News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:23:23 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.

2019 school budget allocations

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 11:41:38 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.

Official welcome to Casper 2018

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:26:13 AEDT

The official welcome to Casper was held as part of our Open Day on Friday 8th June 2018.

Casper will join Humphrey as our second Education Support/Therapy Dog at Bidgee School.

The Bidgee School open day Friday 8th June 2018

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:26:54 AEDT

The Bidgee School official opening -
New Learning Spaces for
Trauma & Mental Health Program

Friday 8^th June 2018, 11:30am
The Bidgee School Mitchelmore St Turvey Park

10^th May 2018 - Ms Marianne Mitchell, Principal of The Bidgee School, is pleased to announce further expansion to The Bidgee School Trauma and Mental Health Program. This follows the welcome addition of Humphrey, the Assistance Dog in 2016 followed by the opening of the school's flagship primary school class in January 2017.

Due to the success of the Trauma and Mental Health Program which has been intrinsically embedded into both the curriculum and the culture of The Bidgee School, the securing of DET Funding as well as the acquisition of a section of land belonging to Wagga Wagga High School made way for 5 additional buildings to include a library, toilet block and 3 additional classes - two more senior classes and a second primary class.

In additional to the new learning spaces, a second therapy dog has joined The Bidgee School. Casper, who has just returned from specialised training to enable him to provide therapeutic support to our students, will be introduced to the community at the official event to be held on Friday, 8^th June.

The Hon. Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister, Member for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire and Mayor Greg Conkey OAM will be in attendance to celebrate The Bidgee School's innovative therapeutic program supporting students' recovery from complex Trauma and Mental Health.

The event will include performances by The Rugby Male Choir, Judy Marshall, Ryan Farrell, staff and students as well as a Ribbon Cutting by Mr McCormack and Ms Mitchell. Attendees will then be invited to view the new learning spaces and light refreshments will be served.

National reconciliation week

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:36:16 AEDT

On Friday 1st June The Bidgee School had a visit from Aunty Gail, she taught the students basket weaving and they also made bracelets and talking sticks.

Australia's biggest morning tea

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:35:44 AEDT

On Thursday 31st May The Bidgee School Held their Biggest Morning Tea during recess. Students and staff raised $68.75 for the Cancer Council NSW.

National day of action against bullying and violence #bullyingnoway

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 16:29:27 AEDT

The Bidgee School is proud to be a part of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. Students will be involved in activities across the day including making posters, tabloid sports and classroom activities centred on working together and building positive relationships.

The national day is a positive day of action, bringing school communities together to help find workable solutions that address bullying and violence.

Lets take a stand together.

Coles sports for schools

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 16:29:06 AEDT

Bidgee School is participating in the Coles Sports for Schools promotion for 2018. For every $10 you spend you receive 1 voucher. Vouchers can be deposited into our box at South City Coles or alternatively bring them to school and place them in the collection box located in the office.

Merry Christmas from The Staff and Students at Bidgee School 2017

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:00 AEST

Merry Christmas from the students and Staff at The Bidgee School. We have had a fantastic year this year and next year will be bigger and better with the welcome news of our expansion. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our families a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all next year.

The Crocodile Man - Blair Guelfi

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

The reptile man came to school and told us about all sorts of animals, snakes and lizards. He told us that they have a third eye that let them know if it is day or night. He let us hold them and at the end he let us hold a snake around our neck. He told us that blue tongs pretend to be venomous the colour blue is a warning that an animal is venomous.

My favourite was the snakes because I really liked them.

Wagga Wagga City Council gives Humphrey a helping paw - WWCC news 4th June 2017

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

Wagga Wagga City Council have agreed to a special request from Bidgee School and as of Term 2 2017 Humphrey will have access to Connoly Park Rugby Fields two to three times a week to run in a secure open space. Humphrey can not run in open off leash spaces with other dogs as a bad experience may change his temperament. Wagga City Council were happy to help and have provided the access to Connoly Park for Humphrey and the students.

BIDGEE SCHOOL BIGGEST MORNING TEA - TERM 2 2017

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:12 AEST

Thursday 1st June Bidgee School Staff and Students participated in Australias Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for the cancer council. Staff donated food for the Morning Tea and everyone was asked to donate a gold coin to participate. This was a huge success and we raised $90 for the Cancer Council.

HARMONY DAY TERM 1 2017.

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:36:59 AEST

Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity, A day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

Bidgee School is celebrating Harmony Day on Tuesday 4th April with a lunch cooked by the students. In the two weeks leading up to our Harmony Day lunch each class will choose a country to research. Each class will research the customs games and cuisine of their country we will then all come together on the 4th to try the dishes from all of the classes and look at the customs and games that we have discovered.

Class 2 Fundraising Bake Sale. Term 1 2017

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:13 AEST

Class 2 will hold a fundraising bake sale Friday 7th April (last day of term 1) . Class 2 have been researching Africa and have found out that every 20 seconds a child dies from diarrhoea caused by drinking dirty water. They have also discovered that people in the villages walk 6 hours each day to collect water to drink, bathe and cook with and that this water is dirty and makes them sick. It costs $8000 to build a small well in a village and $32000 to build a large well. Class 2 will choose a charity that helps to provide wells and all funds raised will help a village have access to clean water.

Bidgee School Activities Term 3 - By Rhyanna

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:12 AEST

This Term we have been doing different activities for BEEP and sport, like walking at different places around Wagga each week and going to gymnastics. Everyone has so much fun at gymnastics. We also went to Borambola and everyone had a go and had the best time. We did BMX riding, boomerang throwing and we did bow and arrow, then we came back to school. By Rhyanna.

Heaps Decent Wednesday 16/11/2016

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:36:59 AEST

Heaps Decent visits during the year and offers Bidgee students the chance to create their own songs including keyboard, vocals, sampling and sound effects. These are some samples of what was created on the day.

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Llama Suit - David and Michael.

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Drifting - Galvo and Bevan

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Memory - Rhyanna

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Sting Like a Bee - Riley and Jack

Borambola Monday 17th October 2016 - By Michael Cummins.

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:13 AEST

On Monday 17th October we went to Borambola, we got to Borambola by a bus. When we got to Borambola we did some archery it was so much fun. After about an hour of archery we made our way to the BMX track, there were lots of sheep on the track, they got moved. After the BMX we had free time I played mini golf. Then we had burgers for lunch, it was so yum. Then we did the last bit of our trip, it was boomerang throwing. When it was my turn it poured down raining. Then we went back to school and that was it. My favourite bit was the archery. Michael Cummins.

Cultural Diversity 2017

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:36:58 AEST

The Calendar for Cultural Diversity aims to foster intercultural understanding and community harmony. The calendar identifies national and international days and events of cultural, linguistic and religious significance and features artwork created by students in Years K-12 NSW government schools.

Theme: 'Heritage'

Schools are invited to submit artwork for possible inclusion in the 2017 calendar which addresses the theme 'Heritage'

Year of the Rooster and the Emu

Each year, the Calendar for Cultural Diversity includes an inset on the relevant lunar year, and its Australian Zodiac equivalent, on the inside cover. Schools are also welcome to submit student artwork depicting roosters and emus for possible inclusion in this feature.

Artwork Specifications:

Artwork should:

* reflect the theme

*relate to learning areas

* be A3/A2 size (for reproduction purposes)

*be the work of a single student or a group of students

Possible Media includes:

*drawing (inks, felt pens, charcoal, pastels, crayons), electronic (computer software, digital camera, scanner), mixed media (collage, photo montage), painting, photography and printmaking.

Submitting artwork

Schools may submit up to four entries. The following information should be attached to each artwork:-

*name of student/s

*year/s

*title of artwork

*name of school

*name of teacher contact

*description which relates the work to the theme 'Heritage' (approx. 25-50 words)

Closing date:

12th August 2017

for more information phone:92445091

2016 Patrick White Writing Competition

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:12 AEST

The Patrick White Writing Competition has been designed to encourage Indigenous Australian Students in New South Wales from Kindergarten to Year 12, which will allow them to use their reading, writing and creative skills.

The themes for this years competition are:

# "Things are not always what they seem...."

# "Dreaming"

# "Standing on one leg..."

Group Competition:

This section of the competition is offered to support Aboriginal Students working together with their classmates to develop a shared story, poem or play.

Applications:

Entries close on Friday 23rd September 2016

Schools are free to enter as many stories, poems or plays as they like for each category. To enter please download the entry form at:

http://www.aec.org.au/wordpress/patrick-white-awards/

Climbing Mt Bogong

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:13 AEST

It was very dark when staff and students began rolling into The Bidgee School at about 5:40am on Friday the 13th November. Surprisingly everyone arrived on time and the busses were loaded and ready to go just on 6am. The group seemed excited and a little nervous as we left Wagga, heading South into Victoria to climb its highest mountain, Mt Bogong. Thanks mainly to the culinary skills of Wendy and Robyn everyone enjoyed a ham and cheese croissant for breakfast as the sun rose over Albury Wodonga. There were still plenty of ominous dark clouds in the sky and everyone was wishing away potential rain. Some staff had flashbacks from their travelling days as we sat on the cold hard gutter in a car park eating an economical but delicious breakfast.

After meeting up with Carol who drove up from Melbourne we all converged on Mountain Creek Camping Area. Everyone scrambled around the area checking it out. Bevan and Dante proudly showed the others their coveted camping spot from a previous hike attempt. Others checked out the freezing cold mountain creek. After collecting their food and water for the day and getting prepped for the hike the group headed off along the relatively flat trail towards the foot of the mountain.

After about half an hour of walking the group converged at the bas of the Staircase Spur. This is where it gets very steep very quickly. Conversations waned, heart rates increased and the pace slowed as everyone settled into their own groove in an attempt to make it to the hut. Everyone that is except for Ben, Demetrie and Beau, who bolted up the mountain together and weren't seen until we reached the summit many hours later. There was however a report about them from another hiking group coming down the mountain. "There was a bloke and two kids running up the hill together like something was chasing them".

The rest of us walked, clambered and rested till we reached the hut, where we had some lunch and students contemplated the rest of their day. The majority, I'm happy to say, decided to continue up the mountain.

As we passed above the tree line the view became spectacular. With the clear day we had you could see forever. Getting to the top and being on top of Victoria was a surreal feeling, which seemed to have a strange, euphoric effect on some of the students. After a few quick photo's we began our descent. Beau, Ben and Demetrie had been up on top for quite a while now and were eager to get to the bottom of the mountain.

Once everyone had reached the bottom we piled into the busses, weary and leg sore. We drove North, stopping for some much needed sustenance at a famous food outlet, before continuing back into NSW. We were given an epic sunset as we drove along, which signified the end of an epic day. Ben's watch had calculated that we'd completed a 20km round trip, 40,000 steps in total. A big thankyou goes out to the staff who attended the trip. Especially to the ones who think hiking up a huge steep mountain isn't a fun way to spend the day. It is definitely not for everyone. Thankyou Bidgee staff. Without your dedication and commitment, experiences like this would not be possible.

Australian Sports Commission

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:12 AEST

Recently The Bidgee School were given an opportunity to apply for a grant with the Sporting Schools Programme Delivery Grant.

We were lucky to succeed in receiving one of the grants.

The grant allows schools to use the money for supervision, transport, equipment, venue hire, teacher programme administration and professional development.

Currently the school is using the money for coaching at the Wagga Gymnastics. Instructor Hayden has a specific school program that he is putting the students through. The program is run for one session a week for 4 weeks and the students are enjoying learning more gymnastic skills.

Remembrance Day

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

On Wednesday the 11th November we held our Remembrance Day Ceremony.

The service was student lead with Jamie starting off with the reading the Ode.

Then we were read a story by Jordan Galvin which he had researched during the week about a soldier called James Martin who signed up early and sadly lost his life on the 25th October 1915. Below is this story:

Today is remembrance day and I would like to introduce you to James Martin. He was only 14 years old and was identified as being the youngest soldier to fight at WW1.

He was born in NSW on 3 January 1901. Having just left school to work as a farmhand, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in April 1915. He told the recruiting officers that he was 18.

He joined the 1st reinforcements of the 21st Battalion with the service number 1553 and trained at Broadmeadows and Seymour Camps in Victoria. In June he left for Egypt on the troopship HMAT Berrima. He embarked for Gallipoli on the steamer HMT Southland, "to have our share of the turks" (letter to his family, 26 August). However, the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine off Lemnos Island and Martin spent four hours in the water before rescue. Private Martin landed with his battalion on Gallipoli on 8th September. They were stationed in the trench lines near Courteney's Post on the ridge above Monash Valley. He wrote to his family (4th October) that "the Turks are still about 70 yards from us...... don't worry about me as I am doing splendid over here". But on the 25th October he was evacuated to the hospital ship Glenart Castle suffering Enteritis. He died of heart failure that evening and was buried at sea. His name is recorded on the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli.

Lest we forget.

Borambola

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:13 AEST

On Friday the 30th October the whole school took a trip out to Borambola Fitness Camp. It was a really great day starting off with the students and staff showing us their Archery skills. Some even managed to get a few bullseyes.

Next we had a Kayaking session with of course quite a few of the students managing to fall in.

We were then treated to Hamburgers for lunch before we were put through our paces with a 2 and 1/2 Kilometre mud run. It started with us running through some obstacles before we had to jump into the creek and wade threw for about 100metres. Then crawl under the cargo net, then threw a rope tangle. run for a bit and then walk over some balance beams. We then had to move a tyre by either rolling it or pushing it for 20 metres. Pull ourselves with a rope threw a water puddle, then run around the bike track.

Once we finished some of the students and staff decided to do the course again.

We are all looking forward to going back later in the term.

Depression

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:36:59 AEST

Term 2 saw The Bidgee School visited by Joe Williams.

Joe is a former Rugby League football player who started his career playing Group 9 and went on to play NRL for the South Sydney Rabbitoh's.

Joe is also a World Champion Boxer with many world championships to his name.

He has suffered for many years with depression and contemplated suicide, he kept the students enthralled with his stories and was very open with his struggles.

At the end of his talk the students were lucky enough to hear him sing a song he wrote about his struggles.

2015 Snow Trip

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:12 AEST

On Friday 24th July staff and students from The Bidgee School visited Selwyn Snowfields for a rewards excursion for students who had demonstrated improvement over the past term. Although the weather was cold and wet everyone had an enjoyable day. Many students had never seen snow before. Despite this, everyone managed to complete the ski lesson and have an enjoyable day on the slopes. There were a few impressive stacks, and some students came home soaking wet, but all students came home with a smile on their face. All students should be commended on their attitude and behaviour throughout the day, they were a pleasure to take.

Keep the dream alive.

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:00 AEST

Term 3 saw a visit to the school from 12 times World Champion Kick Boxer Nathan Corbett.

Nathan came to the school to talk to the students about believing to dream. Also you can follow through with your dreams.

Students were kept engaged and entertained to hear about his many journeys in life.

How2Learn

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:00 AEST

This year The Bidgee School and other schools across the Riverina are implementing the How2Learn program.

How2Learn stands for Higher Order Ways To Learn and means going from good to GREAT.

How2Learn is a strategy focused on building students capacity to learn.

It helps students to develop a clever learner's toolkit that gives young people the skills to become:

Successful learners, who enjoy learning, make connections and transfer knowledge and skills
Confident Individuals who are able to live a safe, healthy and fulfilling life.
Active and responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of present and future generations.

All staff at The Bidgee School have undergone training in How2Learn and are embeding the program in all areas across the school to encourage success and build aspirations. Staff have an understanding that everyone can rise to the challenge if we teach them the skills they need and provide opportunities to practise these skills until they become habits. We encourage our children to reflect on how and why goals have been achieved and what they can do to continue improving. Teachers will use a range of positive teaching practises that can be utilised, with all students, to encourage clever thinking and lifelong learning.

Staff will be talking the language of learning and students will learn a vast new learning vocabulary such as reciprocity, resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness, responsibility, collaboration, interdependance, distilling and accountability just to list a few. This new vocabulary will be taught explicitly so that students understand the meaning of the word and how it applies to their learning and life.

Each Friday at our school assembly the students take it in turns to present learning habits to the rest of the school.

How2Learn

PARTY Programme

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

On Thursday 30th April, a group of students from our school were lucky enough to attend the PARTY Programme.

The PARTY Programme stands for Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth.

The programme consisted of a series of talks from doctors and health professionals about the effect of drugs and alcohol and the related trauma caused from being under the influence. They visited the EmergencyDepartment at Wagga Base Hospital and Calvary Hospital where they saw a simulation of an incident and how the doctors and nurses dealt with the situation. They were also shown through the morgue, the autopsy room, the intensive care unit and lots more.

The day was very confronting but very informative, it was definately a massive eye-opener.

Managing Depression

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:00 AEST

One in four kids over 12 has symptoms of depression. Would you know what to look for and how to help? Don't be afraid, ask your child how they are feeling and keep communicating with them.

Find out more:

http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/wellbeing/health/managing-depression-in-children

Outdoor Education

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

Students at The Bidgee School have been introduced to an Outdoor Education topic this term, with the majority relishing the challenge so far. In small groups students have taken on challenges of trying to squeeze a number of people onto a 'shrinking island', crossing a 'poison river' on pontoons and trying to create a human pyramid. The games are designed to allow students opportunity to critically think and strategize, before using their ideas to physically complete a set challenge. When things don't work out as planned they need to re-evaluate their plan and try again, building resilience skills in the process and trying again. Students are often placed in environments where there are a number of them in close proximity, which, while can be confronting, gives them opportunity to collaborate to achieve their common goal. There is one simple rule for Outdoor Education and that is Respect. Respect for yourself (always trying your best), others (treating others politely) and the learning environment. While the students are currently completing small school based initiative games, as they progress with their skills they will be taught navigation and camp skills which will allow them to progress to bigger and more difficult challenges, with the hope that within the next couple of months students will be participating in multi day adventures hiking, mountain biking or canoeing.

BEEP

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:26:12 AEST

This term The Bidgee School students will again participate in BEEP (Bidgee Engagement and Elective Program).

The students have the opportunity to learn new skills.

Some of the students have chosen Mountain Bike Riding. Students are able to learn valuable bike riding skills, perseverance and working as part of a group. They get to ride on a few of the bike tracks up on Willan's Hill and the more experienced have been able to go out to Pomingalarna to challenge themselves.

Another activity the students are particpiating in is Martial Arts. Students attend the Street Alert Gym to learn different tequniques and self-discipline of Martial Arts. They receive expert teaching in both Martial Arts as well as fitness from a fully qualified personal trainer who was a state and national kick boxing champion. The students receive both one on one instruction as well as working as part of a team in a group fitness class. Not only do the lessons improve the fitness levels of the students, but learning the proper techniques and movements of martial arts helps develop higher self-confidence and self-esteem of the students.

School Attendance Policy

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:37:02 AEST

Section 22 of the Education Act (1990) states that it is the duty of the parent of a child of compulsory school-age to cause the child:

a) to be enrolled at, and to attend, a government or a non-government registered school or

b) to be registered for home schooling with the board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards.

All students who are enrolled at school, regardless of their age, are expected to attend that school whenever instruction is provided.