February 1 - 28, 2025: Issue 639

 

Education News February 2025: Anzac Grants for Barrenjoey High School - Terrey Hills Public School + Manly Students Experience Democracy at Parliament of NSW - 2025 Education Program Available + Out Front 2025 opens February 21 at Manly Art Gallery & Museum

Anzac Community Grant Recipients 2024

More than $124,000 in funding has been provided to 99 community groups, schools and ex-service organisations from Wyong to Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra to Coogee, Winston Hills to Wollondilly as part of the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.

Minister for Veterans David Harris announced on Tuesday February 4th that $124,629 will be provided to a wide variety of projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former servicemen and servicewomen.

The 2024 round of the ACGP received 116 applications, surpassing the number received last year with a record amount of funding requested. Up to $3,000 was provided to help fund each of the 99 projects around the state, with veterans as well as the wider community benefitting from the projects delivered from this round, including 34 schools, 20 RSL sub-Branches and 15 Councils.

Grant recipients include Wyalong Public School in the state’s west with funding to enhance their commemorative garden and Goulburn Mulwaree Council to support the display of the significant CEW Bean Military Collection.

For the full list of 2024 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2024

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
“The NSW Government is dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.

“The Anzac Community Grants Program allocates funding for outstanding projects and initiatives that not only acknowledge Australia’s military service history but also play a crucial role in educating future generations and enhancing the wellbeing of the veteran community in NSW.

“This round saw applications from 99 suburbs, across 59 Local Government Areas and 57 State electorates. It’s wonderful to see that so many communities throughout NSW are applying for this funding, and many projects will gain from this program.”

Local projects funded include:

Barrenjoey High School; Avalon Beach - Barrenjoey Anzac Tribute
The initiative will see the delivery of a large mural inspired by the Anzac tradition involving students and community. The school will draw on its artist in residence program to engage students in a learning process involving the historical significance of the Anzacs and the enduring need for remembrance. Amount of grant: $1,400.00 

Easylink Community Services Limited; Dee Why - Diggers Shuttle
This proposal seeks funding to establish a regular bus service from Anzac Village in Narrabeen to local shops, aimed at supporting the NSW veteran community. The service will facilitate access to essential services, social activities, and community engagement, thereby enhancing the health and wellbeing of veterans. Amount of grant: $1,500.00 

Terrey Hills Public School; Terrey Hills - Anzac Path
Pathway entrance to our school will be bordered with plant native shrubs. Flagpole will have a plaque made in recognition of all service men and women. At the end of the path we would place an Anzac commemorative banner supported with sandstone blocks. Amount of grant:$1,750.00

BHS at Anzac Day 2024 March at Avalon Beach. Pic; AJG/PON

 

Manly Students Discover Democracy at the Parliament of NSW: Schools Program for 2025

Students from Northern Beaches Secondary College crossed the bridge to experience Australia’s first parliament: The Parliament of NSW.

Legal Studies students from Northern Beaches Secondary College visited NSW Parliament House on Macquarie Street earlier in December 2024.

The students immersed themselves in the real-world applications of their studies from Part 1: The Legal System and Part II: The individual and the law of the Legal Studies Syllabus. They explored the chambers where key debates and decisions occur and learnt about the complexities of lawmaking and the legal system.

The Hon. Greg Piper MP, Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, was thrilled to welcome the students who hail from the Manly Electorate and highlighted the inclusivity of the Parliament’s education programs, offering all students the opportunity to get involved in civics education regardless of their location.

“It was exciting that the students from Northern Beaches Secondary College had the opportunity to visit Parliament and be immersed in the process of democracy. I was delighted to hear they were joined by their local member, Mr James Griffin MP, to chat about local issues and initiatives,” Mr Piper said.

The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the NSW Legislative Council, expressed his admiration for the active engagement of young people with the workings of Parliament, calling it inspiring to witness the next generation directly participating in the democratic process by viewing question time and experiencing the Chambers. The students are now able to apply their experience at Parliament directly to their legal studies.

“The insightful and probing questions raised by the students served as a powerful reminder of why it is essential to cultivate a deep and lasting understanding of democracy from an early age,” Mr Franklin said.

“These students represent the future leadership of New South Wales, and it is their curiosity, critical thinking and passion that will shape the state’s future.”

Mr James Griffin MP, Member for Manly, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to host local school students at Parliament.

“It was a wonderful privilege to have some of my local school students visit Parliament,” Mr Griffin said.

“Their presence here is always a good reminder of the importance of the work we do, particularly to ensure we leave a good legacy for younger generations.”

Rebecca Stuart HSIE teacher at Northern Beaches Secondary College echoed the student's excitement and engagement on the day.

“The students are extremely high achieving, and many go into the field of law. It is always a great day and provides them with practical knowledge about court and parliamentary processes,” Ms Stuart said.

Interactive programs and learning resources are available online for students in regional areas across NSW in addition to the many programs and events held at NSW Parliament House in Sydney. In 2025, we're offering travel subsidies to help schools from regional, remote and rural areas.

The unique programs available to schools in 2025 at the Parliament of NSW include:

  • Guided tours
  • Legal studies workshops
  • Interactive online programs
  • A short film competition – Parli – Flicks; and
  • Leadership events including a Secondary Student Leadership Program, Young Women’s Seminar and the Constitutional Convention
  • Coming soon – Aboriginal Studies and High School History programs.

Visit the Parliament of NSW Education website to find out more.

 

Out Front 2025 Opens this February at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum 

Audrey Allan, Silent Echoes In Monochrome, Gouache painting, Pittwater High School. Photo: Audrey Allan. 

Council is proud to announce its annual Out Front 2025 exhibition will be held at Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) from 21 February 2025.

Now in its 31st year, Out Front features 25 selected artistic works created by Year 12 students across 21 Northern Beaches secondary schools for their HSC submission. It celebrates the creativity, talent and hard work of the region’s emerging young artists.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins commended the students for their achievements and dedication.

“Each year this exhibition highlights the extraordinary talent and creativity of our local students. It highlights the importance of fostering the arts in our youth and encouraging self-expression.

“It is inspiring to see how art education in our schools encourages students to push boundaries and to think critically about the world around them.

“It is a testament to the commitment of these talented artists, their teachers and their schools.

“We are immensely proud to support this important milestone for our young artists and to provide a platform for their work to shine,” Mayor Heins said.

Tilda Brownlow, Footloose and Fancy Free, painting, Stella Maris College. Photo: Tilda Brownlow.

The curated collection reflects a broad range of themes and techniques, demonstrating the depth and diversity of talent across the Northern Beaches. The exhibition features a variety of works spanning painting, video, sculpture, drawing, photography and ceramics.

Several awards are granted to participants: the Theo Batten Bequest Youth Art Award, valued at $5000, helps support talented young artists pursue art studies at a tertiary level; and the KALOF People’s Choice Award, valued at $500.

MAG&M is also offering a mentorship session to support one young artists’ transition to a professional level.

PROGRAM

Out Front 2025

21 February – 6 April 2025
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Free entry

Exhibition opening night
Friday 21 February, 6–8pm
To be opened by UNSW Associate Professor Lizzie Muller
RSVP link 

MAG&M members and volunteers’ preview
Friday 21 February, 10-11am
RSVP link  

Zahara Spring, Effervescent, Interconnection, Instinct-Love, St. Lukes. Photo: Zahara Spring.

Thousands of students return to new and upgraded schools

Thursday February 6, 2025

More than ten thousand students across NSW are returning to new and improved schools for day one, term one today as the NSW Government continues work to ensure public schools are quality places to teach and learn.

Five permanent and two temporary schools will today welcome students for the very first time, at the same time as students return to substantially upgraded facilities at 11 other schools across the state.

These new schools and upgrades mean more than 400 new classrooms, 20 sports facilities, seven halls, eight libraries and nine canteens will be put to use for the first time today.

This is part of the NSW Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across the state, including $3.6 billion for western Sydney and $1.4 billion for regional communities.

Three of these new public schools, Box Hill High School, Melonba Public School and Gledswood Hills High school have been stood up early, delivering desperately needed local schools.

Students at Melonba High School will transition to their new permanent facilities today after initially opening in fast-tracked temporary buildings in Term 1, 2024.

In the south-west, brand new Gledswood Hills High School is also opening ahead of schedule today in temporary facilities while the permanent school, due to open in 2027, is built.

Families in Sydney’s densest suburb will finally also have a local high school for their children with the opening of Wentworth Point High School today.

In the state’s south, Jindabyne Education Campus is opening with a new state-of-the-art high school and primary school, future-proofing education opportunities for the growing regional community.

Other students will be starting 2025 alongside a new set of peers, with Randwick Boys and Randwick Girls High School coming together for the first time as Randwick High School; while the Hurstville and Penshurst campuses of Georges River College also begin the year as co-educational schools.

The campuses have received facilities upgrades to enable the transition to co-education from Thursday, with further works in the pipeline.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We’re wishing the best to every single student and teacher heading back to the classroom today. I hope you enjoyed the holidays and got the chance to relax and spend time with loved ones.

“We want NSW public schools to be quality places to work and learn, which is why we are investing to ensure that no matter the post code, whether it’s a rapidly growing part of western Sydney or a regional community, families have access to a quality, free, public education.”

Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

“This government is committed to rebuilding our public education system and ensuring every child has access to a world class public education close to home.

“Of the seven new schools opening across the state today, I’m proud to say five of them are in rapidly-growing suburbs of western Sydney that were neglected for years under the Liberals – and we have pulled out all the stops to deliver them not only on time, but in some cases well ahead of schedule.

“Today’s opening of the new primary and high school in Melonba – and the many other new and upgraded schools opening across the state – are a testament to our commitment to investing in our children’s futures and providing them with the best learning opportunities possible.”

New schools opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025

  • Melonba Public School
  • Melonba High School
  • Wentworth Point High School
  • Jindabyne Public School
  • Jindabyne High School
  • Box Hill Public School (temporary school)
  • Gledswood Hills High School (temporary school)

New facilities opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025

  • Budawang School – new hydrotherapy pool
  • Castle Hill Public School – new classrooms, hall, canteen and COLA (further upgrade continuing)
  • Cecil Hills High School – new canteen and hall (further upgrade continuing)
  • Gregory Hills Public School – new playground and sports field
  • Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus – new T-Block
  • Hurlstone Agricultural High School – new farm hub
  • Lane Cove Public School – new hall
  • Manly Village Public School – building refurbishments (further upgrade continuing)
  • Murwillumbah High School – full redevelopment
  • Neutral Bay Public School – new classrooms, library, canteen, admin facilities and landscaping
  • Wollumbin High School – refurbished canteen, classrooms and sports facilities (further upgrade continuing)

Narrabeen Sports High School Upgrade Update + Highest HSC Results for Sports High School in NSW

Progress summary: from late November 2024

The upgrade of the Block C roof is complete and the whole school PA system has been installed.

The demountables on the sports oval, which were being used by Narrabeen North Public School during construction, have been removed, and the area will be made good and reinstated for school use by the end 2024.

We have awarded the contract for the upgrade to Block A2, and construction has begun. The upgrade includes refurbishing the science, technology and mathematics (STEM) room and woodwork, textile and computer rooms. The contractor expects to complete the upgrade on Block A2 by the end of November 2024.

Design for the upgrade of Block K has begun, which involves upgrading the remaining original classrooms. 

Next steps

Work on the designs for the upgrade of 20 classrooms in Block C is complete, allowing the tender to be released this month. We expect a construction contractor to be on board and ready to start in the summer school holidays.

Construction work hours

Construction work hours are Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm and Saturday 8 am to 1 pm.

There will be no work on Sunday or on public holidays unless otherwise advised.

Further information

If you have any questions about the project, contact us in business hours via the contact details below. For the latest information visit edu.nsw.link/NSHS 

All works for the upgrades are forecast t be completed by mid 2025.


Image: New roof on Block E

Also worth noting:

Narrabeen Sports High School faculty were thrilled to announce that their students have achieved the best HSC results seen at Narrabeen in years! 19 Distinguished Achievers!

Narrabeen has achieved 15 Band 6 results, with an additional 4 E4's in Extension classes — an outstanding accomplishment reflecting the dedication, hard work, and resilience of our students.

Band 6/E4 Subjects;

  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • English Extension
  • History Extension
  • Legal Studies
  • Mathematics Advanced
  • Mathematics Standard
  • Modern History
  • Music 1
  • Visual Arts
  • Retail Services
  • English 
  • Russian Continuers (Distance Education)

''These outstanding results reflect not only our students' determination and hard work but also the dedication and commitment of our exceptional teachers. Their skilful instruction, encouragement, and continuous support have been key in guiding our students toward success.

To our students, staff, and families—congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Your pursuit of excellence and resilience inspire us all, and we are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together as a school community.

Congratulations to the entire graduating Class of 2024—The Future is Bright!'' the school said

Congratulations Narrabeen Sports High School!