News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:18:17 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 15:37:27 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 12:48:38 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.

Moree Stars

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 20:10:10 AEDT

MSC Stars

Alexis Karam

Tasked with supporting students with additional needs during their high school education, Alexia Karam’s role is as challenging as it is rewarding.

“I want to see our students thrive, to go on and be bigger and better - and it’s a responsibility I take very seriously, I don’t think any student would say Mrs Karam is their favourite teacher!”

Coming across former students who have carved a career is always a triumph, Alexia recalling a career defining moment that makes the challenges all worthwhile.

“I went into the bank and there was a former student, one who had been in quite a bit of trouble, serving me – straight away she asked ‘are you proud of me miss’ – and I absolutely was.”

Alexia, originally from Bateau Bay, transferred to Moree in 2003 for a six-month opportunity.

Having met her now husband, Simon, at the Moree Rugby Club on one of her first weekends in town, she was more than happy to continue into a full-time role.

“Moree was actually different to what I thought, bigger, with a community that instantly felt really welcoming.”

Now, 15 years and three children later, Alexia is well and truly engrained into this community.

A keen netballer and former elite swimmer, hers is a familiar face at local sporting clubs, while the church and family also keep her well occupied.

This sense of community also extends to her workplace, with Moree Secondary College staff enjoying a strong collegial spirit.

“All our staff are happy to give anything a go, we all place enormous value on helping our students be the best that they possibly can.”

“We have fantastic young teachers coming through, mentored by confident and engaged long term staff.”

Benefitting from significant resourcing, Alexia believed the Moree Secondary College offered a standard of education on par with any urban or regional high school.

“We have so many opportunities that many people in Moree simply aren’t aware of, from science to languages, the standard of education at the Moree Secondary College is undisputable.”

Through her role as an Instructional Leader in Quality Teaching and Learning, Alexia has a rare opportunity to define the future for some of our most vulnerable students.

And while she laughs that she may not be very popular amongst students, thanks to her unwaivering passion for quality education for all, no doubt many will come to thank her in the years to come.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:58:51 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 17:19:55 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:12:04 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.

Moree Stars

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:00:00 AEST

Whether it’s in agriculture, medicine or engineering, the foundations for potential scientific breakthroughs are being built right here at the Moree Secondary College.

With a strong science curriculum that includes all major subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and agricultural science, engagement within the faculty by both students and staff is vibrant.

Head Teacher Science at the Albert Street Campus, Mia Williams, has been teaching at the school for seven years and said the faculty boasted state of the art rooms and equipment and is comprised of experienced teachers, passionate about the curriculum.

“Personally I have always enjoyed science. It’s fascinating and it’s an area in which I am always learning.”

“As a child, science was my favourite subject and every book I read seemed to be science related.”

“To be able to teach students who may then go on to pursue a whole range of science based careers is extremely satisfying. I love the fact that what we teach today could set them up for lifelong careers.”

Both Albert Street and Carol Avenue Campuses both enjoy new, fully equipped science rooms and closely collaborate with tertiary institutions to ensure equipment and curriculum is directly in line with University pre-requisites.

“We enjoy a great relationship with UNE in particular and our students take part in a number of programs annually, such as HSC booster days, which are three day intensive science workshops to prepare for final exams with the potential to secure internships post graduation.”

Moree Secondary College Principal Paula Barton said it was thanks to passionate young staff such as Mia that the science faculty thrived.

“Mia came to us as a young teacher from a farming background, passionate about ag science in particular. It’s extremely rewarding to see that through nurturing and mentoring she has developed into such a fine, high calibre teacher and now is leading her faculty as a Head Teacher.”

“We’re never letting her go!” Mrs Barton laughed.

With a healthy percentage of students taking on science based subjects for their senior studies, Ms Williams said it was not unusual for students to combine top tier subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology locally here in Moree.

“In recent years we have one student graduate fifth in the State in Primary Industries. This is a fantastic reflection on the passion of the students and calibre of staff – it’s a huge achievement.”

Adrian Heard, Head of Science at the Carol Ave Campus, agreed that staff were highly motivated to get the most out of students.

“There’s a real collegiate feel to the science faculty at Moree Secondary College. We’ve been teaching together for a long time and there’s a wealth of experience that benefits both the junior and senior campuses,” Mr Heard said.

Yasmin Misic is one of the most recent recruits to the team, having transferred this term from the Gold Coast.

“It’s a fabulous school to teach in with really engaged students and staff and fabulous facilities, For a country school Moree Secondary College certainly holds its own.”

PHOTO CAP: Moree Science Faculty teachers, Adrian Heard, Mia Williams, James Botfield, Peter Lyons, and at front, Yasmin Misic and MSC Principal, Paula Barton in the Albert Street Campus Science lab.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:27:05 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 11:25:26 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.

Moree Stars

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 20:20:16 AEST

While most of Stafford Burey’s learning may have taken place in the paddocks North West of Moree, this progressive young farmer does not underestimate the value of a good classroom education.

Tireless in his work ethic and enthusiasm, Stafford believes farming was always in his blood, and that the Moree district, despite the current season, is the heartland of the industry.

As such, when it came to his education, staying local was a priority.

“I always wanted to come back to the farm, so being able to continue working with, and learning from, my father on weekends and maintaining that farming lifestyle was really important to me.”

The Moree Secondary College 1998 graduate believed there was nowhere better to gain a formal high school education, while remaining fully immersed in agriculture.

“My education was two-pronged, I was able to learn the ‘tools of the trade’ farming in a district that is world renowned, plus gain a quality education from teachers who really knew and cared about us.”

“The contacts I made and opportunities to be a part of the community during my time at MSC have been invaluable and I genuinely loved my time at school.”

“It really was one of the best times of my life, I had great mates and great teachers and really enjoyed school – which not many people admit to!”

“Infact most days I wish I was back at school! Life is a bit more tricky in the real world!”

Upon completing school Stafford returned to his parent’s broadacre farming and sheep grazing operation, “Rosedale”.

As progressive as he is ambitious, Stafford has successfully grown the operation, now leasing and share-farming a further 6,000 hectares.

Last year he continued to innovate, growing cotton for the first time on the family farm, and realized early the opportunity for hay during the ongoing dry, a new baler purchased in 2018 proving a worthy asset.

Stafford remains confident in the region, despite the current dry.

“I was looking back on photos of 2015 and 2016 recently and they really were great years, it’s easy to lose sight of what a powerhouse of production this region is during times like this, but those days will come again.”

“I think success comes with identifying opportunities, and I believe there are still plenty of opportunities on the horizon within the district.”

“We’ve got quality soils, a great community and there’s still plenty of young blokes keen to have a go, once it rains I’m excited to see what the future holds and to be a part of it.”

Moree Secondary College is looking to further capitalize on, and complement, the region’s rich agricultural sector thanks to a five year MSC Agricultural Education Plan.

MSC Deputy Principal, Belinda Bagshaw, said the plan aims to provide an outstanding facility for students to enhance their educational, and eventually career, opportunities in agricultural production, marketing and sustainability of farming systems.

“We’re excited that thanks to this plan, students will be able to be involved at a greater level to appreciate the theoretical aspects of Agricultural subjects taught at MSC through necessary practical learning strategies and current industry experiences.”

The re-focus on Agriculture curriculum aims to improve Agriculture curriculum delivery and school Agricultural Plots, whilst strengthening connections with local industry experts.

Already a re-organisation of the Albert Street Campus and Carol Avenue Agricultural Plots, soil tests and equipment upgrades has helped ensure students are able to access practical delivery to current industry standards.

An adjustment of year nine and 10 elective programs now also incorporate a focus on cropping and livestock enterprises relevant to the Moree district.

However Mrs Bagshaw believed the greatest point of difference and strength MSC Ag department enjoyed was its direct access to some of Australia’s top rural talent and enterprises.

“We’re connecting students with local producers, agronomists and stock and station agents and have enjoyed various industry excursions including AgQuip, Weebollabolla MLA Beef Industry Workshop, "Brighann" Farm Case Study and Gin Tour, Moree Saleyards and class presentations by local experts.”

“You certainly can’t get this sort of access in many of the city, or even regional based schools, and we’re really excited to continue growing our Agriculture facility and proving our students with genuine and meaningful career options.”

Moree Stars

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 22:40:57 AEST

Don’t be fooled – while she may look slight, there’s nothing little about Gabrielle Clift’s gritty determination.

Leading the Moree Secondary College as School Captain in 2016, diving headfirst into the male dominated diesel gas and now automotive industries, and being physically dwarfed by the heavy machinery she’s maneuvered over the years – it seems nothing is too overwhelming for this pocket rocket.

Gabrielle is currently in her second year of an automotive apprenticeship at Highfields Mechanical in Toowoomba, having started her apprenticeship path here in Moree at DieselGas.

“Ever since I was a young girl I have always loved working with machinery, so I feel really lucky to be forging a career out of something that I genuinely enjoy.”

With her parents, Greg and Lynda Clift, running Moree transport business GR and LA Clift, Gabrielle grew up surrounded by trucks and heavy vehicles, and proudly promotes that there’s no machine her dad can’t drive.

“My Dad is my hero, with three daughters I’ve always been like the son in the family and while at first he was quite scared of me working with heavy machinery, given that I’m quite small, he’s now my greatest advocate.

“Since starting my apprenticeship we can sit down and have in-depth conversations about work and machinery, which we both really enjoy.”

Down to earth and an easy conversationalist, Gabrielle credits her time at Moree Secondary College for giving her the confidence necessary to pave her future path.

“Academically and socially MSC really prepared us for the real world, there was no special treatment, if you wanted to do well you knew you just had to work hard like everyone else and you could.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at MSC, and what I enjoyed the most was the friendships - not only with fellow students but with the teachers - when it was time to learn it was heads down but if there was a moment spare we could have a laugh or two.”

“Mrs Tickle certainly holds a special spot in my memories, she was able to motivate me to put more effort and time into to my maths studies, which to this day I have found useful.”

A talented musician, she plays a number of instruments, including paid guitar gigs, and was taught here in Moree by Marty Roberts and Jac Drenkhahn.

“We are so fortunate to have such talent in Moree, I did toy with the idea of being a music teacher but quickly realized that I didn’t have the patience to work with children!” she laughed.

Performing in Mean Girls, The Red Barn and as a member of Moree Women's Hockey Association, Moree District Brass Band and Moree Ukulele group, Gabrielle is also grateful for the variety of cultural and sporting opportunities Moree afforded her.

“I feel like I’ve had a huge number of opportunities to participate in the community, which I possibly wouldn’t have had if I’d been at school in a bigger centre.”

She admits that while her parents weren’t in the financial position to send her to boarding school, Greg and Lynda also believed that having their daughters going through school in their home town allowed them to grow up in a family environment, which was important to them.

Gabrielle is glad she stayed, and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“At the end of the day it hasn’t been an issue at all, I certainly don’t feel behind the eight ball because I didn’t go away – particularly now everyone has finished school - now we’re all on a level playing feel I certainly feel I can hold my own.”
And that’s no understatement.

Gabrielle’s passion for a career path in mechanics was cemented after a gap year in 2017 working on big rigs within the local agricultural industry.

“I obtained my license to drive heavy rigid trucks and other various forms of machinery and worked across the region including Wathagar Ginning Company, North West Ginning and Broadbent.”

Not one to be intimidated, Gabrielle found her experience at the helm of some of the biggest machines in the district euphoric.

“It’s really empowering working heavy machinery – plus I’ve never felt so big!” she laughed.

She’s now excited to be broadening her horizons in Toowoomba working on automobile and light vehicle mechanics, and said her scope of work was extremely wide.

“From wheel alignments to tyres and performance vehicles I’m learning some great skills through my current apprenticeship and there are so many avenues I could pursue, it’s a really exciting time.”

“There aren’t many girls in the industry, but I’ve had nothing but positive experiences – there’s a great atmosphere and everyone is inclusive.”

Her advice to students looking to pursue a career a bit ‘outside the box’ is to go for it.

“Whether you’re a boy or a girl, don’t worry about stereotypes, just do what drives you and own it – be confident in your decision and let your charisma break through any barriers, once people recognize your determination you won’t look back.”

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:53:21 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

Moree Stars

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:50:51 AEST

Moree Stars
Moree Secondary College past student Lydia Berghan has not skipped a beat since finishing high school in Moree, and now this professional midwife is dedicated to delivering very different beats, those of newborn babies.

Lydia Berghan, nee Binks, graduated from Moree Secondary College in 2008 and headed straight to University upon finishing.

“I received my first qualification as a nurse before getting married to Benjamin Berghan, a fellow Moree local, and moving back to our hometown to work at the local hospital,” she explains.

Later, Lydia completed a postgrad certificate in midwifery before heading overseas and exploring the world.

The couple has since settled on the coast, with Lydia working part-time as a nurse and midwife at the local base hospital.

While she's usually the one delivering the babies, she and Benjamin have wasted no time creating their own little offspring, having welcomed Maia in 2018 and Ezekiel earlier this year.

Having experienced a lot in a short amount of time, Lydia credits her strong work ethic and drive to her years at Moree Secondary College.

“Being educated locally meant that I was able to continue working part-time in a local café, which gave me a great grounding for life in the workforce and really made me appreciate earning every dollar.”

The opportunity to stay close to family and friends was also extremely beneficial.

“I can’t imagine having done my Higher School Certificate without the support of my family and living at home, and the teachers at MSC were all so supportive - the school offered great subject choices, staff were really hands on helping guide me through my final years of schooling.

While Lydia is thrilled to be raising a family, it hasn’t diminished her ambition, with the young dynamo admitting she’s not ready to rest just yet.

“I’d love to study my masters in midwifery and become a clinical midwifery specialist, but it’s been a busy ten years so I might enjoy some family time and see where my path takes me.”Moree Stars
Moree Secondary College past student Lydia Berghan has not skipped a beat since finishing high school in Moree, and now this professional midwife is dedicated to delivering very different beats, those of newborn babies.