Dear Parents and Carers,

What a wonderful introduction I have had to Bidwill Public School in our first few weeks of school.  It has been a great pleasure to meet students in classrooms and on the playground, and to see our students ready to be learners at school. One of the many things I have noticed as I have visited classrooms, walked around the school and been on the playground, is how respectful and friendly our students are.  They are keen to learn, ready to assist their peers and teachers and meet the expectations of being a student at Bidwill PS.

As I have been walking around our school, I have been able to hand out many Bidwill Buddys, for students who are in the right place at the right time, making good decisions and working to keep our school neat and tidy. Each class is collecting Bidwill Buddys and each stage will draw out one name at the end of each week to win a lunch order for the following Monday. Be sure to ask your child if they received a Bidwill Buddy and if so, ask them what it was for.

In the coming days we will be sending out information to parents and carers about classroom organisation and teachers for each class. Teachers will then be in contact to introduce themselves either at the front or back gate, or by phone. We will also be using our Facebook page to introduce you to all of our new staff, so you can get to know them and welcome them to the Bidwill team.

We have received additional RAT kits for all families. If you did not have the chance to pick up your child’s test kits, please contact the school. Each student is eligible for at least another 4 tests, so be sure to pick them up so we can keep our school community safe.

I look forward to continuing to meet all our families. Please be sure to introduce yourself to me if you see me at the front or back gate each morning and afternoon. 

Michelle Drage

Executive Principal

Bidwill PS

Kindergarten had the most amazing first day at school! Our newest students were super excited meeting new friends and old, and getting to know our school, classroom and teachers. Well done Kindy, we can't wait to have a big year with you! View our website gallery for more photos here.

What does it mean to be sun safe?

·     Being sun safe means we understand that the sun can be harmful and a hat is a sensible way of protecting ourselves

·     Being sun safe means we develop the safe habit of wearing a hat at all times when outdoors regardless of how hot it is

·     Being sun safe means we make safe decisions about where to play, how to stay cool and how to make safe, healthy and protective choices.

With Covid restrictions still in place, students are asked to bring a water bottle to school everyday. Students will be able to refill their bottle during the day.

Scholastic Book Club Catalogue #1 orders - catalogues were sent home recently and orders will be due into the office or ordered online through Loop by Friday 18th March, 2022. 

For decades, Scholastic has been proudly bringing adventure and the unrivaled enjoyment of reading to multiple generations of Australian families via Book Club. Each Issue contains specially curated, age-appropriate titles that have been carefully selected by a team of booklovers.

Browse issue #1 here: https://scholastic.com.au/media/6622/bc122_web.pdf

2022 school travel applications are now open

Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2022 can apply now. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for a school travel pass for the first time, or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who change address, school, campus location, or who have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications and current entitlements are updated and remain valid. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.

If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their Student Opal card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2022.

Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may come via the school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

School Student Transport Scheme site change

On 1 October 2021 the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) information and application portal was moved to transportnsw.info. This will assist families to find all their travel information in the one place.

Travel from Term 1 2022

We ask that parents plan ahead and make sure their child knows which service/s to use and has a valid ticket to travel; either a School Opal card or Child/Youth Opal card (within Greater Sydney) or a School Travel Pass (outside Greater Sydney), from the start of the school year.

Applications for the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) open at the start of Term 4 2021 for travel in 2022, so parents/students can apply or update details early and be ready for the start of the new school year.

Most students using the Opal network will not need a new Opal card and can continue travelling on their existing card each year.

The start of the year is a difficult period for local bus operators, and students travelling without a valid ticket make service planning and operations increasingly difficult.

We recognise that for some families last minute changes to school enrolments mean they may not have a School Opal card or Travel Pass for the start of term. In the Opal network, we strongly encourage these families to have their children travel on a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Bus operators are flexible and understanding, particularly at the start of the school year, and will ensure students can travel safely to and from school. But to best support our operators we encourage all students to have a valid ticket, as early as possible, from the start of the school year.

Please also remember that students using Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Student code of conduct and Opal terms of use.

Back to School Snack Solutions

On average children eat 2-3 snacks every day so it’s important to make them as healthy as possible. Download our Back to School Snack Solutions Guide for snacks that will power kids brains and fuel their muscles throughout the day.  

Match Point | November 2021 (nsw.gov.au)