WYALONG PUBLIC SCHOOL

Toppy, where everyone is someone

We deliver personalised learning and prepare

students to be resourceful, resilient and future

focused. Our school is responsive to the

community by collaborating and producing

innovative learning opportunities.

To find out more about quality education on

offer at Wyalong Public School, please visit,

call or email us:

George Bland Avenue, Wyalong NSW 2671

0269 722140

wyalong-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

or check us out on Facebook.

School Vision Statement

We believe everyone is someone at Wyalong Public School. We deliver personalised

learning and prepare students to be resourceful, resilient and future focused. Our

school is responsive to the community by collaborating and producing innovative

learning opportunities.

School Motto Courtesy Courage Loyalty

School Rules

(the big 4) Hands off

Do your best Speak politely

Be Safe

School Pledge

I honour my God,

I serve my country,

I am loyal to my school, And I salute the flag.

TRANSPORT

Before & After School Care

Located 5 minutes out of West Wyalong, Wyalong Public School is

very easy to access.

There are five main bus companies that service Wyalong Public

School, from West Wyalong and ALL surrounding areas they are:

Kelly’s Coaches

Hetherington’s Bus

Jimmy’s Bus

Heffer’s Bus

Quandialla Bus

Applications for school travel are now open via

www.transportnsw.info/school-students

Looking for before or after school care? No problem. Little Wattle

Pre-school and Day Care Centre provide before and after school

care. Our school enjoys a nurtured and very strong link with Little

Wattle.They will walk your child to catch the bus from their centre

before school in West Wyalong and likewise meet your child at the

bus after school and escort them back to their centre for you.

For further enquires please phone the school on 69722140

At Wyalong Public School we believe your child is

SOMEBODY!

Miss Meg Staples

Principal

Mrs Regina Ray

School Administration Manager

Mrs Lynne Helyar (Monday)

Mrs Melissa Blackwood

Teacher K/1

Miss Rebecca Lamb

Teacher 2/3/4

Mrs Melissa Stanton

School Learning

Support Officer

Mrs Lacey Petitt

Teacher 4/5/6

Miss Kheely Turner

School Learning

Support Officer

Mrs Amanda Cooper

Learning &

Support Teacher;

& Teacher of

Music and Band

Mrs Michelle Nunn

Instructional Leader

Mrs Susan Low

Librarian

Mrs Lyn Anderson

School

Administration

Officer

Mr Pat Mason

Teacher

Physical Education

Miss Fiona Dunstan

Teacher of Dance

An affordable alternative!

Set within a quiet, safe and rural environment

Wyalong Public School also known as ‘Toppy’ is a vibrant learning community

of 60 students, their supportive families and motivated, dedicated members of

staff.

The school is located a block away from the Newell Highway in Wyalong

along George Bland Ave. With our spacious grassy play areas, tennis courts,

play infrastructure and committed P&C our students have a stimulating

environment in which to learn and grow.

Wyalong Public School incorporates high expectations and a proud tradition of

dedicated staff who work closely together to ensure all students excel and

achieve their personal best.

The school participates in annual Data Harvest collection periods twice a

term to measure student growth and data against National Standards. Our

school planning and evaluation process encourages collaboration and

consultation from all members of the school community. .

As an Early Action for Success (EafS) school, Wyalong Public School works

closely with an Instructional Leader who is an expert in the field of Literacy

and Numeracy learning to deliver current, stimulating and differentiated

teaching helping to cement strong foundations in our students early learning.

Wyalong Public School boasts a successful Creative and Practical Arts

Program. Students are given the opportunity each week to participate in Dance

(instructed by a specialised Dance teacher), Music and instrument tuition

(instructed by a specialised Music Teacher) and Drama.

Students enjoy skill based PE lessons delivered by a specialised PE teacher

and enjoy opportunities to participate in whole school sporting events which

are inclusive of all students K-6. Representative sporting opportunities and

inter-school sports are a great way for our students to engage in friendly

Sportsmanship and competition.

Educational Resources

School Grounds

Our school grounds boast a grassed play area, football posts, Interchangeable Netball and

Basketball court as well as two NSW synthetic lawn based tennis courts.

Students enjoy playing on the play equipment, either sliding down one of the two slides,

swinging on the round swing or climbing across the chain bridge. Sliding down the poles is

lots of fun too as is playing in the Cubby House situated along side the play equipment.

Features of our school grounds include our wonderful gardens and layout of the buildings

which encompass that small school safe, and rural learning environment.

Staff

Our dedicated staff are not only selected on their Quality Teaching Capabilities but also their

ability to demonstrate a high level of communication and rapport with our students and their

families. Our staff work together to provide high expectations and incorporate a proud

tradition of dedication as they ensure all students excel and achieve their personal best.

Our staff enjoy working in an environment where they have a high level of respect for

parents, students and each other.

Students—Wellbeing

Students enjoy learning in a safe and caring learning environment. Wellbeing is strategically

directed to maintain a learning environment that generates safe, respectful, resilient,

responsible, happy and healthy students.

Students are empowered with self– belief through participation in programs designed to

challenge them to reflect on, personal interactions and social skills, critical thinking and

decision making. Staff participate in relevant professional development and practise a

uniformed approach to student wellbeing. Student and community surveys are used to

measure student engagement, student wellbeing within the school environment and

community responsiveness. We encourage parents to discuss their child’s wellbeing with us

and we provide regular opportunities for parents to do so.

Each term our school conducts a feeling safe survey where students are given a map of their

school and asked to shade in the areas they feel safe green and areas where they feel unsafe

red. This information helps teachers understand their students and pin point areas they may

need to check regularly during playground duty.

We take great pride in promoting the well-being of your child. We believe self-esteem is an

integral part of becoming a successful learner. Students may be referred to the school

counsellor or welfare office from time to time, but never without further discussion with you

or without your consent..

Students-Learning

The school has a sequenced scheduled for relevant curriculum planning/assessment and

5 weekly data harvest cycle completion and analysis to assess and review where every

student is sitting against National Bench Marks for Literacy and Numeracy, every 5

weeks

Our Instructional Leader, Learning and Support Teacher as well as the Classroom teacher

work collaboratively to ensure informed teacher programming and growth of students.

Programs and initiatives implemented to support quality teaching and learning at our

school include, but are not limited to;

Jolly Phonics – A fun and child centered approach to teaching literacy. Jolly phonics

teaches students the five key skills for reading and writing including the 42 main letter

sounds. This program focuses on K-2.

L3 – Language, Learning and Literacy is a classroom-based, early intervention for

students in their first years of school. The content of the intervention provides early and

meticulous instructional opportunities for students that have positive influences on literacy

growth.

Focus on Reading – Is a program that teaches all students from K-6 different strategies to

comprehend texts. It involves teaching students skills such as Questioning, Summarising,

Visualising, Making Connections, Monitoring and Predicting during reading sessions.

Count Me In Too – A program designed to enhance students understanding of early

numeracy skills. Students benefit from participating in a number of ‘hands on activities’.

Sound Waves Spelling - Is a proven phonemic approach to spelling which reinforces

reading and writing skills.

Math’s Plus - Is the number one math’s program in Australia and is incorporated in the

whole-school Curriculum at Toppy.

Technology – Students have access to current technology including ipods, ipads, interactive

whiteboards, video conference unit, and computers in every classroom.

Middle School – Each Thursday students from years 5 and 6 travel to West Wyalong High

School to participate in the middle school program with students from other local schools.

Students join in the high school routine to become familiar and comfortable with the changes

they may experience in their future schooling. They are provided with structured classes in

Maths, Science and Technology.

Speech and Language -Speech and language programs are delivered explicitly one-to-one

by our SLSO team. We work collaboratively with the local speech professional. It gives

opportunities for students in need to gain confidence in a one-to-one setting.

Learning Centre - Mrs Cooper, our Learning Support Teacher, leads our Learning Centre

program, which caters for your child’s needs, across all areas of the Learning Spectrum, be

it remedial or extension. Creative and Performing Arts - Each Friday all students access specialised teaching

programs including Dance with Fiona Dunstan (local dance teacher); Choir and

Instrumental tuition with Amanda Cooper and Drama with Melissa Blackwood. These skills

are then showcased in our Annual School Concert and other performing opportunities. Library -Each student will have the opportunity to attend Library classes at school, where

they have the opportunity to borrow library books, and engage in reading and literature. All

Library sessions are conducted on a Wednesday at school with teacher Librarian Mrs

Susan Low. Students will also have the opportunity to visit the Town Library on fortnightly

rotations.

Homework– Is not compulsory but is encouraged to help reinforce the key concepts learnt

in school. Homework is given weekly and is literacy and numeracy based. Homework

reflects the work learnt in school during each particular school week.

Homework is not designed to be OVERLY challenging but does reflect the work your child

is doing at school, and is handed out so that your child may practise what they have learnt

and assist in the repetition of key concepts that are taught during that particular week at

school.

Homework is handed out each Monday and is due for teacher marking each Friday.

If you would like to discuss the distribution of Homework with your child’s classroom

teacher please make an appointment by phoning the front office on 69722140, your

child’s classroom teacher is happy to make an appointment with you.

Instructional Leadership: Mrs Nunn is our school instructional leader; her role includes

working with our teachers to promote quality student learning and growth. This forms part

of our whole school strategy to provide students with current, effective and innovative

learning opportunities!

Previous Excursions and Activities;

Lion King Production– Melbourne Junee liquorice and Chocolate Factory

Schools Spectacular –Sydney Young Leaders Conference-Sydney

Sports and Rec Camp Zoo– Dubbo & Altina

Canberra City Overnight camp at school

Students– Partnerships

A strong focus of our school is to develop positive and trusting partnerships, enhancing and

growing our school community as well as maintaining a high level of communication across

these partnerships to ensure an informed school community.

There is a commitment from school staff to work collegially and collaboratively to foster

partnerships by proactively networking to ensure students are best met, engaged and supported

at their point of need.

Our students engage regularly in partnership programs with the West Wyalong Meals on

Wheels Association, Little Wattle Pre–School and Long Day Care Centre, Bland Shire

Pre–school– KO, Lake Cowell Conservation Centre– Enviro Champs Programs, Bland Shire

Library, West Wyalong Aboriginal Lands Council, West Wyalong Swimming Pool, West

Wyalong High School Middle School Program and the West Wyalong Splatter Art Gallery.

These partnership programs help our students engage in positive, respectful relationships

which in turn promote student wellbeing and ensure a great environment for student learning.

Parents and grandparents are encouraged to help in a range of activities, including Literacy

and Numeracy in the classroom. Parents may also help in many other ways at the school

through attendance at meetings and activities organised by the P&C Association, at social

functions, at fund-raising activities, at assemblies and special occasions, on excursions and at

working bees.

Our school has an Open Door Policy. Parents are welcome to discuss with any of our

friendly staff how they would like to be involved in their child’s education.

TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN:

P&C We have a very dedicated P&C Association. They meet in the school library at 5:30pm

the second Tuesday of the month.

Canteen Our school canteen is open every Friday for lunch and recess. Price lists

are updated for both summer and winter menus and will be sent home with our

school newsletter

Important information– School Routine

Sports Day

Sports day is on a Tuesday. Students need to wear their correct sports uniform

on this day. During Term One and Term Four, our school runs a sport program at

the West Wyalong swimming pool.

Assembly

A whole school assembly is held each Friday morning at 9:00am. Parents are

most welcome to attend. Weekly awards are presented. Absences

If your child is absent from school it is important to inform the school within 7

days of the occurrence. Parents are asked to provide an absence note or phone

call to confirm their child’s absence and the reason for them being away. Contact Details & Medical Information

Parents will need to provide contact details such as home address, phone

numbers, emergency contact and medical information upon enrolment of their

child. This information is kept confidential and is only released to staff members

when necessary. If any of these details change throughout the year, it is im-

portant that you contact the school. If there are any legal documents concerning

parental supervision, a copy needs to be kept by the school.

TRY TO:

look in your child’s bag each day for notes from school or pieces of work

etc.

have a special place for your child to pin up their work

show you are interested in what your child is doing at school

reply to school requests as quickly as you can

read the school newsletter each Tuesday

Access our Facebook page and skoolbag App

advise the school or teacher of any planned absences

SCHOOL ROUTINE

Our routine maintains an uninterrupted 2hour literacy session each morning,

followed by maths and then other Key Learning Areas such as Science, History,

Geography, Personal Development, Health & PE, Sport and the Creative Arts

on respective afternoons.

For students in years 5&6 the Middle School Program will continue to run at

the High School each Thursday. More information can be found about the

Middle School Program in this booklet, or by phoning the school on

69722140.

We play music to alert students of bell times. It’s great to watch stu-

dents bop along to the music as they make their way to or from

class.

Bell times are indicated by music played and times as follows:

Music Times

8.55am Assembly

9.05am Classes

10.00 – 10.10am Fruit Break

11.30 – 12.00pm Lunch

12.05pm Classes

1.30 – 2.00pm Recess

2.05pm Classes

3.00pm End of Day

Wyalong Public School

Uniform

Where to buy our school uniform:

Wendy’s Embroidery Services situated in Main Street, West Wyalong stock most of our

uniform for all seasons including: Jumpers, Jackets, Pants, Skorts and Shorts.

Wendy can also embroider students names on items.

ALTERNATIVELY

There is a small uniform shop at the school that stock items such as: hats, white socks, na-

vy stockings, red skivvies, blue shorts, grey shorts, grey long pants, blue skorts, gym pants.

The school uniform has a range of girls formal skirts & pinafores to try on for size before

ordering them.

An order through LW Reid is made on the Fridays of Week 4 & Week 9 of the Term.

Blue school hats are to be worn at all times.

GIRLS

Summer

Royal Blue A line shorts or skorts

School Polo shirt

White Socks

Black Plain enclosed footwear

Winter

Royal Blue Track pants or school

skirt/pinafore

School Polo shirt or red skivvy

Royal Blue Jumper

White Socks

Black Plain enclosed footwear

BOYS

Summer

Grey Shorts

School Polo shirt

Grey Socks

Black Plain enclosed footwear

Winter

Dark Grey Track pants/trousers

School Polo shirt or red skivvy

Royal Blue Jumper

Grey Socks

Black Plain enclosed footwear

SPORT

Summer

School Polo shirt

Royal Blue Shorts/skorts/ netball skirt

White Socks

Sports footwear

Winter

School Polo shirt or red skivvy

Royal Blue Track suit

White Socks

Sports footwear

Uniform

Summer Uniform

Winter Uniform

Sports Uniform

Our Origins– Wyalong Public School History

In early 1894 an application was made for the establishment of a Public

School in Wyalong as there were children residing in or around Wyalong

with no provision of schooling. As the nearest state schools were at

Barmedman and Marsden, each 20 miles away, the application was

deemed successful.

The first teacher, Mr John Anstey opened the school during September in

1894. At the time the school was housed in a newly built weatherboard

building (currently the 4/5/6 block). During the first week of the school’s

operation, there were 82 pupils enrolled, by the end of that same year en-

rolments grew to 147.

In 1915 additional buildings were built on the school to accom-

modate the increase in school population.

Our sport shed was once used as a wet weather shed to house students

during their break times in wet weather.

Wyalong Public School has maintained the active support of a very keen

P&C association since its establishment and continues to reflect the strong

Wyalong community spirit.

(McPherson, 1993)