Local news for local people
It's almost summer and the schools are winding down
December 18, 2025
Hampton Public School
Hampton's Got Talent! The inaugural Hampton talent quest saw some wonderful performances today from singing, dancing, stand- up comedy, and magic tricks!
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Christmas Family Picnic
Hampton families came together for an evening of Christmas cheer and bush dancing. Such a fun way to finish the year together. A big thank you to the 'Hampton Family Bush Band' for making the evening special!
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Oberon Public School
The power of positivity
Throughout the year, students in 5/6MK have participated in activities to celebrate individuality and promote positive thoughts about themselves and their peers. This term, we have focused on the positive attributes we see in others. Students enjoyed reading what others thought about them.
Chloe Killen | Classroom Teacher
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Wow! What a term!
KM have been super busy this term. Together they’ve enjoyed learning from Miss Evie Simpson who completed her final university placement with us over 6 weeks. They’ve also had their first school-based swimming lessons, an excursion to Scenic World, Katoomba, cooked pikelets in class, created gingerbread houses and of course we’ve snuck in some reading and writing.
Nicola McMahon | Classroom Teacher
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Christmas Celebration
Eligible students travelled to The Christmas Party at Rosehill. This is a very special event which is made possible by generous donations from businesses and volunteers. The students had an amazing day filled with rides, food, entertainment and presents.
Natalie Beattie | Learning and Support Teacher
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Term 4 Achievements
We have recognised some of the achievements of our wonderful students during term 4. We acknowledged and celebrated students who achieved their silver, gold, diamond and platinum medallions. We are very proud of our hard-working and dedicated students. Following the assembly, students enjoyed morning tea with their invited guests.
Jo'elle Frampton l Principal
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Fabulous Friday Attendance
Congratulations to our attendance raffle winner, Clare McMahon, who came to school 90% or more of the time last fortnight, and it paid off. Clare received a hamburger pack to share with her family.
Jo'elle Frampton | Principal
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Reading Excellence
Rubi Christie-Johnston has been awarded a gold award for successfully completing the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge for the fourth consecutive year. Congratulations, Rubi!
Jo'elle Frampton | Principal
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Homework Raffle
Congratulations to Isla Hobby, Jackson Williams, Milla Rowlandson and Brax Anlezark who won the raffle for handing in their homework. The winners chose a variety of toys and stationery. We also finsihed the year with the homework raffle draw for students who completed their homework every week across the term. Congratulations to Thenuja Kadupitige and Grace McDermott. Well done, students!
Jo'elle Frampton | Principal
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Operation Art
Students received their Operation Art certificates and a copy of their artwork at last Friday's assembly. Artworks will now be displayed in local galleries in 2026.
Kelly Sheppard l Coordinator
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Christmas Concert
We celebrated the festive season with a Christmas concert. Students enjoyed performing this morning for their wonderful Grandparents and were then able to share morning tea with them. We also celebrated our wonderful volunteers who support our school community across many different areas. The students finished the day by performing again for their parents. Merry Christmas everyone!
Danni-Lee Thompson l Assistant Principal
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Basketball Showdown
Year 6 students enjoyed versing the teachers in a game of basketball. The match was highly competitive, with plenty of skill on display from both the teachers and students. After a hard-fought game, the teachers and students came away with a convincing draw!
OPS Teachers l Still Undefeated Basketball Team
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St Joseph's Catholic School
From the Principal
It's hard to believe that the end of the school year is almost upon us and I'm sure you would agree that the past forty school weeks have flown by. We have certainly enjoyed a happy and successful year where the students have continued to strive. As we come to the end of the year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, students and staff for the support, trust, and partnership you have shown throughout 2025. Our school continues to grow as a place of learning, faith, and community because of the commitment each of you brings to our shared journey.
This year has been filled with achievements - big and small. From academic growth to sporting success, creative arts, community events and the kindness shown in everyday moments, our students have continued to make us proud. Their joy, curiosity, and resilience remind us why our work matters so deeply.
I extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff, whose professionalism and care make St Joseph’s such a nurturing and vibrant place to learn and I especially acknowledge the following staff:
To Mr Harvey as he concludes his time with us. We are grateful for his energy, humour, and the positive impact he has made. May he enjoy his new role at Garden Suburb Public School, Newcastle.
To Mrs Gibbons who is stepping down from her role as Religious Education Coordinator. Her leadership in shaping the faith life of our school has been invaluable. She has brought depth, reflection, and a strong commitment to nurturing the spiritual development of our students. We are grateful that she will continue with us as a classroom teacher, where her gifts will remain an integral part of our mission and daily life.
To Mrs Beale, we wish her every blessing as she prepares to welcome her second child, may she enjoy her precious year ahead.
I also extend a warm welcome to Miss Paige Ryan who has accepted the position of Year 4 teacher, Miss Olivia Pringle who will replace Mrs Beale in Kindergarten for the year and Miss Lisa Nev who will be at our school on a more permanent basis. I’m certain these teachers will enrich our school community, contribute to our strong learning culture, and help our students continue to grow academically, socially, and in faith.
To our families, thank you for your partnership, encouragement and ongoing belief in our school. Your involvement strengthens our community and supports the success of every child.
Pre Kinder
This week our Pre K students had a wonderful time creating Christmas crafts. They enjoyed using their creativity and exploring new materials to make something special. We also had fun practicing our dance and the children are excited to share soon!
Pre K Teacher Miss Olivia Pringle
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Big Things Are Happening at Our School!
Our school is a hive of activity as we make exciting improvements across the school. We’re committed to creating the best possible environment for our students - and we’re thrilled to share what’s happening!
Current Improvements Include:
Repainting the exterior of the
admin building and front entrance
Expanding the Year 6 classroom
to create a larger, more flexible learning space
Installing new
smartboards in all primary classrooms
Creating a new garden area
for students to enjoy
Adding new soccer goal posts to our
playground
Every improvement brings us closer to the vibrant, dynamic learning environment we envision for our students.
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Oberon High School
Stage 6 Work Studies enjoyed an amazing day in Bathurst exploring work opportunities and expanding their skills. We had a hands-on workshop at Radio Station 2BS courtesy of their amazing staff. Liam, Carter and Myles were naturals in the interview studio, then doubled up as confident voice-recording artists, making short station identification voiceovers. The students enjoyed themselves immensely. We then toured the National Motor Racing Museum before a leisurely lap of the Mt Panorama track in the school bus. We followed this with lunch at Cafe on Corporation where the manager, Carol and the Education Officer Louise outlined the services offered there and invited the students to return next year to explore further work and training options. A great day was had by all. The students were great ambassadors for the school.
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Over the past few days Mrs Curry has been participating in the Mathematics Growth Team conference at the NSW Department of Education offices in Parramatta. A fantastic opportunity for one of our early careers teachers. Here she is pictured with the Mathematics Growth Team, including Mr Eddie Woo of Youtube fame.
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SWE Assembly
We held our assembly to celebrate the achievements of our students. Hunter Kilby received the Benny Award for School Spirit.
The Top Benny awards for each year were also announced:
Year 8 - Rose Christie-Johnston,
Year 9 - Emily Conlon,
Year 10 - Leah Townsend,
Year 11 -
Abbey Kyriakakis, and
Year 12 - Sophie McMahon.
Benny made an appearance , and house points were announced:
Abercrombie 856,
Tuglow 873 and
Werong 895. Werong were rewarded with pizza during recess.
Students who attended school during Term 4 with 95% or higher attendance were recognised, and Kind Citizen awards were presented to Jade Memory and Abbey Kyriakakis.
Amber Hibbert | SWE Coordinator
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Reading Success
The Indigenous Reading Program offers students the opportunity to enhance their literacy skills through an engaging online platform. Elloura Neilsen received a tablet to access an online library to allow her to pick books that aligned with her interests. Over the course of 10 weeks, Elloura read regularly and was able to develop a love of reading. As a testament to her achievement, she was proudly awarded a certificate of completion and the tablet to continue supporting her reading journey beyond the program.
Tim Graham | Aboriginal Coordinator
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Team Building
OPAL class have had a busy day travelling around Bathurst to work on team building and rapport and spend some time at a business to talk work and apprenticeships .
Our day started buying work wear and safety items that will be worn when on work experience and other visits to various trades around our local area.
The purchase of safety glasses and earmuffs came in handy when we visited BFK Custom Kitchen and Joinery, where we experienced the trade firsthand with demonstrations of equipment used on the job, safety discussion and how to work toward apprenticeships.
Our day ended at Tenpin Bathurst to work on our team rapport and skills in communication.
A big shout out to Brodie at BFK, Bunnings and Tenpin Bathurst for having us . Students are so keen for the next outing - the votes are coming in for the next trade focus.
OPAL Team
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Fundraiser Success
At lunchtime on Tuesday, our SRC team was busy selling sausage sandwiches and Zooper Doopers to raise funds for Men's Mental Health! A huge thank you to everyone who supported this important cause - your kindness is making a difference.
SRC Team
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Black Springs Public School
Term 4 full of learning and fun!
The highlights of term 4 included excursions to Schools Spectacular, Scenic World and the movies, the Bathurst Small Schools Creative and Practical Arts Festival and disco, Christmas craft and our Presentation Night with family and friends.
Black Springs Public School staff.
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