News

Macdonald Valley Public School is open again on February 17, 2020

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 18:09:47 AEDT

We are pleased to advise that Macdonald Valley Public School will be open again from Monday, 17th February, 2020. Buses will be operational as well.

Temporarily ceasing of school operations tomorrow (Thursday, February 14, 2020)

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:14:56 AEDT

Unfortunately, we have just been informed our school will not be operational until Monday, 17th February. This is assuming that staff and students will have access via roads and ferries by Monday.

We will confirm status for Monday, February 17, 2020 when we receive further information.

School work is available via Google Classroom.

Temporarily ceasing of school operations tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, 2020)

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:12:30 AEDT

Unfortunately, our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, 2020). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff. Currently our staff also have no access to school due to flooding, road closures and/or ferry closures.

We will confirm status for Friday, 14 February when we receive further information.

Please check your emails for further details and respond to indicate that you have received it.

Warmly,

Melissa Date

Temporarily ceasing of school operations tomorrow (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 17:43:18 AEDT

Due to dangerous conditions as a result of flooding, our school will cease school operations tomorrow (Wednesday, February 12, 2020). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff.

We hope to recommence operations on Thursday, 13 February, 2020 but we will confirm status when we receive further information.

Please check your emails for further details and respond to indicate that you have received it.

Temporarily ceasing of school operations tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11, 2020)

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 17:21:34 AEDT

Due to dangerous conditions as a result of flooding, our school will cease school operations tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11, 2020). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff.

We hope to recommence operations on Wednesday, 12 February, 2020 but we will confirm status when we receive further information.

Temporarily ceasing of school operations tomorrow (Monday, February 10, 2020)

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 16:50:08 AEDT

Due to dangerous conditions as a result of flooding, our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Monday, February 10, 2020). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff. We hope to recommence operations on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 but we will confirm status when we receive further information.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:54:01 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:03:21 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

Wishing everyone a safe, happy holiday

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 08:43:48 AEDT

We would like to take this opportunity of wishing our school community a safe and happy Christmas break.

School resumes for Staff on Tuesday, 28 January, 2020

School resumes for Students on Wednesday 29 January, 2020

We rely on our school community to remain vigilant in the school holidays. If you have a security concern please contact:

School Security: 1800 330 821

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:17:22 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.

Presentation Day 2019

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 07:55:36 AEDT

Presentation Day was held on Monday, December 16, 2019 at St Albans Hall.

We celebrated the achievements of our wonderful students, farewelled our lovely Year 6 students and acknowledged the work of our special volunteers at Macdonald Valley Public School. We were also able to enjoy the musical talents of our students in a number of performances on the day.

A big thank you to the St Albans Hall Comittee for their very generous donation of the use of the hall this year for our school.

Thank you to all of the parents and community members who supported us at Presentation Day and throughout 2019.

More photos of Presentation Day can be viewed in the album on this website page.

Macdonald Valley Public School IS operational tomorrow - Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:53:26 AEDT

We are very happy to advise that Macdonald Valley Public School IS operational tomorrow - Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 20:00:16 AEDT

Apologies everyone - we have received a second update to our status for tomorrow. Wisemans Ferry PS will now also be non-operational tomorrow. We are unable to attend school there on Tuesday, 10th December, so children will need to remain at home.

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will cease school operations tomorrow (Tuesday, December 10, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff.

We hope to recommence operations on Wednesday, 11 December, 2019 but we will confirm status when we receive further information.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Monday, 9 December, 2019

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 18:45:02 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Monday, December 9, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff.

We hope to recommence operations on Tuesday, 10 December, 2019 but we will confirm status when we receive further information.

Macdonald Valley students are welcome to meet us at Wisemans Ferry tomorrow, as long as parents can safely transport them there and home.

Please seek advice from RFS regarding road closures prior to making your decision to travel. Thank you to WFPS for accommodating us so generously again.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Friday 6 December, 2019

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 19:04:14 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will cease school operations tomorrow (Friday, December 6, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff.

We hope to recommence operations on Monday, December 9, 2019 but we will confirm status when we receive further information.

Presentation Day 2019

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 11:54:09 AEDT

Parents/Carers, their families and community members are warmly invited to our Presentation Day ceremony on Monday, December 16, 2019 to join us in celebrating our student achievements this year and also farewell our lovely Year 6 students.

Macdonald Valley Public School IS operational tomorrow - Monday, December 2, 2019

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 13:30:35 AEDT

So excited to be able to confirm that Macdonald Valley Public School will be open for school tomorrow - Monday, December 2, 2019. We are all looking forward to being back at our beautiful school.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Friday 29 November, 2019

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 16:05:56 AEDT

Please be advised that Macdonald Valley Public School will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Friday, November 29, 2019).

Macdonald Valley PS students are welcome to meet us at Wisemans Ferry PS again tomorrow as long as parents can safely transport them there and home. Please seek advice from RFS regarding road closures prior to making your decision to travel.

Please pack swimming gear for tomorrow. We will enjoy a catch-up lesson at The Retreat after lunch.

Temporarily ceasing school operations tomorrow - Thursday, November 28, 2019

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 16:06:26 AEDT

The Rural Fire Service have requested that our school will not operate tomorrow (Thursday, 28 November, 2019) to ensure the safety of students and staff, as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk.

This means there will be no staff on site tomorrow and we would like you to please make appropriate arrangements for your child.

It is important that you have appropriate supervision in place and that children are not left at home alone in case there is fire activity in your local area.

Regular updates will be posted on the Department’s website https://education.nsw.gov.au/ and our school website https://macdonaldv-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/ to advise the status of our schools’ operation.

We will recommence operations on Friday, November 29, 2019 unless advised.

Alternatively, all available staff will be based at Wisemans Ferry PS on Thursday, 28 November and have been allocated a classroom space for any of our students who are in attendance. We have been reminded that children should only attend school if transport to and from school is arranged by parents following advice from RFS. Please be mindful that the conditions of the roads can change and road closures may remain in place for some areas.

Children will not require lunch tomorrow if they are happy with a DYI hamburger (Build a Burger). We are covering the costs of these burgers tomorrow for Wisemans Ferry Public School’s P&C fundraiser as a gesture of thanks.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Wednesday 27 November, 2019

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 18:57:19 AEDT

The Rural Fire Service have requested that our school will not operate tomorrow (Wednesday, 27 November, 2019) to ensure the safety of students and staff, as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk.

This means there will be no staff on site tomorrow and we would like you to please make appropriate arrangements for your child.

It is important that you have appropriate supervision in place and that children are not left at home alone in case there is fire activity in your local area.

We will recommence operations on Thursday, November 28, 2019 unless advised.

Alternatively, all available staff will be based at Wisemans Ferry PS on Wednesday, 27 November and have been allocated a classroom space for any of our students who are in attendance. We have been reminded that children should only attend school if transport to and from school is arranged by parents following advice from RFS. Please be mindful that the conditions of the roads can change and road closures may remain in place for some areas.

Please pack swimming gear in readiness for swimming lessons in the afternoon. We will assess conditions tomorrow to determine if we can go ahead with swimming or not.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Tuesday 26 November, 2019

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:20:35 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Tuesday, November 26, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk due to bush fires in the area. We will recommence operations on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 unless advised.

We will have staff at Wisemans Ferry PS again tomorrow and a lovely classroom space to run lessons. We had a most enjoyable day together today. Students are very welcome to join us at Wisemans Ferry assuming that their parents/carers are able to safely transport them. Please seek advice from the RFS regarding the current condition of the roads before making a decision to bring them to Wisemans Ferry PS.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Monday 25 November, 2019

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 17:13:22 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Monday, November 25, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk due to bushfires in the area. We will recommence operations on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 unless advised.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Friday 22 November, 2019

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:15:47 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Friday, November 22, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk due to bush fires. We will recommence operations on Monday, November 25, 2019 unless advised.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Thursday 21 November, 2019

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 14:15:58 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Thursday, November 21, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk with the current bushfire situation. We will recommence operations on Friday, November 22, 2019 unless advised.

Temporarily ceasing operations at Macdonald Valley PS on Wednesday 20 November, 2019

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 16:55:05 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Wednesday, November 20, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk if a bush fire were to break out. We will recommence operations on Thursday, November 21, 2019 unless advised.

Temporarily ceasing school operations for Tuesday November 19, 2019

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:47:38 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Tuesday, November 19, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk if a bush fire were to break out. We will recommence operations on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 unless advised.

Temporarily ceasing school operations for Monday, November 18, 2019

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 17:57:43 AEDT

In accordance with Rural Fire Service requests our school will temporarily cease school operations tomorrow (Monday, November 18, 2019). This is to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk if a bush fire were to break out. We will recommence operations on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 unless advised.

Temporarily ceasing school operations for Friday November 15, 2019

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 14:16:50 AEDT

The Rural Fire Service have requested that our school will not operate tomorrow (Friday 15 November, 2019) to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk if a bushfire were to break out.

This means there will be no staff on site tomorrow and alternative appropriate arrangements need to be made for all students.

It is important that appropriate supervision is in place and that children are not left at home alone in case there is fire activity in the local area.

Regular updates will be posted on the Department’s website https://education.nsw.gov.au/ and our school website to advise the status of our schools’ operation.

We will recommence operations on Monday, November 18, 2019 unless advised.

School now operational - Wednesday November 13, 2019

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:46:02 AEDT

On the advice from the Rural Fire Service and the Department of Education, we advise that Macdonald Valley Public School will be open and operating as normal from Wednesday 13 November.

Temporary ceasing school operations for Tuesday 12 November, 2019

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 14:38:53 AEDT

The Rural Fire Service have requested that our school will not operate tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 November, 2019) to ensure the safety of students and staff as our school has been identified as a school at increased risk if a bushfire were to break out based on ‘Catastrophic Fire Danger’ ratings for our area.

This means there will be no staff on site tomorrow and alternative appropriate arrangements need to be made for all students.

It is important that appropriate supervision is in place and that children are not left at home alone in case there is fire activity in the local area.

Regular updates will be posted on the Department’s website https://education.nsw.gov.au/ and our school website to advise the status of our schools’ operation.

We will recommence operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 unless advised.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:44:48 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.

Kindergarten Orientation

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 11:05:51 AEDT

Our Kindergarten Orientation Days are on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 and Wednesday December 4, 2019 from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Macdonald Valley Pre-school/Playgroup Open Day

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 02:42:35 AEDT

Come along for lots of fun activities and explore our Permaculture Garden, Chicken Coop and Frog Pond.

Humanitarian Award for Lillyan!

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 10:29:43 AEDT

Lillyan is pictured above with her mum and dad after receiving her award. Congratulations Lillyan. We are very proud of the way you were recognised with a Humanitarian Award from the Fred Hollows Foundation. It’s a big achievement and so well deserved.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:13:34 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

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:33:58 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 11:20:45 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Get involved at home

Join in at home and read your child a bedtime story. Studies show that reading a bedtime story six days a week can give kids almost a year’s head start when they begin school. Reading has also been shown to develop empathy, promote critical thinking and help children find a sense of self.

Join in from the classroom

Bestselling children’s author and illustrator Matt Stanton will broadcast live to primary school children across the country from the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 17 September. We invite schools to register for the livestream of this free event.

Stanton’s author talk is among more than 140 events happening across the country involving more than 50 authors.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

Video – #ReadingHour authors talk about their favourite place to read

Duration: 0:38

Looking for a good spot to open a book? We asked authors Benjamin Law, Morris Gleitzman, Jacqueline Harvey and Mick Elliott about their favourite place to read.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:39:10 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.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:01:45 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:34:12 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:20:59 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:06:23 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 15:07:20 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 14:21:51 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:15:24 AEDT

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

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

1. Be alert and aware

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

2. Hold hands

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

3. Choose a safe crossing

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

4. Set a good example

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

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

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

Practise makes perfect

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

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

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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:53:39 AEDT

The first day of Kindergarten and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you make the most of this time and enjoy the experience, we’ve compiled some useful tips and checklists. We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Our film #FirstDay2019 captures the excitement – and the nerves – of the rite of passage that is the first day of Kindergarten.

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:23:54 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.

Gold Awards Term 1

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 22:21:16 AEST

Family Day Care available onsite, at MVPS.

Wed, 09 May 2018 14:57:26 AEST

Children benefit substantially from growing up in a rural community, with increased space, promotion of outdoor creativity and a reduced need for technology. However, the considerable lack of child care options available in rural communities is commonly recognised. Over recent years there has also be a been rapid growth in the amount of time that rural mothers are spending outside the home, and in the labor force, reiterating the need for planned, supervised local child care options.

The benefits of having children attend pre-school/child care facilities is well documented. Children are often better positioned to succeed at school if they have mastered a few key developmental skills – problem solving, relating to others and the formation of friendships, and the regulation of emotions and behaviours. Children who attend child care facilities are often better positioned to develop and master these integral 3 core areas,

Macdonald Valley Public School is one of the oldest continuously running schools in NSW, located 5 kms out of St Albans NSW. Simone Butler recognised a gap in local child care options, and opened up a Family Day Care centre in the old school house. Simone is able to care for 5 children from 0-5 years old and shares some of the wonderful facilities and events in the school grounds. The core hours are 8:30am – 3:30pm, with the option for before and after school care available. Macdonald Valley Family Day Care is a place for children to interact and play together in a nuturing environment, with a program to suit individual needs. It also most importantly acts as introduction for

Congratulations Poppy, Chloe and Annabel!

Mon, 07 May 2018 18:48:34 AEST

Congratulations Poppy, Chloe and Annabel for earning your first Gold Award.

Well done- we are so proud of you. Keep up the great work!

Poppy

Chloe

Annabel

Morning Tea with the Principal

Mon, 07 May 2018 18:48:34 AEST

Chloe earned 500 dojo points which means she gets a private morning tea with our Principal, Mrs Date. She was also the first one to try out our new Dragon game....she beat Mrs Date!

Gold Award

Mon, 07 May 2018 18:48:34 AEST

Congratulations to James for being the first recipient of a Macdonald Valley PS Gold Award. He achieved three orange goal charts in order to earn his Gold Award. Well done on this achievement! You have set a good example for all of our students to be respectful and responsible and we are proud of you.

Multi-aged classes support tailored teaching.

Mon, 07 May 2018 18:48:35 AEST

Geoff Masters recently published an article in the Sydney Morning Herald (Mar 25, 2018), titled ‘Scrap age-based classes to boost school achievement'. The article quantifies, and discusses the main reasons that a number of Australian school aged students are unable to read at the level required for everyday living, and not performing at appropriate levels in mathematics.

He states that successful learning happens when students are given learning opportunities at an appropriate level, not within the students ‘comfort zone', nor so far advanced that the student is overwhelmed, and lost. Teachers need to identify and address the learning needs of each individual student.

Luckily Macdonald Valley Public School is experienced and equipped to be able to tailor teaching to individual student's needs, another benefit of multi-aged classes.

Our School welcomes Mr Beefy!

Mon, 07 May 2018 18:48:35 AEST

One of the roles of the Macdonald Valley Public School Parents & Citizens Association is to fundraise for additional and much needed resources for the children of the school. Fundraising contributes to the school's ability to provide a diverse range of quality programs, resources and facilities to support and enhance each students educational experience.

Being such a small school of only 12 pupils, fundraising has its challenges; the P&C cannot consistently request fundraising monies from the families that attend, nor the small local community. Because of this, the P&C are always looking for new, innovative ways to raise funds.

The Macdonald Valley P&C, combined with Sheing Farm, are trialing the use of cattle to help raise these much needed funds. Ironically, even though we live in a rural community, none of the current families at school have cattle on their properties. The P&C saw this as an opportunity to not only fundraise, but also teach the students the whole concept of ‘pasture to plate', and to utilise and learn about our amazing local St Albans Common (where the steer will be raised).

So far we have had a naming competition, and our steer is now lovingly referred to as Mr Beefy. This competition was won by James Butler (Grade 5). Also the students were able to design a personalised ear tag, which was also a school competition; this was won by Alfie Stuart (Grade 1). Future school excursions could potentially be planned to attend musters on our local Common. We are excited about the potential community engagement in this initiative, it is endless.

Macdonald Valley Public School would like to take this opportunity to thank Sherri and Ingrid, at Sheing Farm, for making our crazy dream a reality. We look forward to seeing our project grow into the future and benefiting all the children at the school.

Easter Markets, St Albans

Mon, 07 May 2018 18:48:34 AEST

Come along and support Macdonald Valley Public School at the Easter Markets.

Sunday April 1st, 10am - 3pm.

Fabulous food, raffles, jumping castles, face painting........