News

Open Evening 2020

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:41:34 AEDT

Muirfield High School will hold its annual Open Evening (Open Evening Flyer pdf 611 KB) on Monday 2 March 2020 from 5pm to 7pm. This is an opportunity to meet the Principal, staff and students, tour the school and discover more about our programs and facilities. Information on the Year 7 High Achievers Class will be available on the evening.

We have a High Achievers Class in Year 7. The High Achievers class caters for students who are talented in literacy and numeracy, who process information and new concepts quickly or who are academic high achievers.

Applications for the High Achievers Class should be submitted to Muirfield High School's front office by 9 April 2020 using the application form found here. Details on supporting documentation are found on the application form (pdf 648KB).

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:18:36 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 15:38:05 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

Uniform shop hours

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 15:42:43 AEDT

The uniform shop trading hours during normal school terms are:

Monday: 12:30 - 1:30pm
1st Monday of the month: 5:30 - 7pm

Additional uniform shop trading hours

2019 Times

Monday 9 December 2019: 12:30 - 1:30pm

Monday 16 December 2019: 12:30 - 1:30pm (Last day for 2019)

2020 Times

Tuesday 28 January 2020 (Pupil Free Day): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 5:30 - 7:00pm

Wednesday 29 January 2020 (First day for Years 7, 11 & 12): 8:00am - 10:00am & 12:30 - 1:30pm

Thursday 30 January 2020 (All students return): 7:30am - 9:00am

Monday 3 February 2020: Resumption of normal Monday opening hours during school terms.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:59:25 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.

Jazz @ The Pines

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 13:59:31 AEDT

On Sunday 15th September, our Stage Band travelled to Roughley House in Dural, to perform as special guests in their annual Jazz @ The Pines event. Jazz at the Pines is a project of The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville with the support of The Hills Shire Council.

A very chilled out Sunday session of jazz was well received by the audience and well worth the early Sunday morning rise.

Many thanks to Tom, our awesome stage band tutor, another great event supporting and celebrating The Arts.

Band Links

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 13:27:52 AEDT

On Tuesday 10^th September, the CAPA faculty hosted local primary schools for an afternoon band workshop and combined band performance with our band students. Students spent the afternoon alternating between full band rehearsal and sectional tutorials, being guided by tutors and senior band students. Muirfield students had the opportunity to mentor and inspire young students from our local partner primary schools, Baulkham Hills North PS, North Rocks PS, Northmead PS, Winston Hills PS and Model Farm PS. Culminating in a MASSIVE concert band performance! However, some of the 90+ primary school students seemed to find the pizza and drink a big highlight also.

Many thanks to Miss Frame and the awesome CAPA Committee for all the behind the scenes work, all up, another great afternoon supporting and celebrating The Arts.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:20:14 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 12:12:12 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.

Make a Difference Day

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 08:46:39 AEST

On the 29th of July, Caitlin and Tom, of Year 10, attended the NSW Parliament for the Make a Difference Day.

During the day issues such as social justice and racism were addressed and students contributed ideas as to how they could make a difference in their communities.

Caitlin reported that concerns raised by them and other young people from across the state included climate change and equal representation in parliament.

Tom said, "Overall the day taught us practical ways to make a difference in our attitudes and actions with the people around us to make the world a better place."

What are you doing to make a difference in your community?

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:27:15 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 11:25:34 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.

MADD Night

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 09:40:58 AEST

Muirfield's annual MADD Night is on Friday 23 August at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, commencing at 6pm. This is a wonderful celebration of musical, artistic, dance and drama excellence from the students of our school. Ticekts available through the Riverside box office which can be accessed via the theatre's website.

Ex-student wins World Championship

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:18:05 AEST

After Tom won gold at the 2016 Olympics, we named one of our sporting houses in his honour. Tom has continued his success. Tom's links with Muirfield continued after he completed his HSC, as his mother became a teacher here for a number of years. You can read about Tom's latest win in the Sydney Morning Herald article.

School Leaders Visit Parliament House

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:32:38 AEST

Recently the school captains and vice captains attended an afternoon tea at Parliament House, hosted by local member David Elliot. The Annual Hills Young Leaders Afternoon Tea has been running for a number of years now and members of our Student Executive always attend. This year we heard speeches from both the premier and treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, giving us an invaluable insight into the workings of parliament. Additionally, we had the opportunity to chat to a number of community leaders. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet such influential and interesting people.

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:51 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 11:42:09 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.

Keeping our community healthier this winter

Tue, 28 May 2019 10:17:56 AEST

Colder days and chilly nights have set in and influenza (flu) season is here. The flu is much more serious than a cold and can be prevented by vaccination.

At the end of last term, all staff at Muirfield were offered flu vaccinations to minimise the possible impact of lost teaching days due to illness and to help stop the spread of flu.

The best way to keep your family healthy is to get a flu shot. A flu shot is safe for everyone over six months and it does not give you the flu.

Stay at home if sick

Flu can spread quickly when large numbers of people are in close contact, such as at school, so if your child is sick, keep them home.

Simple steps to stop the spread of flu

Get a flu shot for all family members
Encourage your child to sneeze into their elbow instead of their hand
Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly. They can use the hand sanitiser we have available at the front office
Stay at home if sick
See a doctor if symptoms get worse

Student Voice

Tue, 14 May 2019 11:10:28 AEST

Recently three Year 10 Muirfield students were invited to an Educational Forum at the State Office of the Department of Education to meet with Departmental leaders. Directors and others who have oversight of change in designing systems wanted to hear from students. Only one other school was invited, which added to the responsibility that our students felt in representing all young people, not just students from Muirfield.

Caitlin, Tom and Zac provided student perspective on potential changes. According to our three students, there was a strong message from Directors that future classrooms should be larger with greater number of students in each class. This “flexible” use of space and teachers apparently enables teamwork. Our students strongly disagreed. They said they prefer smaller classes. Tom said, “Smaller classes give your more direct teacher time.” Caitlin added that this helps you get a deeper understanding and you get more feedback from the teacher in a smaller class. “Ideally,” said Zac, “I’d like to see classes with 15 to 25 students. Too small and you miss the ideas from other students and the discussion. Too big and you miss the individual interaction with teachers.”

They all agreed that more needs to be done in using technology to teach different things in different ways.

For student voice to be powerful and effective, young people need to be confident that they are heard, even when they disagree with the dominant ideas. It says a lot about how articulate and confident our students are, that they are able to respectfully and logically present an alternate position. Thank you to Mr Jankovics for accompanying the students.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:57:05 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.

Year 7 become Scientists

Tue, 14 May 2019 11:13:18 AEST

During Term 1, Year 7 students have learnt the laboratory skills needed for the study of Science. They have identified risks associated with working in a science laboratory, developed their observation and questioning skills and have identified a range of scientific equipment. Students have learnt the key skills of drawing and interpreting graphs and tables; and identifying associated patterns, trends and relationships. All students have safely lit a Bunsen burner and, as previously reported, were very excited to receive their Bunsen burner licence.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:12:04 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 14:21:32 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.

7P Gets their Bunsen Burner Licence

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 13:45:34 AEDT

We felt very proud. But we weren't as proud as our teacher, Mr Jankovics. The smile on his face was bigger than ours. He was so proud of us. Getting a bunsen burner licence is a big achievement. It was more exciting than getting a pen licence in primary school. You use a pen every day but a bunsen burner is special. Prac lessons are entertaining. It is really satisfying to control the oxygen to change the flame. The blue flame is the hottest. You get to mix chemicals and see what happens when you apply heat. by Charles G & Jasmine S, 7P

Year 7 MindMatters

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 14:57:01 AEDT

At Muirfield, our MindMatters program explicitly teaches social and emotional skills. There are five kinds of social and emotional skills that are important for children and young people to develop: self-awareness, ie identifying emotions and developing self-confidence; self-management, such as impulse control, self-discipline and goal setting; social awareness, for example, appreciating diversity; relationship skills, including communication and team work skills and finally, responsible decision-making. Our MindMatters program covers all of these over the course of a young person’s schooling.

Seminars, workshops, presentations for all year groups occur throughout the year, focusing on aspects of social and emotional wellbeing relevant to the age and development of the cohort.

In March, a whole day program was organised for Year 7, covering a range of topics; including bullying, developing team work, and self-organisation skills for learning.

Year 7 students reflected on their learning. Layla Mehjar said, “We learnt about bullying and what it means and its impact.” Isabella Primrose said, “We also learnt to prioritise assignments. And that school can be fun."

Social and emotional education is also key for our school’s strong positive relationships which are among the greatest factors that prevent bullying and social isolation.

Year 7 Camp

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 09:38:02 AEDT

In Week 5, Year 7 went to Great Aussie Bush camp for the Annual Year 7 Peer Support Camp. Students challenged themselves in a range of individual and team activities. Firm friendships between students and strong connections between students and teachers were formed. Year 11 peer support leaders were outstanding in their mentoring of younger students. The mud run once again proved itself to be the great leveller as well as a lot of fun!

High Achievement in the HSC at Muirfield

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 09:30:45 AEDT

We congratulate our 2018 Year 12 for their many outstanding results.

Of particular note is our Dux, Lily Tomlin, with an ATAR of 98.45. Lily had a broad pattern of study – English (Advanced), English Extension 1, Biology, Legal Studies, Mathematics General 2 and PDHPE. With Band 6s in all of her courses, Lily was rewarded for her hard work and sharp intellect and was placed on two of NESA’s merit lists: the All-round Achievers merit list and the Distinguished Achievers list. Lily also demonstrated great leadership skills as our School Captain of 2018.

We had two students on the Top Achievers in Course list, which lists students who achieved one of the highest places in the state in an HSC course or VET exam:

Yixin (Jo-jo) Kang 6th in the state in Mathematics Extension 2
Stephanie Williams 2nd in the state in Primary Industries

Further details can be found in the first edition of the 2019 newsletter.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:23:50 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

Open Evening 2019

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 08:58:31 AEDT

Muirfield High School will hold its annual Open Evening on Monday 4 March 2019 from 5pm to 7pm. This is an opportunity to meet the Principal, staff and students, tour the school and discover more about our programs and facilities. Information on the Year 7 High Achievers Class will be available on the evening. Please click for more details

Applications for the High Achievers Class should be submitted to Muirfield High School's front office by 13 April 2019 using the application form found here. Details on supporting documentation are found on the application form.

Applications are invited for the Band Scholarship for a student in Year 7 2019. The scholarship will cover four years of band tuition which provides for weekly band instruction and one year of small group tuition. Applications close 5 July 2019. Band Scholarship Application

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:21:34 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 12:00:18 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.

Royal Easter Show win

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 11:56:08 AEDT

Muirfield students again excelled at the Easter Show. Mr Skevington led a team for the

Curruculum Review

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 23:38:36 AEDT

Curriculum Review

Muirfield High School is conducting a curriculum review Term 1, 2018. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the curriculum and approach to whole school technology to ensure Muirfield's curriculum is rigorous and responsive. The review team will investigate whether our students' patterns of study and use of technology is meeting community expectations and rising to the challenges of the future.

The team will look at three aspects in particular:

Subjects studied in Years 7 to 10
STEM
Muirfield's approach to BYOD

STEM

What is STEM?

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive subject based on real-world applications.

Whys is STEM so important?

"In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past." (National Science Foundation)

The Australian government want us to encourage students to study STEM subjects to help secure the nation's future in these areas of employment. They believe that starting this interest at the school level will help increase the number of students taking up STEM subjects in higher education and in their careers and help keep Australia competitive internationally in these important fields.

What is BYOD?

Student Bring Your Own Device Policy (BYOD) allows students to use personal mobile electronic devices at school, with the capability of connecting to the department's wi-fi network. Currently, Muirfield students can bring any device, however, they can also choose not to bring a device. Other approaches include families buying a specific device for their child to use at school or families purchasing any device that meets a minimum specification.

Review Process

The review team will listen to the views of students, parents and teachers through focus groups and surveys. This input is vital to the recommendations and decisions. If any recommendations for change are made, they will be for the 2019 school year or beyond.