Student opportunities and activities

School Sport

Yowie Bay Public School offers a wide range of sporting opportunities to suit every interest and skill level.

Our school sport (non-competitive) program includes a variety of skill based games such as dodge ball, soccer skills, table tennis, tennis and basketball.

Our competitive PSSA sporting program gives students the chance to represent the school in district and state competitions. Student’s trial and can be selected for PSSA teams including soccer, touch football, AFL, ultimate frisbee, netball, basketball, cricket, softball and football.

Teacher’s accompany students to PSSA games and are dedicated to helping them develop skills, build teamwork, and foster sportsmanship.

Creative and Performing Arts Groups and Showcases -  Dance

Children in Years 1-6 have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular Dance Programs and the Dance Ensembles. Children are taught dance skills and basics of choreography. A fee applies to dance lessons and a costume fee is applicable. Children rehearse during recess and lunchtimes. Year 5 children participate in the DanceSport program. Children represent the school at various festivals and concerts throughout the year which may include the Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festivals, The Spotlight Dance Festival, Yowie Bay Public School Performing Arts Concert and the Schools Spectacular.

Visual Arts

In Visual Arts, students enhance their knowledge, skills, and understanding by creating artworks that are inspired by their explorations of the world around them. This process involves investigating various subject matters, experimenting with different expressive forms, and considering the audience that will engage with their creations. Additionally, students cultivate their ability to appreciate both their own artistic expressions and those of others. They learn to identify connections between artists, their artworks, and the audiences that experience them, as well as to understand how these elements reflect and interpret the world.

Music

In Music, students build their knowledge, skills, and understanding through the performance of diverse musical styles that span various time periods and cultural backgrounds. They engage in activities such as singing, playing instruments, and moving to music, which helps them to express themselves artistically. Additionally, they learn to organise sound into musical compositions by applying fundamental musical concepts. Beyond performance, students also enhance their abilities to listen critically and engage in discussions about their own musical creations as well as those of their peers. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of music and its cultural significance.

Performing Band

This opportunity is open to children who are passionate about music and eager to perform.

Students in the Training Band progress to the Performing Band after one year of learning and practice with their instrument. Our band offers a dynamic and exciting environment where your child can develop their skills and showcase their musical talent. Instruments include Brass, Woodwind and Percussion. Children attend weekly tutorials and band practices before school with a skilled instructor.

With a repertoire including a range of genres—from classical to contemporary—our band performs at school events and performance nights. As a member of The Performing Band, student’s work together honing techniques, learning new pieces, and practicing for up-coming performances.

Language Tuition

Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions. At Yowie Bay Public School we offer French and Spanish  lessons to interested students outside of school hours. Students participate in weekly lessons. French is currently on Wednesday mornings and Spanish on Friday mornings, with a qualified teacher.

Please note that this is an extra-curricular activity provided by an external provider, and a fee is associated with participation.

Excursions and Incursions

Our students enjoy getting out of the classroom to explore, learn and try new things. These experiences help them grow, build confidence and see how their learning connects to the world. Excursions, performances and camps are an important and integral component of the curriculum at our school. Excursions are arranged by each grade or stage.

These experiences are able to bring to life the work children are studying in class, by taking them to venues such as the zoo, museums, the beach or historical buildings.

We try to keep costs for excursions to a minimum so that as many children as possible are able to participate. If at any time you are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to meet the cost of an excursion please speak to the Principal.

An overnight excursion is organised for Stage 3 children. The excursion enables children to develop social skills and independence as well as supplement the work completed in class.

Debating and public speaking

Students can develop their thinking, communication and teamwork skills through debating and public speaking. Debating involves arguing a point of view with reasoning and evidence.  A school debating team is available for children in Years 5 and 6. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, public speaking , and the ability to form and present logical arguments. Students participate in weekly meetings where they practise mock debates as well as compete in inter-school competitions.

Environmental Education

Our school takes part in a number of environmental projects.

• Children participate in School Clean Up Day

• Environmental assemblies are held by children to acknowledge important events.
• Children are given the opportunity to look after the vegetable garden and vegetables grown are used in the school canteen.
• Children look after our chickens and the eggs are used in the canteen.

STEM

Our STEM program engages students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This specialised curriculum features hands-on learning and enhances problem-solving skills, collaboration and encourages innovation. With many jobs in the future expected to be in STEM fields, this program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Chess Club

Chess Club is for students in Years 3-6. It is held in the library at lunchtime. Chess can be an invaluable learning tool to help children develop in many different ways. Some of the benefits are improved decision making, attention and concentration. Playing chess can also result in increased resilience, as well as developing problem solving skills. This year, selected students represented our school at an interschools tournament. There are also friendly competitions and prizes throughout the year.

Maths Olympiad

The Maths Olympiad is a challenging competition involving mathematical problem-solving. Designed for students who demonstrate a passion for numbers and logic. This program provides a platform to test and enhance skills and learning through complex maths problems.

Premier's Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge is an initiative designed to foster a love of reading among students. This challenge encourages young readers to read a set number of books during the challenge timeframe. Books to chose from include a variety of genres and levels. This challenge promotes literacy and critical thinking, and aims to cultivate a lifelong passion for reading. Students who complete the challenge receive recognition for their efforts, and our school benefits from a stronger culture of reading and learning.

Leadership Opportunities

Yowie Bay Public School encourages student leadership and involvement in the school community. The Student Representative Council (SRC) provides students with the opportunity to take on leadership roles, contributing to decision-making processes and promoting a positive school culture.

SRC

Our school Student Representative Council (SRC) consists of a dedicated group of students (voted in each semester), who meet weekly to represent school views and concerns. From organising events and activities to addressing student issues and advocating for positive changes, the SRC works closely with staff and students to make positive improvements around the school and ensure that every student feels heard and valued.