Spotlight on Students
Regular School Attendance
Every day matters for your child’s learning, as regular attendance helps students to:
- develop a sense of belonging
- develop and maintain friendships
- be more engaged at school
- progress with their learning
Parents play an important role in ensuring students get to school and stay in school every day. Regular attendance at school is essential for students to achieve quality life outcomes. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day was celebrated at Dundas Public School to recognise the diversity within our school. Students dressed in traditional clothing or bright orange, symbolising the multi culturalism nature of our community. During the day, students participated in lessons on friendship, racism, demonstrating respect and learning about the many languages and faiths in our community. Discussions were conducted how the Harmony Day message, "Everyone Belongs", can be strongly supported within our school and wider community.
OC Year 5 entry in 2025: Applications are open 4 April-20 May 2024
What are opportunity classes?
Opportunity classes are one of the ways the NSW Department of Education supports high potential and gifted students. The classes help students learn by:
• grouping them with other gifted students
• using specialised teaching methods so students can learn concepts in more detail and more quickly
• supporting their wellbeing needs.
Most students in opportunity classes enjoy learning with peers who have similar abilities and interests. Opportunity classes are not zoned.
Where are they located?
There are 86 primary schools with Year 5 opportunity classes in NSW each year.
• 54 schools are located in metropolitan Sydney
• 31 schools are located in rural or regional centres
• a virtual class, Aurora College, for rural and remote students is available in over 600 authorised host schools.
Students successfully placed attend the opportunity class full time in Years 5 and 6 at the relevant public school. In most cases, students who have accepted a place in an opportunity class will leave their current school to attend the school with the opportunity class.
Should you apply?
If your child learns with greater ease and speed than their classmates, they may benefit from Information for principals of primary schools 19 © NSW Department of Education, Mar-24 placement in an opportunity class. High potential and gifted children need to be challenged so they remain engaged with their education. Discuss the opportunity with your child and look through the information together on Opportunity classes (Year 5 – 6).
If you would like to discuss whether you think you should apply, please contact your child’s teacher.
Equity provisions
The Equity Placement Model helps to make access to opportunity classes fairer for the following under-represented groups:
• students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
• students from rural and remote locations
• students with disability.
The Equity Placement Model holds up to 20% of places at each school for students from these groups to support an increase in their participation.
Students from these groups may be considered for equity placement if their test performance is within 10% of general applicants for each school. Learn more about the placement process and the placement test at Opportunity classes (Year 5 – 6).
Ready to apply?
Apply online at: Opportunity classes (Year 5 – 6)