News

History Here

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:08:32 AEDT

270220

150th Celebrations

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 08:53:54 AEDT

150th

In Class

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 10:24:01 AEDT

In Class

Great Start to Term 1

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 10:05:41 AEDT

Science

2020 Welcome Back

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 11:51:31 AEDT

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:49:02 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 12:52:10 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 16:05:27 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.

End of Year 2019

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:17:43 AEDT

Incredible Year

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:21:34 AEDT

Future Focus

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:35:10 AEDT

STEM

STEM Learning

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 12:18:43 AEDT

Engineering

Links to Learning

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 12:32:00 AEDT

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:34:10 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.

Leading the Way

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 12:56:52 AEDT

STEM Engineering

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 13:09:49 AEDT

Immersive Learning

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:21:07 AEDT

In the Portal

Top Gear for Term 4

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 14:12:53 AEDT

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:03:58 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Term 3 Portal Wows!

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 12:19:25 AEST

In the Garden

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 10:07:40 AEST

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:32:09 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 11:19:00 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.

Winners are Grinners

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:08:43 AEST

News

Exciting Visit

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 09:25:09 AEST

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:36:21 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.

Little Diggers

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 14:46:04 AEST

Portal Growth & Book Week

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 12:46:49 AEST

Science Week

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 15:04:42 AEST

Education Week

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 12:39:05 AEST

History Hill Excitement

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 11:15:44 AEST

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:58:19 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

Welcome to Semester 2

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 11:30:51 AEST

Semester 1 Show-off

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 09:27:26 AEST

Pyjama Day!

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 11:44:49 AEST

Pyjama Day

STEM - 2 Day Deep Dive @ Hill End Public School

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 12:27:36 AEST

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:31:35 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.

Bathurst Library Van

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:42:37 AEST

Raising the Roof

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 10:03:24 AEST

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:18:09 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.

Focus on the Future

Thu, 30 May 2019 13:36:20 AEST

Robotics

Thu, 23 May 2019 14:34:51 AEST

Striving for the Best!

Thu, 16 May 2019 13:46:19 AEST

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:01:06 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Out of this World!

Thu, 09 May 2019 12:55:21 AEST

Learning in the Portal

Immersive Learning

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:15:47 AEST

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:05:43 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 14:08:06 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.

Exciting Future

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:45 AEST

Immersive Educational Program

3D Printing

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:44 AEST

3D Printing

Maths Matters

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:44 AEST

Mini-beasts

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:44 AEST

Books

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:43 AEST

WIN News Visit

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:43 AEST

150th Anniversary

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:42 AEST

150th Anniversary

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:12:45 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Full STEM ahead

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:41 AEST

Well done

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:50:41 AEST

Welcome Back

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:18:19 AEST

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:49:51 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

Presentation Night 2018

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:13:38 AEDT

End of Year!

Students Escape Dinosaur Rampage!

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 13:35:37 AEDT

Fluffy Toy Day!

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 11:05:43 AEDT

Fluffy Toys

Excursion

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 11:34:37 AEDT

STEM Challenge!

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 12:46:28 AEDT

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:20:20 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.

Art Camp Begins!

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 09:17:13 AEDT

Financial Success

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 12:31:42 AEDT

Businesses are Blooming!

Finland

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:01:50 AEDT

Kitchen Garden Program

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 10:31:14 AEDT

Eisteddfod Success!

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 12:22:30 AEDT

Eisteddfod Success!

It was an exciting day with a great crowd and students from seven schools performing items in the old town hall.

Hill End students performed two verse speaking items, a short play and two musical items. For their efforts the children were awarded first place in verse speaking,

third place in music and a highly commended award in drama.

Congratulations to all of the students and a huge thank you to Mrs Smyth for her time and effort in preparing the children for their performances.

Excited Buzz Around HEPS

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 13:54:45 AEDT

Our school hosted students from Capertee and Hampton Public Schools for an engaging day of STEM and robotics. The day started with some fun ‘ice-breaker’ games where the students got to know each other a little better.

Following the ice-breakers the students all took a step forward in their

understanding of STEM before learning to care for their robots.

It is amazing how quickly students pick up on new technology.

Before long everyone was in full control of their own robot, starting, stopping, moving and coding special moves. It was great to see everyone sharing code tracks and combining robots on tracks.

Some of the codes looked like the streets of Sydney with robots moving every which way. To finish the activities students enjoyed a game of ‘robot soccer’! It was nice to see and hear a great deal of fun and laughter between the children to end the day.

Congratulations!

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:48:14 AEST

Our students faced some tough competition at the Bathurst Eisteddfod from a number of other schools. They performed all items with skill and were awarded third place in choir and second places for both the percussion and verse speaking sections. Well done!

Busy as Bees

Thu, 02 May 2019 12:51:07 AEST

With the end of the term quickly approaching it is simply amazing how much is happening within the school environment.

Our debating competition is into the final stages with Hill End competing against Hargraves today. Good luck team!

Our students have all started their small businesses for the year, selected their seeds and created logo designs. We’ll be planting out the seeds and looking to have some seedlings ready to sell shortly after the holidays.

War on Waste

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:46 AEST

Thank you to everyone for continuing to support us and the Hill End Brigade in our recycling program. To date we have recycled almost 6000 bottles/cans.

We now have enough money to make a contribution to our local farmers who are doing it tough at present. Next week posters and flyers will be distributed throughout the area to advise of an exciting event that everyone can be a part of. What a wonderful community we have!

Book Donation

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:24:54 AEST

Thank you to our "Friend of HEPS" Carl Ross who has donated a wonderful book to our school. The book was presented to his father Arthur Ross at Hill End Public School in August 1916. Carl says that his father was the first child to obtain a bursary to Bathurst High School although apparently his

elder sister Ellen was the brightest academically of the 10 Ross kids.

Unfortunately, girls were ineligible to attend high school in those days!

"Small Talk" Begins!

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:26 AEST

Let the debates begin! Yes that's right! Hill End Public School is once again hosting the Small Schools "Small Talk" Debating Competition. This is our fifth year and we have Lue, Hargraves, Wollar, Glen Alice, Trunkey, Ulan, Goolma and Hill End Public Schools competing in this great competition.

The first debate was between Lue and Wollar in Group A. Congratulations to Lue debaters on your win. Our first debate will be against Goolma tomorrow in Group B. Topics for this year include:

"That all students' height and weight should be measured at school",

"That Australia should make space exploration a priority",

"That fantasy (fiction) is better than fact (non-fiction)"

Our debaters have been practising their affirmative argument for the first topic and look forward to presenting it tomorrow. This is a wonderful initiative started by Hill End Public School to engage students from small schools across the region using video-conferencing technology.

We have watched all student's confidence and ability grow throughout

the past years. We welcome parents and community members to join us for any of our debates throughout the next weeks. We're sure you will find them all informative, interesting and fun! Yes, students are also adding humour into their debates. How this competition and students' abilities have grown!

What a Day!

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:49 AEST

My sincerest thanks to everyone who came along to the school yesterday for our Education Week STEM program launch. The children loved sharing the latest technology and STEM activities with you and I know that many adults were amazed at where education has now come.

Lunch was delicious and thank you to all involved in preparing, serving and cleaning up.

I know that the Network Director, Mrs Hughes, went away having seen how important our school is to the Hill End community.

Our STEM program is now officially in place at Hill End Public School. Literacy and numeracy remain at the core of all learning taking place within the school, however many lessons will be integrated within

the use of science, technology, engineering and maths projects.

Our students have taken an amazing step into the future.

Thank you once again to everyone for supporting the children yesterday.

Education Day - STEM Program Launch

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:01 AEST

On Wednesday 8th August, our school will be celebrating Education Week with the official launch of our school STEM program. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and is an exciting way of engaging students in many skills and activities.

As a part of the official launch our students will be demonstratingrobotics, computer science, electronics and rocketry. We are thrilled to say that the Director of Education for our network, Mrs Hughes will be joining us at Hill End for the event and we would love for YOU to come along and show your support for the students and for the school. A delicious lunch of roast beef rolls, tea and coffee will also be provided. We hope as many community members as possible will make it along, the activities start at 11.30am.

ALL WELCOME

Video Conference

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:42 AEST

This week we video-conferenced with Glen Alice and Capertee Public Schools. Each school had to create a story about their village or school. Hill End Public School students performed a skit about the gold-rush to Hill End with Emma narrating.

STEM

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:37 AEST

Science,Technology, Engineering and Maths

This week our students have been engaging with our new STEM program. The children have been working in preparation for our official STEM program launch on August 8^th during education week. Quite simply the Hill End Public School STEM program will be a game changer for our students. It will bring together exciting forms of research based learning alongside computer science, robotics and engineering activities that will challenge, enrich and enhance learning for thestudents. Our school will be open to everyone on August the 8th. Come along for a BBQ lunch and enjoy the children demonstrating robotics, coding, engineering and amazing electrical science activities.

Bathurst Library Van

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:24:51 AEST

This week was also special because on Wednesday the Bathurst Library Van visited. Students were able to return and borrow more books! Thanks to Bathurst regional Council and the Bathurst Library for this great service. It is a wonderful highlight for all students when you visit.

War on Waste

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:45 AEST

Our school has joined with the Hill End RFS in collecting and recycling cans etc as part of our War on Waste environmental program at HEPS. We hope you can support us to decrease the amount of landfill into our tip.All money raised will be used in our environment program at Hill End Public School.

Engineering Challenge

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:26:25 AEST

Using Technology

Movie Making

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:25 AEST

Our senior students have been having a fantastic time learning about movie making. Out and about in the village the lessons have included activities in creating storyboards, use of different camera shots and understanding how light and sound affects movies.

Back in class the students have been engaged in learning all about Microsoft Movie Maker and how to import footage and using special effects and transitions to create fun short movies.

Our major project has been to put together a movie to send to our exchange school in Finland. The students there recently sent us a package of letters and they are looking forward to watching our movie all about Hill End.

Our planning next term is to have our students talk live via Skype with the children in Finland and have them learn a little more about life in each of the two countries.

Ready-Set-Write!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:28 AEST

Our writing program is in full swing this term with a series of fun writing activities for the children to learn and develop imaginative writing skills.

Known as Ready- Set-Write the program allows the children to work through a creative process to develop and write short imaginative scenes, stories and events to share with each other. The students really enjoy the ability to work and create a finished text all in one activity. We have published some of the texts this week for your enjoyment.

Technology Day!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:35 AEST

There was a real buzz amongst students on Friday as we travelled to Capertee Public School for a combined technology day. We were joined by students from Hampton and Glen Alice as a part of our literary studies of Jules Vern's Around the World in Eighty Days.

Students enjoyed learning about the novel before reading the first chapter together. Following the introduction Mrs Merz from Glen Alice helped the students construct a rubric to judge their own work and skills. The final session saw the students using the internet Blog set up by the Department of Education and Communities. The Blog enables students from small and isolated schools to share ideas, views and discussion in a moderated forum. In this age of

connectivity the Blog is of course a valuable and

engaging learning tool for children.

ANZAC Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

Thank you to all of the students who attended the recent Anzac Day ceremony. It is of course a special event on the calendar every year and was wonderful to see all of you representing our community so well.

Students performed a medley of songs during the wreath laying ceremony accompanied by Mrs Smyth. Thank you to our parents/carers who made sure

students were on time and dressed in full school

uniform. A special well done to Emma for speaking so clearly.

Photo courtesy Lorraine Purcell

Term 1 Assembly

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:35 AEST

We held our end of term 1 assembly yesterday afternoon. Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and

siblings who came along to this important school event. Our school leader Emma English hosted the assembly, welcoming all our visitors before inviting Mr Grossett to speak. Mr G spoke about some of the academic and sporting events that our students have participated in during term 1.

Mr G then presented two term 1 awards. The junior award went to Charlotte Mobbs and the senior award was presented to Lauchlan Miller.

Holidays -We wish all of our students, families, friends and staff members a wonderful and relaxing holiday period.

Take care and stay safe.

Commonwealth Games

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:15 AEST

Yesterday to celebrate the opening of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast we held our own mini-games activities.

The students had a great deal of fun with relays, equestrian, weightlifting and volleyball events.

Emma, our school leader acted as the ‘host' and awarded medals to the students for their enthusiasm.

Miss Traill's House

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:25 AEST

Last Friday our students joined with Ilford, Hampton and Glen Alice Public Schools on an excursion to Miss Traill's house in Bathurst. What an interesting day we had. Our wonderful guides, dressed in period costume, showed us through Miss Traill's house giving us a history lessonabout the house and what it was like in days gone by. Students learnt to write on a slate board and with a pen and ink in the classroom. Later they played marbles, quoits, skittles, egg and spoon, three legged and sack races. They also played croquet and danced around the maypole. For lunch we travelled to the adventure

playground, this was a lot of fun too!

Harmony Day Reflection

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

Hello, my name is Emma and I am the school leader for 2018. Harmony Day is a special day about different cultures of the world. Australia is home to people from many cultures. Nearly half of Australia's population were born overseas or have at least one parent from overseas. Since 1945, millions of people have migrated to Australia. Some of these people include Mrs Groves and Mr G. People who have come to Australia have brought their culture with then, including their food, art and music. This diversity makes Australia a richer country in many ways.

My own family has a few different cultures as a part of our family history including Irish, English and German lineage. I am proud of my family's heritage and really want to go to Ireland when I get older. I know Australia is a lucky country and I want to thank everyone for coming to our community BBQ today and enjoying Harmony Day with us.

New Bus!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

Students and staff are thrilled that Nancy has a new bus to transport students daily and also available for school excursions. All seats have seatbelts. Nancy is extra happy that the new bus has air-conditioning which makes for a much more comfortable trip for her and all the students.

Diverse Learning Opportunities

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

Our school is a small school – as a result we provide a level of student support and resources that larger schools may find difficult to provide at an individual student level. Not only however do our students

receive personal teaching and support as a part of a small school environment they also enjoy learning with students as a part of school partnerships and larger networks.

This term the children have been enjoying travelling to Hargraves to participate in a combined Sporting Schools program with professional coaches. For the first half of the term the children learnt the skills of lawn bowls and for the second half of the term they will be enjoying fun and games associated with gymnastics.

Music to my Ears

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

In the past music has always been an important part of the Hill End Public School curriculum with Mrs Groves teaching many children the piano keyboard and allowing our students to participate in combined choirs at the Sydney Opera House. Making and learning about music can be a great deal of fun for children.

A great deal of scientifically based research also shows that learning to create and appreciate music helps children and adults alike to enhance their thinking ability and learning skills.

In 2018 our school music program will continue to provide opportunities for our students to learn, appreciate and perform with a range of musical items throughout the year. Keep posted for eisteddfod performance dates as I am sure our students will do well and perform wonderfully.

Video Conferencing History

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:36 AEST

We had another great history lesson combining with Glen Alice Public School this week.To finish the lesson we had another exciting History Quiz with Hill End winning this week. All the students certainly know their explorers!

Swimming Carnival

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:34 AEST

Firstly a big thanks to all of the parents for bringing the students to compete at the MSSN swimming carnival this week. It certainly was a hot day with some great competition. This year all of our students swam in competitive events with some wonderful results, congratulations to all of the students on their efforts.

We are so proud of their attitude and achievements on the day. It was the first time for our infants students!

In Our Pool

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:23 AEST

In swimming we have been practising for the upcoming Mudgee Small School Swimming Carnival, which will be held next Tuesday 13th. Each afternoon we have been in the pool training and we were lucky yesterday to have our ‘Little Diggers' join us!

Welcome to a New School Year!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:38 AEST

It has been wonderful to see the happy,smiling faces of students returning to school this week.

Welcome back to all children, parents and families, I hope that you all managed to find some special time to spend with friends and family members.

Congratulations to both Sarah and Graham on the birth of their new baby boy over the holidays!

Both Charlotte and Emily had been excitedly waiting for their new baby brother to arrive before the holidays. A warm welcome back to Mrs Brooke Rayner and Mrs Jenny Smyth for 2018. Both teachers will bring expertise and engaging activities to the school environment. I know the children are looking forward to

music and singing with Mrs Smyth. Lastly I am pleased to say that our school now has a new changeable sign to share news and information with the community. Check it regularly for special community dates and other important school news.

Farewell Grace!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:19 AEST

Hill End Public School takes this opportunity to wish Grace all the best as she graduates from Hill End Public School tomorrow.

Grace Browne has been a student at our school since Kindergarten.

We hope that she takes away many fond memories of the school including her friendships, social life, studies and excursions.

All of us agree she has been a wonderful student throughout her primary school years and great role model for our younger students this year.

We know many wonderful opportunities lie ahead for Grace and we wish her a happy Christmas, relaxing

holiday and a great start to her high school life.

All the best Grace!

End of Year Preparations

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:18 AEST

The end of the school year is coming fast. It has been another busy week with students working on their normal lessons in class. Students and staff have also been busy with play

preparations —rehearsing, painting props and sewing costumes. It's going to be a wonderful play judging by the work completed so far.

Staff members have been busy collecting donations for presentation awards, organising presentation books and trophies, having engraving done, preparing the BBQ menu, completing the presentation program and student reports!

In sewing lessons with Jeannie the senior girls completed their final project cushions! Their work will be on display at the Royal Hall on Presentation Night.

'Small Talk' Grand Final

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:32 AEST

We are so proud of all our students who competed in the ‘Small Talk' debating competition this year. The team of Grace, Emma, Claire, Lauchlan and Toby all participated in several debates throughout the competition, winning every debate!

The grand final was held today against Lue PS. It was a very strong debate on the topic ‘That team sports are better than individual sports' with Hill End in the affirmative.

Unfortunately, we were defeated by 1 point!

We look forward to 2018.

Visit from Past Student

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:37 AEST

We had a visit from John Walker, ex-Hill End Public School captain of 1968 this week.

John was given a tour of the school by our Principal Mr Grossett. John said he had very fond memories of Hill End. At the time of his attendance at our school John lived with his family on the property 'Alpha' on the Mudgee Road.

Birdlife!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:13 AEST

We have a number of birds nesting and raising chicks at Hill End Public School. There are sparrows, swallows, parrots and willy wagtails. They are keeping all of us entertained during recess and lunch.

Presentation Night Invitation

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:27 AEST

Just over five weeks to go and we are now starting to prepare and rehearse for our end of year presentation evening. There will be some singing, action and a fun student play performed this year. We hope to see as many of the community as possible for our special evening. Mark Friday 15th December in your calendar now for Hill End's night of nights! This will be our first without the incredible Mrs Groves.

Camp Toukley

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:14 AEST

As you know we have been away since Sunday at Camp Toukley on the Central Coast with four other small schools. The children has a fantastic time swimming, exploring and going on some amazing activities

including the giant swing and flying fox! Keep an eye out for the newsletter next week with lots of student

reports and photographs from the excursion.

Hill End Open Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:22 AEST

Last weekend our Principal Mr Grossett opened the school as part of Hill End's Open Day. The day was succesful and enjoyable to the many visitor's who came to have a look at buildings that are not normally open to the public. This is an annual event with Hill End Public School being involved over the past 3 years. Among our many visitors was ex student and friend of Hill End Public School Carol McCance.

'Small Talk' Debating Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:31 AEST

‘Small Talk', the small Schools debating championship is now nearing conclusion for 2017 and our students have once again competed strongly throughout

the competition. After four intense and exciting rounds our students have made it through to the 2017 Grand Final undefeated!

In the final round robin debate Toby, Lauchlan, Emma and Claire argued the proposition "that books are better than TV".

The standard of debating and public speaking at our school is quite simply amazing, our debaters all speak clearly and with confidence and are once again into the grand final. Well done boys and girls – good luck for the final debate.

Community BBQ

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:15 AEST

Thank you to everyone who came along to enjoy our recent end of term BBQ. The kebabs were a hit with everyone and it was a pleasure to see all those that could make it along. This term our community event will of course be our amazing and spectacular presentation evening.

The date is already set for December 15^th so please make sure your social

calendars are clear for that evening!

Eisteddfod Excitement!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:18 AEST

With a song in their hearts Hill End Public School students have been performing at two nearby Eisteddfod's over the past week. The boys and girls recited two poems,

The Moon by Robert Louis Stevenson and Friendly Fauna by Robin Klein. They also sang two songs including Waltzing Matilda and Puff the Magic Dragon.

At the Bathurst Eisteddfod the students were awarded a 2^nd place for verse speaking. The adjudicator made some very positive comments about the poetry recitals.

"Lovely expressive work, your voices projected well for such a small group. Pace varied effectively to bring out the meaning of this lovely, funny poem, well done."

In the Small Schools Choir the students performed wonderfully and were awarded first place.

"You focused very well on our conductor and stayed together. All your words were very clear and you kept the tune well. A great choice for you to sing, well done. A lovely gentle performance."

Congratulations boys and girls!

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:33 AEST

Our greenhouse has allowed us to start planting seeds early and the senior students Financial Literacy lessons have begun. Over the past weeks senior students have been busy selling some of their seedlings. Each Monday they tally up their week's sales in their garden journals. All of the seeds they planted last week are up so there will be more potting up of summer vegetables and flowers over the next two weeks. Meanwhile our juniors have been making sure that the rest of our gardens are being looked after with watering and weeding.

http://sharedtable.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/notifications/

Congratulations Debaters!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:15 AEST

On Tuesday our debating team competed against Trunkey Public School and came away with a thrilling win! Trunkey Public School presented some excellent points and competed strongly throughout the debate. Our team debated confidently on the proposition that; "Young people need better role models" and were thrilled to be awarded another victory. That makes three wins out of three for our boys and girls. Congratulations!

Hill End Fire Station Visit

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:22 AEST

This week we visited the Hill End RFS to learn about bushfires and the work of the RFS. The students enjoyed learning about the history of the brigade and it's work today. The children had some great questions and I am sure the visit inspired some new RFS volunteers for the future. Next week we will be revisiting the station to learn more about the equipment and trucks! Our thanks to Richard, Bernie and Jim for giving their time to spend with the children.

Book Week!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:13 AEST

Yesterday the school was buzzing with a number of very special and unusual visitors to the school for the day. They included a ninja, two princesses, Anakin Skywalker, two old grannies, Cinderella, Anne Shirley, the man from Snowy River and Lewis Lasseter! The ‘visitors' were of course all of the students and staff dressing to celebrate Book Week 2017. Lots of fun was had throughout the day to celebrate the event. The children shared their character and costume choices with the class, made a board game based on a book of their choice, redesigned some book covers and acted out funny scenes from books. Two prizes of $50 book vouchers were drawn and awarded as a part of the day.

'Small Talk' Debating

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:32 AEST

On Monday our team of Toby, Claire, Emma and Lauchlan debated the affirmative against Mumbil Public School. The topic was: "That it's better to solve problems on Earth than explore Mars"

It was a close debate, so we were really happy when Mrs Macdonald from Lue declared Hill End PS the winners!

We are very proud of our debaters. Our whole team was off sick last week, so had little chance to practice.

With Grace, our third speaker off sick on Monday too, Lauchlan filled her role in his first debate ever!

Congratulations to the team, this was a great effort!

Congratulations!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

Congratulations to Mrs and Mr Rayner on the birth of their beautiful daughter! Hudson looks pretty chuffed too! Both mother and daughter are well. We look forward to meeting the new arrival soon, but please wait until everyone is well again here at HEPS!

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:33 AEST

This week students have been caring for their seedlings in the green house. Today their gave them a feed of fertiliser. They are growing really well and next week they will pot up silver beet, parsley, fennel, garlic and a number of flowers too. Senior students are awaiting their delivery from Diggers. Look out for our sale table at the front of the school in coming weeks.

Hill End Students Win their first Debate!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:23 AEST

Once again Hill End Public School is at the centre of small school debating in our region. Now into its fourth year Small Talk brings together students from across our region to debate live, face to face, via Connected Classroom Video conferencing technology.

This week our team of Grace, Emma, Claire and Lauchlan debated against Hargraves Public School on the topic "The best things in life are free". Hargraves debated strongly however our team remained calm and focussed to be awarded the win by the adjudicator.

Well done Hill End!

'Small Talk' Debating Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:31 AEST

The ‘Small Talk' debating competition starts next week. This is the fourth year of the competition with Hill End, Lue,Hargraves, Mumbil, Glen Alice, Goolma, Capertee, Wattle Flat, Stuart Town and Trunkey Public Schools participating in this prestigious competition.

Hill End's first debate next Wednesday is against Hargraves where we are in the negative for the topic ‘That the best things in life are free"

Good luck everyone!

Christmas in June Community Lunch

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:15 AEST

We held our first ever Christmas in June for friends, family and members of the community.

The students did an amazing job in preparing and serving the three course lunch of pumpkin soup, roast turkey, ham, lamb and vegies followed by mini pavlovas and Christmas pudding and custard!

Thank you to those people who made the time to come along to the lunch, the children always love the support they receive and truly enjoyed hosting and making it a special lunch for everyone. If you were unable to make the lunch never fear,for there will be another community event in Term 3 and we'll be calling for anyone who would like to help out!

Bike Riding

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:13 AEST

As part of their PE lessons, students have been bike riding with Mr Grossett around the village and surrounding area. While the fine weather continues students will ride every week.

Library Van Visit

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:24 AEST

Yesterday Mel and Tori visited and students were able to borrow some more books for the month. The Bathurst Library van is such a great service provided by Bathurst Regional Council to small schools and communities within the district.

Stop Motion IT Skills

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:33 AEST

Over the term our senior students have mastered some basic skills with stop motion animation and produced some very good (and funny) short movie clips. This week the children have chosen a fairy tale

to base a script and produce a short animated film. finished animations will be screened later this year.

BRC Grant Success!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:14 AEST

We are pleased to announce that we were successful in our application for the 2017 Sustainable School Grants Program from Bathurst Regional Council.

We will receive $352.00 for our ‘Small Business Enterprise' application which allows HEPS to continue the wonderful garden businesses and financial literacy

lessons that were started last year with the senior students.

Younger students will also benefit from being involved in the project.

Farewell Mrs Groves

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:20 AEST

Yesterday, Hill End Public School students, staff and parents joined with over 300 family, friends, colleagues, other students, past and present to attend the funeral of Mrs Groves at the Bathurst crematorium.

The service was a fitting tribute to one of the finest educators in the Bathurst District. Her husband Dave spoke about the wonderful life he and Mrs Groves had spent together and her children spoke about the unconditional love she had for them. Her daughter Erica read a letter from Mrs Groves' brother Colin. He said Mrs Groves spoke often of her love for the children of Hill End. The combined primary schools choir sang ‘Loch Lomond' and ‘Auld Lang Syne' which are two of the songs that Mrs Groves had been practising with them for the upcoming Opera House concert.

Farewell Mrs Groves, you were one of a kind and will never be forgotten.You will always hold a special place in the hearts of all the children you taught over so many years and all of your family, colleagues

and friends.

A Great Loss!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:09 AEST

It is with the greatest of sadness that today I write to share news of the death of the one and only Mrs Jill Groves. Jill lived for teaching and cared for all children. She was a talented musician, a skilled teacher and gave all of her time and energy towards caring and supporting her students. Mrs Groves first started teaching in Australia in 1964 and continued to teach throughout her life. She passed away peacefully.

Although Mrs Groves continued to conduct choirs at a number of Bathurst schools she truly loved the children here at Hill End and they remained the focus of her attention and energy. As she often shared with me she simply loved teaching the boys and girls at our school. She was always proud of their achievements and took great pride in seeing the children grow and mature into fine young people.

Not only did Jill love the children but she also cared deeply about all of the parents and families, both present and past. The people of Hill End were always close to her heart.

Mrs Groves will be sadly missed by many people. I know I speak for all of the staff,

children and parents in wishing her husband Dave our sincerest condolences.

Jill was a dear friend to all of us here at school and we will all miss her humour, enthusiasm and guidance.

Yay! Library Van Visit!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:38 AEST

There has been anticipation from beginning of term about the Bathurst Library Van visit. Thank goodness they came yesterday afternoon. Our students were so excited to be able to borrow new books for the month. The library van visit is one of the many highlights at Hill End Public School for students and staff. Students made some great selections with Toby being especially pleased with a selection of books brought out for him.

ANZAC Service

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

Once again our students made our school and community proud at the ANZAC Day service in Hill End on Tuesday. Thank you to parents for ensuring that your children were dressed in full school uniform and on time prior to the service. A big thanks too, to Mrs Rayner and Mrs Groves for attending and organising

students for the role they played throughout the service. Students formed the guard of honour and sang the moving song "I'll Always Remember" during the wreath laying ceremony. We were all especially proud of Grace Browne who delivered the closing address of the service. Grace spoke about

the incredible Nancy Wake, an inspirational woman of her generation who continues to inspire us today. All in attendance were very impressed with Grace's tribute, so much so that she was applauded at the finish.

Easter Hats

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:17 AEST

Students joined the ‘Little Diggers' in finishing their Easter hats. A special treat this week was a BBQ lunch, Easter hat parade and of course an Easter egg hunt!

We look forward to our ‘Little Diggers' returning next term.

Little Diggers

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:25 AEST

In ‘Little Diggers' Eddie and Hudson were joined by students in an Easter art project. They had fun choosing their paint colours and began to paint their backgrounds. Next week they will continue

adding to their artwork. They also enjoyed playing with the Lego.

Principal's Meeting Hill End

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:28 AEST

Today and tomorrow a significant number of primary school principals from the Bathurst region will be meeting in Hill End. The meeting is being held as part of our commitment to building a stronger educational network within the region and sharing ideas, work and developments to the benefit of every school involved and every student represented by those schools.

Seed Saving

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:30 AEST

In our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program we processed silver beet and poppy seeds that we had collected from the garden previously. We looked at the seeds under the microscope, the silver beet looked like large rocks and the tiny poppy seeds looked wrinkled - like sultanas! Amazing! Our sieves make the job much easier and we had them sorted and stored in no time at all!

Life Education

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:24 AEST

On Tuesday we visited Hargraves Public School to attend Life Education Day. Students and

staff had a wonderful day joining with Hargraves in fun outdoor activities with Miss Miles,

art & craft with Mrs Price and of course the Life Education Van with Maree and Healthy Harold.

Congratulations!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

There has been a buzz around the school this week with the arrival of another baby to the English family.

Congratulations from everyone to both Rebecca and William on the birth of their brand new baby girl.

Imogen Rose English has already had her first outing down to the school with Mum and she was naturally a hit with the all of the children. Both baby and Mum are well and I

noted that Will looked remarkably relaxed for a father of seven.

We may need a working bee to put an extension on the police residence.

NSW Premier's Reading Challenge

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

This year the challenge has been accepted, Hill End Public School students will be joining with all schools from the Bathurst Network to take up the 2017 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge!

The challenge will start soon with a huge range of books for children to choose from.

Students who reach individual reading challenges will receive special certificates!

Keep posted for more details.

Little Diggers

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:24 AEST

Our first ‘Little Diggers' was held this afternoon. It was wonderful to see the littlies coming along to school for their first visit. They enjoyed lunch with our students, then played outside for a little while. They then went inside to read, draw and play.After that, they went down to the pool for a swim! What a great start!

Bathurst Library Van Visit

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:12 AEST

Natalie and Tori visited yesterday with the Bathurst Library Van. Students were very excited to enter the van and see all the new books available for them to borrow this year. This is a great service provided by the Bathurst Regional Council and Library. It is a highlight throughout the year giving students the opportunity to access many more books to read. Thank you, we look forward to the next visit in March.

Welcome Back!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:38 AEST

Hello and welcome back to all children and families to a new school year. I hope that everyone managed to spend some enjoyable time with friends or families during the break. It has been very nice to see the children happy to be back at school, sharing holiday stories and renewing friendships.

We look forward to the year ahead.

Debating Success!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

Having reached the grand final for the first time ever Hill End faced Hargraves Public School. The topic for the grand final was ‘That the money spent on the Olympics would be better spent elsewhere'.

Our team for the grand final consisted of Grace, Ronald, Liam and our thinker Emma, Hill End was debating in the negative.

Quaid from Hargraves started strongly for his team with some excellent

arguments.

Grace countered for Hill End with a strong opening debate. She clearly outlined the case and presented our team's focus areas.

Ronald was outstanding as our second debater. He was confident and strong in public speaking skills and Emma (as thinker) hadprepared a number of rebuttals which Ronald used to press home the case. Once again Hargraves countered strongly.

Liam was our third and final debater. He again pressed home the rebuttals, spoke with confidence and great skill presenting arguments that were hard to counter.

The two adjudicators took a great deal of time reviewing the debates and checking scores.

The winner was announced, "2016 Small Talk Debating Champion – Hill End Public School"

Congratulations to all of the students who took part in the Hill End Public School

debating team this year; Claire, Emma, Grace, Ronald and Liam….take a bow, well done!

Last Mobile Library Van Visit for 2016

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:23 AEST

The Bathurst Mobile Library Van visited for the last time for 2016 on Wednesday. Thank you to the Bathurst Library, Bathurst Regional Council and all the wonderful staff who visit us during the year. We really appreciate it! Once again, students were awarded prizes. Grace, Liam and Emma all received movie vouchers and everyone else was able to choose a prize from the basket. We would like to say a huge congratulations to Sarah on the birth of her beautiful baby boy Louis. Merry Christmas everyone. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Presentation Night!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:28 AEST

It's that time of year again; the students have been rehearsing, awards engraved and speeches prepared for the 2016 Hill End Public School Presentation Evening.

Everyone is welcome! This means you! Young and old,families and friends, past, present and

future students, old-timers and newcomers to the village – everyone is welcome.

It always amazes me how many people we get to our Presentation Evenings, a true reflection of our great little village and community.

The children love performing for an audience and it is of course a chance for us to say thank you to everyone for your wonderful support throughout the year.

I truly hope we see as many people as possible again this year. No special invitation is required, just bring yourself, come and enjoy the company, the food and the show.

Presentation Evening – December 16th

Free Community BBQ 6pm

Awards and performances 7pm

Canberra Excursion

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:14 AEST

Last week our senior students undertook a major excursion to the nation's capital – Canberra.

The children had an exciting and wonderful adventure exploring the city and came away with new knowledge and some special experiences.

T20 Cricket

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:35 AEST

Friday proved to be an exciting day for the children at a T20 cricket competition held in Mudgee. Our students played against students from Lue, Gulgong, Rylstone and Mudgee schools with some excellent displays of teamwork and friendships.

Toby gets a special mention for his amazing positive attitude to every game and trying every aspect of batting and bowling.

Well done Toby.

Once again Hill End Public School students received special praise for their manners from adults and teachers from other schools – way to go Hill End!

In the Garden

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:23 AEST

This week in the garden students transplanted sage, tomatoes and oregano into our vegie gardens. They also planted seed potatoes. Because of the success of their plant sales senior students planted seeds of rockmelon, watermelon, sage, thyme, chives, lettuce and squash. They also potted up some Heartsease plants that had self sown in the vegie garden.

The weather has been quite warm and our garden is producing well. The children have been eating peas and they took some lettuces home to their families.

Businesses are Blooming!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:14 AEST

With the onset of warmer weather our senior student financial literacy projects are now well underway. Earlier in the week the students updated their balance sheets and bank accounts. Today the

students are spending time finishing simple

advertisement cards and will soon be placing some of their seedlings out the front of the school for sale to the public. The students have grown a great selection of vegie, herb and flower seedlings. More seedlings and seedling varieties will be added every week. Come along and check out the selection and find something for your own gardens.

Bathurst Library Excursion

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:12 AEST

As a reward for all their hard work during Term 3 students were taken on an excursion to Bathurst.

They had a great time seeing a movie, having lunch and visiting the Art Gallery and Library.

There was a wonderful exhibition at the gallery called ‘Just Draw'. There were also some ceramics on display. Everyone was very impressed by the exhibition.

At the library we given a behind the scenes look by Chris. It was very interesting, we got to see where the

mobile library van is garaged and we met some of the library staff too.

After that we were able to relax and read and were able to borrow some books to take with us. It was great. Our students love the library.

Eisteddfod Champions!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:18 AEST

Our students shone at the Mudgee Small Schools Eisteddfod. We had a

wonderful day enjoying a wide range of funny and entertaining items from all of the schools.

In the music section our students sang both ‘Wash Day Song" and "The Rainbow Song".

In the drama section our students acted a wonderfully funny play entitled "Wolf Joseph". The audience thoroughly enjoyed the play and amazing performances from our students.

Finally for versespeaking our studentsperformed "I'm NeverAllowed to do Anything" and "Spirit of the

Aborigine". After the competition the adjudicator, localcelebrity Sam Paine started reading out the results whilst we all listened in anticipation.

For the music section our students were awarded third place. For their play in the drama section our

students were again awarded third place. For their poetry and verse speaking the adjudicator awarded our students first place. Finally, the adjudicator came to announcing the winner of the Perpetual Shield

Eisteddfod Champion.

Our boys and girls listened nervously…could it be……the winner… "HILL END

PUBLIC SCHOOL!"

Eisteddfod Excitement!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:18 AEST

With pride and enthusiasm and after a great deal of rehearsal, our students competed at the Bathurst Eisteddfod performing items in three categories.

The children performed marvellously, winning the Small Schools Choir and Verse Speaking categories and coming second in the Small Schools Percussion Ensemble.

In the Small Schools Choir the children sang Wash Day Song and Rainbow Song.

The adjudicator was very impressed with the students noting;"It was lovey to see smiling and enthusiastic faces. You sang with a lot of intensity and you watched very eagerly your choir conductor. I enjoyed the performance very much."

For percussion our children performed The March of the Kitchen Utensils. The adjudicator was again very impressed."I really enjoyed the enthusiasm of the wok player (Liam). A very

enjoyable performance with a little bit of humour mixed into it."

And finally to verse speaking where our students performed Spiritual Song of the

Aborigine and I'm Never Allowed to do Anything.Once again the adjudicator enjoyed both performances.

"What a delightful piece, wonderful facial

expressions from all the children."

Congratulations boys and girls and thank you to Mrs Groves for all of your efforts.

Bathurst Library Van

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:12 AEST

The Bathurst Library Van visited us on Wednesday afternoon. Students were pleased to see Sarah and Natalie as they chose new books to read.

Some comments from students about what the Library Van means to them.

The best thing is getting a prize, I chose a lady beetle rubber. Beth YK

I like getting the books and the prizes. I chose a beautiful crystal. Toby Y1

I like getting new prizes. I got a pink rubber. Charlotte Y1

I like picking new books. Emily YK

The prizes, I chose an amethyst crystal. Ronald Y6

I like the books from the Bathurst Library, there is more choice. I chose a crystal. Liam Y6

I like it because it has lots of books and there are heaps of choices. I chose a crystal. Emma Y4

There are heaps of new books and it's free. I chose a crystal for a prize. Claire Y3

There are nice books. I will get a prize when I borrow some more. Bonnie Y4

There are a variety of books to choose from. I chose a crystal as a prize. Grace Y5

Students receive a prize when they have borrowed and returned a number of times.

Thank you to Bathurst Regional Council and the Bathurst Library for this great service.

NAIDOC Excursion

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

We travelled to Goolma Public School to take part in a combined small schools NAIDOC Day. The day was great fun for all of the children as they mixed with students and friends from

Goolma, Wollar and Ulan Public Schools.

The weather was beautiful and our hosts and the elders were welcoming as we learnt about aboriginal life, artefacts, tools, language and storytelling.

Everyone really enjoyed the experience of throwing a boomerang and trying to use ‘spear sticks'.

BRC's Environmental Officer's Visit

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:14 AEST

This week we had a visit from Daniel Cove - Bathurst Regional Council's Environmental Officer.

Daniel came to see what we had purchased with our BRC's Sustainable School's Grant.

Every year schools from around the district can apply for one of these grants. Hill End Public School has used these grants over the years to purchase worm towers, garden beds and a compost bin. With this years grant money we have purchased items for our seed saving network. This has included seed storage boxes, seed trays, seed raising mix, propagation units, heirloom seeds and much more. With BRC's ongoing support our kitchen garden program continues to thrive and grow.

Thank you Bathurst Regional Council.

Vietnam Veteran's Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:36 AEST

It was with honour that students and staff attended the Vietnam Veteran's Day service held in Hill End today. Today is the 50th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan. It was wonderful to see so many local residents and ex Vietnam Veterans at the service. Mr Shanahan conducted the service with Mr Colin Shapland, Mr G, Mr Will English, Mr Bob Fraser and Mr Rick Burns. Mr Phil Butler laid a wreath on behalf of the Hill End War Memorial Committee and Grace Browne and Emma English laid a wreath on behalf of Hill End Public School.

'Small Talk' Debating Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:31 AEST

The 2016 'Small Talk' debating competition has begun with Hill End, Trunkey, Sofala, Wattle Flat, Geurie, Capertee, Hargraves, Stuart Town, Mumbil, O'Connell, Lue and Wollar Public Schools all competing for this year'

s trophy.On Wednesday our debating team of Ronald, Emma,Grace and Claire debated their way to an outstanding win against Stuart Town Public School. Our team argued against the proposition that life was better when our grandparents were children.

All of our team spoke clearly and strongly arguing their case. Ronald was our first speaker using good humour to engage the adjudicator. Emma followed with strong arguments relating to health and wellbeing today with Grace speaking with great skill as our third debater. Claire helped keep everyone together as our thinker, listening for points for our speakers to rebut.

The opposing team from Stuart Town presented very strong arguments including survey results and

personal reflection to support their case. After a tense debate and some excellent feedback the

adjudicator awarded the win to Hill End Public School.Congratulations to Ronald, Emma, Grace and Claire for the wonderful effort. Our next debate is in a fortnight against Wattle Flat Public School who have

already proved themselves to be strong debaters.

Education Week!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:18 AEST

This week we have been celebrating Education Week with the theme of shared stories, better learning and stronger communities.Today the students all came to school dressed as their favourite literary character – the children are always excited and have great fun dressing up.

Tomorrow we will be celebrating the week with a community BBQ and student performances.

The BBQ starts 12pm – everyone is welcome, young and old, near and far, we hope to see you here.

Fun Friends

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

During terms 3 & 4 our personal development classroom program will be structured around the amazing Fun Friends program. The Fun Friends program has been nationally and internationally acclaimed from promoting social and emotional skills that will support children in their interaction with peers, teachers and

family.

The Fun Friends program is supported by NSW Health and focuses on identifying feelings, relaxation games, goal setting, being a good friend and giving

ourselves a pat on the back.

Beth Meets the Mayor!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:13 AEST

Earlier on in the term our kindergarten students enjoyed a visit from Alison and Iris of the Bathurst

Regional Council talking with the children about road safety and recycling.The children then sent in a colouring competition and Beth English's picture was selected as one of the

winners from the region.

Yesterday Beth got to meet the Mayor of the Bathurst Regional Council, Mr Gary Rush, and was presented with a certificate. Well done.

"I saw lots of other children" said Beth

I asked Beth what she

enjoyed most about the day.

"Lunch with Edmond (her brother)."

Crazy Hair Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

For a gold coin donation students and staff wore their craziest hair colours and designs last Friday to raise awareness and money for the Cystic Fibrosis foundation.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition which currently has no cure. Therefore ongoing research is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with CF as well as advancing treatments in which to reduce symptoms and the affect they have on the body. Living with CF is all about the routine – mainly in the morning and night time, but constantly throughout each day.

Our small school raised $28.40 for this worthwhile cause.

Library Van Visit

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:23 AEST

Thanks to Bathurst Regional Council and the Bathurst City Library for another great Mobile Library Van visit this week. All HEPS students returned their books so Sarah and Mel once again helped them to choose some more. Many of our students were able to choose prizes for their excellent reading records.

We all look forward to the next visit in July.

In Class & the Playground

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:23 AEST

This week in science, junior students made a cloud in a jar using hairspray, hot water and an ice pack. It was very impressive! They then had to predict if objects would sink or float when placed in water. It was a lot of fun and very interesting. In PE, all students put their softee hockey skills to the test during a lovely, sunny, late Autumn afternoon.

Financial Literacy

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:20 AEST

It is with a great deal of pride that with the ongoing development of our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden and the new greenhouse that we will be incorporating a small business (financial literacy) program into our weekly activities. the activities will form part of the teaching and learning process for our Stage 2 and 3 students. As part of the program the students will learn all aspects of running a small business. They will be supported in every step of the exciting process of running their very own small 'shop'. Please see this weeks newsletter for more details.

ECO Grant & Seed Saving

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:17 AEST

We have begun making purchases with our ECO Grant Funding. We have purchased and installed shelving into our donated greenhouse and we have just ordered some seed storage boxes and packets.

We have collected many seeds from our vegetable and flower gardens over the past six months are looking forward to sorting all of them into these packets and boxes for safe storage.

2016 Art Camp

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:09 AEST

Thirty seven students from ten small schools joined Hill End students for our 3 day 2016 Art Camp.

This year we had four fantastic guest artists, Jeannie Littlewood, Sue Fardell, Nic Mason and Marianne Kimm. Our warmest thank you goes to each of them for their time and energy er the past few days and nights. Also thank you to Goolma principal Kate Charlton for her support this year.

A big thanks to Luke Sciberras for inviting the students into his Hill End studio and spending time sharing his skills and talent.

Last, but not least, a huge thank you to all of the talented students who attended.

Their schools and parents can be very proud of them.

Easter Saturday Stall

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:17 AEST

Our Parents & Friends Association and students will be holding a stall in the Royal Hall,

Hill End on Easter Saturday. Come along and grab a bargain and a raffle ticket.

Support our Seed Saving Program by buying seeds grown, collected and packaged by our students.

Hill End Open Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:22 AEST

Hill End Open Day (pdf 152 KB)

Hill End Public School will be open on Sunday 10th of April as part of Hill End Open Day.

Please see attached information sheet for booking and cost details.

We hope to see you there.

School Resources

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:29 AEST

Hill End Public School is open to the community Monday to Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm to use the Bathurst Library Depot. Community members are also able to access the internet, use email, photocopy and send faxes.

Community Member David Holleley

Back to School with a Splash!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:11 AEST

Greetings and welcome back, we hope everyone had a relaxing holiday break. Students have started 2016 in the pool getting ready for the Small Schools Swimming Carnival. Our end of term Hill End Art Camp is already booked out from small schools near and far! Term 2 will again see Hill End Public School hosting the "Small Talk" Debating Competition. Students from around the district will be competing with each other for the coveted Debating Trophy. Once again, our school is open for community members to use the Bathurst Library Depot and also to access facilities available at the school. We all look forward to another exciting year.

Farewell Harrison

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:19 AEST

Moving from primary into high school is an important stage of life, one that is full of excitement and further opportunities for learning and socialising. This week all the staff, children and parents would like to wish Harrison Browne our warmest congratulations on graduating from Year 6. Harrison has proved himself to be a wonderful student and will be sadly missed by the staff and of course all of his friends. Although we will all miss him, we in turn wish him all the best and look forward to hearing about life in high school!

Enjoy the well deserved holidays Harrison.

'Small Talk' Grand Final!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:32 AEST

The 2015 'Small Talk' debating competition Grand Final was held this week between Trunkey and Meadow Flat Public Schools. Congratulations to Trunkey PS who won the competition. Congratulations also to Meadow Flat PS for the great challenge they put up. This year the competition coordinated by Hill End Public School doubled to 12 small schools competing and again it proved to be a wonderful success with some incredible thought and effort put in by students throughout the term. The competition utilises high tech video conferencing technology to bring teams from over hundreds of kilometres apart together to debate live - face to face. Planning for next years competition is already underway.

More Sydney Highlights

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:25 AEST

The excitement over our Sydney excursion continued at school this week with the students writing some wonderful recounts of some of their most memorable moments. These will be printed in the Golden Quill over the next few weeks.

Sydney Excursion Highlights

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:34 AEST

Students and staff had a wonderful time on our Sydney Excursion. We stayed at the YHA in Central and visited Hyde Park Barracks, the War Memorial, the Museum, the Endeavour Ship, Sky Tower and then to top it all off our students performed in the Opera House with over 700 other students from around the state.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this such a wonderful excursion and special thanks to our students, who once again showed their best behaviour while representing their school.

Rehearsals, rehearsals!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:28 AEST

This week students have been practising their singing for the Opera House performance next week.

Everyone is very excited about this performance and we can't wait until the night!

Students have also already started rehearsing with Mrs Groves for the end of year play.

Term 4 - what a busy time it is!

Loud Shirt Day!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:25 AEST

It was Loud Shirt Day today. Students and staff all wore their brightest shirts and gave a gold coin donation. HEPS supports this worthy cause every year because it helps deaf children. We believe that if deaf children get help early they can get an education just like us. We raised $52.20. Well done everyone!

Welcome Back to Term 4!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:37 AEST

A warm welcome back! It has been wonderful to see and hear all of the children back at school this week. They have certainly enjoyed catching up with their friends and the school has been buzzing with their conversations, friendships and play. Our classroom programs are already rolling again and the students have completed their first assessments for the term.

The Greatest Wonder of the World!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:35 AEST

We travelled to the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and Library for an excursion with Wattle Flat PS this week. We went to see some of the Holtermann Photographic Collection and we also viewed The Alice Springs Beanies Collection. Thank you to Bathurst Regional Council for transporting us to these wonderful exhibitions. We also spent some time in the library which was relaxing and fun. So many books!!!!

Small Talk Debating

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:32 AEST

The Small Talk debating competition is again proving to be an amazing stage for many students to develop and show off their debating and public speaking skills.

I have adjudicated some thoughtful and very emotive debates over the past term and we are now entering the final stages of the competition.

Last week Captertee, Trunkey and Glen Alice Public Schools all recorded debating wins. Next week Hampton take on Stuart Town, Meadow Flat challenge Hargraves, and Hill End compete against Sofala Public School. Good luck to everyone

Science Week!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:29 AEST

In beautiful sunshine on Thursday our school celebrated Science Week with the official opening of The Hill End Public School Kitchen Garden. Part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program the school gardens continue to be a regular focus of learning for all of the students.

Community members, visitors from afar, parents, carers, teachers and students came together to enjoy a wonderful lunch, the opening of the gardens, scientific experiments and finally a puppet show, poetry and songs. On behalf of all the students we'd like to thank everyone for making the celebrations a great success and to everyone for all the support we have received with our gardens throughout the year.

Practise makes Perfect

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:27 AEST

Students enjoyed their keyboard and choir lessons with Mrs Groves this week. It has been wonderful to hear the beautiful singing wafting around the school as students prepare for the Bathurst Eisteddfod and the Sydney Opera House.

Artists in Residence

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

We welcomed Jane and Kathy from the Hill End Artists in Residence Program to school to teach the students some drama and puppetry. We are always appreciative of artists who come and share their talents with our students. We would also like to thank the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery for bringing out the Art in a Suitcase for students to see. The children have really enjoyed handling some of the small sculptures and were thrilled to see the names of some of our Hill End artists.

Education Week!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:18 AEST

Education Week (docx 13 KB)

'Small Talk 2' Debating Competition Starts

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:31 AEST

Hill End Public School is again the centre of debating in the region, coordinating the entire competition -'Small Talk 2', the small schools debating competition. The competition is off to a flying start with Hill End, Stuart Town, Hargraves, Sofala, Hampton and Meadow Flat Public Schools all competing in the first week. The competition utilises the amazing video conferencing technology available in public schools - enabling students (some as far as 200km apart) to debate live, 'face to face'.

BRC Visitors

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:14 AEST

Iris and Alison from Bathurst Regional Council visited us to teach us about road safety and recycling.

Once again, students learnt some valuable lessons and juniors received an information bag.

Thanks to BRC for providing this important service.

Snow!!!!!!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:33 AEST

Today we woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow. Students made snowmen and threw some snowballs before class. It was a wonderful morning, everyone was so excited!

Visitors

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:37 AEST

We had some special visitors on our last week of Term 2. They were Jenny and John Madden. Jenny's grandfather was headmaster at Hill End Public School in 1913 and her mother began her schooling here. Jenny and John were thrilled to look through the school and meet with students. Later in the afternoon they went to meet with Daphne Shead, our local history volunteer to find out some more information about the family.

Mudgee Lions Club Fundraising

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

On Saturday 13th June Allen, William, Jinja and her mum Mandy accompanied Mr G to Mudgee to help sell raffle tickets with the Mudgee Lions Club. The Club had organised a trailer load of firewood to raffle. All of the proceedings were to help send our students to sing in the Sydney Opera House in October. Special thanks to the Mudgee Lions Club and everyone who purchased tickets on the day. With the support of the community and organisations like the Lions Club, Hill End Public School is able to offer students those extra curricular activities that are so important for their social development. Once again, many thanks.

Visit from Bathurst Regional Council Mayor Gary Rush

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:36 AEST

BRC Mayor Gary Rush joined us for a special assembly on 22nd May. Parents/carers and community members also attended. Students showed their PowerPoint presentations and read their Persuasive Texts about hobbies at the assembly. Mrs Groves joined us to play the keyboard for our school song and the National Anthem. At the end of the assembly Mr Rush presented each of the students with a commemorative coin.

Anzac Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

Over the past week I heard from many people congratulating the students on their respectful behaviour and singing during the Hill End Anzac Day commemorations. My warmest congratulation goes to all of them for their behaviour, singing and reading of names on the honour roll.

Science in the Kitchen

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:29 AEST

This week in our kitchen lesson we conducted an experiment called the ‘Hygiene Potato Experiment'. In this experiment we had 3 potatoes. The first one was peeled by

Mrs Shanahan and placed in bag 1 as the control potato. The second potato was peeled and passed around the students so they could have a good look for any blemishes etc. This was then placed in bag 2. Then all students washed their hands and the 3rd peeled potato was passed around to

students to check for blemishes etc. This was then placed in bag 3. Students have been monitoring the potatoes all week.

Welcome to our new students

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:38 AEST

It has been a great pleasure to welcome two new students to Hill End Public School this week. Ruby and Oliver have both settled into class routines and lessons and enjoyed making some new friends at school.

It is a pleasure to have them join us and I know all of the children are enjoying having two new friends to learn and play with.

Gardening Knowledge Grows

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

Last Monday our students again went out into the community on our quest to learn more about growing vegetables.

Our first visit was to Robert and Maxine Andersons where the children were shown their amazing corn, potato and tomato crops. Robert thendemonstrated the skill of bandicooting potatoes to the children. The students asked some great questions that will help us develop our gardens at school.

After visiting the Andersons we then journeyed to the Auld's. The children were amazed at the different crops and fruits grown by Robert Auld, including somefantastic climbing beans. Mrs Auld then showed the children many different ways to preserve fruit and vegetables.

Next week, Mrs Auld and the children will be preserving fruit at school.

Swimming Carnival Success

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:34 AEST

This week our students successfully competed in the Mudgee Small School Swimming Carnival.

Competing against tough competition from seven other schools our students recorded a number of exciting results, including second place in the 4x50m relay event – Well done!

Although one of smallest schools in the network our students rose to the challenge and competed enthusiastically throughout the day.

Apart from competing strongly it was wonderful to see our boys and girls coming up as a group to claim ribbons and congratulate each other. We certainly had a group of delighted young swimmers back at school on Wednesday.

Congratulations boys and girls – you certainly made us all very proud of your efforts – Mr G

All Systems Are Go!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

After careful programming and preparation our educational programs for 2015 are all well underway with the school abuzz with learning, lessons and classroom activities.

Apart from diving headlong into core literacy and numeracy skills, our students have enjoyed starting new

units on ANZAC Day, British Colonisation and the weather.

This year we are thrilled to welcome two new kindergarten students into the school. Our warmest welcome goes to both Toby and Charlotte who have enjoyed starting on their journey of learning and discovery at school.

Art Camp Triumph!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

Thirty three students from nine schools, four artists and hundreds of artworks. These are the simple figures that saw the Hill End Public School Art Camp, once again prove to be a huge success for all of the students and also for our school. Creativity abounded for three days as students created art works using traditional great master techniques, sketched using technical observation skills and pin-hole photography using technology dating back to the gold rush era.

Our wonderful artists Jeannie, Sue, Genevieve and Bill inspired students to use different media to create some amazing art. Students stayed at the Hill End Ranch for the camp and were warmly welcomed by Kerri and her staff. Goolma Principal Kate Charlton, Hill End Principal Christopher Grossett and Hill End staff helped to ensure that the camp ran smoothly.

Our biggest thanks must go to Club Mudgee & Mid-Western Regional Council for their sponsorship of the camp and Woolworths and S&S Meats of Mudgee for their generous support of our catering.

Please see our album of photographs of the camp and art works.

Debating Competition Excitement

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

"Small Talk", a unique debating competition especially for small, rural and remote schools starts next week.

This term students from six small rural schools will compete in a series of round robin style debates on informative, engaging and fun topics over five weeks. Utilising the very best Video Conferencing technology to bring the students together the competition looks set to be hotly contested and has already sparked interest from more small rural schools looking to take part next year.

See the debating competition page for details of topics and results.

Green Day Excursion!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:19 AEST

GREEN DAY!

We joined with over 600 other students for Green Day in Mudgee. We had a wonderful time and learnt a lot about caring for the environment. We learnt about soil, about the bugs living in the Cudgegong River and Ruben Meerman - the surfing scientist, showed us some amazing physics experiments!

We had a great time, there was even time for a siesta after lunch for some!

Welcome Back!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:38 AEST

Firstly a warm welcome back to everyone for what has been a rather chilly start to the third term! Ice and snow have not deterred our students from working, playing together and enjoying their time back at school.

Our classroom activities continue to focus on core academic skills. Student writing this week has involved reflecting on how we all view things differently.Within maths lessons our senior students have been learning about volume while the other students have studied three digit numbers and place value.

Already this term our students have enjoyed two excursions including participating in a very competitive Athletics Carnival held in Mudgee last week, and only yesterday our school joined with Sofala and Wattle Flat Public Schools for a combined Aboriginal Day.

We look set for another great term.

Stars, Galaxies and Space Excitement!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:33 AEST

It has been an absolute pleasure this week to see our school bursting with life and excitement.

Yesterday Hill End Public School was buzzing with excitement from daylight until late at night. Nearly sixty children from four schools came together at Hill End Public School for a day to learn all about space. The day was organised to give children learning experiences with a real scientist and undertake some engaging hands on experiments. It was thrilling to hear excitemented children throughout the school and was one of those days that make teaching such a rewarding profession.

Our special guest for the day was Aina Musaeva. Aina is a PHD astronomy student from University of Sydney and CAASTRO (Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics). Aina travelled from Sydney to volunteer her time to inspire the children with her experiences in studying the universe and her research interest – black holes.

In the evening, many community members joined staff, parents and students for a presentation given by Aina Musaeva. This was followed by a dinner provided by HEPS as another community engagement, back to school event. Then, it was out to view the stars with the huge telescopes that Aina and fellow astronomer Les Dalrymple had set up!

Everyone was amazed at what they saw, it was unreal for others, the information given by Aina and Les while viewing was incredible and brought it all to life! Many thanks to you both and to all our community members who came along for the ride. What a wonderful night!

Hilala Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:22 AEST

Last week both Hill End and Sofala Public Schools combined to undertake a shared day of learning in and around our village. The students were very excited to explore the Bald Hill Mine with Eddie and then try their luck panning for gold with Michelle at Tambaroora.

While we were at Tambaroora everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of roast beef rolls specially prepared by Mrs Kimm, Mrs Rayner and Mrs Shanahan.

The day was a great success with the children all learning something new to share with their parents. Many of the children want to come back and visit Hill End with their families.

Great start to the new school term

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

Hill End Public School students happy to be back at school after the holidays. The children were excited to welcome some new students to the school and meet up with their friends again, find out more in the school newsletter!

Bathurst Library Depot Opening

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:12 AEST

Thursday the 3rd of April was a very exciting afternoon for the school with the official opening of the Bathurst Library Depot. It was great to see so many guests including many local residents.

Bathurst Mayor Gary Rush spent the afternoon at the school and from all accounts really enjoyed his visit to the village.

The library has a great selection of books and DVD's and is open school days 9pm -3pm, you don't even have to be a member of the Bathurst Library to borrow a book.

To borrow simply come into the school office and we'll direct you in the right direction, enjoy a cuppa and browse the shelves.

Become a Friend of Hill End Public School

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:13 AEST

Friends Membership Form (pdf 270 KB)

Variety Club Excitement

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:36 AEST

Yesterday in beautiful weather the Variety Club of NSW spent the afternoon at Hill End Public School as a part of their '2014 Caves to Waves Tour'.

The day was a fantastic success with loads of fun and games for the students including tunnel ball, captain ball and even a scarecrow making competition.

Nearly 75 people then enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Hill End Public School Staff and our Parents and Friends Association members.

After lunch the students gave guided tours of the school and then sang a very funny song for our guests entitled "A jumbo sat on my Gemini".

We cannot thank the Variety Club enough for their wonderful donation of nearly five thousand dollars in educational resources for the school. They will be put to good use for many years to come.

Check out the extensive photo gallery for some wonderful pictures from the day.

Variety Club Visit

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:36 AEST

As a part of their 4WD 'Caves to Waves' adventure the Variety Club will be visiting Hill End Public School on March the 25th. Residents of the village and surrounding community are invited along to enjoy lunch with the school and Variety Club. Contact us at the school if you plan to come along so we can cater for all comers, we hope to see you here.

Bathurst Library Depot

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:11 AEST

Open during school hours the Bathurst Library Book Depot is now located at the school. We have a great selection of books to choose from along with a large number of excellent DVD's. Come in, browse, enjoy a cuppa.

Swimming Carnival Success

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:34 AEST

On Tuesday this week after much hard training our students competed in the combined Mudgee Small Schools Swimming Carnival with fantastic results.

All of our Hill End students competed admirably with a number of outstanding places by the children.

Harrison Browne

1^stPlace Senior Boys 33m Freestyle Finals

2^ndPlace Senior Boys 33m Backstroke Finals

5^thPlace Senior Boys 33m Breaststroke Finals

William Drakeford

1^stPlace Junior Boys 33m Freestyle Finals

1^stPlace Junior Boys 33m Backstroke Finals

2^ndPlace Junior Boys 16m Breaststroke Finals

Jinja Turner

1^stPlace Junior Girls 33m Freestyle Finals

2^ndPlace Junior Girls 16m Breaststroke Finals

Grace Browne

2^ndin her heat Junior Girls 16m Freestyle

2^ndin her heat Junior Girls 16m Backstroke

3^rdin her heat Junior Girls 16m Breaststroke

Allen Drakeford

Outstanding fun representing Hill End

Public School in all of the novelty events!

Congratulations to all of the children for these outstanding results, all of the staff at Hill End Public School are so very proud of you all! Also a big thankyou to the mums for taking the children to and from the pool and supporting all of the students throughout the day.

Farewell Mrs Colley

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:19 AEST

It was with sadness and best wishes that we said goodbye to Mrs Sally Colley, our School Administration Manager on Thursday 28th June.

Sally has been involved in our school as a parent, a teacher and a SAM for over 30 years.

Students, staff and parents gathered for a morning tea at the school on Thursday. Our students presented Mrs Colley with flowers, 2 framed lots of photographs (1 of the present HEPS and 1 of the past HEPS) and a card. School leader Harrison Browne and William Drakeford read a farewell speech prepared by all the students.

In the evening a dinner was held at 'The Lodge' Hill End with staff, community members and ex staff in attendance. Our principal Christopher Grossett presented Sally with a Department Long Service Medal at the dinner.

We wish Sally and Bob our best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

"Little Diggers" Transition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:28 AEST

On Wednesday we had two little visitors for our transition program, also called the ‘Little Diggers'. Charlotte and Emily Mobbs had a terrific morning. They painted pictures using red paint and played with lego. They did some tracing with pencils and played with play dough. We went and listened to a story in the class room with the other students. I think that the most fun that the girls had was when they played with the other children at recess time using the balls. They bounced the balls and kicked them. It was wonderful to have them at the school and we look forward to them coming every week. The other students really enjoyed the little people and were very helpful and kind to both Charlotte and Emily.

Burrendong Camp Excursion

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:14 AEST

Last week our students teamed up with children from five other Mudgee District Schools for a combined three day excursion to the Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre. The excursion was packed with fun activities for the children including grass skiing, bush crafts, nature walks, kayaking, archery, indoor rock climbing and water balloon combat! See more photos in our photo album.

Hill End History Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:22 AEST

Mumbil Public School visited us on Thursday 11th April. We all had a great time learning about the history of our area. We went on a village tour with Kerri, a mine tour with Eddie and gold panning with Michelle. We felt really proud of our community and the Mumbil students had a great day!

Back to School Community BBQ

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:11 AEST

Mark your calendar and clear your social diary because we are having a 'Back to School BBQ" for members of the Hill End community.

The date of the BBQ is Thursday the 28th of February, 6.30pm - 8.00pm.

Young and old, mums, dads, nans, pops, past and future students, newcomers and old-timers and all community members are welcome.

Come along, meet up with friends and neighbours and enjoy a great social event. The classrooms will be open during the BBQ, come and see what may have changed at the school since your childhood!

The more the merrier, please RSVP Chris at the school (6337 8265) if you are planning on coming along.

Please note that the BBQ is a non-alcohol event.

AASC Excursion

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:09 AEST

Students enjoyed an excursion to the Bathurst Aquatic Centre in Bathurst last Tuesday.

Thanks to funding from Active After School's Communities, HEPS was able to hire a bus to transport students and staff to the centre. This excursion was necessary to see distances students could swim in preparation for the upcoming swimming carnival.

Because of the AASC program operating at HEPS all students are swimming well because of their weekly swimming lessons at our school pool. All will be participating in the carnival.

Hill End Public School has been involved in the AASC Program since 2005 and we have seen the marked improvements in stamina, athletic & motor skills, health ( physical, emotional & social) in all the children who have participated in the program over these many years.

A special thank you to our Regional Coordinator Nina Nyitrai, who has made it easy to participate in the program since we started.

Visual Arts Camp

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:37 AEST

Our Visual Arts camp was held on the 27th,28th and 29th November. We were joined by artists Susan Baird, Nyree Reynolds, Marianne Kimm and Madeline Preston, 25 students from 10 schools in the Mudgee/Bathurst region and staff Michell Gallop, Kate Charlton, Brooke Rayner and Gaye Shanahan. What a fantastic three days!!! How lucky are the children who attended the art camp to have such a variety of talented artists to guide them and encourage them. One thing we noticed this year, that every child had at least one artist who they could really connect with and enjoy. Some children loved the finger painting and found that painting with your fingers was an easier way to create the mix of colours, some loved working with the sand and the paint because it gave the art work a real depth. Others really liked the idea of Madeline's art where she picked pieces from photos to use in their own art. With Susan children enjoyed sketching from life and then transferring to canvas with acrylic paint! The artists were so positive and encouraging about the children and their art work. The children all had fun together and the whole camp had a positive vibe.

Anzac Day Memorial Service

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

Students attended the Hill End & Tambaroora Progress Association's Anzac Memorial Service last Wednesday 25th April. School Leader Hannah Browne and Year 6 student Jessie Casha delivered a speech about World War 2 heroine Nancy wake. They also laid a wreath at the memorial. Other students formed a guard of honour during the Wreath laying. The Service was well attended by community members and visitors to our village. Congratulations to our students for their dedication to attend the service.

Go Go Golf with Sharon

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

Sharon from Jack Newton Junior Golf delivered the School's My Golf Program on Friday 23rd March.

There was a lot of Go Go Golf happening on the oval which was transformed into a golfing course.

Windeyer students joined Hill End students for a great day of fun, friendship and sunshine!!!

Swimming in AASC

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:34 AEST

This term we had planned to swim in Active After School Communities Sport.

On Friday 24th February we got to go swimming for the first time this term!

Students and staff enjoyed the afternoon with a game of water quoits and

swimming through hoops. We hope we have some more warm days so we can go again.

New Bikes!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

Our students received new bikes and helmets courtesy of the LEAN Project on 14th February.

Fiona Markwick - LEAN Support Officer brought out our new bikes to the excitement of students and staff. We have already implemented a bike safety and maintenance program and students are enjoying a ride every lunchtime. Thanks Fiona & LEAN.

Small Schools Swimming Carnival

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:30 AEST

Hannah and Harrison Browne competed at the Small School Swimming Carnival last Tuesday the 7th February at the Mudgee Swimming Pool. Harrison competed in the 16 metre freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. Hannah came 2nd in the 12 year Girls 50 m freestyle and P6 relay ( Hannah organised a team with some Hargraves students) and 3rd in the Senior Girls 50 m butterfly, medley, breaststroke and backstroke. Congratulations to both of these students for representing our school so well!

Presentation Night 2011

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:27 AEST

It was wonderful to have such great community support at Presentation Night held on 7th December.

Students, staff, parents and guests enjoyed a great night with book presentations, music, a skit and a year in review slideshow followed by a wonderful supper provided by the P&C Association.

Our Principal Mrs Price congratulated students on their achievements during the year. She also thanked staff, parents and the community for their support and ongoing support of our school.

Remembrance Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:28 AEST

There was a wonderful roll up at our Remembrance Service held on the 11th November 2011.

We were lucky enough to have a coach load of senior citizens visiting Hill End for the day and they joined students, staff and community members at our service.

These senior citizens were very impressed and pleased to see our small school commemorating this important day.

BER Official Opening

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:13 AEST

On 25th November 2011 Principal Mrs Winsome price welcomed parents, community members, staff and students to the official opening of our new library building and acknowledgement of school refurbishments under the Building the Education Revolution Program funded by the Federal Government. Before cutting the ribbon Mrs Price read a letter from Senator Chris Evans that congratulated Hill End Public School's opening.

After the ribbon cutting guests moved inside to hear the national anthem and the HEPS song sung by the students accompanied by Mrs Groves on keyboard.

Mrs Price then reiterated Mr Evan's comments on the valuable addition this building and the refurbishments are to the school's learning environment.

Our school has already had several visual art's camps utilising this wonderful asset. Students and staff have also enjoyed professional learning opportunities and virtual excursions utilising our new video conferencing equipment which was installed in our new library.

After the formalities guests, parents, students and staff all enjoyed afternoon tea while watching a video presentation.

Trout Cod

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:35 AEST

The NSW Fisheries Department and other interested persons visited us at school last term to talk about and show us some Trout Cod fingerlings. They were on their way to release them into the Macquarie River. Trout Cod are an endangered native species.There are now only three self sustaining populations of them remaining in the wild. They were originally described from the Macquarie River, where they have not been recorded since the 1820's, other than a single unconfirmed record from the Turon River in the 1970's.

Visual Arts Camps

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:37 AEST

In 2011 Hill End Public School once again conducted two visual arts camps in May and November.

These residential camps are held over a three day period with accommodation at Hill End Ranch. In May the camp involved larger schools from the CLC (Cudgegong Learning Community) including some high school students, therefore extending over three stages.

The November camp involved students from small schools in the Mudgee, Bathurst and Orange districts. Students attending these camps enjoyed 2 full days packed with a variety of art activities and creative tasks including - sketching in the historic village of Hill End, creative thinking tasks, observation drawing techniques, experimentation with different artistic media, working with professional artists ( learning about their work and doing follow up workshops) involved in the Artists in Residence Program sponsored by the Department of Environment and Heritage (Parks Service Division Hill End) and BRAG (Bathurst Regional Art Gallery) and evaluation sessions.

The children take home with them a framed artwork of their choice, an art bag with sketchbook and pencil along with new inspirations and skills, new friendships and many happy memories. The opportunity for children to meet new people, engage in artistic pursuits and social interaction is a huge benefit to students from small schools and isolated communities.

Visiting staff also benefit from the hands on experience, participating in all the activities with the children, thus building upon their prior knowledge and experience.

Award

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:11 AEST

Mrs Horan received the Graham Gordon Memorial Award for exemplary service to public education 2011 from the Cudgegong Leaning Community at an awards dinner held last term in Mudgee. This was recognition for her ongoing dedication and committment beyond her own schools.Congratulations!

Jim and Gaye Shanahan also received certificates for their ongoing committment to Hill End Public School.

Green Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

Prior to Green Day our students had to write a poem

and produce an artwork about the

importance of trees in the environment.

Trinity won this competition for our school.

We have won a virtual excursion.

Daffodil Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

Last Friday we raised $50.35 for Daffodil Day.

This will be donated to Daffodil Cottage in Bathurst to help fund a new bus

for transporting patients to Orange when they need treatment.

Congratulations to staff & students for wearing yellow and bringing a donation.

Student of Term 2

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:33 AEST

William Browne was awarded

a certificate and trophy

for his consistent positive

attitude, initiative and effort

throughout the term.

Well done William!

Senior Girl's Champion

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:30 AEST

Trinity Pilley was awarded the

Principal's Certificate of Achievement for an

outstanding performance at the small school's

athletics carnival. Trinity came 1st in

12/13 yrs 100m race

12/13 yrs 200m race

12/13 yrs 800m race

Senior Girls Long Jump

Senior Girls High Jump

Senior Girls Discus

Senior Girls Shot Put

Well done Trinity!

Henry Lawson Literary Awards

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:22 AEST

We were thrilled to receive the award for Most Successful Local School at this year's event (our second year)

with 2 students receiving encouragement awards, 1 receiving a second and another receiving a third.

Well done students!

Harhilleyer Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

On Monday 6th we joined Hargraves & Windeyer schools at Windeyer Public School for

Life Education Van, Rock Climbing & AFL. Everyone had a wonderful day. thankyou to

Windeyer Staff & their P&C Association for your hospitality. Please see Newsletter 090611

for student recounts & photographs.

Animation Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

We had a wonderful excursion to Windeyer on Tuesday 31st May where we joined Windeyer students for a lesson in animation with Peter Morrisey the Connected Classroom coach for the Warrumbungle District. All students had a hands on lesson in making plasticine figures and photographing them. We then uploaded our photos into the program Captivate 4 and Windows Movie Maker to make short films. We all had a wonderful and informative day.

School Achievement Award

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:29 AEST

The Director General's School Achievement Award

Our school was thrilled to receive this award as recognition of our annual Cudgegong Learning Community & Mudgee Small Schools Network Visual Arts Camps.

Staff at Hill End Public School have worked hard over the past years to make these camps the successful annual events that they have become. We look forward to continuing to give students the opportunity to receive professional art tuition and social interaction with others at the camps.

Hill End is a renowned Artist's haven and the Visual Arts Camps give students the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere and landscape of this beautiful village.

CLC Visual Arts Camp 2011

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:15 AEST

Last March the annual CLC Visual Arts Camp was held at Hill End Public School. Children from 8 different schools worked together in small groups to stimulate their creative thinking processes to solve a 3 dimensional construction challenge.

Throughout the rest of the camp sessions included observation drawing, sketching some of the captivating sights of Hill End. Children selected some of these images to develop in other artistic media such as acrylic paint on slate and ink sketch and wash. Paint was layered generously onto canvas using sgraffito techniques with the addition of beads and powdered paint to create art works representing the passage of the seasons.

Children created pastel works on black paper using magazine photography as their inspiration. Marble rolling acrylic paint on canvas and acrylic finger painting on board and scratch art using special layered paper was yet another part of the experience.

Wooden goannas (girrawaa) were constructed, painted and decorated to reflect the cultural significance of the girrawaa to the Wiradjuri people as this is their totem.

Hill End is home to two cottages (Murrays and Haefligers) utilised by professional artists as part of the Artists in Residence program run by Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. We were very fortunate to have artist Kim Anderson involved with our camp. She addressed the children with images of her work shown on the interactive white board and outlined her artistic journey from school to the present day, recounting the re-emerging thread of her art work. Children then enjoyed using oil pastel on paper to create hand and feet images of their own (a recurring image in Kim's art work).

Staff participated in all the art activities with the children and the children participated in an evaluation session, which was extremely positive, prior to departure .

All children took away their art work, including a framed piece, an art bag containing sketchbook for continued artistic endeavours and many happy memories of their time as the "artists of Hill End".

News story

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

The Resilience Doughnut.

Resilience has been defined as the ability to cope with difficulties in life. It is the ability to cope with stress and remain hopeful when life's difficulties occur.

Mrs Price attended a 2 day Resilience Doughnut course in Bathurst last week and now the children are being involved in using the Resilience Doughnut in their Personal Development and Health sessions this week.

The middle of the doughnut represents how we view ourselves. It consists of:

I have …

I am ….

I can ….

This uses positive language and thinking.

The doughnut is divided into seven sections, each representing a factor in our lives which makes us resilient when times are difficult. These seven factors form a ring around the person in the middle and become protective factors from the inevitable stress and adversities that a person faces in a lifetime.

The seven factors include: The Skill Factor, The Parent Factor, The family and Identity Factor, The Education Factor, The Peer Group Factor, The Community Factor and The Money Factor.

The students have worked with the Resilience Doughnut every day this week and Primary students have worked through a set of questions to determine their three strongest factors which are their strengths. They then shared these and thought of activities to link their three strengths to make them and the other factors stronger in their lives.

The Resilience Doughnut was devised by professionals who have participated in extensive research into what makes people strong. They claim that: ‘An individual only needs to have three external factors working well for them in order to build the level of resilience they need to manage the world. Our task is to find three strong factors and manage them to work even stronger.'

News story

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:26 AEST

Public Speaking Success

Four of our students attended the Mudgee Small Schools Publc Speaking competition in the first week of Term 4, 2010.

Our school was represented by Trinity Pilley and Daemon Gilmore (Year 5), Shannen Gilmore (Year 3) and Caelum Gilmore (Year 2). It is always a daunting experience to get up and speak in front of a large audience, so these students should be proud of their efforts.

We are pleased to announce that Trinity, speaking on the topic, "What the World Needs Now" was declared winner of the Senior Section. Caelum, addressing the idea of "Things I like to Do" earned a Highly Commended mention.

Congratulations to all students.

School Achievement Award

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:29 AEST

Our school has been selected to receive a 2010 Director-General's School Achievement Award for the projects:

Cudgegong Learning Community

(special thanks to all the students of the area for their contributions and to Winsome Price & Sally Colley for their enormous effort each year to produce the CLC Writing and Artwork Booklet )

The 2010 'Voices in the Breeze' Booklet will be available to purchase in Term 4.

Mudgee Small Schools Network Visual Arts Camp

(special thanks to Hill End Public school staff and students for all their hard work in making the camp a success)

This is a very significant award and congratulations must go to all staff and students for their involvement in these projects.

It is wonderful to receive recognition for our committment and effort for these projects.

Green Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

On Thursday 2^nd September 2010 Hill End Public School went to a Green Day Expo. We did lots of things.

First we went to a No-dig Garden site and helped to make our own. Then we saw the big machine rip apart the hay to make the garden.

The next class was Country Energy's class and we tried to make energy by pedalling on a bike. We also had a look at some of the wires that they used to transport energy under ground so not to hurt the trees. We got a little reading lamp and I clipped it on my hat.

We then went to a reptile class and looked at some snakes. William and I held a 2 metre long snake and it had white and black scales on the bottom and the top was black with some brown scales. There was also a man with a diamond python. When he came around to people, most of them went pale. While we were showing everybody how cool this snake was we also had to move to another circle of people to show them the snake we were holding. The children, who were already pale, went completely white.

After the kids had recovered from their pale condition we had lunch. We had a sausage sizzle in a bun and had a rest. After lunch we went into a tank and learnt about rubbish and recycling. We learnt that the average, 4 person family, produces nearly 3 000 tons of rubbish every year, enough to fill a 3 bedroom house.

Our last activity was going to was National Parks Ranger. We learn about gum trees and we played a game that involved picking up a leaf and studying it. Then we put the leaf in a bag and tried to find it again. I found my leaf easily because it had rough edges.

We then drove home in the bus. I think the best part of the day was holding the snake and getting the reading light.

Fruit 'n' Veg Month

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:20 AEST

30th August – 24th September marks the inaugural Fruit ‘n' Veg Month in NSW. During this time (Week 7 – Week 10 in Term 3) 650 schools across the state, and 175,000 children including our school will celebrate to help teach kids and their families about the importance of eating fruit and veg in a fun and educational way. As three quarters of primary school aged kids don't eat enough veg every day, it is a great way to get involved.

At our school we will be having healthy food class activities, some healthy family homework activities and of course some preparation of healthy foods at school.

30 Years Service

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:09 AEST

Congratulations to Mrs Price for receiving a prestigious certificate of 30 years of Service, "in recognition of her valuable contribution to education and training in New South Wales", signed by the Director-General of Education and Training and Managing Director of TAFE NSW, Michael Coutts-Trotter.

Mrs Price was presented with this award on Monday at Warrumbungles Principals' meeting by the relieving School Education Director, Mr Glenn Stewart. In front of her Warrumbungles Principals peers.

Harhilleyer Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:21 AEST

Of Harhilleyer Day, William wrote:

When we arrived at Hargraves on the 9/8/10 we were placed into our groups for the day.

The first thing we did was Soft ball; it was cool and I managed to get 3 home runs. We played 3 innings each. It was very fun and I will like to play it again because there were more people.

The 2^nd activity we did was the Questacon science activity. There were two men and they were both scientist but they were cool as well. They made a balloon shrivel up and made a balloon pop. After the Nitrogen part they talked about sound. They had 3 objects: one was a ping pong ball, one was a plastic cup and the last one was a bucket. They all made a different noise each.

The last activity we did was all about old artefacts. There were all different things. Some were everyday objects. Some were doctors' equipment and some were old clothes. We had to wear white gloves for protection. It was cool because all of the artefacts were 100-150 years old. I enjoyed it very well.

Makayla wrote:

Yesterday the school drove to Hargraves for term three's Harhilleyer Day.

As soon as we arrived at Hargraves we lined up to go in different groups. The K to 2 went to see Questacon people who worked there. The 3 to 6 walked down onto the field and started playing softball. The softball was a fun and long game.

After softball we had morning tea. When we finished playing we went into a lesson about sound waves and liquid nitrogen. First Scott talked to us about liquid nitrogen and how cold it is. Liquid nitrogen is -196CO .

An hour later we barged out to get our lunch.

Five minutes later we went off to play. Shannen, Hannah, Grace, Bronte and I played tips for the whole lunch time.

After that the primary walked into a classroom and a lady showed us the Box of Tricks. Before we put on gloves so we did not leave oil on the old items she showed us. We looked at 14 different old items. I liked the eye bath because it is an everyday item.

Hunter Bush Poets Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:23 AEST

Congratulations to Trinity Pilley who has won the Hunter Bush Poets award with her poem, "The Shearing Shed".

Words from the Judges:

· "This year the competition standard was very high with several outstanding entries."

· Trinity's poem provides an authentic and original record of the daily workings of the shearing shed. The poem is well constructed and flows well and tells the story of "the Shearing Shed". The rhymes used are also excellent.

Trinity received a cheque to the value of $100 as her prize. As a school we are proud of Trinity's achievement and congratulate her.

Opera House Performance

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:27 AEST

On Thursday, August 26^th six students from HEPS will travel to Sydney opera House to be part of the Primary Schools Choral festival. Students from all parts of NSW take part in this festival.

They have been working hard since the beginning of the year to learn the 11 songs which comprise this year's repertoire. These include two songs from the musical ‘Wicked' and the well-known song, originally sung by ‘Sting' – Fields of Gold.

On Wednesday, 11^th August, the 6 students travelled to Bathurst for a rehearsal with other schools in the district who are also part of the Choral festival. Ian Jefferson, conductor of some concerts, and the composer of three songs in this year's repertoire came to Bathurst to lead the rehearsal. He was very pleased with the standard of the singing

Zone Athletics

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:39 AEST

Congratulations to three of our students who have been selected to attend the Zone Athletics Carnival.

The Zone Athletics Carnival was scheduled to take place on Friday 30th July at Walkers Field, Mudgee. Inclement weather, however, resulted in the carnival date being changed to Friday September 13th.

Our three participants are:

Makayla Vella [100m age race, Jun Girls Relay],
Trinity Pilley [200m, 11Years Girls Shot Put, Discus, and Long Jump] and
Hannah Browne [Junior Girl Shot Put and Discus].

T-Ball Day in Mudgee

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:35 AEST

Students attended a T-Ball day in Mudgee last Friday 11th June.

Everyone had a wonderful time learning new skills and interacting with other students from around the district.

Trinity gains third place

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:35 AEST

Trinity Pilley came third for her poem 'The Shearing Shed' at the Henry Lawson Society of NSW Student Literacy Awards for 2010. Trinity and her family attended the Award Ceremony held at the Henry Lawson Centre in Gulgong on 13th June 2010.

Finalist : Poetry Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:20 AEST

The Shearing Shed (pdf, 9 KB)
Congratulations to Trinity Piley who has been declared a finalist in the Henry Lawson Society of NSW Student Literary Awards for 2010. Trinity's awards was for poetry in the Years 5 and 6 section.

Trinity and her family have been invited to the presentation ceremony, at which the winners will be announced, on Sunday 13th June, at the Henry Lawson Centre in Gulgong.

This is an excellent achievement for Trinty, whose entry, "The Shearing Shed", was one of 57 poems submitted by Primary aged students.

Share a Bite, Help the Fight

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:30 AEST

Students are coming to school in mufti on Thursday and paying for the privilege.

Gold coin donations from the students and staff will be forwarded to Diabetes Australia.

Students have also been invited to bring healthy food and fruit for recess so they can "share the bite, help the fight".

First Prizes in Art

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:20 AEST

Four Hill End Public School students earned Highly Commended certificates in Art sections of the Royal Bathurst Show. Another two students were awarded First Prizes in their section for 'Any Subject, Any Medium'and both went on to be awarded Champion Junior Primary Art Exhibit and Champion Infants Art Exhibit respectively.

Community Education

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:15 AEST

HEPS Principal, Mrs Winsome Price, a qualified first aid instructor with the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, conducted a senior first aid course for employees of Hill End Gold Limited. Fifteen attendees were instructed in wounds, bandaging, CPR and resusciation, incuding a defibrillation demonstration.

Art

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

Hill End has been and still is a major attraction for many artists who visit or live here.

Our school has an active art program taught by Kathy Horan. Student's artwork is exhibited

annually through art exhibitions held in the village. We have had wonderful results at the exhibitions

with the majority of art work being purchased by community members and visitors.

Active After School Communities

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:10 AEST

Our school has participated in the AASC Program since 2007.

It is a national program that provides primary school aged children access to free,

structured physical activity programs after school. All our students thoroughly enjoy these fun activities.

With the funding provided we are able to purchase sports equipment, provide trained coaches and

supply nutritious snacks on these afternoons.

Crunch & Sip School

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:16 AEST

Hill End Public School is proud to be an accredited Crunch and Sip school.

Crunch and Sip is a set break for students to eat fruit or salad vegetables and drink water in the classroom. We have introduced Crunch and Sip to support students to establish healthy eating habits while at school. Our objectives include:

increasing awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables and drinking water every day.
encouraging students and staff to drink water regularly throughout the day, including sports, excursions and camps.
encouraging parents to provide students with fruit and vegetables everyday.

Road Safety

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:34:29 AEST

New national child restraint laws came into effect on 1st March.

Children from 4 to 7 years must be restrained in an approved forward facing child restraint or booster seat.

They can only sit in the front row of a vehicle when all other seats are occupied by children under 7 years

Children under 4 must not be in the front row of a vehicle that has 2 or more rows.

Further information can be found at www.rta.nsw.gov.au.