News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:17:13 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 15:23:54 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 16:06:19 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

Christmas Holidays

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:06:12 AEDT

With 2019 coming to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families a wonderful Christmas break!

Students start back to school for 2020:

· Wednesday January 29^th – Years 7, 11 & 12

· Thursday January 30th – Years 8, 9 & 10

We rely on our school community to remain vigilant during the school holidays. Please report any security concerns to our school security hotline: 1300 880 021.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:30:56 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

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:18:39 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

Year 7 2020 BYOD

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 09:18:40 AEST

BYOD Purchasing Portal for Year 7 2020

We are pleased to announce that HP is offering Richmond High School a platform to order devices with a 5% discount.

All pricing on the BYOD devices includes 3 Years Onsite Warranty along with the option to purchase the Accidental Damage Protection (ADP). For Windows devices, the ADP Insurance covers the device for 3 claims over 3 years with a Zero excess fee.

For purchases between now and the end of the year, using the eCoupon will give parents an additional 5% discount. When parents make a purchase online at check-out they add the eCoupon code and 5% will come off the total order with all pricing including delivery.

Interest Free Finance is also available.

Direct link: www.hpshopping.com.au/richmondbyod

eCoupon: richmond5%

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:11:32 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 11:26:08 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 11:24:45 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 12:52:14 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

Term 2 School Holidays

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 09:39:44 AEST

With Term 2 coming to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families a fantastic School Holiday break.

Students last day of Term 2 is Friday July 5^th.

Students start back to school for Term 3 on Tuesday July 23^rd.

We rely on our school community to remain vigilant during the school holidays. Please report any security concerns to our school security hotline: 1300 880 021.

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:04 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 11:41:38 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.

Easter Show - Champion Judge

Mon, 13 May 2019 15:07:56 AEST

Congratulations to Claudia M on her success at the Royal Easter Show this year.

Claudia was awarded first place in the Intermediate Junior Judging Competition. She also competed in the State Final Paraders Competition which is a very tough competition to qualify for.

Claudia was also the successful winner of the Junior Hawkesbury Showgirl! Claudia had to not only complete a rigorous application but she also had to speak in front of the judges and panel to conclude the process.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:55:50 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.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:18 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 14:17:00 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.

Year 7 Google Classroom Information Sessions

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:30:44 AEST

We would love for our Year 7 parents to join us for our upcoming Information Sessions on Google Classroom.

Notes will be coming home with students at the start of Term 2, so you can return the RSVP slip if you wish to attend.

End of Term 1

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:28:24 AEST

With Term 1 coming to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families a fantastic Easter break.

Students last day of Term 1 is Friday April 12^th.

Students start back to school for Term 2 on Tuesday April 30^th.

We rely on our school community to remain vigilant during the school holidays. Please report any security concerns to our school security hotline: 1300 880 021.

Parent Teacher Interviews Semester 1, 2019

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:09:42 AEDT

Parent/Teacher Interviews for Years 7-12 will be held in our Multi Purpose Centre between 3.30pm to 7.30pm for all of our students on Tuesday, 9^th April, 2019.

Bookings will open on Monday, 1^st April, 2019 and close on Monday, 8^th April, 2019 at 5pm.

Parents have the convenience of booking interviews with their child’s teachers via Richmond High School’s Parent Portal:

http://web1.richmond-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/portal

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:33:04 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

Year 5/6 Information Evening

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 10:55:44 AEDT

All Year 5 and 6 students and their parents are warmly invited to our information evening on Tuesday March 12, 2019 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm

There will be a welcome ceremony in our new Multi Purpose Centre as well as a guided tour of the School.

You will also have an opportunity to view student work samples in classrooms and workshops. Teachers will be in attendance for you to meet on the night.

A barbecue will be provided with entertainment by our Creative & Performing Arts students.

Year 7 Meet, Greet & Eat

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 10:58:15 AEDT

All Year 7 students and their parents are warmly invited to a welcome barbecue.

We wish to welcome you to our school and provide an opportunity to meet some of the teachers.

Wednesday February 27, 2019 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm in our new Multi Purpose Centre. A barbecue will be provided.

Entertainment by our Creative & Performing Arts students.

Special Religious Education (SRE)

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:17:00 AEDT

Special Religious Education (SRE) is education in the beliefs and practices of an approved religious persuasion by authorised representatives of that persuasion. SRE was previously known as ‘scripture’.

Parents/caregivers in public schools have the right to have their children receive instruction in their preferred religious persuasion, where authorised teachers of that persuasion are available.

A special religious education program is available at the school and is run by authorised volunteers of approved religious persuasions. These include:

A Catholic SRE group: organised through the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.
A non-denominational SRE group: organised by the Baptist Union of NSW and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.

Under the new arrangements parents will need to indicate that they wish their child to participate in SRE. Once the school receives this letter the child will continue to attend SRE until such time that a parent/carer makes contact with the school to indicate that they no longer wish their child to participate in SRE. This arrangement replaces all previous arrangements.

A copy of the letter will be sent home at the beginning of 2019. A copy of the letter is also available from the school and under the About our School/Rules & Policies sections of the schools website.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:20:54 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.

BYOD

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:55:55 AEDT

If you are thinking of purchasing a laptop for your child to use at School, either for Year 7 BYOD or otherwise, make sure that the device conforms to the specifications listed in the Richmond High Student BYOD Specification document.

Also remember that Students get free Microsoft Office and Adobe Products, so no need to pay for extra software.

Obtaining free Microsoft Office Software for Student BYOD laptops.

Software for Students.

Happy and Safe Christmas!

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:33:13 AEDT

With 2018 coming to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families a wonderful Christmas break!

Students start back to school for 2019:

Wednesday January 30^th – Years 7, 11 & 12
Thursday January 31^st – Years 8, 9 & 10

We rely on our school community to remain vigilant during the school holidays. Please report any security concerns to our school security hotline: 1300 880 021.

Year 7 Orientation Day 2019

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 11:40:20 AEDT

Students and parents will meet in the MAC. Parents are welcome to stay until 10:30am and then will return to collect students at 2pm.

For more information please refer to Year 7 2019 Orientation Day letter.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:59:35 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.

One giant leap into space exploration for seven Hawkesbury campers

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:04:46 AEDT

Seven students from the Hawkesbury (including our very own Lachlan K in Year 10) are now back at school after taking one giant leap into the world of space over the school holidays. Lachlan had received a scholarship worth $6800 from Windsor RSL via the One Giant Leap Foundation to attend this prestigious Space Camp in the USA and we are very proud of his achievement.

Lachlan is pictured here wearing the jacket his dad received when he attended Space Camp as a lad. Photo taken by Geoff Jones - Hawkesbury Gazette.

NSW Premier's Award for service to public education

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 16:47:30 AEDT

Our Professional Learning Team at Richmond High School has been recognised by the NSW Premier’s Department through being shortlisted to be one of four finalists across all schools in NSW.

The award recognises the work of the team led by Mrs Tara Cullen and includes the work of Ms Mandy Fakes, Ms Elise Lewis and Mr Phil Gordon as well as all of the teaching staff who have participated in the program.

The program has focussed on improving the literacy and numeracy outcomes of students through a program of Guided Learning Overseeing Student Success. It has included a collaboration with a University expert and advisor Ms Tina Sharp who will use our model of success when she presents at an international convention in Pakistan this term.

The final award presentation ceremony will be held in November and whether we achieve first place or not, the recognition is an endorsement of the leadership and educational direction at Richmond High School.

End of Term

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 14:11:11 AEST

With Term 3 coming to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families an enjoyable break.

All students last day of school for Term 3 is Friday September 28.

All students start back to school for Term 4 on Monday October 15.

We rely on our school community to remain vigilant during the school holidays. Please report any security concerns to our school security hotline: 1300 880 021.