24th November. It was wonderful to see so many community members and special guests wandering through this wonderful garden.

The day began with an assembly in the hall followed by an Aboriginal smoking ceremony accompanied by didgeridoo by Gavi Duncan.

The Foini and Roy families provided the school community with morning tea and the canteen treated us all with a taste of traditional Samoan food. Ms Emma McBride visited during the day and was amazed by our wonderful garden.

The school came together at the end of the day in the hall where our staff lead the children in singing of the school song and the Samoan families entertained us with an amazing dance display. The feeling in the hall was just fantastic.

We will all look forward to our next Bidhal Wadhayi Badang Day.

FUN AT THE FARM

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:55 AEST

Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 recently visited the farm at Wyong High School and had fun participating in various farm and cultural activities.

During the course of the day they witnessed the shearing of an Alpaca, got to hold a baby chicken and visited the cows. They also had the opportunity to take part in aboriginal dance and painting.

The children displayed outstanding behaviour and were great ambassadors to our school. This is a greart day to look forward to each year.

STAGE 2 HAVE A FUN FILLED JAM PACKED CAMP

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:05 AEST

On Monday 30 October stage 2 students set off to the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Karuah where they had a jam packed few days. The children were challenged to try new activities and to work together as a team to problem solve.

The instructors, Nathan and Jay demonstrated the activities and taught the children the importance of stepping out of their "comfort zones". Some of the activities we participated in included high ropes obstacle course, staple climb, canoeing and the giant swing. Evenings were filled with fun where some stories and toasted marshmallows around the campfire, dancing, singing and fun games.

The children had a great time building new friendships and making wonderful memories. Photos taken at camp can be viewed in the gallery.Photos

MURGU IMPROVE THEIR WRITING

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:58 AEST

Murgu have been very busy improving their writing skills with the writing program "7 Steps Writing". This program is being used right across the school to develop writing skills and to make written text more interesting and exciting.

Mrs Mercieca has had her students doing writing assessments during this week to determine the level of improvement in the writing of students in Murgu.

RECOGNITION FOR MRS KABLE

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:09 AEST

Our congratulations go to Mrs Kable who was nominated by our teaching staff for this year's World Teachers' Day award. Mrs Kable is an amazing teacher who shares her vast knowledge and experience with all staff. Her love of her job as a teacher is quite evident in any visit to her classroom where she engages each and every student in her delivery of lessons. Mrs Kable was presented with her award at a Central Coast Public Education presentation held at Mingara Recreation Club on Monday 30 October.

World Teachers' Day was Friday 27 October. This is a special day which focuses attention on the work that all teachers do to support all students in achieving their personal best. Tacoma Public School is lucky enough to have a staff of very dedicated teachers who ensure that the best possible outcomes for all students is achieved.

GARDEN AREA NEARING COMPLETION

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:55 AEST

We are getting excited as our new garden and outdoor learning area nears completion. The area called Ngara Barayi, meaning "listen to earth" includes our new flagpole, a yarning circle and many smaller garden areas.

The area will be used as a learning area in lessons and will incorporate a cultural connection. On our first day back after the holidays some Stage 3 students had a great time inspecting the garden and exploring all the smaller gardens within it. We are looking forward to the completed project and being able to make good use of this fantastic area.

The official opening for this fantastic area will be Friday 24 November. This will be an all day event with rotating learning activities and special performances. We would love to see everybody there to celebrate this wonderful event.

SPARE TIME ??????

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:05 AEST

Tacoma Public School Canteen is a P&C run canteen and relies on Volunteers to provide nutritious lunches and snacks for our students. All profits from the Canteen go to the P&C which inevitably purchases valuable resources for our school.

Helping in the canteen gives volunteers the opportunity to meet new people and get to know your children's peers. It can be lots of fun and very rewarding so if you can help out call in to the canteen and complete a volunteer information form.

FUN NIGHT AT MACCAS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:55 AEST

What a fun night we had at Wadalba McDonalds for our Year 6 fun raising. The night was well supported and we raised in excess of $300. These funds will go toward the Year 6 Farewell and the Yeaqr 6 gift to the school.

Some of our students enjoyed dressing up as various McDonalds products including French Fries. A big thank you to all who supported this event.

READY FOR A BUSY TERM

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:04 AEST

Students and staff come back to school on Monday 9 October all ready for a busy term. There is no School Development Day in Term 4 therefore we all return together.

As usual Term 4 is a very busy one and our school will be a hive of activity. On Thursday 12 October we will be welcoming our new 2018 Kindergarten students and their families with our wonderful Happy Spirits Kindergarten Orientation program. This program will run for 4 weeks to familiarise these children with our school routines and surroundings.

During Term 4 we have excursions, swimming lessons and camps together with the usual Annual Presentation of awards and the election of our 2018 school leaders.

Hopefully everybody will come back all refreshed ready for this busy term.

STAGE 3 VISIT CANBERRA

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:06 AEST

Students from Years 5 and 6 recently visited the national capital to extend the learning on Australian Democracy they are being taught in the classroom.

During their 3 day visit they visited all the landmarks including Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, Telstra Tower, and the National Museum. A wreath was laid at the Australian War Memorial where our students were fantastic and gave the Last Post ceremony the respect it deserved. The children enjoyed the hands on experiences at Questacon and at the Australian Institute of Sport. They thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were great ambassadors to our school.

SPRING IS SPRUNG AT TACOMA

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:05 AEST

Spring has certainly sprung at Tacoma over September. Our Green Team have been very busy during this month working in our gardens. The gardens are looking fantastic with a new covering of leaf mulch.

The vegetable gardens have been replanted ready for a summer stock of carrots, beetroots and lettuce. Lettuce and a variety of herbs have been harvested and available for purchase on Fridays at the school assembly.

The students also celebrated National Tree Planting Day earlier in the term. Our gardens are a credit to our hardworking Green Team.

CELEBRATING FATHERS DAY

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:52 AEST

Once again our school celebrated Father's Day with our students. Our hardworking P&C prepared a special bbq breakfast for our students to share with their fathers and male role models. It was wonderful to see such a good role up to enjoy their special breakfast.

2017 PARENT SURVEY

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:50 AEST

To enable us to plan for the best learning outcomes for our children for the next three years, we would appreciate your co-operation in completing the attached survey. Just click on the survey monkey link below to commence the survey. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Suirvey Monkey

HEALTHY HAROLD VISITS TACOMA

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:56 AEST

Recently Tacoma Public School had visit from Healthy Harold and the Life Education van. Students from all classes visited the van and participated in age appropriate lessons which compliment the PDHPE lessons taught in the classroom. The modules include the environment, health, nutrition, safety, feelings and emotions and coping strategies.

The children had fun in their lessons and were very well behaved whilst they were in the van.

We look forward to having Harold visit us again next year.

OUR HARDWORKING GREEN TEAM

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:56 AEST

Tacoma Public School has a hardworking Green Team where students from Kindergarten through to Year 6 have the opportunity to get involved. Sessions are held on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at lunchtime where students learn valuable life skills through hands on experiences. The children learn about the life cycle of plants and participate actively in planting, watering and harvesting fresh produce. The produce is then used in the school canteen and is available for purchase on Friday afternoons. The Green Team activities teach the students about sustainable healthy eating. Photos of our Green Team activities are on our Weebly site as well as in the gallery section of this web page.

HIGHLY COMMENDED EFFORT

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:56 AEST

Tacoma Public School received a highly commended in the Kitchen Garden Classroom competition. The competition was launched by Member for Dobell Ms Emma McBride to promote kitchen gardens as an educational tool and to learn the importance of fresh and healthy food.

Ms McBride recently attended our morning assembly to present our prize. Madelyn from Murgu accepted the prize and certificate on behalf of our school. She then took Ms McBride on a tour of our gardens.

It was wonderful to see the hard work of our Green Team recognised by our local MP.

ESCAPE TO EVERYWHERE

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:54 AEST

"Escape to Everywhere" was the theme for the 2017 Children's Book Council of Australia book week. This theme was certainly evident in our book parade on Friday 25 August. We had all sorts of characters from all sorts of places including Harry Potter from Hogwarts, The Mad Hatter from Wonderland, Superman from the planet of Krypton, just to name a few.

The creativity of our parents and students certainly shone in the costumes on our parade. The music for the parade also incorporated the Escape to Everywhere theme using themes from various old television shows including Petticoat Junction.

It was wonderful to see so many parents enjoying the celebration of Book Week.

PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARDS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:51 AEST

Our school recently had the pleasure of recognising the invaluable work done for our school by two of our school community members through Central Coast Public Education Awards. The awards were presented at Chittaway Bay Public School in front of an audience consisting of members of the Central Coast schools community, family and friends., Mrs Sue Crittenden, a long term staff member was recognised for her years of dedication to the education of our students and the support she has given the community.

Mr John Baxter is a parent volunteer who works tirelessly in assisting our school in many ways including supporting our Chess team.

Tacoma Public School appreciates the support given to our school by all parents and community members. We all work toward a common goal of the best possible education and learning outcomes for each and every student in our school.

TACOMA CONNECT

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:06 AEST

Tacoma Connect is a fantastic initiative where parents are welcome to come along and join others to enjoy a cuppa and chat. It is a wonderful opportunity for our parents to meet in an informal environment.

These morning teas are held fortnightly in the school hall and all parents are invited to join us. Younger children also come along and establish new friendships.

39 ATHLETES GO TO NEXT LEVEL

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:51 AEST

Thirty nine of our students qualified at our annual athletics carnival to participate at the Wallarah Zone PSSA Athletics Carnival Thursday 24 August at Mingara Athletics Centre.

Tacoma Public School carnival was held in bright sunshine on a beautiful winter day on Tuesday 8 August. There were plenty of happy smiling faces in a sea of colour as our students participated in their house colours with enthusiasm and great sportsmanship.

While the older students competed in the traditional events such as running races, high jump etc, our infants enjoyed various activities including sack races, parachute games and balancing races.

It was wonderful to see so many parents and family members come along to support our students.

The carnival was a great success thanks to our interns for there fantastic organisation and the tireless efforts of our staff and parent helpers. Good luck to our successful athletes in the Zone carnival.

OUR FANTASTIC LIBRARY

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:59 AEST

Our school library has been a work in progress for the first half of this year. The library is finally looking just how Mrs Shaw would like it to look.

During this year the school has purchased new shelving, new furniture and seating, not to mention the fantastic new books we have on our shelves. The students are all enjoying the improvements during their weekly visits with Mrs Shaw.

RAINBOWS IN WAAGIR

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:04 AEST

The students in Waagir recently created rainbows in their classroom. The rainbows were created in a science experiment as part of their unit of learning "Changes in Materials". The purpose of the experiment was to demonstrate how materials can change in different circumstances and these changes can't be reversed..

Skittles were placed in a bowl and Mr Farquhar poured hot water over them. The children watched as the colours dissolved and created a colourful rainbow in the water.

The students enjoyed this experiment and were disappointed that there were no Skittles left over for eating.

NETBALL NEWS

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:58 AEST

Our netball teams have had a busy time lately. Our Year 3 and 4 netball team competed in a gala day which was all about participation, enjoying sport and encouraging girls to play netball. Ours girls participated in a very sportsmanlike manner.

The PSSA Netball team competed in the 2017 PSSA Netball Knockout competition. The team had wins against Wadalba and Gorokan before losing to Erina Heights.

Tacoma girls just love their netball and this showed at both events as our teams played with enthusiasm, pride and great sportsmanship.

Our netballers proved to be great ambassadors for Tacoma Public School.

CHESS COMPETITION

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:53 AEST

Tacoma's commitment to the interschool competition is almost complete. Our A team still has one game to play against the benchmark team of Wyong Public during Week 1 of Term 3.

All students who have represented our school in Chess have participated with enthusiasm and we congratulate them on their fantastic efforts. Tacoma Public School would like to thank all the parents who have given up their time to transport players to various venues to compete.

The success of our teams not only belongs to the players but to their Chess coach Gary Losh who gives up so much of his time to teach and support our students.

Meet our Talented Murgu

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:58 AEST

Murgu is a bright and bubbly stage 2 class who is taught by the talented Mrs Mercieca. The class consists of 14 year 3 students and 16 year 4 students.

During this term Murgu have been studying solids, liquids and gases as part of their Science lessons. They are enjoyed doing experiments to enhance the learning in science.

Tacoma meet the Radio Stars

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:07 AEST

When Sarah and Paddy, the breakfast team from 2GO, visited Tacoma on 30 May the children were very excited to have them broadcast from our school. It was a very cold morning but that didn't deter many children from getting up early to come to school and join the fun.

Fletcher Pilon, winner of 2016 Australia's Got Talent provided some entertainment during the morning.

Sarah and Paddy interviewed Mrs Dillon and our school captains and presented them with a $500 cheque from Brian Hilton during the broadcast. This cheque will go toward valuable resources for our school.

The P&C provided tea and coffee and a barbecue bacon and egg breakfast to help warm everybody up. We thank the P&C helpers for their early morning work.

Clifford Visits Tacoma

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:08:53 AEST

Clifford, the big red dog from Scholastic visited Tacoma last Friday 9 June to assist us with our Book Fair. The students and staff enjoyed meeting Clifford and had lots of fun with him.

The Book Fair was well supported by students, staff and the school community. In excess of $2900 worth of goods were purchased which entitles our school to receive over $800 of books to enhance our library.