News

HSC Minimum Standards Fact Sheet

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:50:56 AEDT

Requirements to meet the standard Fact sheet

Novel-Coronavirus

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 10:23:31 AEDT

Novel coronavirus

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

This page was updated at 11:30am 30 January 2020.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety/novel-coronavirus

Updated Media Release - Coronavirus

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:33:37 AEDT

Tuesday, 28 January 2020

UPDATED ADVICE AHEAD OF SCHOOL RETURNING

The NSW Government has today requested that children who have visited China in the last two weeks not attend school or childcare services until 14 days have lapsed from their date of departure from China.

“Advice about not attending school has already been provided to any close contacts of confirmed cases.”

Advice for Parents regarding the Coronavirus

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:19:22 AEDT

With students returning to school next week, parents of children who have had contact with a confirmed case of novel Coronavirus are being urged to keep their children at home and monitor for symptoms.

Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:18:15 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 15:37:19 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

Staying healthy into the new school year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:48:34 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 16:58:39 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.

Swim School Program

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:53:47 AEDT

Years 9 & 10 - Swim School Program

Merrylands Pool on Friday 29th December and Tuesday 3rd December

Beach Day: Monday 2nd December

Year 8 - Swim School Program

Merrylands Pool Wednesday 4th December to Friday 6th December

Year 7 - Swim School Program

Merrylands Pool Monday 9th December to Thursday 12th December

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:19:50 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

Lowes relocating

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 11:27:10 AEST

The Lowes store in Stockland Merrylands Shopping centre is relocating downstairs. on Thursday 26th September

Stockland Merrylands Shop 1075, McFarlane St, Merrylands

Share our Space

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:25:21 AEST

Share Our Space

These spring holidays send your kids back to school! And join them! We’re opening our gates to the community as part of Share Our Space, from Monday 30 Sept to Friday 11 Oct. Please come along with your families to enjoy the grounds, basketball courts, the open space and the play equipment. The spaces will be cleaned regularly, and there are security services in place to keep the grounds in good shape. To find out details and a school near you go to the Share Our Space webpage here.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:12:03 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.

Anti bullying Parent Fact Sheet

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:06:28 AEST

Information for parents/carers on what they can do if their child is being bullied is available in the following languages.

Chinese – simplified (PDF 441KB)

Chinese – traditional (PDF 461KB)

Indonesian (PDF 217KB)

Macedonian (PDF 339KB)

Nepali (PDF 364KB)

Persian (PDF 56KB)

Portuguese (PDF 240KB)

Vietnamese (PDF 342KB)

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:27:02 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 11:25:23 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.

Minister's Award for Excellence 2019

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 12:33:33 AEST

Congratulations to Negeen Daudi on receiving the Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement. Also, a big congratulations to Mr Fifita for receiving the Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching

Merrylands High School swimming in global honours

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 12:49:13 AEST

SWIMMING lessons have been part of the curriculum at Merry lands High School for 60 years and that commitment to water safety by staff and students was recognised this month with an international award from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Scholarships for future teachers

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 12:30:49 AEST

The NSW Department of Education is offering a range of scholarship opportunities for high achieving students entering teacher education degrees after their HSC.

The scholarship programs for future teachers offer a range of benefits, including financial support whilst studying and a guaranteed permanent teaching position in a NSW public school on successful completion of studies.

The scholarship programs for future teachers include:

teach.MathsNOW Scholarships are now open

Parents and carers, this is for you. Do you know an industry professional or current university student in a career area requiring tertiary studies in mathematics - for example, in engineering, accounting, finance or IT - who would make a great secondary mathematics teacher? The teach.MathsNOW Scholarship offers an opportunity to change career path and retrain as a mathematics teacher in a NSW public school.

teach.MathsNOW scholars will receive up to $50,000 in equivalent upfront course contribution fees, paid part-time employment during studies and a guaranteed permanent teaching position in a NSW public school on successful completion.

To find out more about these and other great opportunities, please visit the teach.NSW website and follow the teach.NSW social channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).

CALCULATORS FOR THE 2020 HSC EXAMINATIONS

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:38:19 AEST

NESA recommends that schools and parents postpone purchasing calculators until the list of approved calculators for 2020 is available.

NESA is currently working with stakeholders to review a range of calculators. The list of approved calculators for the 2020 HSC examinations will be published in September 2019.

NESA provides an approved calculator list to ensure the fairness and integrity of the HSC examinations.

Enrolment Policy changes

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 12:23:33 AEST

The Enrolment of Students in NSW Government Schools policy is in place to assist schools meet their obligations under the Education Act 1990

Enrolment policy information for parents

Merrylands High School 60th Anniversary Open Day

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 12:35:19 AEST

Open Day Merrylands High School

Saturday 31st August 10am to 2pm

Memorabilia display and tours of the school

Gala Dinner at the Park Royal Parramatta being organised by former student Mr Richard Davies

Information and enquiries

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:53:17 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

Disability Standards for Education: A Practical Guide for Individuals, Families and Communities

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 12:11:00 AEST

Disability Standards for Education: A Practical Guide for Individuals, Families and Communities

Merrylands High School Canteen menu

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 11:08:20 AEST

Merrylands High School menu receives tick of approval from the Healthy Schools Canteen

Heathy Schools Canteen Certificate

HSC Minimum Standards information for Parents

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:29:29 AEST

In 2020, your child will need to meet a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to qualify for a Higher School Certificate (HSC)

Fact Sheet for Parents

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:41 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 11:42:03 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.

Premiers Debating Challenge

Wed, 22 May 2019 15:07:27 AEST

Students will travel to Sefton High School to participate in the Premiers Debating Challenge

Ramadan Iftar Dinner

Wed, 22 May 2019 15:09:57 AEST

The Ramadan Iftar dinner will be held on Tuesday 28th May 2019

4.30pm to 6.30pm

School Auditorium

School Athletics Carnival

Tue, 21 May 2019 14:17:56 AEST

School Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 24th May 2019

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:56:48 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.

NAPLAN Online

Thu, 09 May 2019 13:53:08 AEST

NAPLAN Online - Parent Information

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:54 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 14:20:45 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.

Did you know our playground is open in the holidays?

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:52:41 AEST

We are excited to participate in the Share Our Space program when it returns these autumn school holidays. Participating public schools across regional and metro areas of the state will continue to open their playgrounds, ovals and sports courts for the whole community to enjoy.

You and your children can play in public schools all over NSW. Schools from Lord Howe Island Central School 600km off the east coast of mainland Australia all the way to Palinyewah Public School in the far west will share their outdoor facilities as part of the program.

Participating schools are open 7 days a week between 8am-6pm from 13 to 26 April 2019, including weekends and public holidays.

Come and visit our playground. For more information or to find another participating school near you, visit Share Our Space.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:22:20 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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:21:25 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.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:00:11 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.

Welcome to Iparent

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:44:35 AEST

Screen Smart Parent Tour

Our 10 minute interactive tour is for parents of pre-teens and young teens (10 to 14 years). It has plenty of tips and practical steps along the way so you can help your child explore safely and manage online issues should they arise. This is especially important at this age as they strive for independence and peer acceptance.

There are no right or wrong answers and you’ll get to see how other parents responded to the same questions.

Lowes schoolwear one day sale

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 08:58:20 AEST

Exclusive offer to zero and reward card holders 20% off school wear and everything else!

Instore amd online Thursday 15th March 2018

New school zone offences

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 09:01:10 AEST

Seven new school zone offences

The NSW government have recently updated school zone offences by increasing fines and demerit points. These changes will help to create and enforce a safer road environment in school zones. What are the new school zone offences? For more information, visit road safety.