News

Safer Internet Day 2020

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:33:46 AEDT

Safer Internet Day (SID) is an annual, worldwide event which takes place on 11 February 2020 to help encourage a safer online environment.

Information for parents can be found on https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Webinars for parents and carers

Join one of our inaugural webinars for parents and carers this Safer Internet Day. They’re free!

These live webinars will explore the latest research and expert advice for using technology safely. They are a great way to learn how you can help your child develop the skills to be safer online.

All sessions will be delivered by our eSafety expert, Greg Gebhart.

Tech, teens and time online

Suitable for parents and carers of young people aged 12-18 years old.
11 February 2020 – 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (AEDT)
12 February 2020 – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (AEDT)

To register click on the following link. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Parent webinar invite (PDF 628KB)

eSafety newsletter (PDF 259KB)

HSC Minimum standard

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 16:10:54 AEDT

During 2020 Sydney Distance Education High School will be offering all home students the chance to complete the online HSC minimum standard tests here at school. There will be a three week period in each term when students will be able to access the testing.

In Term 1 the test period runs from Monday 16 March to Thursday 2 April.

Letters have been sent out identifying students in Years 10 and 11 who have not met the standards.

If you would like to register for Term 1 testing please email Nina Thomas nina.thomas3@det.nsw.edu.au by Friday 6 March.

If you would like to know more about the tests, you can visit the NSW Education Standards Authority website.

Students at SSPs or single course students studying through SDEHS who wish to do the online testing should speak to their teachers at the centre or home school about this.

Student Leadership Group

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:19:29 AEDT

We wish to extend a warm invitation to all of our home students to join the Student Leadership Group (SLG) in 2020.

The SLG continues to flourish with the enthusiastic participation of an increasing group of keen and willing students.

All students are welcome to attend our SLG meetings and be involved in bringing about positive changes that will benefit the students and the whole school community.

The SLG supports our students to gain the skills to create, implement, lead, follow and succeed. Most importantly, the SLG gives students the opportunity to represent the views of their peers and to make those views heard.

The SLG meets once a term and is involved in the organisation and planning of various school activities such as Harmony Day, Diversity Day and Presentation Days.

The first meeting for 2020 is on Friday 28 February from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

If you are interested in joining the SLG please contact

Catherine Soper

SLG Coordinator

9383 0238

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:39:34 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.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:49:51 AEDT

Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.

We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.

We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into...

For families of students starting Year 7:

download our Getting ready for high school booklet
read our top tips for a smooth transition.

For families of returning students:

visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
check out our hints for setting up a study space.

Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school

Duration – 1:00

Join us for your HSC journey

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:35:51 AEDT

The HSC can be one of the most exciting moments of high school. Here’s how to be prepared.

We’re committed to supporting every student to do their best – especially during the HSC – and making sure every student is known, valued and cared for.

For HSC students, we’ve got advice on how to make the most of your study, set healthy habits and finish out high school in style.

Check out our HSC resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Year 12

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:42:43 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.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:07:19 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.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 10:59:36 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

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:10:45 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.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

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 – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:25:00 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.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:21:46 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:50:45 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 11:26:17 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.

Health Club

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:47:14 AEST

SDEHS home enrolled students are invited to join the SDEHS Health Club.

The SDEHS Health Club runs every Friday at school from 1.00 to 2.00 pm. This PDHPE Faculty initiative aims to engage our home students in a range of recreational activities including sports, board games and other health related activities. Most importantly the Health Club is a school co-curricular activity that is fun and relaxing and aims to provide opportunities for improved student health and wellbeing.

For further information, supervisors and students can contact their PDHPE teacher.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:41:06 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 15:54:31 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.

Writing Competition

Wed, 01 May 2019 10:53:06 AEST

The theme is My Secret Garden and due date is Friday 7 June. There will be 3 gift voucher prizes: $100, $75, $50.

Download the poster for all the details.

Have fun writing and email multiple entries to julie.barel@det.nsw.edu.au

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:33:33 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 14:14:13 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.

Learning Hubs

Wed, 01 May 2019 19:34:17 AEST

Students at Ingleburn Learning Hub this week

It's been fantastic to see our Learning Hub regulars return with renewed energy and enthusiasm and to see some new faces attending the Hubs.

If you're a new enrolment you will have received a welcome letter that gives you directions to your closest Learning Hub. We are looking forward to seeing you for your introductory visit soon. If you have been with us for a while but just haven't taken the opportunity to come and visit your local Learning Hub now is the time to come along and check it out - you won't regret it!

All of our fabulous Learning Hub teachers are ready, willing and able to assist you with your school work, help you with your elearning and to make connections with your SDEHS peers. So don't sit at home struggling with your school work, come along to a Learning Hub and see what it has to offer.

There are Learning Hubs open every day of the week at different locations around Sydney.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Woolloomooloo

Thursday

Glenbrook

Friday

Woolloomooloo

Premier's Reading Challenge

Wed, 01 May 2019 19:29:43 AEST

The NSW Premier's Reading Challenge is open to all students in Years 7-9. You will receive a Premier's Certificate on completion PLUS a school Achievement Award for every five books that you read!

You can include any fiction that you are reading for your school subjects to gain a head start!

Join in at your own pace with support from your school library for

assistance getting started
reading suggestions
hints on locating PRC books

Email the school on sydneyh-d.school@det.nsw.edu.au with library in the subject line or call 9383 0270.

You can find all the details on our Premier’s Reading Challenge page.

Harmony Day

Sat, 27 Apr 2019 13:25:19 AEST

Harmony Day celebrated on the 21st of March every year is a celebration of our cultural and religious identities. It encourages and promotes acceptance, inclusivity and belonging regardless of our backgrounds. Harmony Day is about embracing our differences. This year we have organised a private movie screening at Govindas Cinema in Darlinghurst.

Green Book is a movie about two people who are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime that blossoms into a friendship that transcends race and class. What a wonderful way to celebrate and appreciate Harmony day. Come along and watch this beautiful movie in a private and relaxed setting.

Invitations will arrive in the mail soon.

Orientation Day

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 11:22:17 AEDT

Jessica Fletcher, Rachael Corkin, Julianna Chan, Helen Flint, Agatha Berezowski, Yolanda Passadore.

Orientation Day is designed to welcome new home students to Sydney Distance Education High School. On this day you will get an overview of how the school works, have an introductory session with elearning, transition and the library, and the chance to visit the Learning Hub. We will also have an informal morning tea where students, supervisors and teachers can meet one another.

Orientation Day is on Wednesday 27 February from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Please phone your Year Adviser if you have any questions regarding the day.

Year Advisers

Years 7 to 10 by student surnames

Agatha Berezowski (A-E) 9383 0355

Rachael Corkin (F-M) 9383 0240

Julianna Chan (N-Z) 9383 0286

Years 11 and 12 by student surnames

Jessica Fletcher (A-G) 9383 0461

Helen Flint (H-O) 9383 0367

Yolanda Passadore (P-Z) 9383 0427

Textiles and Design award for excellence

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 06:57:50 AEDT

Chloe Mitchell received an award for excellence at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences in Ultimo last Friday.

She was one of 37 students (including 10 Textiles and Design students) selected for the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences display of student works from the 2018 year from practical/design based projects.

Shape 2018 showcases a selection of outstanding major projects from the HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design courses.

Volunteering

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 11:08:48 AEDT

Sydney Distance Education High School is pleased to offer once again our students an opportunity to be a part of the bigger picture. Participation in the Premier's Volunteer Recognition Program will not only support you to gain the skills to get job ready but also help you make a difference in your local community. You will meet new people and be recognised for your volunteering efforts.

You can be nominated in the following categories.

STUDENTS UP TO YEAR 9

A minimum of 3 months regular volunteering and 13 hours in one year.

STUDENTS IN YEAR 10

A minimum of 6 months regular volunteering and 26 hours in one year.

STUDENTS IN YEAR 11 & 12

A minimum of 12 months regular volunteering and 52 hours in one year.

Pick a volunteering activity and enjoy the rewards!

Contact

Reena Nazareth

9383 0317

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:24:16 AEDT

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Student Leadership Group

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 11:04:03 AEDT

We wish to extend a warm invitation to all of our home students to join the Student Leadership Group (SLG) in 2019.

The SLG continues to flourish with the enthusiastic participation of an increasing group of keen and willing students.

All students are welcome to attend our SLG meetings and be involved in bringing about positive changes that will benefit the students and the whole school community.

The SLG meets once a term and is involved in the organisation and planning of various school activities such as Harmony Day, Diversity Day and Presentation Days.

The first meeting for 2019 is on Friday 1^st March from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm.

If you are interested in joining the SLG please contact

Catherine Soper

SLG Coordinator

9383 0238

Back to school

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 09:43:41 AEDT

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Family feedback about schools always welcome

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 09:43:40 AEDT

We know the quality of the relationship between families and schools has a direct impact on student wellbeing and educational outcomes.

There will be times when parents and carers want to ask a question, raise an issue or make a complaint about our schools and it can be hard for families to know where to start. Families have told us that it can be difficult to find the right person to talk to, or don’t know what steps to take to bring an issue to someone’s attention.

A short video, produced in consultation with schools, is helping families find the right person if they have a question or want to raise an issue, make a complaint or provide a compliment. The video encourages families to contact their school or the department early and in a positive way to help resolve any issues together.

The video complements information on our website and is an accessible way for families to find out about the complaints process. Positive feedback is also important and families are encouraged to let us know when something has gone well.

Visit the complaints, compliments and suggestions webpage for more information.

2019 school budget allocations

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 09:43:40 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.

SDEHS Coffee Club Program

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 10:50:19 AEDT

The SDEHS Coffee Club program offers students initial professional training from Toby’s Estate leading to a Level 1 Barista Certificate. Once qualified the team meet up each Friday to work on barista skills by serving all the different types of coffee to our teachers. Students who participate in this course gain work experience in a cafe setting which may help them to find a job.

SDEHS Choir Project

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 11:05:01 AEDT

The neuroscience of singing is proven to make us happier, healthier, smarter and more creative and help reduce and manage stress levels and anxiety.

You don’t have to be a fabulous singer, just be willing to give it a go and have a supportive attitude towards others in the group.

How to get involved

The Choir Project will operate at school (Woolloomooloo) every Wednesday of the school term from 1 to 2 pm.

If you are interested, contact Lisa Keating, Deputy Principal on 9383 0387

Office of the eSafety Commissioner iParent site

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 16:45:28 AEDT

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has a number of resources on its website including its iParent site. In April 2018 these resources were updated to include the Screen Smart Parent Tour. This 10 minute interactive tour is designed for parents of pre-teens and young teens (10 to 14 years) and provides them with practical tips and advice about how to help their child have safe and enjoyable experiences online.