MORE than 780,000 new and returning students are being welcomed this week to the 2015 school year.
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“Our 2200 public schools are welcoming students back, starting with Eastern Division schools on Wednesday, January 28,” Deputy secretary of Education and Communities Greg Prior said.
“We are also pleased to again offer important back-to-school advice for parents via the Department of Education and Communities website.
“Starting school can sometimes be a bit daunting, especially for those attending primary or high school for the first time.
“A visit to www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au can help with students’ and parents’ back-to-school needs.”
The website has useful information, such as:
- A checklist for getting students ready to head back to school;
- Handy hints on homework, including planner templates and study tips;
- Answers to frequently-asked questions about uniforms, sun safety, curriculum and technology;
- Public school term dates;
- Educational games for students; and
- Videos with advice from teachers on everything from preparing to start high school, to dealing with bullying or depression.
“Our school jargon buster will also help parents sort out their CAPAs from their KLAs, and explain why BEC and TAS are not girls’ names,” Mr Prior said.
“I recommend the website to all parents, especially if they want advice on sending their children to school for the first time.”
Assistance is also available to parents and caregivers via the Back-to-School Hotline (1300 738 338).
The hotline operates between 8.30am and 4.30pm weekdays until February 13.
Experienced staff will be answering the phones and, for the cost of a local landline call, will be providing expert advice on preparing children for school (normal mobile charges apply).
For individual schools’ starting dates and times, parents are encouraged to call their local school.
