Band
During the year our school concert band performs at a number of school functions, such as the Bush Dance, Performance night and the annual presentation ceremonies where they are joined by the training band. The conductor, David Dallinger, and a number of dedicated parents, continue to inspire the children to practice and perform. As well as 3 flutes, a keyboard and a drum set the band now also has a bass clarinet.

  

  

  

 

 

Chess
There are 4 competition teams playing other teams from surrounding schools. Children play chess during lunchtime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

K-2 Choir
Our school has a K-2 choir consisting of approximately 50 students. We perform on Public Education Day, School Presentation Day and any other special occasions throughout the year. The K-2 choir particularly like wearing their colourful choir t-shirts and are always very proud to sing our school song

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Speaking
Children compete in a Regional Public Speaking competition. Each student has to prepare a speech choosing a topic from a list they are given. On the Central Coast Competition Day they also have 5 minutes to prepare an impromptu speech from the same set topic.

 

 

 

 

Active After School Care Program
Approximately 250 students at Gosford Public School participate in a variety of sports as part of Active After School Program. The sports have included gymnastics. soccer, dance, sailing, softball, basketball, touch football and many more.

Dance Troups
Dance groups audition for the Central Coast Dance Festival which is held annually at Laycock Street Theatre and is for all students. Both our senior and junior dance groups were  successful in their 2009 auditions and danced up a storm at the Central Coast Dance Festival.

  

 

 

 

Environmental Awareness
Our green dance group under the guidance of Ms Sarah Ratcliffe, and assisted by students in creating the excellent choreography, was successful in gaining selection to perform at the Environmental Awards Day at Laycock Street Theatre.

Peer Support
Peer support involves all students K-6 where Year 6 students learn specific leadership skills. The peer support program focuses on developing communication skills, self confidence and self esteem. The program includes a buddy program where Year 6 students team up with younger students to offer them support. Peer mentoring teaches students to assist with one another to resist peer group pressure, to resolve conflict and to seek adult help when necessary.

Radio
On Wednesdays the four captains visit Coast FM 96.3 Community Radio to read feature articles on events happening in our school. They also read work from a different grade each time. Many students have been interviewed for radio and some have even performed giving them an opportunity to play their instruments and show their skill.

 

 

 

 

 

Robotics
Students in Year 5 and 6 OC class work on Robotics which involves programming and instruction of their robots. There are three sections to compete in. These are dance, rescue and soccer. In rescue you need to program the robot to follow the line to the oil spill and push a can out. In dance you have to make the robot move to the music and beat. Soccer is the hardest one where you need to make the robot sense an infra-red ball and push it into the goal whilst trying to get it around the opposition.

School Parliament
School Parliament is run on Wednesday fortnights to give students a say for their school. Each class elects two members to represent and convey their class’s thoughts to the parliament. The parliament then decides whether any ideas should go through to a higher authority. If the idea is approved, the appropriate minister for health, sport, budget etc. forwards the idea to the P & C for further discussion. 

 

 

 

Senior Choir
Mr Phil Rees tutors the 3-6 choir. In Term 3 last year the choir sang in the  Hunter’s Central Coast Choral festival and in September 2009 the choir entered the Central Coast Choral Festival held at The Mingara Club.

Values Education

In2006 Gosford Public School implemented the “Values for Life” Program. The 12 values we have adopted as a school are values we hope the children will strive to develop for life. Values that we, as teachers, have agreed are important and values we strive to model.

The  focus of the Values for Life Program is on developing improved accountability with regard to Respect and Responsibility through:

• Developing skills of Resilience
• Enhancing Well-being in all areas
• Encouraging children to make Wise Choices to promote positive consequence

The twelve values taught reflect both the nine Federal Government and the nine NSW Government values set for schools

Library

Our library is a major educational resource centre for both students and staff. The library program is designed to encourage an interest and enjoyment of literature and the development of informational skills. Each student from Kindergarten to Year 6 receives a 40 minute lesson each week.

The library has a bank of 8 desktop computers and 4 laptops all of which are used by the students for research and online access to the library catalogue.

The library is open Monday to Thursday at 8.30am and lunchtimes. During library lessons all students are encouraged to borrow using a school library bag available from the school uniform shop or library.