Welcome to Cessnock Public School, a vibrant and welcoming school community dedicated to fostering a love of learning in every one of our students. With an enrolment of approximately 280 students, we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Our school comprises mainstream classes from K-6 and a support unit catering to the needs of students with disabilities from across our local area.
At Cessnock Public School, we have developed strong literacy and numeracy programs underpinned by the evidence-based pedagogy of explicit teaching. Starting in 2025, we are excited to partner with the University of Newcastle on a three-year research project focusing on the Quality Teaching Framework. These programs ensure that all students build a solid foundation across key learning areas.
Our teachers and support staff are a team of highly skilled educators who collaborate across the school to create an environment where every child is known, valued, and cared for.
To meet the diverse needs of our students, we offer a range of tailored learning experiences that go beyond the core curriculum. Our dedicated staff are committed to supporting every learner, including those identified as high potential and gifted, through targeted programs and interventions. Our Learning and Support Team (LaST) works collaboratively to provide additional resources and guidance, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.
Technology plays a crucial role in our teaching and learning practices. Our classrooms are equipped with interactive screens and access to various digital tools, including laptops and iPads, which enhance our students' learning experiences and prepare them for the future.
We place a strong emphasis on smooth transitions, particularly from preschool to Kindergarten, and we are refining our Year 6 to Year 7 transition processes to ensure an efficient entry into high school. We recognise the importance of preparing our students for their next steps in all areas.
Our commitment to health and physical education is evident in our comprehensive PDHPE program. We utilise the Sport in Schools Australia (SiSA) program, which delivers an outstanding curriculum for our students each week. Their highly trained staff provide our students with rich and engaging activities and high-quality resources. We strive to offer a variety of sporting opportunities for our students, who have excelled in various events, with many progressing to represent at higher levels.
Cessnock Public School also places a strong emphasis on creative arts programs. All students participate in engaging weekly music lessons and love the opportunity to showcase their talents to our school community in various forms.
Environmental education is another area in which we excel. We partner with Phoenix Park Farm, which provides a wonderful weekly garden program where students learn the science of gardening and care for our school grounds. Every fortnight, they participate in a cooking program, harvesting vegetables to learn healthy recipes and sample their hard work. We are also part of the Humble Hive project, where our students learn about bees, including our own beehive. To teach sustainability, we sell our delicious honey to our community, which helps fund these activities and opportunities for our students.
Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program reinforces our core values of being safe, respectful, and a learner, providing a supportive framework for all students. We also implement specific support programs to address individual needs.
Leadership opportunities abound at Cessnock Public School, spearheaded by our Student Representative Council (SRC) and our Parrakan Aboriginal Education Team (AET). Local leadership days are also offered across the Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools.
While we do not have a traditional P&C, the connection between our school and the community remains strong. Our dedicated parents and carers contribute to various aspects of school life, and we are grateful for the ongoing support we receive from local businesses and organisations.
At Cessnock Public School, we are committed to providing an engaging, inclusive, and innovative learning environment that empowers our students to reach their full potential. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children and our community.
Merilyn Burton
Principal