Waratah West Public School

Dennis Pitt - Spectrum Sports Sciences has supported Alatini to achieve his high potential in the physical domain.

As part of National Science Week, we are excited to announce the "Callaghan College and University of Newcastle Academy of STEMM Excellence", exclusively for Callaghan students and our partner primary schools.

The Academy will create opportunities that inspire young people to pursue STEMM education and careers. Together with the University, we are building tangible pathways for our region’s next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and medical professionals.

Find out more https://callaghan-c.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-us/academy-of-stemm-excellence

The University of Newcastle, Australia

Glendore Public School Hamilton North Public School NSW Heaton Public School Islington Public School Jesmond Public School Maryland Public School Mayfield East Public School Minmi Public School Plattsburg Public School Shortland Public School Tighes Hill Public School Wallsend Public School Waratah West Public School Public School Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus Callaghan College Wallsend Campus Callaghan College Waratah Campus

High Potential Gifted Education in action!
Over the last 5 weeks selected students from years 3-6 had the opportunity to participate in a STEM straw challenge where they had to design and construct a tower using only paper straws and hot glue. Students worked in small groups to complete their tower showing persistence, critical thinking and problem solving skills. They put their towers to the test at the Rooftop Kotara this week where weights were placed on their towers to test their strength. A big congratulations to all students who participated and represented our school with pride!

Reminder for our young engineer groups today!

Get ready for a fun and creative engineering challenge! The Straw Towers Competition invites students in Years 4 to 6 to put their problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test by designing and building the tallest and strongest tower using only straws and tape.

Didge Making Group Kicks Off!

Today marked the start of an exciting six-week journey as ten students began crafting their own yidaki from scratch, guided by respected Aboriginal community Elder Uncle Alex Nean.

First up: scraping and sanding! Over the coming weeks, students will oil their yidaki, design artwork, and paint symbols that reflect their own culture and identity.

Coming from a wonderfully diverse range of backgrounds, students won’t just be building instruments — they’ll be building connection. Throughout the program, they’ll yarn together, sharing stories, culture, experiences and values, fostering intercultural understanding along the way.

A huge thank you to Uncle Alex Nean for sharing his knowledge, and to Mr Hicks and Mr Knight for their fantastic support in helping students learn to use tools safely and the importance of respecting diversity.

And of course, learning to play, leading to a great performance! We can’t wait to see and hear these yidaki come to life!

Stage 2 and 3 students demonstrated the Waratah West Way both on and off the court and field at our recent netball and touch football gala days. Another fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their talents in the physical domain. We played fair, played hard and had fun!

Tonight was a special evening celebrating Public Education at the University of Newcastle Great Hall. The Callaghan Education Network Inspire Awards recognised outstanding student achievement and staff service. I proudly presented Inspire Awards to Tyjaia, Otto, Evan, Emma, Suey and Alatini. Mrs Cortney Chapman and Mrs Rebecca Jackson received service awards. It was especially inspiring to see former Waratah West student Estelle (now in Year 10 at Callaghan Waratah) receive recognition for achieving a High Distinction in a first year University Sociology subject! Waratah West students are nurtured in the Callaghan network to achieve excellence throughout Primary school, high school and a continuing pathway to university. Congratulations to all students, staff and proud families. Callaghan College Waratah Campus