News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:24:51 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.

Rowland Hassall School - Half day closure

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 13:28:21 AEDT

School Presentation Day 2019

Parents, Families and Carers are invited to celebrate RHS Students achievements in 2019.

The event starts at 10am with the assembly being follow by a small morning tea..

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:39:41 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

Useful Websites

Tue, 21 May 2019 12:01:05 AEST

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:35:26 AEST

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

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

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

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:14:03 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 14:30:21 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.

new principal at RHS

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 12:14:52 AEDT

Harmony Day

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 14:57:41 AEDT

Harmony Day invite letter to parents

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:41:23 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Check out our new Newsletter!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:02 AEST

Dear Parents/Carers,

We have now moved to the new platform for our Newsletter as well as a new School App - School Zine.

Please use the link below to access our newsletter

RHS Newsletter

The first version of our newsletter will be handed out as a hard copy including the information on how to access the newsletter and download SZapp.

The easiest way is to Subscribe to the newsletter and it will automatically arrive as an email anytime the new version is published.

Other easy alternative is to use the School App - SZapp. To access not only newsletter but other important elements including events calendar, permission notes etc.

Please look at the attached document below with some instructions on how to subscribe or download our school app or when visiting our newsletter check out the top or side bar with the information attached.

Newsletter - instructions

Please remember at the top of the newsletter articles there is an option to select a different language for your convenience.

We will also send a form home asking you to provide an email address so you can receive our newsletters automatically.

We hope you will enjoy our new newsletter format and the new SZapp. We look forward to hearing from you, please share your thoughts with us.

ENGAGING ADOLESCENTS™ - PARENT COURSE

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

ENGAGING ADOLOSCENTS - FREE PARENT COURSE

Parenting skills for addressing teenage behaviour problems

A three-session program for parents and carers
at High Street Youth Health Service (HSYHS) 65 High Street Harris Park on Wednesday 21st, 28th March and the 4th of April 2018 at 3:00pm – 5:00pm.

Registration Fee - The course costs is FREE.

To register for this course please complete the referral form and email to Christian San Juan at High Street:

Email: christian.sanjuan@health.nsw.gov.au

Registration form (pdf 579 KB)

Prior to the group each participant will need to agree to and sign a participant agreement.

For more information please contact Christian San Juan on: (02) 8860-2500 at High Street Youth Health Service.

Newsletter is out!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Please check out our first newsletter!

Rowland Hassall New Address

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Rowland Hassall has moved sites - Our new address is 18B Parkham Street, Chester Hill 2162. Any inquiries please call on 02 9645 4800

RHS Relocation Project Update

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

ROWLAND HASSALL SCHOOL RELOCATION PROJECT- Latest update

We are excited as the school has now moved to 18B Parkham Street, Chester Hill, NSW 2162 providing a new campus and opportunities for students.

The new school phone number is 02 9645 4800.

Please refer to the newsletter section of this website to access the map of the school site.

What happens at the old site at Hassall Street Parramatta? The old site has been repurposed to allow temporary accommodation for displaced students and teachers while the Department builds its new precinct of school buildings in the Parramatta CBD.

If I have questions about the project who can I contact? Send your enquiry to email: rowlandhassall@rootprojects.com.au to allow a considered reply.

Updated: 17 July 2017

Transport to our new school!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Transport to our new school (pdf 227 KB)

Check our latest newsletter to keep up with many changes with regards to our new school. Please find the attached above - information on public transport to our new school.

The bus operating company is Transdev NSW - for the new Opal card applications.

Please call school on 9645 4800 if you have any further queries.

FUN RUN!!! Friday 30th October

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

FUN RUN is on today so get ready...! We also have Bandana day today so make sure you bring the gold coin for good cause and wear mufti!

Parent Forum on Tuesday 27th October at 10:00 - 12:30!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Please join us for another parent forum. We will learn how to recognise worrying and common thinking mistakes and how to help you and your children deal with worry. You will be presented with practical tips to help you and your children cope with the stress and discover how to live a happy and more fulfilling life.

Our latest Newsletter is out now!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Please check our latest Newsletter!

Self Care Matters

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Please find attached flyer for a Self Care Workshop for Mums of students with a disability. The workshop is FREE of charge and being held on 17 October 2015 at Castle Hill RSL. Please see flyer for more information.

Self Care Matters Workshop (pdf 605 KB)

Happy Holidays!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

We wish our students and their families wonderful and safe holidays!

We are coming back to school on Tuesday 6th October 2015.

Relocation Update

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

September 2015 - Update

Planning for the new Rowland Hassall School has begun. The new school will be located on a new, larger site on the eastern side of Woodville Rd, Old Guildford. The new school will operational from 2017.

Community consultation is underway with information booths scheduled to occur on :

- Monday 24 August: 9.00am-10.00am at the front entry of Old Guildford School

- Monday 7 September: 2.00pm-3.30pm at the front entry of Old Guildford School

- Friday 11 September: 10.00am-12.00pm at Chester Hill Shopping Centre (near Michel's Patisserie)

Relocation Survey

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Rowland Hassall School will be relocating from its current site in the Parramatta Central Business District (CBD) to a new, larger site on the eastern side of Woodville Rd, Old Guildford. The new school will open in 2017.

The Department of Education is interested in receiving your input into this exciting project. Please take the time to complete this short survey by following the link below:

https://surveymonkey.com/r/WWJPQ97

Please Help us Win $5000 for Our School!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Please help us win $5000 for our school, all the details can be found in the link below!

Thanks!

CUA Community Care 2015 (pdf 238 KB)

Relocation of Rowland Hassall School

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

As some of you may or may not be aware, Rowland Hassall School will be relocating from its current site in the Parramatta central business district (CBD) to a new, larger site on the eastern side of Woodville Road, Old Guildford.

This vacant land located opposite Old Guildford Public School, on the other side of Woodville Road, is owned by the Department of Education and Communities and has been managed and maintained by Old Guildford Public School for many years.

The new school will be constructed on this site during 2016. It is anticipated the school will be operational from 2017. The new facilities will provide contemporary, flexible learning environments designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

The facilities will include ten permanent classrooms with student support facilities, an administration area, library, multi-purpose spaces, staff facilities,a special programs room, covered outdoor learning areas, landscaped outdoor free-play zones and student drop-off and pick-up areas.

The families of Rowland Hassall School students, who are currently provided with special transport arrangements to and from school, are assured that these arrangements will conitnue following the relocation.

Mindfulness Session for Parents/Carers

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

We would love to invite parents to come to a special parent forum session to learn a bit more about Till and Widdle and discover effective tools to help their children cope with stress and anxiety. They will have the opportunity to talk to other parents/carers with morning tea provided! We will meet on the 18th August 2015 at 10am at Rowland Hassall School. Please contact Ms Eva for more information on 9635 6363 or ewa.brzozowska@det.nsw.edu.au

Swimming Carnival

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Last Friday 20 February 2015, we held our swimming carnival at our school pool. Thank you to all of the staff who helped make it such a special day. The students demonstrated incredible behaviour and sportsmanship, well done everyone!

Information Evening

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

A big welcome to everybody in our school community for 2015. On Wednesday 11 February 2015 we will be holding an information session for parents and carers to outline our plans for the coming year. Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Recognition Wall

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Since NAIDOC Week and Reconcilliation Week took place during the holidays, Rowland Hassall is dedicating weeks one and two of Term 3 to the creation of a Recognition Wall in our school hall. The wall will feature student work in the form of paintings, collages, photograph and poems. Watch this space for photos of the project!

Interschool Swimming Carnival

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

This week, Rowland Hassall students are looking forward to participating in our Interschool Swimming Carnival on Thursday 27 March 2014. We can't wait to cheer everyone on!

Education Week Open Morning

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

Come along to Rowland Hassall this Friday 2nd August 2013 to hear about new programs and plans for Term 3.

Classes will be open from 11am, assembly at 11.50am and sausage sizzle from 12.30pm. We look forward to seeing you then!

Click here for more details Education Week Open Day (pub 2951 KB)

European Handball Competition

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

Check out the latest results of European Handball Competition under Curriculum/ Interschool Sport Competition

We could win $5000 :-) Can you help us?.......

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

CUA Grant (pdf 1765 KB)

Help Us Win $5,000 to Improve Our School

At Rowland Hassall School, we believe it's very important to encourage our students to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Through our participation in the Adidas School Fun Run – a healthy alternative to the traditional chocolate fundraising drives – we have been eligible to enter a program called ‘CUA Community Care' that gives us the chance to win $5,000 for a school or community project of our choice.

This program is a community-focused initiative from CUA, Australia's largest customer-owned financial institution and our project proposal is to create a native bush garden and an outdoor learning space at our school, where students can learn in a peaceful and beautiful environment.

We're up against 10 other schools in the area to take out the $5,000 prize and given the winner will be determined by community voting - we need your votes!

Voting is open from 29 July – 23 August and you can register your vote online at www.cuacommunitycare.com.au and in CUA's Parramatta branch at Shop 1105 Westfield or 159 – 179 Church Street.

Each person can make one online and one in-branch vote. So, please give us your support and help us win $5,000 to improve our school!

Parent Program.....

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Parent program

August 1st 10am

We would like to invite parents to attend a session : The challenge of disciplining your children presented by the interrelate consultant.

Parents who are unsure about how to discipline and guide their children to become socially competent adults will learn:

What positive discipline means and how to set clear boundaries that children respect and learn to appreciate

To use conflict as a tool to improve relationships

Tips and hints on different discipline

New Programs for Term 3

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

RAGE: 6 week program that introduces the topics of: reflecting on anger, recognizing anger symptoms and identifying the different faces of anger.

BLUE GROTTO: This inclusive creative arts program will run for 5 weeks next term. It will engage students in film making with a theme of "WATER". Films will then be shown under a purpose built inflatable cave space!

SEX EDUCATION: starting in week 1 covers understanding of changing bodies, self– esteem and good personal hygiene, coping strategies in regards to emotion problem solving and appropriate behaviour as well as negotiating contraception and identifying support network. Please send permission notes back to school.

Term 3

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

As Term 2 comes to an end, I would like to congratulate our students for the efforts they have put in to manage their behaviour and improve themselves at school. The staff have done a fantastic job in supporting our students reaching their goals. Well done to all.

STAFF CHANGES…..

Next term we welcome Ms Kate Kennedy to our staff, who is joining to us from the Campbelltown area. Ms Kennedy will be "The Beatles" class teacher and we welcome to her to Rowland Hassall.

Mrs Scali will be leaving us for a short time and I thank her for the outstanding job she done at our school. We will miss her, but hopefully in the future she will return to work with our students.

Mrs Powell will have some well earned Long Service Leave next term, with Mrs Nipperess replacing her for this period.

STUDENTS…..

Next Term we will be welcoming some new students to RHS. We all wish them well in their time at our school. This means there will be some minor changes to our classes and you will be no-tified if this will involve your child.

NEW THINGS…..

We have purchased "Learning Pods" for each classroom to enhance our learning environ-ments. As mentioned before, the Library will be transformed into a modern "Learning Centre" with new furniture, the room painted and whole new approach to information technology.

Room 7 has been changed to be our Vocational Education Training (VET) room. This will allow us to present courses such as Basic Business Studies and Hospitality to our students. The room will also be our Community Resource Room where Miss Ewa will be available to up skill attendees in technology use including the use of the internet.

Term 2 news....

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

Welcome to Term 2 at Rowland Hassall! We hope everyone had a great holiday and enjoyed the sunshine. Students have returned refreshed and keen for learning this term!

Our two staff development days at the start of the term saw teachers meet with other staff from the Parramatta Learning Community to discuss the current changes in education and the implementation of the new NSW syllabus based on the Australian Curriculum. This will happen in 2014. The days were interesting and productive and gave staff a chance to network with other local schools.

As part of our ANZAC service and activities this term, we have had a hugely successful visit from Mr David Morris, a Vietnam War veteran who talked to the students about life as a solider. He brought genuine artefacts to show the students of his war days and lots of photographs to bring the reality to the classroom. We are extremely grateful to Mr Morris for his time, the staff and students thoroughly enjoyed his visit.

Tomorrow a group of students set off for Patonga on the Central Coast for our first overnight school camp. There are some very excited boys at school today! Activities during the camp include, bush walking, fishing, canoeing, swimming and exploring the foreshore, beach and rock shelf.

Our exciting news is that plans have been put forward for the refurbishment of our school kitchen to update and modernised our facilities to become more like a commerical kitchen. As it will be out of action for most of Term 3, Mrs Muller has expertly planned for students to continue their cooking program both in school and outside the school grounds!

Later this term we have an excursion planned to the Powerhouse Museum and a visit from Guide Dogs Australia. We are also taking part in the Parramatta Historical Society Public Speaking Event.

Our Term 2 Parent Information morning is next Wednesday 15th May at 9.30am. Please come along and see what else is happening this term in your childs classroom.

Parent Information Morning

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Please come along to our Parent Information session next Wednesday 15th May. The session will begin at 9.30am with a discussion with Mr Myers on activities planned for Term 2 and news about ongoing school develoment. Classrooms will be open from 10.00am to 10.30am and then morning tea will be provided for parents to catch up and chat! We look forward to seeing you then!

World Education Games

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

World Education Games is an annual global online games event inviting students between 4 and 18 years of age to give their best and compare themselves with other students from all over the world in three subject areas: maths, literacy, and science.

This initiative is currently the world's largest online education event and it's supported by UNICEF.

RHS students had a great success in spelling competition and many of them came first when competing against other students!
Well done all!!!

Madame Tussauds

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Trip to Aquarium and Madame Tussauds

On Tuesday 12th March, Rowland Hassall School went on an adventure to the Sydney Sealife Aquarium and Madame Tussauds in Darling Harbour. The students did their school proud and displayed excellent behaviour on the train and at the venues. Well done everyone!

Term 1 news....

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

The first term of this year has passed very quickly. The students have been involved in many activities, which have been enjoyable and educational.

Easter Break and Term Holidays

The Easter holiday break is from Good Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April. School returns on Tuesday the 2nd of April.

The Term 1 holidays start on Saturday 13th April and school returns on Wednesday 1st May. The Monday and Tuesday are "pupil free days" for Staff Development. Our staff will be joining with our Parramatta Learning Community for these days for professional learning on the new NSW syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

iPads

It is great see how our students are using the iPads in school. They are producing some really remarkable work. Also it is very pleasing to see how the iPads are respected and can be taken home.

So far there has been no damage to the iPads. I ask parents and carers to be very strong on supervising their child when using iPads at home. We have detected some very inappropriate sites that some students have accessed. Please remember that if this continues your child will not be able to bring their iPad home.

For this Easter break, the students will be allowed to bring them home if their class teacher says they have earned the right to do so.

However, iPads will not be allowed home over the school holidays.

Sleep Over and Camping

Our first ever school sleep over was a great success and all the students really did enjoy themselves. Their behaviour was excellent and they were a pleasure to have at school after hours. Thanks to the staff who slept over, Mr Hardman, Mrs Reynolds and Miss Eva.

The plan is for an overnight camp for these students who have achieved Level 1 on many times.

In week 2 of Term 2, we will be looking at going overnight to Patonga on the Central Coast. Again only those students who have shown that they can behave and have achieved Level 1 on a number of occasions will be considered.

Principal's leave

I will be taking Long Service Leave for the last two weeks of this term and will be back for Term 2.

Mrs Reynolds will be the acting Principal while I am on leave.

INFORMATION SESSION.....

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

Next Tuesday, 19the February is our Information Session, from 6.30 to 7.30pm, where you are all invited to hear what is in place this year and to also interact with the staff.

A light supper will be provided, a note has gone home to invite you all to the evening.

Some of the items we will be telling you about are: school sleep over; school camp; excursions; environmental programs; what your child will learn this year and our Technology Community Room, so I hope you can attend.

Welcome Back!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

Welcome back to all our families for 2013! We hope you have had a happy and healthy summer holiday and are looking forward to the Rowland Hassall year ahead.

We welcome Mrs Bellamy to Rowland Hassall School this year and hope she will enjoy being part of the team!

Our classes for 2013 are all named after music bands! We have The Beatles,The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, ACDC and The Red Hot Chili Peppers! Is your favourite there?!

We have lots of exciting things planned for 2013! Swim School starts on February 18th and runs for two weeks.

Our enviromental work on the Hawkesbury continues and the first river trip for 2013 has gone today! We continue to develop our bush gardens and will also be building our ANZAC Memorial garden this year.

We have tree planting at Glendenning this month, an Information Night for parents and carers and maybe even a school camp sleepover!

Yr 7 and 9 vaccinations are on 26th March, please remember to send those permissions back to school.

Check the calendar for up coming events!

Positive Partnerships Free One Day Workshop for Parents/Carers

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

More info and registration Free One Day Workshop for Parents and Carers,

The Positive Partnerships initiatives have been developed and delivered by Partnerships between Education and the Autism Community (PEAC) and funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations through the Helping Children with Autism package.

What will you learn?

As a result of participating in the workshop as parents/carers you will gain:

¿ a greater understanding of the impact of autism on your child, both at school and at home

¿ knowledge about how to develop effective parent, school and teacher partnerships

¿ specific strategies on how to:

•advocate for your child

•support your child's participation at school

•develop an awareness of ongoing learning needs

¿ information about your local school system's processes

¿ opportunities to network and share strategies with other parents/carers and key community members

¿ opportunities for discussion around a range of topics relevant to students with an ASD and their families

Some key community representatives that support families living with autism will be identified and invited to participate in the workshop with a view to supporting a community focus beyond the workshop.

For more infomation please click on this link More info and registration

Evening for parents

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

Dr. Peter Powell and his wife Brenda will present this evening. They have experienced family life with many challenges over three generations. Sharing their experiences has provided hope to many parents. They have a commitment to assisting parents and professionals become confident as they help children reach their full potential.

Visit our website: www.difficultchildren.org

Learn How to:

¿ Be confidently firm and clear, compassionate and fair as you interact with these children

¿ Identify the behaviour patterns and particular temperament of the difficult child and discover the positive behaviours of each child

¿ Learn strategies that are specifically designed for children with a difficult temperament

¿ Develop creative discipline routines

which maximise the future of the child

November 14, 2012 7.00 to 9.00 pm

The Auditorium

16 Masons Drive North Parramatta

Thanks, thanks, thanks.....

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

Last week was SASS recognition week and we said a huge thank you to our wonderful support staff without whom our programs, excursion and extra curricular activities could not happen.

From keeping our school grounds clean and tidy, helping out in our canteen and collecting rubbish on the Hawkesbury River to administration and running the library, our SASS are second to none and we thank them for their continual hard work, commitment and dedication at our school community.

iPad excitment!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Last Monday, we had a special visitor from the School of Education at the University of New South Wales. Dr Terry Cumming is Senior Lecturer. Her research interests includes the use of technology in the classroom with focus on using iPads to support individuals with special educational needs. Terry's research group is currently conducting a study on using iPads to support teaching and learning in the classroom.

The visit was an exciting opportunity for us as we may become one of Dr Cumming's research centres for using iPads to support students in 21^stcentury learning.

Terry was extremely impressed by the way iPads are used at Rowland Hassall throughout teaching and leanring programs. She visited each class and students proudly showed off how they use their iPads in a range of learning experiences.

Great job everyone!

Digital Habitats

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

We had a great video conferencing excursion on Monday morning. Our school joined in to a Digital Habitats session with Wollongong primary school through the Field of Mars environmental program. We learnt about a variety of Australian environments and the plants and animals that live there.
Students explored the conditions required to create native habitats and increase biodiversity in our school when involved in Bush Tucker project.

The session was a great success students have been very attentive so well behaved and enjoyed the virtual excursion very much!

Check out our gallery for pictures!

More about Term 3!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

Term 3 has had some very exciting events for our students and has also passed on very quickly.

Our environmental work on the Hawkesbury River continues to be very successful with the students enjoying the task. Our tree planting at Glendenning is something in the future our students will be proud of being involved in as well as the garden project we have at school. All classes are involved in the making of a native garden to surround our school with a pathway to enjoy the plantings.

The dance program has many excited students about being involved in the production. Working with the other schools has been a great experience for our students.

With many of our students in their last year of school the planning for their post school opportunities has started. It is important that parents keep in contact with the school so positives outcomes can happen for their children.

We have had two very successful excursions recently, one to see a play called "Treasure Island" performed at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts centre in Penrith and the other to the NSW Art Gallery for a tour and art workshop based on Australian landscapes. It was a pleasure to see how well behaved all the students were at these two events.

The excursion to the Australian Museum was also exciting as it was very hands on and again our
students' behaviour was excellent, both travelling on the train and at the venue.

At the end of term we have some exciting events for our students to look forward to. A trip to Don Bossco Centre, River trips, bike trips and a special day in the last week for the level 1 students.

During week 9, we will be having our parent/teacher meetings to discuss the
Individual Educational Plans (IEP). Please look out for a note that will be sent home giving you the time for the interview.

Welcome back to Term 3

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

Welcome back to Rowland Hassall Term 3!

Its going to be a very busy term with excursions, parent forums,sports competitions and some great programs being run! This week we welcomed Miss Rachel Kirkham to our staff, working as a School Learning Support Officer in Zeus Class.

NAIDOC was celebrated around Australia last week. Students at Rowland Hassall have been busily involved in a variety of activities this week celebrating NAIDOC in school. They have created two fanstastic murals, decorated fabric bags and started designs for a rejuvenation of part of the school grounds! Great work everyone and thank you.

We will continue our trips to the Hawkesbury River to help with environmental clean ups and also our work with Plants Arks Tree Planting.

We have excursions planned to the Art Gallery NSW, a theatre trip to see Treasure Island, we are involved in the Parramatta Historical Society Public Speaking Event next week and also have an inschool "incursion" with Dart Connections on Digital Habitats.

Keep Australia Beautiful made a visit to us yesterday to talk to students about creating and maintaining a worm farm on school grounds to produce compost for our developing Bush Tucker garden.Classes are currently at the planning stage, looking at appropriate plants and trees, pathways and other garden features for their designated area. It will be an exciting environmental project this semester,so please contact the school if you would like to get involved too!

Semester 1

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Semester 1 has passed by fairly quickly with lots and lots of happenings at Rowland Hassall School.

We enjoyed a BBQ from Breakthru last Friday, who are working with a number of our students helping them plan for their futures. A big thanks to them for providing the lunch. It was great to see many parents at the Assembly last Friday also.

This term, I was lucky enough to be part of a group that tackled the Kokoda Trail, following the footsteps of our brave soldiers in World War II. This was a truly awe inspiring experience. One that I will remember for a long time. We should give more credit and recognition to the achievements of these young men, many of whom gave their lives in protecting Australia from invasion.

We have started our "special project" using 21st century learning with tablet technology, iPads. This great program has been made available from funding from the Federal Government and will help our students achieve more at school. Stage 1 is skilling our staff, then we will instruct our students. After this you parents and carers will have the opportunity to be skilled in theuse of this technology, with the creation of a community room. Rowland Hassall School will become an "expert" school supporting the local community in this technology. Exciting times ahead!

Great news also for us is that Miss Ewa will be our new Assistant Principal. Congratulations to her and we look forward to the great programs she has planned for the students.

Next term we will be starting our "bush tucker" garden. This garden will run around the fence line of the school. This space will become an outside learning space as well as a rich source of native vegetation.

Have a safe and enjoyable holidays.

In unity,

Jim Myers

Principal

ipads at Rowland Hassall

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

This term, we have introduced an ipad into each classroom.

The first step has been to get all our teachers trained up in how to use them. We then plan to purchase class sets for students to use.

So far, students are having great fun discovering new apps, interacting and engaging with this technology!

We will also have training sessions for parents and carers who may be interested in how to best use this technology.

We are really excited about this project as it will involve all the school community.

Welcome

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

This term we welcome three new staff members to Rowland Hassall.

Miss Herbert, our relieving Assistant Principal, Mrs Stennett and Mrs Berger our new Student Learning Support Officers.

We hope they enjoy working with us and soon feel part of the team!

Bush Tucker Garden project

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:02 AEST

A major project for this year will be the development of a Bush Tucker Garden in the school grounds.

If there are any parents, carers or community members would like to be involved in this exciting project, please contact Jim Myers at the school for more information.

This garden will be in addition to the veggie gardens that are already in place.

Cables Trip

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:02 AEST

We had a fantastic day at Cables Waterski Park yesterday! The students were exceptionally well behaved and enjoyed water ski activities, a sausage sizzle, jumping pillows and basketball!

It was such an great day, students are keen to return!

Interschool Swim Carnival

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

Last Monday, 19th March, we joined Coreen and Niland Schools at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope for an interschool swim carnival.

It was a fantastic day and Rowland Hassall students were praised for their positive attitude, team spirit and great behaviour.

Students participated in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and underwater races as well as some fun novelty races and activities including diving for weights.

We also managed a quick swim on the wave pool!

Well done to all involved and thank you to Coreen School for their organisation.

Hawkesbury River Trip

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

The last river trip for this term went up to Brooklyn on Wednesday. The students did a fantastic job filling bags of rubbish to keep the waters as free and clean as possible.

Two "rubber duckie" boats were filled with rubbish bags however the tennis ball record of 19 in a day was not beaten!

Polystyrene trays seem to be the worst offenders at the moment with the students collecting a record!

A great day for everyone and a good job done for the local oyster farming community.

Well done!

Swim School

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Swim School starts Monday 13th February and will run until Friday 24th February.

Notes have been sent home but spares can be downloaded from our "Notes" section.

Students will need to bring swim wear and a towel to be kept at school for the two weeks.

Austswim trained teachers will run the daily timetabled sessions for the two week program.

Click here to find out more about Austswim

Austswim

Welcome back......

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:06 AEST

Welcome back to Rowland Hassall 2012!

A big welcome to our new students and School Learning Support Officers, we hope you enjoy your time with us!

There are lots of exciting programs and activities being organised this year including the continuation of our Environmental Education program on the Hawkesbury River, the establishment of our bush tucker garden, community access visits, excursions and work experience opportunities as well as our Interschool Sports competitions and carnivals.

Keep an eye on our website for updates and news!

Premiers Sporting Challenge

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Our participation in the Premiers Sporting Challenge Initiative for Western Sydney continues this term with skills based sessions and mini games in cricket, dodgeball and European handball on the agenda.

Coreen, Niland and Rowland Hassall schools meet each Wednesday morning at 11am at Rowland Hassall school for these activities.

Students are randomly grouped to allow for social networks to be developed in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere and sessions run for approximately half an hour.

Interschool Sports

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

Due to the great success of our Interschools Sport competition, we will continue to join Coreen and Niland Schools this year on a Friday morning for the weekly challenge!

This year we have competitions planned for soccer, lacrosse, basketball and dodgeball.

All students are encouraged to get involved either through teamwork or spectatorship, promoting good sporting behaviour and gamesmanship.

Good luck to all!

Hawkesbury River Trips

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:03 AEST

2012 brings a continuation of our Outdoor and Environmental Education activities, with students from Rowland Hassall participating in a project involving environmental work on the Hawkesbury River. They will be using inflatable boats to clear up rubbish and check for environmental damage along the foreshores and bushland areas. They will then report back to oyster farmers in the Hawkesbury River catchment. There are currently six river trips are planned for this term. Keep up the good work everyone!

School Bus

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Rowland Hassall School is now the proud owner of a school mini bus which will be used for our Outdoor Education and Environmental Education activities as well as for Community Access trips.

Premiers Volunteering Awards

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:05 AEST

Students in Years 9 and 10 at Rowland Hassall are involved in the Premiers Volunteering Program.

Volunteering is an activity you do of your own free will to meet genuine needs. Although you often need to learn new skills and knowledge,you receive no payment or advantage for your efforts. Volunteering means you giving your own time to help others.

Many students see volunteering as " doing good stuff", putting a smile on people's faces and generally helping out.

Students have accrued hours of volunteering in school by undertaking extra responsibilities such as making and handing out sandwiches through a Breakfast Program, promoting and fundraising for Bandana Day for CanTeen, daily raising and lowering the Australian Flag and gardening activities.

For more information check out the website at Volunteering.

Interschools Athletics Carnival

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:36:04 AEST

On 18th October, Rowland Hassall, Coreen and Niland Schools competed against each other in an Interschools Athletics Carnival. Events included sprints, long jump, discus and javelin. Students from Rowland Hassall were placed first, second and third in a variety of events! Well done Team!