Welcome to the Arcadia School Website ~ we are located in the beautiful Hills District of Sydney

School Purpose Statement

Arcadia Public School will provide, in a caring environment, a comprehensive education for all its students, emphasising student welfare, participation and achievements.
It will encourage children to become self-motivated individuals who can work independently and co-operatively.

Student Welfare Program
The Student Welfare Program is the sum total of all the policies, structures and activities which are planned and implemented by the school to promote student welfare.
Please click here to download the full Student Welfare document

Term Dates for 2011

Term 4 : Monday 10 October - First Day for Students
Friday 16 December - Last Day

Start Dates for 2012

Term 1 : Monday 30 January - Years 1-6 Students Return
Tuesday 31 January - Kindergarten students start

Enrolments Welcome

[Please click here to download Enrolment Form]

The O.O.S.H.
It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce the opening of Arcadia Public School Out-of-School Hours Service to be known as The O.O.S.H. - Arcadia Public School - starting on the first day of fourth term in 2011.

We offer a full Before & After School Care programme operating between the hours of 7.00 am to 9.00 am and 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday. On enrolment at the Centre, a Registration Fee of $50 per child is payable. If you have any enquiries regarding this new service, please refer to our website: www.theoosh.com.au - or speak with myself or Leanne Waldron, the Centre Manager. We can be contacted via e-mail at arcadiaoosh@hotmail.com.

Merryl Sykes
General Manager
The O.O.S.H.

Walk to School Safely

Thanks to all the energetic children, parents and animals that walked safely to school! We made it into the Hornsby Advocate and thanks to Trevor N’s efforts alongside Mr Reid on the BBQ and the McLennan fruit supplies, the auxiliary made $227.00 to go towards stuff for the school. Thanks for everyone involved for making it a really fun morning. Much better than sitting in the traffic and going to work. Also the Advocate photographer did make it to the morning event and has posted some lovely photos on the Hornsby Advocate website (http://hornsby-advocate.whereilive.com.au/photos/gallery/walk-to-school-day-arcadia-style/).

School History

Arcadia Public school commenced under the name of Galston Heights Public School on the 13th November,1894,being housed in the Union Hall which stood on the corner of Geelans Road and Arcadia Road. The name changed to Arcadia Public School on 25th October, 1896. The school building and residence were constructed during 1897 and occupied some time during that year.

The second timber building was opened in 1955, the brick building in 1960. Demountables started coming in 1972. The largest number of enrolments was achieved in 1981, reaching 181 children and 7 teachers. Present enrolments are around 120 per year with five full time teachers.

School Badge

The school badge was designed by Mrs Judy Cadman in about 1978. It is in the shape of a shield, displaying the date 1894 and an orange tree to commemorate the main industry of this district
when the school first opened.

The school playground had newly planted orange trees to mark this history.

School Houses

The first houses were Baird and Rivett - named after two early headmasters.

In approximately 1975, the school was divided into four houses:

Banksia - green
Boronia - purple
Bottlebrush - red
Wattle - gold

House banners showing wildflowers were made by Mrs Margaret Higson. In 1991 new banners were made and embroidered by Mrs Jan Black.

Arcadia Public School has a long history and the school recently produced a book titled "A Century
of Achievement" which gives an excellent insight into the history of our school and our local area.

School Philosophy

Research has shown that parents hope their children will, through their schooling, become self-confident, happy, well-balanced individuals who can think for themselves. They know that a good primary school is where children and adults feel welcomed, encouraged, safe, challenged, included, respected and excited, and where expectations are high. Learning is valued, and there
is a strong sense of hope and purpose. We, at Arcadia Public School, have followed these premises for many years and they continue to guide our plans for the future.

The school has a tradition of meeting the needs of individual students through co-operative,
regular consultation with parents and caregivers. Students remain the focus of school plans and daily learning activities. A real sense of ownership and responsibility has developed in the school community. Children often plan and organise school activities. Fostering leadership and a sense
of self-worth is the aim of all student welfare programs. Senior students carry much responsibility and are respected by their peers and younger students. As a result, students have a strong sense of belonging to a supportive, successful school. They are committed to maintaining the high reputation of the school.