News

Year 7 Camp is still on

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:53:04 AEDT

Murwillumbah High School would like to announce that currently the Year 7 Camp is still going ahead as planned. If there are any cancellations due to recent weather events, we will sent out notifications via. Facebook, School Stream and our School Website.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:19:09 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 15:39:20 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

Surfside Update

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:22:13 AEDT

Surfside Bus Update

Yondr Pouches

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:40:27 AEDT

Yondr Pouches

Murwillumbah High School is excited to share that our school will be a mobile phone-free space from the beginning of Term 1, 2020.

2020 BYOD Guide

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:36:21 AEDT

Discover our BYOD Policy and Guide in place for 2020.

Murwillumbah High School are pleased to announce that as part of our BYOD 2020 initiative, students are able to lease or purchase a Google Chromebook outright from Murwillumbah High School. Currently this offer is only available to Year 7 & 8 LEAP students.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:00:28 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 17:20:52 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

Introducing Sentral Parent Portal

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:13:32 AEST

Murwillumbah High School is delighted to introduce Sentral for Parents, powered by Sentral. This exciting new communication platform will keep you fully informed about everything happening at the school and make it easier than ever for you to manage your child's education - anytime, anywhere.

This free app will mean that you always know in advance about what's going on - without having to rely on your child to bring news home from the school. You'll be able to keep track of homework, communicate via messaging to your child's teachers for progress updates and give instant permission for school activities and even inform the school of future absences.

We’re looking forward to seeing your participation and involvement and hope to provide you with seamless communication and a more significant role in the day to day management of your child's educational journey at our school.

Should you require any assistance at all or need to update your email address for our records, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly staff. We are looking forward to hearing from you about your experience with our Parent Portal app.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:12:29 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 11:27:40 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.

Murwillumbah High School takes out Secretary's Achievement Award

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 13:54:56 AEST

Our innovative and successful approach to teaching and learning saw our school being identified for the 2019 Secretary’s Outstanding School Achievement Award, a prestigious award that very few schools in the State achieve.

2019 NSW Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence

Outstanding student achievement and inspiring public education staff as acknowledged recently when over 110 individuals and schools were honoured at the 2019 NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence.

The annual awards showcase NSW public school students, teachers, staff and parents who have made major contributions to their school communities and serve as role models to their peers.

They also acknowledge schools that have embraced innovative programs to turn around school results and are changing the way education is delivered within the government system.

The NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the awards affirmed the high standards and dedication that underpinned the public school system.

“These awards highlight the tremendous contribution community make to public education in NSW as we strive for learning and teaching excellence,” Ms Mitchell said.

Below is the citation for Murwillumbah High School.

Learning through Engagement, Agency and Passion (LEAP)

Since 2017 Murwillumbah High School has significantly improved outcomes for students through focussed leadership, a strong professional learning program and innovative approaches to enhancing student wellbeing and engagement. A unique curriculum structure introduced in 2017 alongside deep community partnerships are having a positive impact on our rural students. Off task behaviours have declined by 43% and enrolments have increased by 33% in the past two years. The school is now recognised for its innovative curriculum structures driven by collaborative practices, which have become the norm at Murwillumbah High School. Teacher conversations are now centred on teaching and learning, not student behaviour.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:25:59 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

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 09:10:08 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

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 09:12:06 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 11:42:22 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 15:57:36 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 15:12:22 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 14:23:32 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.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 14:00:01 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 15:21:50 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 12:00:31 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.

HSC Minimum Standard Explained

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:00 AEST

Watch this 5 minute video which explains the changes to the HSC Minimum Standard.

HSC Minimum Standard video

Agriculture success

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:23:58 AEST

Some very exciting news from the Lismore North Coast National on Friday was that one of our heifers won a second place ribbon in the Santa Gertrudis led heifer competition. Congratulations to the students and staff in the Ag team on their achievement. The team are very impressive thanks to the leadership of Ms Martin and Mr Anderson. The Murwillumbah Show is still to come at which we are sure Murwillumbah High School will shine.

Career news - have you tried these Widgets?

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:23:59 AEST

Click on the links below to access either the Career, Course and Scholarship Widget and the Career Ladders Widget.

Career, course, scholarship

Career Ladders

Banking Arrangements - Information for parents and carers

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:23:59 AEST

Banking Arrangemenet - Information for parents and carers Click here (pdf 403 KB)

Update your details

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:01 AEST

Have you changed your address, phone number, email or do your children move between parents?

It is important that the school is aware of any changes so our records are accurate in case we need to contact you.

A form is now available on our web page (publications/update your details) for easy notification of any changes or updates. Simply complete the form and return it to the school via email, post or hand deliver it to the Administration office.

Switched On

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:01 AEST

Year 10 students recently participated in our annual wellbeing program "Switched On" which sees community members work with small groups of students on a multitude of wellbeing based issues. Facilitators were impressed with student participation and engagement. A big thank you to Ms Jodi MacKenzie who ensured the day was a great success.

See photos in photo gallery.

World of Maths Day

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:01 AEST

Students recently participated in the World of Maths day workshops where they were able to engage in a variety of hands-on activities focused on problem solving and teamwork. The facilitators were impressed by goth the enthusiasm and collaboration of our students who thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.

See photos in photo gallery.

Year 9 NAPLAN and the HSC Minimum Standard

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:02 AEST

The NSW Education Standards Authority has established new minimum literacy and numeracy standards for students. Students will have a number of opportunities to qualify for the minimum standard from Y10 onwards. From this year students in year 9 who achieve a Band 8 or higher in NAPLAN will pre-qualify for the minimum standard. We have attached some information from NESA if you would like more detail.

NAPLAN - Parent Flyer (pdf 985 KB)

Far North Coast Swimming Carnival

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:00 AEST

A small team of seventeen students traveled to Mullumbimby for the FNC Swimming trials. Nine students qualified for the North Coast Carnival at Kempsey.

Kyeesha Freeman - 13 years - 50m, 100m, 200m freestyle. 100m breaststroke. 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly.

Kalani Bradbury - 16 years - 50m, 100m freestyle. 100m breaststroke. 100m backstroke. 200m individual medley.

Tiani Freeman - 18 years - 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke.

Hayley Bendl - 15 years - 50m freestyle. 100m breaststroke. 200m individual medley.

Tom Vickery - 16 years - 50m, 100m freestyle. 100m butterfly.

Tom O'Brien Freeman - Junior MC - 50m freestyle

17 years 200m freestyle relay team - Kalani Bradbury, Tiani Freeman, Hayley Bendl and Ebony Morris.

Open 200m medley relay team - Kalani Bradbury, Tiani Freeman hayley Bendl and Kyeesha Freeman

13 years 200m freestyle relay team - Kyeesha Freeman, Mia Morris, Lahlia Everingham-Mills and Zali Riley.

Congratulations and well done team!!

University Roadshow

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:01 AEST

In February, Year 12 students, together with Ms Lawson attended the University Roadshow in the Murwillumbah High School Elliott Centre. Students were treated to a plethora of information regarding study options and general university facts, and then had the opportunity to talk to representatives from tertiary institutes including Southern Cross University, Griffith University, Bond University, Queensland University of Technology and TAFE. This was an informative afternoon which was highly appreciated by the students. Some shared their thoughts below:

"The University Roadshow opened up my eyes to the many options for my future. I was interested to learn about the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and the various hospitality, event and business management courses they offer." - Rosaleen Newell

"I enjoyed talking to representatives from the different institutes about study options, accommodation and university lifestyle." - Emily Hickey

"While initially I wasn't too keen to attend, once I chatted to some of the people from the various universities (particularly Southern Cross University and Griffith), I found that the whole experience helped me cement an idea for the direction I would like my future to take." - Rainier Tiffen

Deadly's One Vision Workshop

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:24:00 AEST

Our Deadly's Group has been selected to work with One Vision Productions on a series of Hip Hop Workshops which focus on encouraging participants to name their work and express how they see society and how they are impacted by life. These workshops aim to enhance self-esteem and create a sense of self-empowerment in targeted students.

At the completion of the workshop series, students will have been involved in the complete creative process of developing a professional song and film clip which will be filmed at various locations around Murwillumbah.

Jack Down and Shayden Freer of Year 8 share their experiences from the first workshop:

"We really liked participating in the first rap workshop which was led by Professor Crab and Doctor Wolf. We learnt about how the sessions were going to work over the next six weeks and about the song writing process. We also got to watch some clips of freestyle raps which helped us come up with the core theme of our song which is Unity."

Broncos and Beyond Workshop

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:23:59 AEST

Our Broncos and Beyond girls enjoyed a great session on the afternoon of Tuesday 21 February, hearing from ambassadors Bo de la Cruz, Jharel Yow Yeh, Scott Prince and Hamish McLoughlin from the Youth Employment Program.

Career news

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:23:59 AEST

Murwillumbah High School maintains access for all parents and students to information regarding career development.

Have you checked out Wirl? for access to career options and a simple test to see what careers might suit you.

Username: murwill
Password: giant68

Try Jobjump for information on careers, university, TAFE and career related training and opportunities. Just log in using Murwillumbah High School in the drop down menu followed by your own email address for access to the most up-to-date information available.

If yo have any questions please email the Careers Adviser, Ms Glenys Lawson at murwillumb-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au