Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
We have physical activity programs for children from Kindergarten to Year 6, with a focus on fundamental movement skills.
Sport and physical activity is a valued and accepted part of our school's curriculum, contributing to the development of the whole child. It provides a vehicle for social, physical, emotional and moral learning and is an important expression of our culture.
The participation, enjoyment and skill development of our students is the corner-stone of the school sport/ physical activity program. All our students take part in this program.
There are also opportunities to represent our school at inter-school sports competitions. As a NSW public school we benefit from the opportunities for shared activities and competitions with other schools, coordinated by school sport associations. See the School Sport Unit website for details.
Sporting houses
The school is divided into four houses. These groups are named after some of the first families that attended NEPS. Initially there were 16 students who attended the school. The Eckford family was well represented having 5 children attend the school when it opened.
The house colours are:
Ross
Red = Ross
Slide down a waterfall, land on a cactus
We can do anything without any practice
Who can? We can! Nobody else can.
Go Ross!
Give me an R- R
Give me an O-O
Give me an S-S
Give me an S-S
Go Ross!
Fraser
Blue = Fraser
Fraser, Fraser, ra, ra, ra, Fraser, Fraser, best by far,
Win or lose we play the game, C'mon Fraser, Do it again!
GO FRASER!
Give me an F! F!
Give me an R! R!
Give me an A! A!
Give me an S! S!
Give me an E! E!
Give me an R! R!
What's that spell? Fraser!
Who's going to win? FRASER!
GO FRASER!
Murphy
Yellow = Murphy
A walla walla walla and a bang bang bang, we are the kids from the Murphy gang.
Who we meet we do defeat. Goooooo Murphy!
Give me an M! M!
Give me an U! U!
Give me an R! R!
Give me a P! P!
Give me an H! H!
Give me a Y! Y!
What's that spell?
Who's gonna win?
MURPHY!
Gooooo Murphy!
Eckford
Green = Eckford
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Eckford's gonna win, there is no doubt about it.
Shout to the East (East)
Shout to the West (West)
Come on Eckford, you're the best,
Gooooooo Eckford!
Give me an E-E!
Give me a c-c!
Give me a k-k!
Give me an f-f!
Give me an o-o!
Give me an r-r!
Give me a d-d!
What's that spell? Eckford!
Who's gonna win? Eckford!
Gooooooo Eckford!
If you are not sure which house you are in, please contact the school office.
Swimming Carnival
The swimming carnival is usually held in February in term 1 of the school year. Students turning 8-13 years old in this year and capable of swimming 25 metres (any stroke including dog paddle) are to attend. Kinder and Year 1 students do not attend the carnival. The school arranges for buses to transport the students to and from Mayfield pool where the carnival is held. Students participating in 50M events may be selected to represent NEPS at the zone carnival. Students should wear either the standard school sports uniform or clothing that reflects the colour of their house. Students are encouraged to wear their swimmers to school under their uniform and bring a change of underwear. Students must wear sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat. Rash vests are also advisable. Please pack a towel, goggles, recess, lunch and lots of water to drink. The pool's canteen will also be available throughout the day. A permission slip for carnival attendance and payment for transport and pool admission must be completed prior to leaving school for the carnival.
Cross Country and Grandparents' Day
The cross country carnival is usually held in March in term 1 of the school year. Students turning 8-13 years old in this year participate. The carnival is usually combined with a Grandparents' Day in which families are invited to attend to enjoy the day. Students under the age of 8 participate in non competitive games throughout the day. Students participating in the cross country may be selected to represent NEPS at the zone carnival. Students should wear either the standard school sports uniform or clothing that reflects the colour of their house. Students must wear sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat. Please pack recess, lunch and lots of water to drink. A permission slip for carnival attendance and payment for transport (if required) must be completed prior to leaving school for the carnival.
Athletics Carnival
The athletics carnival is usually held in May in term 2 of the school year. All students participate in the athletics carnival. Kinder, year 1 and 2 participate in their age running race and non competitive games through our the day. Years 3-6 participate in running races, high jump, long jump and shot put. The school arranges for buses to transport the students to and from the athletics stadium at Newcastle West where the carnival is held. Students participating in events maybe selected to represent NEPS at the zone athletics carnival. Students should wear either the standard school sports uniform or clothing that reflects the colour of their house. Students must wear sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat. Please pack recess, lunch and lots of water to drink. A permission slip for carnival attendance and payment for transport must be completed prior to leaving school for the carnival.