News

School Updates App - be prepared for any emergency

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:01:21 AEDT

Receive notifications of school closures. Opt in to receive timely, accurate notifications about the operational status of your chosen NSW public school(s).

The NSW School Updates App was created to help our parents and carers check on the status of their school during last summer’s bushfire season. And it’s been invaluable during COVID when schools were required to close for deep cleaning.

The app is free and available now for iOS and Android users.

Visit NSW School Updates App to download and for more information

Privacy information

The app doesn't store any personal or identifiable information.

#MathsTrainsBrains for the future

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 19:02:28 AEDT

Parents and carers can now explore the importance of mathematical skills with the new Everyday Maths experience, featuring activities, resources and explainers targeted to year groups.

The digital launch is part of the NSW Mathematics Strategy 2025, which aims to strengthen mathematics teaching in NSW public schools, promote understanding of the usefulness of mathematics and build positive perceptions of mathematics.

Tune into Education LIVE to find out how high profile Australians like media guru Kellie Hush, former Olympian Steve Solomon and former Masterchef Alice Zaslavsky use maths in their everyday lives.

Video – #MathsTrainsBrains

Duration – 1:00

Updates to COVID-19 restrictions affecting NSW schools

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:19:57 AEST

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

NSW Health has a website to inform you of the actions you should take if you have been in a location where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 within NSW. Monitor the site and follow the relevant health advice if you have been at any of the locations at the specified dates and times.

Students and staff who have travelled through or visited Victoria

All students and staff who have visited Victoria must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Except for students and staff who reside in a border town, all students and staff who have visited Victoria in the 14 days before the commencement of school should not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

Students and staff who are unable to return to school due to these self-isolation requirements will be supported to learn and work remotely during the self-isolation period via the online learning hubs until they return to on-campus learning and teaching.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Information for students and staff on new NSW-Victoria border restrictions

The NSW Government has announced further tightening to the restrictions for people travelling across the NSW-Victorian border.

From midnight Tuesday 21 July a border zone, defined along the Murray River, will be established.

Anyone travelling from Victoria to NSW must apply for a new permit through Service NSW.

Victorian residents who have been in one of the restricted areas in Victoria in the last 14 days must not enter NSW.

Attending schools along the border

Current permits will expire at midnight, Tuesday 21 July. We strongly encourage all parents and staff to check they have a permit and if not, apply for one through Service NSW.

Students and staff who reside in Victoria will need to be eligible for a border permit to attend school in person.

Under the new public health order, the border zone has been reduced significantly.

Not all students and staff may be eligible for a border permit under the public health order. If you are not eligible for a border permit you will not be able to cross the border. Students and staff will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

Further information on the new border zone is available from Service NSW.

Border permits can be rescinded at any time if a cluster outbreak in your community occurs. We encourage parents to monitor local circumstances regularly as things may change in the coming days or weeks.

Transport to and from school will run as scheduled. For travel advice to and from school refer to Transport for NSW.

New restrictions affecting boarding schools

Any student returning from Victoria to reside at a boarding school in NSW must now self-isolate for 14 days in a NSW location separate to the boarding school. They must also obtain a negative test swab from day 10 of their isolation before entering school and have written confirmation of the test result and the period spent isolating.

Those who are unable to return to boarding while they are completing the self-isolation period will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

More information

Returning to school in Term 3

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:09:08 AEST

Our school will be open to welcome students back to onsite learning from the beginning of Term 3 – Tuesday 21 July 2020.

As you would be aware the border between NSW and Victoria closed as of 12:01am 8 July 2020.

All staff and students returning from Victoria after this time must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

All students who have been in Victoria in the last 14 days before the commencement of school must not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Students who are unable to return to school due to the border closures or self-isolation will be supported to learn remotely.

We would like to remind our community the most important action you can take is to practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing. Our school will be vigilant in implementing these requirements to minimise the risk at school.

Education Week to celebrate learning together

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:14:28 AEST

Education Week 2020 will be held from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August.

Education Week is our annual week of celebration to highlight the achievements of our students and staff and the role of public schools as the cornerstone of their communities.

This year’s theme is ‘Learning together’ and it reflects the incredible months of 2020 where NSW public school students have continued to learn and achieve, despite natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our schools have experienced significant disruption but our staff – in partnership with parents and carers – have worked tirelessly to ensure that high quality teaching and learning has continued for all students.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said the best learning takes place when there is a partnership of students, teachers, parents, carers and the community.

“Our schools and families benefit from strong, respectful relationships where responsibility for student learning is shared,” Mr Scott said.

“As our lives slowly return to normal, it’s time for us to reflect on the achievements and resilience of our entire school community. We look forward to celebrating Education Week with all of you in August.”

Statewide events for Education Week include:

a live stream launch on Monday, 3 August
activities for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on Tuesday, 4 August
a live streamed student film festival on Wednesday, 5 August.

Schools are invited to share photos, videos and stories of local celebrations on social media using the hashtag #EdWeek20 or send an email to educationweek@det.nsw.edu.au.

NSW students return to the classroom full-time

Tue, 19 May 2020 11:28:15 AEST

Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.

The success of the phased return to face to face teaching has demonstrated the education system and community are ready for school to come back full-time.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell thanked school communities and parents for their patience during this difficult time.

Ms Berejiklian said a return to full-time face to face teaching and learning is crucial for the education progress of every child in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

“Since starting a managed return to the classroom, we have seen a strong degree of confidence from our school communities in managing COVID-19 and a clear desire for all students to be back at school,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We expect schools to stick with the health advice – increased cleaning, access to hygiene supplies and compliance with hygiene practices – and look forward to seeing all students back on campus five days a week.

“The health advice is very clear; a return to full-time face to face teaching is safe.”

Over the last two weeks schools have been working hard to support students practise good hygiene and implement new routines at school, which has been successful giving the community confidence that full-time face to face teaching can resume.

Ms Mitchell said she was eager to see students back in the classroom full-time.

“Our principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.

“My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation.

“Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.

“Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.”

Read the department's latest advice for families.

Students begin return to classrooms

Fri, 08 May 2020 19:18:07 AEST

From Monday 11 May (Week 3) students will begin a phased return to school.

The phased return will maintain distancing in the classroom while supporting students' education and wellbeing.

Most students will continue learning from home and will only attend school 1 day each week.

Our school will continue to provide detailed information about the return to the classroom throughout the rest of Term 2.

Measures to keep schools clean and safe for all students and staff include:

25% more cleaning time focused on high-touch areas
priority deliveries of hygiene supplies including soap and hand sanitiser
local school changes to pick up, drop off, lunch and recess times and processes.

NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:44:47 AEST

NSW school students will gradually transition back to the classroom during Term 2 as the Government continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.

Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.

“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.

“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.

“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.

“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.

“I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school.

“I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much needed relief to those families.”

During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.

Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.

As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.

Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.

“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”

In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.

A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.

“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.

Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

No child will be turned away from school

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 13:41:03 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education's advice regarding schools is very clear. No child in NSW will be turned away from school.

Schools will remain open for parents who want their children to attend irrespective of their profession or working arrangements.

The decision to keep schools open has been made based on advice from NSW Health, which has not changed.

The department will provide continuity of learning for all students both on and off campus and the Premier, for practical reasons, has encouraged parents to keep their children at home if they could.

Schools will communicate directly with parents on what learning options are available using their communication methods such as the school website, newsletters, emails and other online tools.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

New COVID-19 restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 17:47:51 AEDT

The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state - triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19.

Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens.

"I understand many in the community are worried, and these changes will affect everyday lives, and may be upsetting," Ms Berejiklian said.

"But these decisions will make us all safer, they are taken with the health of all citizens in mind, and they must be taken now.

"If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so."

In line with health advice, from midday today, the following non-essential activities and businesses will be temporarily shut down:

pubs, registered clubs
gyms, indoor sporting venues
cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

It is important to note essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, constructions sites and for public transport are exempt and will continue.

As confirmed last night by the Prime Minister schools will remain open, based on health advice, which has not changed.

But from tomorrow, in NSW, for practical reasons, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home.

"Because nearly 30 per cent of children are already being kept out of school, for practical reasons NSW is encouraging parents to keep their children at home," Ms Berejiklian said.

"This will ensure there is only one unit of work, whether the student is at home or at school.

"No child will be turned away from school."

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Schools to implement distancing measures

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:09:11 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education is introducing proactive measures to limit the impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our schools.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the Department of Education, today announced that schools would adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences.

Mr Scott said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.

"Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of coronavirus have developed globally," Mr Scott said.

"From Monday onwards, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.

"The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff."

"These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sports, initiative activities and events.

All major arts, sports and initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice. This includes whole-school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.

"Local inter-school sport and other activities can proceed, but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken," Mr Scott said.

"I trust our principals and staff to show leadership during this time."

Schools will be provided with more detailed advice and suggestions on how they can adjust their day to day activities with minimal disruption.

The department is continuing to prepare for further closures if necessary with scaling up of technology, additional training of staff and preparation of offsite lessons.

Families and students in self-isolation can find useful information to continue learning from home.

For the latest information, check COVID-19 advice for schools.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:27:12 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Science Excursion

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:16:07 AEST

Level 3 Science Excursion to University of New South Wales - Ms Sundaram Level 3 Science Teacher

On Wednesday 12^th of June, all the Level 3 students with Ms Sundaram, Mr Masters and Ms Abbas had the privilege of spending a full day at the University of New South Wales. The students were able to experience firsthand and mingle with the local students at the University. They were briefed on the study opportunities and pathways to get into the Science and Engineering Faculties by a university student ambassador.

Next we had an hour and half session at the Material Engineering Faculty where students saw the heavy machines used in research and experiments. They were divided in groups to work on small projects at the Engineering mini stations with the theme of sustainability within Engineering. The students were engaged and were asking the Engineering student demonstrators lots of questions.

We had time to enjoy our lunch at the big quadrangle in front of the main library and see all the social activities during lunch time. We then proceeded to the Human Disease Museum where there were life exhibits of deceased showing how various diseases affect different aspects of the body. By the end of the day all the students and teachers benefitted tremendously from this trip. We were exhausted by the evening with the walking we did around that day but it was all worth it.

More excursions will be planned to inspire IEC students to pursue their knowledge and careers within Science and Engineering.

Classes have started for Term 2, 2019

Sun, 12 May 2019 23:07:03 AEST

Term 2, 2019 classes for students started on Tuesday 30^th, April. All enrolments are welcomed during Term 2, anytime! Please call our Office to make a booking for enrolment and for an entry English language test.

At Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC), we welcome all new students and families ANYTIME during the term who live in Sydney and who come from any part of the world!

To make appointments easier, we ask that the families and agencies ring the school on 9796 8138 from Monday to Thursday between 8.30am-3.00pm to make an appointment for an interview. Enquiries can be made via email as well on the school email: bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Please ring the school for further enquiries and what exactly you need to bring for a student interview.

We look forward to welcoming everyone at BIEC! BIEC = a great place to be!

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:47:24 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Breakfast Club at Bankstown Senior College in winter is very popular

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 15:17:57 AEST

At Bankstown Senior College, all students can enjoy a free breakfast in the Cafeteria from 7.30am till 8.25am during the winter months.

There is coffee, tea, corn flakes, toast and marmalade, fruit and juices on offer. This is a great initiative that helps our students if they did not have time to have breakfast at home before they come to school as well as to socialise amongst themselves.

Many times, a good start to a day leads to a great day and therefore learning at Bankstown Senior College and Bankstown IEC is filled with great moments in the classes as well as out side classes!

Art classes at Bankstown Intensive English Centre make wonderful mosaics

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 14:51:42 AEST

At Bankstown Intensive English Centre, Level 1 art classes have been creating incredible stepping stones to place around the school.

Some of the students in these classes had some experience in doing trade work in their countries, so making mosaics was not that hard for them.

One of the students, Ronny, had cement rendering experience and this has been very handy in his Art class.

Their teacher Ms Parras is very proud of her students, just like all the IEC teachers. Well done to all students!

Bankstown Intensive English Centre mosaic elective students go to NSW university

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 15:19:22 AEST

On Tuesday 31 July 2018, nineteen Bankstown Intensive English students who chose the "MOSAIC" Elective program at the school visited the University of NSW at Kensington to be part of "Forum Day", alongside with Volunteer Tanya and IEC Head Teacher, Mr Kametopoulos.

This is a special day that prepares the students to think about what project they would like to do during the Term for "MOSAIC". The students were welcomed by the coordinator Madeleine in the Roundhouse in the presence of another 8 schools who are participating in this program. The program happens only once a year and always in Term 3.

After the welcoming, all students went on a tour of the University and visited the Library, the Main Quad and the Science and Engineering buildings. Then all students went back to the Roundhouse and were shown their rooms to do activities with the university student-mentors.

BIEC & Holroyd IEC students (with their teacher Mr Mok) joined and explored the theme of respect. A BBQ Lunch was served at about 12.45pm at the Green Village under the warm sunshine of 21oC, on the last day of July!

"Forum Day" was a great day that helped our students think about world issues like equality, acceptance, refugees and multiculturalism through the theme of respect!

Classes have started for Term 3, 2018! BIEC welcomes all NEW students!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:26 AEST

Term 3, 2018 classes for students started on Tuesday 24 July. All enrolments are welcomed during Term 3, anytime! Please call our Office to make a booking for enrolment and for an entry English language test.

At Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC), we welcome always all new students and families ANYTIME during the term who live in Sydney and who come from any part of the world!

To make appointments easier, we ask that the families and agencies ring the school on 9796 8138 from Monday to Thursday between 8.30am-3.00pm to make an appointment for an interview, so this can be arranged. Enquiries can be made via email as well on the school email: bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Please ring the school for further enquiries and what exactly you need to bring for a student interview.

We look forward to welcoming everyone at BIEC! BIEC = a great place to be!

WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Saturday 7 July-Monday 23 July 2018

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:54 AEST

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Community Members

Bankstown IEC is closed between Friday 6 July to Sunday 22 July 2017 for the Winter School 2 weeks holidays.

The school will open again for Teachers and for Office Staff on Monday 23 July who will be having professional learning and doing preparations for Term 3. The phone will be working for those people who would like to make any enquiries on that day but the school email (bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au) will be checked often in the holidays.

Students must return to school on Tuesday 24 July between 8.00am - 8.25am. Students will have a Welcome Back Assembly in the TLS (above the Cafeteria) and then they will receive their timetables and classes as well as other information for the term.

From the Bankstown Senior College Relieving Principal Ms Gardiner, all the Teaching & Office staff at the IEC and College, have a safe and....warm winter holiday!

Head Teacher IEC

Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos

BIEC students visit the Sydney Fish Markets on Tuesday 3 July 2018 and they have a...whale of time!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:22 AEST

The Fishing Elective at BIEC "Off the Hook" which is organised through the "Thrive Program" and LMA (Lebanese Muslim Association) celebrated its last day on Tuesday 3 July 2018 by visiting the Sydney Fish Markets at Pyrmont. The students with their Teacher (and Head Teacher of the IEC) Mr Kametopoulos and with the Support Teacher (Arabic/Assyrian/Greek) Ms Yousif and Volunteer Tanya met the organisers Ben and Fatimah at Bankstown Train Station at 8.30am on this day. From there, they all took the train to Dulwich Hill and then they took the tram (or light rail) to the Fish Market. The tram was something new for most students! At the Sydney Fish Markets, the students and the teachers met Alex, a young tour guide who took them around the shops as well as the auction area, explaining what happens step by step from...3.00 o'clock in the morning when most people are well asleep! Sydney Fish Markets had hundreds of people shopping fish and different types of seafood as well as eating freshly cooked fish on this day, like evey day! Some of the lobsters and crabs were HUGE! At the end of the day, Ben and Fatimah organised a fantastic lunch with freshly cooked fish and chips, a big snapper cooked Vietnamese style and pan fried fish which everyone enjoyed on the verandah watching the little boats at the wharf and the seagulls flying across. The seafood was so... fresh and tasty! Thank you to the "Thrive" Program and LMA for their wonderful help to BIEC students in this Elective! The Graduation Ceremony for these students will be on Friday 20 July at 2.00pm at the LMA Offices, 71-75 Wangee rd, Lakemba.

BIEC wins the AFL Cup for females on Wednesday 13 June! Win, win win!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:25 AEST

On Wednesday the 13th of June, 13 female students from Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC) went to Blacktown International Sports Park to compete in the annual IEC AFL cup. The girls played 5 games during the day. Each game consisted of two halves of ten minutes each. Our first four games we played were against Fairfield IEC & against Lurnea IEC. We played them twice each. We were undefeated so we made it to the Grand Final! This was our fifth and final game of the day, which was against Miller IEC. BIEC won by 12 - 6 and we brought the AFL cup to our school proudly. As one of the Bankstown IEC students and on behalf of the rest of the AFL female team, I would strongly give a big thank to our teacher Mr Masters as he led our team and kept supporting us as a teacher and a leader. Finally a big thank you to the girls who participated in this competition as they played and did extremely well on and off the field.

Written by student Karla Yousif

A great fishing day on 26 June with the "Thrive" Program, LMA & Department of Primary Industries

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:03 AEST

If you thought something...fishy is happening at BIEC, you are not wrong! 18 students have chosen the Elective "Off the Hook-Fishing" with Mr Kametopoulos, Ms Yousif and Tanya our volunteer this Term 2, 2018. After 8 weeks of learning about Sydney and Australia's river and ocean systems in the classroom, the students were taken to the Georges River at Revesby Heights on Tuesday 26 June to put in practice what they learnt! Yes, no fish were caught apart from a small catfish, but the fun the students had on the day with partly cloudy skies and 17oC was enormous. George Mannah from the Department of Primary Industries, Ben from the "Thrive Program", Taha, Fatima and Liz from the LMA (Lebanese Muslim Association) helped our students and teachers on the day with instructions, with the hot food (excellent chicken and chips on a cool day!) as well the fun everyone had! Thank you to all for their help!! Hopefully, next time, the students will be...luckier to catch some fish! For now, they know the rules of fishing in Australia and they know how to use a fishing rod!

Many awards for our students from Auburn Diversity Services on Friday 22 June 2018

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:36 AEST

Each year, ADSi (Auburn Diversity Services Inc) invites all schools in the Western Sydney region, to nominate young refugee students who have shown success in various categories including academic achievement, community leadership, sport, performing and creative arts. This is a fantastic initiative as it recognizes the strengths and skills of our talented and hard working students who receive praise for their impressive ability and efforts.This year, the number of nominations has been greater than ever with 21 worthy recipients and 25 nominations from Bankstown Senior College (BSC) and 9 nominations from BIEC. On Friday 22 June the students attended a special morning ceremony at Holroyd Centre, Merrylands to receive their awards. It was a special day also because 3 of our College students, who were also past IEC students, were invited to perform important roles in the ceremony. Karmeen Yalda was a great Master of Ceremonies and Maykil Moshi was the official photographer for the day. Unfortunately, Hani Abdile was not able to attend as guest speaker as she had another obligation on the same day. Well done to these highly capable individuals who were also successful award recipients.

One of the entertaining highlights of the ceremony was the African drumming act where the performers invited Ms Rahimi and Ms Maguire to dance to the beat. They were fantastic! The students enjoyed these fun performers and they were invited to dance and respond to this great rhythmic act. Also, a lovely traditional dance took place from Afghani students with very colourful costumes!

BIEC Head Teacher Mr Kametopoulos and Teacher Ms O'Reilly as well as BSC staff Ms Pascalis, Ms Brunet, Ms Rahimi, Ms Maguire, Mr Russell attended the morning ceremony and were very proud of the students who received these awards!

Congratulations to the following highly worthy recipients:

Academic Excellence:

Timoor RAHIMI (2^ndplace), Eisha YAWARISH (3^rdplace), Tiara ADELIANTY (3^rd place), Lydya SAKO, Ramil SHAIL, Fatema AHMADI, Karlo YALDA, Noor SAKO and Sandra ALZEBARI

Community Leadership:

Mahmood MAHMOOD (1^st place – External nomination) Rami SULEIMAN (3^rd place),

Hani ABDILE (3^rd place), Tiara ADELIANTY, Nasrullah ZAHEDI, Timoor RAHIMI, Tiba OBADA, Jamie JAMEEL, Merna YALDA, Ramsina OSHANA, Mumina SABURI and Narges BAGHERI

Creative Arts and/or Performing Arts:

Maykil MOSHI (2^nd place), Karmeen YALDA (3^rd place), Sandra ALZEBARI and Rami SULEIMAN

Sport:

Atina SLIWA (1^st place), Ammar ALTAWEEL (2^nd place) and Ardoan ALKHAMEESI (3^rd place)

In addition, Mr Kametopoulos was...doubly proud as some other students who received recognition from different schools attend the Saturday School of Community Languages-Liverpool Boys High School Centre (SSCL-LBHSC), studying there the Year 11 Preliminary Arabic Continuers course. Mr Kametopoulos is the Assistant Supervisor at this Centre. The awarded students are: Marios MOSHI (from St Narsai Assyrian Christian College), Allen BAKEE (from Chester Hill High School) and Maryam AKOBA (from Liverpool Girls High School). Well done to these SSCL-LBHSC students too!

Congratulations once again to all students for their efforts and for making Bankstown Senior College and Bankstown Intensive English Centre a wonderful place for all students! A place of excellence and great achievements!

Doing Art at BIEC is a great subject amongst so many others!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:26 AEST

At BIEC, students in Level 1 do Art as part of their subjects. This is a great subject as the students this Term 2 are making pottery with their own hands! The photos below show the students who are happy as well as their product! Well done BIEC students for being so creative with Art!

Welcome back to all students for Term 2 at Bankstown IEC!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:52 AEST

Term 2, 2018 classes for students started on Tuesday 1 May. All enrolments are welcomed during Term 2, anytime! Please call our Office to make a booking for enrolment and for assessment.

At Bankstown IEC, we always welcome all students and families ANYTIME during the term who live in Sydney and who come from any part of the world!

To make appointments easier, we ask that the families and agencies to telephone the school on 9796 8138 from Monday to Thursday between 8.30am-3.30pm to make an appointment, so this can be arranged. Enquiries can be made via email as well on bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Please telephone us for further enquiries and what you need to bring exactly.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Bankstown Intensive English Centre! A great place to be!

April/Autumn 2 week School Holidays--Term 2 starts Tuesday 1 May for students

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:06 AEST

Dear Student, Families and Community Partners

Please note that from Friday 13 April 2018 - Sunday 29 April 2014, (2 weeks), the IEC will be closed. The school email: bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au will be checked sometimes during this holiday period so responses to emails will not always be on the same day.

Teachers and Office staff will be back at school on Monday 30 April 2018 for our School Development Day. The Office will be open for telephone ( 9796 8138) or in-person enquiries on this day. There will be NO classes for students.

* ALL STUDENTS must return to school on Tuesday 1 April between 7.45am-8.25am** for an 8.30am start.

At 8.30am, there will be a Welcome Back Assembly in the TLS room. At this Assembly, students will be given their new classes and new timetables.

From the Principal Ms Marianne Doyle, the IEC Head Teacher Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos and all the IEC and HS Teaching & Office staff, please have a safe and wonderful 2 week holiday during April.

On Wednesday 25 April, do not forget that Australia commemorates "ANZAC Day". There will be parades in the city of the veteran soldiers and other people, as we all think of the sacrifices the Australian soldiers did to bring peace to the world. LEST WE FORGET!

2018 Term 1 PICNIC DAY - A great day at Blaxland Reserve

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:00 AEST

On Thursday 12 April and on a very warm day in Sydney with 33oC - 34oC at midday, all students at BIEC went on a Picnic Day at Blaxland Reserve, at Silverwater to enjoy a much needed event. The students have been busy with school work and Reading assessments from Week 1 right through Week 11 as well as other obligations at school, so the term ended with lots of laughter, sport and food from Iraq, Syria, Vietnam, China, Greece and Myanmar! The students played in the big park there on their own or with their teachers, on the swings or a sport like volleyball, which was organised by the teachers. Thank you very much to Mr Elchah for organising our Term 1 PICNIC Day and it is very certain that next year, this venue will have new students from BIEC enjoying a fantastic day yet again! Thank you to all staff, teachers and Support staff who helped on the day!

Happy "Harmony Day" to all our students today and every day!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:31 AEST

"Harmony Day" is a special day in Australia on the 21st March which is also World Happiness Day. At Bankstown IEC and Bankstown Senior College, we have students who have come from all over the world: from Europe, Asia, Africa and elsewhere. Our school is multicultural and multilingual and we respect all the languages and cultures of our students and staff alike (Teachers, Office staff and Support Teachers). A fun event will take place on Thursday 29 March at school to celebrate everyone's culture and language making Australia a better place to live and co-exist!

2 of our ex-IEC students are on this year's poster, Van and Mario and we congratulate them.

"HAPPY HARMONY DAY TODAY & EVERY DAY!"

2018 TERM 1 BIEC NEWSLETTER ONLINE & LANGUAGE PROGRAMS ON SBS RADIO

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:37:59 AEST

Dear Students and Families

Please click onto our Newsletter on the right to read all about BIEC in Term 1. Also attached on this is SBS Radio for our new families to listen to their Language Program, eg Chinese, Vietnamese, Assyrian, Greek, Arabic, Bangla etc with the days and times of the programs and the radio frequencies (AM or FM) and the websites.

Happy Reading & Happy Listening!!!

SBS RADIO Language Programs (pdf 449 KB)

Learning to respect each other through sport at BIEC

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:32 AEST

At BIEC, in the afternoon of Wednesday 7 February 2018 on a lovely sunny and warm day, the students were involved in different sport activities to help promote team building and respecting each other. This was an initiative from the College, organised by Bankstown Senior College (BSC) Head Teacher Welfare, Ms Balchin and P.E. teacher, Ms Fajou who were assisted by IEC teacher Ms Tsoli in the whole organisation. The IEC students were divided into many teams and they had to work together (as a team) to win their scores. The idea was to have fun as well as to come together as a school to value each other. BIEC & BSC are always ready to promote happiness amongst their students as they study at the IEC & the College!! Thank you to all the IEC teachers who took on a sports activity and helped the students to build a team spirit and who also had fun too!! And why not? Having fun at school by learning skills and good behaviours, all help later in life!

Students back at school on TUESDAY 30 January 2018 at 8.30am

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:51 AEST

School starts for students returning to Bankstown IEC (BIEC) on Tuesday 30 January 2017 at 8.30am.

Students must be at school before 8.25am.

There will be a "Welcome Back Meeting" in the Hall or TLC at 8.30am.

*** ALL NEW Students who were interviewed in Term 4 but did not start then and who are starting school this year, must come to Bankstown IEC Office on Wednesday 31 January 2018 between 8.00am-8.25am. These students will be taken to a special "Orientation" welcoming class in Room 2 from 8.30am and they will get their new books and other things.

Welcome back to the students who are continuing at BIEC and welcome to all NEW students!!

(The school will be open on Monday 29 January for telephone calls from 8.30am-3.30pm at the Front Office. There will be NO lessons as teachers have meetings all day)

HAVE A SAFE & HEALTHY 2018!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018! Have a great summer holiday too!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:41 AEST

Dear Students, Families, Community Partners and Friends

On behalf of BIEC, have a lovely Christmas and a safe, healthy, new year in 2018!

Enjoy the summer holidays until Sunday 28 January 2018!

Teachers and Office staff return to school on Monday 29 January 2017. Phone calls can be made for any information on this day (Monday 29/1/2018) by ringing 9796 8138.

STUDENTS return to school on Tuesday 30 January 2018 at 8.00am for 8.30am for a "Welcome Back Assembly" in the TLS and then for lessons for the rest of the day.

***NEW STUDENTS come to school on Wednesday 31 January 2018 at 8.00am for 8.30am "Orientation lesson for new students" in Room 2.

For any enquiries in the summer holidays, please email us at the following address and we will try to return your email, when possible:

bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Thank you

Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos

Head Teacher

5 BIEC students win scholarships for 2018!! Fantastic news!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:02 AEST

It is with immense pride and honour that we announce that 5 of our students have been awarded prestigious scholarships for 2018 and 2019. This is a progression of 3 of our students winning scholarships valued at $6000 for 2017. One graduating student, Marwah Al-Khameesi, received 2 scholarships – from two different organisations. Winning these scholarships is a highly significant achievement as there were many high-quality applications. It is a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity, motivation, commitment to learning and persistence, as well as talent and diligence. These scholarships are a valued in excess of $12,000 in total, and our students are absolutely deserving. Over and above this financial support for their educational costs is the affirmation that comes with this award. In many ways, it says:

"We believe in you, and the power of education!"

Our Public Education Foundation - Friends of Zainab scholarship recipients for 2018 are:

Marwah Al-Khameesi

Dhurgham Al Zuhayri

Ram Naeem

Ammar Altaweel

Landa Haydaw

Marwah Al-Khameesi was also awarded an SSI (Settlement Services International) Scholarship of $3000. This is a brilliant achievement as Marwah was one of only 5 recipients in NSW.

The Friends of Zainab Scholarships help support students from a refugee background through the critical years of their education. They provide much-needed financial support for 3 different pathways, Senior Secondary Studies, TAFE and/or University.

On behalf of the students, a huge and heartfelt thank you to our Scholarships Coordinator Ms O'Reilly who spent considerable time to organise the submissions, our Counsellor, Ms Lonnon, and all the teaching and Admin staff at BIEC who always make a huge difference in the lives of all our students, every day!

BIEC students have fun, fun, fun at Luna Park on Thursday 7 December 2017

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:10 AEST

At Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC) our students learn in class every day but when it comes to the last day of the term, they should have lots and lots of fun!! On Thursday 7 December 2017 with the sunshine shining above Sydney and with a warm temperature at 29oC, our teacher Mr Jurd organised a most successful excursion to Luna Park for all the IEC students. Most teachers and SLSOs (School Learning Support Officers) attended and helped on the day with the organisation of more than 160 students! The students and the staff left Bankstown at 8.50am by train for the city and then got off at Milsons Point about 10.00am. There, the students took many photos with teachers and SLSOs as well as photos of themselves under the Harbour Bridge for about an hour. At 11.00am everyone walked to Luna Park and the fun started straight away! Everyone rushed to go on any ride they could. The photos show how much fun everyone had. This was probably the best day of the year and all students agreed with this after such a busy term!! Students, teachers and SLSOs needed a good outing and Luna Park in Sydney was the best place to be! Fun, fun, fun at Sydney's Luna Park! Thank you Mr Jurd for your organisation of this event!

BIEC students have...the gift of the gab at the 2017 Oratory Showcase at Chester Hill IEC

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:19 AEST

There is no doubt that the students at Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC) can talk and they can do it so well, just like all the other students at their own IECs who are being prepared for High School studies. This year's Oratory Showcase event went back to its "birthplace", where this annual event first started: Chester Hill Intensive English Centre (IEC) on Thursday 30 November 2017. The Deputy Principal of Chester Hill IEC Ms Mee Lin Liau was the host this year as she was 6 years ago when it all started in the same Hall and it was another impeccable organisation from her and her staff at Chester Hill IEC and Chester Hill HS! THANK YOU CHESTER HILL IEC!!

The topics were AMAZING and so many!! 2 or 3 students from each of the IECs across Sydney and Wollongong made the audience have a tear or two in their eye, giggle and laugh, think carefully and of course to admire each one of the speakers! Here is an example of the different and most interesting topics presented by the students: "Social Media is making us less connected", "Importance of Sleep", "Look out for Robots", "Students should learn a second language at school!", "Let's work together", "My mother, Syria", "The effects of global warming" and "Should we have homework??" which made people laugh and take sides whether students should have homework or not!! All students were awarded with a trophy which had a microphone on it and their name engraved on the plaque so that they could remember this special day in their lives, speaking in front of a big audience! For some students it was actually their first time in their first few months in Australia speaking in a public place! The IECs that participated this year were: Beverly Hills IEC, Cabramatta IEC, Chatswood IEC, Chester Hill IEC, Evans IEC, Fairfield IEC, Holroyd IEC, Kogarah IEC, Lurnea IEC, Marrickville IEC, Marsden IEC, Miller IEC, Warrawong (further south from Wollongong) IEC.

Bankstown IEC was represented by Level 3 students Toma TAMO, Marwah ALKHAMEESI and Alieu TURAY. Alieu presented his speech named "My story" and Marwah and Toma presented a speech named "Ambitions". After the wonderful speeches and the equally wonderful cultural program, the students were treated to lunch and some entertainment! A proud moment for all IECs as they get together once a year and showcase their students' speaking talents!

In attendance were the NSW Department of Education's Equity Leader Ms Nell Lynes, the Intensive English Program Advisor Ms Christine Tiekle, the Principal of Chester Hill HS Ms Zeina Dabaja, other High School Principals, Deputy Principals, Head Teachers of other IECs, Teachers as well as General Manager at the Australian Business Community Network Ms Samantha Luck and English and Linguistics Professor Ken Cruikshank. The Master of Ceremonies was Bankstown IEC Head Teacher Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos who has been presenting and co-organising this event the last few years. Well done Bankstown IEC and WELL DONE all IECs!!! Let's all get ready for the 2018 event!!

BIEC students fishing...for success!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:15 AEST

On Tuesday 28 November 2017, the new Elective "Fishing" class had an unforgettable learning experience with their teacher Mr Orlandini who has been teaching his students great fishing techniques this term and how to be a most successful person catching good fish! The day was lovely: sunny and warm (26oC) and the water was calm. The students left Bankstown in the morning by train to city and then by bus they went to Sydney Harbour. At the Harbour, the students put into practice all their learning at school in what they learnt to do outside the water and...inside the water. Mr Orlandini, who was helped by teacher Ms Tsoli and by School Learning Support Officer-Arabic/Assyrian/Greek Ms Yousif, was very happy to see his students learn how to fish successfully. The photos speak for themselves! All 3 teachers had a great time as well as the students. The most important thing was that the students learnt something new that may help them in their future life, that is fishing for fun and fishing for food!!

The female students at BIEC are also great AFL football players!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:52 AEST

On Tuesday 14 November, 5 female students from Bankstown IEC went to the Western Wolves 'Meet and Greet' event. The Western Wolves are a Women's AFL Team (AFL is an Australian type of football). The event was an opportunity to meet some women who play AFL and the coaches, to learn new skills, to have a 'footy BBQ' and of course to have lots of fun! The Western Wolves play at Picken Oval in Croydon Park and always welcome new players (even if someone don't know what AFL is!).

Sport is a great way to make new friends in your community, be healthy and have fun. If students would like more information or have any questions, they can speak to the IEC teachers Mr Elchah or Mr Masters or visit on the internet the following website: http://www.westernwolvesafl.com/

https://facebook.com/WesternWolvesAFL/

Did you know that there is a professional women's league in Australia?? That means students can get paid to play football! Here is a video of the highlights from the AFLW Grand Final

https://youtu.be/VX04010v1r8

Well done to the female students at BIEC!

Feeling good on "Wellness Day" at Bankstown and every day!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:30 AEST

An important part of our education at our school is that our students feel good every day. It is about their well being and about engaging with the learning. Every year, Bankstown Senior College (BSC) organises in November a "Wellness day" with lots of activities on the day, including an organised tour in the School Hall which has stalls from different outside agencies for students to get information, a free BBQ lunch and ice-cream as well as fun sport after lunch! This year was no exception as "Wellness Day" was organised on Wednesday 8 November 2017. All of the students at Bankstown (Senior College and Intensive English Centre) as well as the teachers and Office staff had an amazing day. The sun was shining, there was lots of fun, exercise and team work too and everyone was a WINNER!! Well done BSC & BIEC!!

"Welcome to Australia" Elective AMAZING RACE around Bankstown on Tuesday 31 October!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:42 AEST

At BIEC (Bankstown Intensive English Centre) we offer a rich Elective program every Tuesday in Period 4 (11.05am-12.00pm) and students can choose a course that they like to do.

This term, we have offered an Elective called "Welcome to Australia" which is taught by BIEC Head Teacher Mr Kametopoulos and teacher Ms Costa. The "Welcome to Australia" Elective is in cooperation with MYAN (Multicultural Youth Access Network) and Hannah Lai who is a Youth Projects Officer for this. Hannah's team comes to the school every Tuesday and teaches the students different aspects of Australian life, as for example on Tuesday 23 October when a NSW Fire Engine was organised to come to the school and the firefighters explained about fire dangers at home, at work and elsewhere. An excellent lesson how to be careful and to look after oneself! (There are some photos further down in this news.)

On Tuesday 31 October, the students participated in an "Amazing Race" where they visited the Bankstown Multicultural Youth Services in the Old Town City Plaza, opposite the train station and then they started on...a race around Bankstown, visiting the Library, the Police station, the Centrelink Office and other important places as well as playing the drums and being challenged by playing billiards and snooker! Then the students with their teachers, Mr Kametopoulos, Ms Costa and Support Teacher-Arabic and Assyrian-Ms Yousif were treated to a FANTASTIC luncheon at the "Peppertree Cafe/Restaurant" opposite Bankstown Square. There was plenty of delicious sandwiches and cakes and fruit as well as traditional Iraqi dancing, some Greek Zorba dancing and American music! Each student received a prize too before they left the cafe/restaurant!

A great day or rather an...AMAZING day for the students at BIEC!! Thank you to MYAN and all the other helpers!

For more information about MYAN, please visit: www.myan.org.au

BIEC students at University of NSW for the MOSAIC Presentation: Tuesday 24 October.

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:14 AEST

Students at BIEC (Bankstown Intensive English Centre) who chose the Elective "MOSAIC" in Term 3 worked with UNSW (University of New South Wales) students who came to the school to help the students to prepare for a project. The themes of the projects were about equality, refugees, multiculturalism and the environment. The students prepared excellent videos and power points for many weeks, thinking, working out how to do them and them actually doing them. These projects were then given to the University at the end of Term 2.

On Tuesday 24 October of this Term, the students with the two "MOSAIC" teachers, Mr Masters and Mr Kametopoulos, were invited to the Presentation Evening at the University. About another10 schools (High Schools and IECs) were involved in this year's MOSAIC program as well! All projects were shown there to the guests, to other students and teachers and University people. The projects from our IEC were congratulated!

BIEC student Toma Tamo spoke very nicely on behalf of the BIEC students at the Presentation Evening focussing on how "MOSAIC" helped him and the others. The BIEC Head Teacher Mr Kametopoulos spoke also to the audience about his many years involvment in "MOSAIC".

Thank you very much to the ARC team of the UNSW and the MOSAIC volunteer students for their invaluable help with the program and coming to school every Tuesday in Term 3. An excellent initiative and program that undoubtedly benefits everyone as our newly arrived students had the unique chance to be involved in a university program!

BIEC: A proud school for its graduating students in Year 12!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:08 AEST

The Teachers, the Counsellor, the Support and Office Staff are always proud to see our ex IEC students make it to Year 12 and then graduate from that class, ready to tackle the HSC exams! This year is no exception! Many of our students continue their studies at Bankstown Senior College (BSC) next door to the IEC, which is pleasing to see them being part of the wider Bankstown College family. Other students go to another High School. Wherever our exiting students go from BIEC, it is always a proud moment to see them wear the special graduating attire! Some of the photos are from students in 2017 Year 12 who graduated at the end of Term 3 from Bankstown Senior College and other from St Marys Senior College. Enjoy the happy moments with us as well!

Welcome to all students in Term 4, 2017! Welcome to BIEC!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:52 AEST

The Principal of Bankstown Senior College Ms Doyle and all the teachers and office staff at Bankstown Intensive English Centre would like to welcome ALL the NEW students who have enrolled at the school for Term 4!

WELCOME to all our new students and their families from Iraq, Syria, Burma and elsewhere!!

May you have a great Term 4 with us!

Please check our website regularly for news and events! The last day for the students is Thursday 7 December 2017.

Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos

Head Teacher

Spring School Holidays: Friday 22 September - Sunday 8 October 2017

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:51 AEST

To all of our students and their families, have a lovely spring school holiday from all the staff at Bankstown IEC!

The IEC will be closed between Friday 22 September 2013 - Sunday 8 October 2017.

Do not forget that summer time (1 hour ahead) starts from Sunday 1 October! All clocks should be put 1 hour ahead from Sunday morning, e.g from 2.00am, clocks should be put forward to 3.00am.

IEC Classes start for Term 4 on Monday 9 October at 8.45am. Students should be at the school between 8.00am-8.25am.

All enquiries can be emailed at the school's email: bankstownc-i-school@det.nsw.edu.au during the spring school holidays and if possible, some emails may be answered.

Please call our school for any enquiries on 9796 8138 from 8.00am on Monday 9 October as well.

Enjoy the spring break!

Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos

Head Teacher

A very deserving Multicultural Award to our teacher Mr Elchah!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:05 AEST

One of our IEC teachers, Mr Andrew Elchah was given a prestigious award for his contribution to harmony in our community through sport and mainly through AFL football in New South Wales at a special event on Monday 11 September in Sydney. This is a wonderful occasion for Mr Elchah, his family and our school as Mr Elchah has been leading the Multicultural AFL program with our newly arrived students for a few years now, with the invaluable assistance of other teachers at the IEC, thus creating an atmosphere of respect and harmony amongst students, a great sense of unity through diversity, a spirit of competition and instilling a love for football and sport in general!

Bankstown Intensive English Centre would like to thank Mr Elchah for what he does at our school. It is no surprise that this award has been bestowed upon him.

Please click onto this Youtube video link to see the actual event that was held in honour of Mr Elchah as well as of another person involved in the same AFL program. The 2017 multicultural NSW Harmony Award - YouTube

Well done Mr Elchah!! Keep up the wonderful work!!

Art program at BIEC-Learning to paint and to think too!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:06 AEST

At Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC), all of our students who are in Level 1 classes do a great subject: Art. In this subject, the students learn to think, to plan, to feel and then to be able to use these skills to paint pictures under the guidance of their Art teacher. The results are amazing! The students make fantastic pictures using different colours, patterns and images!! Art is one of the great subjects that our BIEC students do to help them in their studies as well as for them to be able to unlock further their talents, because our students have many talents and many of them are...born artists!

BIEC Students join UNSW program "MOSAIC" in Term 3

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:21 AEST

In Term 3, part of our Electives program, we are offering a great program called MOSAIC which is organised by the University of NSW. This year about 33 students have chosen MOSAIC which means that we have to have 2 classes! Students from the University of NSW come to school every Tuesday and they help mentor the students in a special project which is due at the end of the term. In late october an exhibition night will be held to showcase all the projects as well as those from other participating schools (IECs and High schools). The students and the organising teachers, Mr Kametopoulos and Mr Masters as well as the Electives group "Film Making" with Ms O'Reilly went to Forum day to meet the university students on Tuesday 9 August and to think about what project they would like to do. All students had a lot of fun on that day and said the university was a great experience!

BIEC girls at the AFL Competition do well!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:09 AEST

On Tuesday the 25^th July, 12 female students from Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC) travelled to Blacktown International Sports Stadium to compete in the annual IEC AFL cup.

The girls played 4 games during the day. Each game consisted of two halves of ten minute each.

The 1st game was against Beverly Hills IEC. None of the students had ever played AFL before and they took a while to get the hang of the rules. Once they knew what to do they started to play really well and won this game: 14-6.

The 2nd game was against Holroyd IEC and was a very close contest. Everyone was much more confident and this game ended in a draw: 7-7.

In the 3rd game BIEC played Beverly Hills IEC again. This time the girls knew exactly what to do and they ran away winners: 7-0.

The 4th and last game was against Holroyd IEC and both teams needed to win to make the grand final. BIEC was winning 4-0 for most of the game. Unfortunately Holroyd IEC scored in the last 10 seconds and BIEC lost 6-4.

We am so proud of all of our female students at BIEC!! They gave 100% for the whole day and they had a fantastic time with an Australian sport.

A big thank you to Mr Elchah for organising the day.

We are now looking forward to having another shot at this AFL cup title in 2018!

Mrs J. Tall

Teacher

Welcome back to Term 3

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:52 AEST

A BIG Welcome to all our returning and new students for Term 3, 20127. Classes started on Tuesday 18 July and they will finish on Thursday 21 September for this term. That means that there will be 10 weeks of classes and there will be many exciting things are happening at Bankstown IEC, as always. For any enquiries, please call our Office, during business hours. BIEC welcomes to the school all newly arrived students in Australia!

Refugee Week at Bankstown 18 June-24 June. Everyone is welcomed at BIEC & BSC!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:45 AEST

At Bankstown IEC & Bankstown Senior College, all students are welcomed to study at the school from any part of the world: Europe, Asia, Africa, America, Oceania and of course from within Australia!!

We celebrate everyone's cultural and language background during they year as this is our strength in UNITY!

All refugee students and their families are respected and supported in many ways. So, to celebrate our students who may be of refugee background or similar background or not, on Wednesday 21 June, we organised a wonderful Cultural Exhibition in the School Hall that captured the cultural & language backgrounds of students and staff alike.

All students received a "passport" upon entry and they had to... travel around the world by visiting the different country stalls, look at the cultural objects on display or the traditional clothes worn or the pictures and flags displayed. Everyone...visited Australia, Ireland, Greece, Central America, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, Vietnam, China, Sudan, Egypt, Indonesia, Ghana and many other countries in one hour!

Welcome aboard to Bankstown via the world!!

BIEC students go to the Blue Mountains for a day trip thanks to Metro Assist Bankstown!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:17 AEST

On Thursday the 25th of May, 17 students from the IEC travelled to the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are just 100 kilometres from Bankstown but feel a world away. Did you know they are over 50 million years old? The day began at 7:30 am at Bankstown station then we walked to Metro Assist who had generously invited us. The journey took 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Our first stop was Echo Point. Echo Point has the most amazing view so we took thousands of selfies! We learnt about The Three Sisters and why the mountains are blue (oil from the trees creates a blue colour in the air). Next, we went on the three scary cable rides.

There was lots of screaming but the views were fantastic and the rainforest walk was magical. After all these adventures we explored an old town called Leura and had lunch in a beautiful park.

I tried some Afghan sweets and they were delicious!

Last stop was Featherdale Wildlife Park in Doonside where we met some koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingos and even a crocodile. We had done so much in one day so it was time to head back to Bankstown at 5 pm and go home for some sleep. Everyone had a great time.

The students and I would like to thank Mrs O'Reilly for organising a wonderful day.

For more information about how Metro Assist can help you please visit http://www.metroassist.org.au

Mr Masters

Bankstown IEC is on Iraqi TV for the Harmony Day project in March 2017!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:08 AEST

In March this year, many of our students participated in the Harmony Day project that was organised by SBS Radio and SBS Television, Ambush Gallery as well as by other organisations. Our students and their big painting works were put on display at Darling Harbour in March and April and they made it on Iraqi TV! Click on the link below and watch the 5 minute report (in the Arabic language) that talks about how important the students' paintings are to them for peace, love and harmony around the world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=coyFz58q0O8&app=desktop

Bankstown IEC and College students receive Special Awards at Sydney Town Hall

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:06 AEST

On Wednesday 17 May at Sydney Town Hall an event took place that celebrated Excellence in Public schools in New South Wales. Many students from different educational settings (IECs and High Schools) were recognised for their efforts at school despite any challenges they may have had or may be still having in their life. 4 former and current Bankstown students were given a scholarship that had a large amount of money attached to these awards to assist them further with their studies. The Bankstown students are Hadeel Alnashy, Alaa Krayem, Saeeda Ahmadi and Ramsina Oshana. The award is called "The Friends of Zainab Senior Secondary Scholarship". 3 members of staff, Deputy Principal (Equity) Ms Georgiou, Head Teacher IEC Mr Kametopoulos and IEC Teacher Ms O'Reilly were able to attend the event and to congratulate the students for their special award and for their great efforts! Congratulations to these students from all staff at Bankstown Intensive English Centre and at Bankstown Senior College once again! Bankstown is a school of excellence and a school that provides great support for all learners!

BIEC students visit SBS TV and RADIO studios as well as STREET ART at Darling Harbour

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:22 AEST

What another FANTASTIC day 21 students from Bankstown IEC and Bankstown Senior College had on Tuesday 14 March 2017!! Despite the cloudy and at times rainy weather, the Head Teacher of the IEC Mr Kametopoulos and teacher Ms Parras took the students by bus and train to SBS TV & RADIO studios at Artarmon in North Sydney at 1.30pm - 4.00pm for a fantastic tour of the studios! They visited where the news are broadcast in the SBS World News studios as well as the Radio studios which transmit in 75 languages, like Arabic, Assyrian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, Farsi, Thai and many more langauges. The students also met many technicians and radio broadcasters in many languages as well saw where and how people in the TV and RADIO work.

After SBS studios, the students and the teachers at 6.00pm until 8.00pm made their way to Darling Harbour for the official opening of the STREET ART they were involved in last November. Their big pieces of Art are displayed for free near Tumbalong Park at the Darling Quarter from Tuesday 14 March - Sunday 30 March. Anyone can go their with their family and friends to see!

Thank you to SBS, AMBUSH Gallery at Waterloo and the NSW Department of Social Services for assisting our students in this magnificent project!!

Please click on the links below

1. to see the video our students were in and the report made by an SBS TV journalist:

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/897360963878/migrant-student-endorses-harmony-day-exhibit

2. to read the article on the SBS homepage about our students:

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/03/14/harmony-day-mural-exhibition-showcases-artwork-young-migrant-Australians

END-OF-TERM 1-PICNIC DAY AT OLYMPIC PARK ON A BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:28 AEST

On Thursday 6 April 2017, Bankstown Intensive English Centre organised a fantastic day: the end-of-term Picnic Day of Term 1 at Blaxland Reserve at Bicentennial Park at Silverwater. What a great day. The sun was out after so many weeks of rainy days and it was a warm day too, about 24-25oC! There was BBQ there organised by Mr Elchah and Ms Tall and many activities with sports too organised by other teachers and the Support Staff! Everyone had a fantastic time. Many photos, many memories, lots of dancing, lots of food and soft drinks and above all, many smiles and laughter! Congratulations to all students and the teachers who organised this event! Now it is time to relax and enjoy the 2 week April Easter holidays.

Students start school on Wednesday 26 April at 8.30am. They must be at BIEC between 7.45am-8.30am. At 8.30am there will be a Welcome back Assembly in the Hall and new timetables will be given out!

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS between Saturday 8 April-Tuesday 25 April 2017 (ANZAC DAY Public Holiday). The school will be open on Monday 24 April and only teachers will be here. The Office staff will be taking phone calls and answering any emails.

ENJOY!!!!

2016 Inter-IEC ORATORY SHOWCASE: Talented speakers everywhere! BIEC students shine!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:37:58 AEST

What fantastic public speakers all IECs have in Sydney! The students who participated in this year's Inter-IEC Oratory Showcase, the 5th one being organised since 2012, can certainly give some good public speaking advice to others on how to be funny, sad, convincing or entertaining but most of all how to be engaging in their public speeches and oral presentations! Despite the fact that most students are learning English since their arrival from around the world, for 12 or 9 or only for 6 months or less at their IEC, they certainly can speak in English quite well and they definately have the "gift of the gab"!

This year's event took place at Lurnea IEC on Thursday 17 November 2016. It was a most memorable event because it was well organised and the hosts at Lurnea, that is the Head Teacher Ms Helen Lee, the teachers and Office/Admin staff as well as the Lurnea IEC students were excellent hosts! The morning started by the choir of Lurnea IEC which sang the Australian National Anthem with almost angelic voices, as everyone commented and then it continued with the official program: the 2 minute speeches by two students from all participating IECs, namely our IEC, Bankstown IEC as well as Beverly Hills IEC, Cabramatta IEC, Chatswood IEC, Chester Hill IEC, Evans IEC, Fairfield IEC, Holroyd IEC, Kogarah IEC, Marrickville IEC, Marsden IEC, Miller IEC, Warrawong IEC in Wollongong and of course the host IEC for this year, Lurnea.

All students were brilliant and were applauded for their great speeches, the variety of topics and their courage to speak on stage in front of more than 300 students who came along from the other IECs as an excursion to watch and appreciate the day with some of their teachers. Bankstown IEC was represented by Alaa Krayem from Syria and Dung Nguyen from Vietnam. Some of the topics the students spoke about were "How can I become confident?", "Overcoming adversity", "The plight of refugees", "My village", "I am not a terrorist", "Pollution in the world", "Friendship" and "Taller or Smaller? Which is better?". The last topic was a funny one and was presented by Mohammed and Oscar from Lurnea IEC. Both students were a fantastic comical duo! After the speeches, all teachers and students enjoyed a delicious food spread under lovely, warm, sunny skies. The students had an Aussie BBQ! A cultural program that took place after midday entertained everyone with Pacific island dances and funky acrobatic dancers.

In attendance were Ms Christine Tiekle, Advisor from the NSW Department of Education, Multicultural Education and Equity who expressed her amazement of these newly arrived to Australia students and their speeches, despite the fact that English is not an easy language to master and Mr Nick Sandrejko from the NSW Health, Department of Priority Programs Unit and Social Policy Branch. Also in attendance were the Deputy Principal of Chester Hill IEC Ms Mee Lin Liau who was the teacher who "gave birth" to the Inter-IEC Oratory Showcase idea more than 5 years ago as well as other Principals, Deputies and IEC Head Teachers. From BIEC, teachers Ms Nita Marinakis and Ms Anastasia Palivos escorted the students from Classes 2M, 2P and 3G as well as SLSO (School Learning Support Officer-Ethnic) Mr Fernando Flores. The MC for this year again was the BIEC Head Teacher Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos.

Well done to Lurnea IEC and Lurnea HS and thank you for a fantastic day! Now everyone is...talking about how a memorable this event was! Congratulations to all the IEC student speakers! We are all looking forward to the 2017 Inter-IEC Oratory Showcase next year!!

BIEC at NSW University with excellent projects

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:09 AEST

On Tuesday night of 25 October, 5 students from Bankstown Intensive English Centre and from Bankstown Senior College attended an excellent evening-presentation at NSW University to receive certificates for participating in the "MOSAIC" program in Term 3. "MOSAIC" was offered as an Elective to our students and was taught by the Head Teacher Mr Kametopoulos last term. Our Electives happen every Tuesday between 11.05am-12.00pm and are part of our curriculum delivery. More information about these are on this website!

3 wonderful NSW University student volunteers - Tina, Yelena and Becky - came to the school every Tuesday Period 4 to support the students in their works and projects as well as our 2 wonderful Community Volunteers David Ienna and Hannah Smith. David and Hannah KINDLY offered their community bus to take the students to the University at Kensington from school at 5.00pm and bring them back to the school at 9.00pm.

All student works were presented on computers and screens for everyone to see. BIEC student works were fantastic and spoke about refugees, terrorism and discrimination. All students had a message at the end of their powerpoints.

The other schools which participated in the 2016 program were: Chatswood IEC, Strathfield Girls High School, Burwood Girls High School and James Cook Technology High School.

Congratulations to BIEC students as well as the main organisor, Amelia Brown and her team of organisors of "MOSAIC" at the University for giving BIEC this opportunity!! This was a memorable event!

The students who came to the Presentation Evening were Mohammad Hashimi who is a student at BIEC as well as the following students who have moved onto Bankstown Senior College having exited from the IEC at the end of Term 3: Zia Samano, Sam Yunus Al-Zuhairi, Sam Sabeeh Al-Zuhairi and Akram Al-Zuhairi. Well done BIEC!!

BIEC students have FUN at Luna Park on Thursday 8 Dec 2016 on a beautiful sunny day!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:17 AEST

What a FANTASTIC day!!! The students, teachers and teachers' aides enjoyed one of the best picnic days at BIEC: a day out at Luna Park on Thursday 8 December 2016, on a beautiful, sunny summer's day! Students enjoyed Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and took hundreds of photos before they went into Luna Park to have many rides. This has been an unforgettable day! Congratulations to all students and thank you for making this a very special and enjoyable day!! Thank you to Ms Parmaxidou for organising one of the biggest excursions we have ever had and all the staff for helping along the way!! Time to rest now and enjoy the summer holidays!!

BIEC students in the Sydney Morning Herald! Great artistic talents!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:20 AEST

The students at Bankstown Intensive English Centre and Bankstown Senior College are very talented! Despite any challenges they had before coming to Australia, they show great dedication to their studies and hidden talents. One of these talents is the ability to do great Street Art. BIEC and BSC students were involved in such a project last November and in Tuesday's edition of the Sydney Morning Herald, 2 pages are dedicated to our students. Please click below and enjoy the reading in the electronic version. The school would like to thank Amy Owen from AMBUSH Gallery at Waterloo for giving this opportunity to our students! It is most appreciated!!

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/lifes-a-circus-on-harmony-day-as-young-migrants-celebrate-diversity-through-art-20170313-guwp86.html

BIEC thanks ABBEY'S BOOKSHOP in the city!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:25 AEST

Thank you Abbey's Bookshop! In December 2016, approximately 30 students graduated from BIEC to continue their studies at Bankstown Senior College or elsewhere. All these students participated in our Intensive English Reading program. Every student achieved well and two students were in particular outstanding in their reading progress progressing through...five Reading levels! An excellent achievement!

Abbey's Bookshop kindly donated books so we could acknowledge and celebrate the students' achievements at our Term 4, December Graduation assembly.

From the Reading Coordinator, Ms Fotis, the BIEC teaching and admin staff, thank you once again to Abbey's Bookshop for their generosity and assistance towards our newly arrived students in Australia!

BIEC welcomes all students from around the world!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:25 AEST

BIEC (Bankstown Intensive English Centre) welcomes all students from around the world every day!

To find out how to enrol at the school, click on the tab "How to enrol". All the information is there. The school number is 9796 8138 and the Office staff will be most happy to take any calls for enquiries Monday-Thursday from 8.00am-4.00pm or via email: bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au

WELCOME TO ALL NEW AND OLD STUDENTS AT BIEC!!

Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos

Head Teacher

School STARTS Monday 30 January 2017 at 8.30am!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:50 AEST

School starts for ALL students on Monday 30 January 2017. Students must be at school before 8.20am, as there will be a "Welcome Back Meeting" in the Hall at 8.30am.

Welcome back to the IEC to the students who are continuing and welcome to all NEW students!!

HAVE A SAFE & HEALTHY 2017!!

Many twins study at BIEC in 2016! Double...fun for them and for all!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:40 AEST

At BIEC, all students enjoy their English studies at the school as they study many subjects. But when the students are...twins, they have...double fun studying at BIEC and they enjoy it greatly!!

At the school in 2016, there were 4 set of identical twins from Vietnam, from China, from Iraq and from Syria.

Please click below for the article that was featured electronically in the local newspaper "The Torch" about our twins! Happy...double reading! If you cannot click onto it for some reason, probably try to copy and paste the electronic address into your browser.

www.localnewsplus.com.au/story?ID=123844&stories=stories&publication=Torch§ion=news

**The article is also below as a photograph copy from the newspaper format.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2017!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:41 AEST

Dear Students, Families and Community Partners

On behalf of BIEC, have a lovely Christmas and a safe, healthy, new year in 2017!

Enjoy the summer holidays until Sunday 29 January 2017.

Students return to school on Monday 30 January 2017 at 8.00am for 8.30am "Welcome Back Assembly".

For any enquiries in the summer holidays, please email us on:

bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Thank you

Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos

Head Teacher

Thank you to BRIDGE Bookstore in the City for helping in our Reading Program!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:52 AEST

BIEC has a wonderful Reading program that ALL classes participate in, that is Level 1, 2 and 3 classes every day for one period. The aim is to provide an opportunity to students to develop reading skills and strategies as well as comprehension skills. Bridge Bookstore in the City on Broadway kindly donated to our Reading program and the Graduating students of Term 4, a small pack of highlighters and I-pad pens in one. We would like to thank them wholeheartedly for their generosity towards our school and of course to our exiting students. Thank you sincerely from the Reading Coordinator Ms I. Fotis and all the staff at BIEC!

2016 Term 4 Graduation Assembly: Wednesday 7 December

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:37:59 AEST

On Wednesday 7 December 2016, at 11.05am until 1.00pm, the IEC will have its Graduation (Leavers') Assembly in the Bankstown Senior College School Hall. All the families of the leaving students are invited to attend. Everyone will have the opportunity to congratulate the students who will be receiving their IEC certificates and who will be moving onto Bankstown Senior College or to another High School. Congratulations to all students! At the end of the Assembly, there will be some refreshments (drinks and biscuits) for everyone to enjoy during the many photos that will be taken!

SBS TV RADIO & BIEC Working Together

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:48 AEST

On Monday 14 November and Tuesday 15 November 22 students from BIEC and 3 students from Bankstown Senior College had the opportunity to participate in a special 2 day Street Art Workshop. This was a fantastic event that our students could not have dreamt of! The students worked with Kaffeine, an artist and explored the various ways of painting individually and as a group. Their work will be on public display in Darling Harbour in March 2017. Thank you to SBS and in particular Emily Franke and Corryne Keller who are part of the Outreach Team of SBS for the program and the hospitality as well as the Bankstown Arts Centre. The students had an amazing time with the guidance they received as their talents were brought to the forefront. A great initiative which the school woudl like to see it continues next year!

BIEC students get a taste of NSW and Australian politics!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:16 AEST

On Wednesday 16 November, all the students from Level 2 classes (2J, 2M and 2P) at BIEC went on a HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) excursion to the New South Wales State Parliament, in Macquarie street. The students and the staff were the guests of Mr Chris Minns, the NSW State member for Kogarah and Jihad Dib, the NSW State member for Lakemba. It was a lovely day, with the students and the teachers enjoying time in Hyde Park before going to the Parliament and then the Botanical gardens and Opera house after. BIEC was very lucky to have been able to watch a live debate on the floor of the Legislative Assembly from the gallery and was even welcomed by the Acting Speaker during it. After viewing the debate, the students and the teachers met Mr Chris Minns and Mr Jihad Dib who both gave excellent talks to the students. Mr Minns spoke about the strengths and success of multiculturalism in Australia and Mr Dib spoke about the importance of hard work and education as well as the ability to achieve someone's dreams in Australia. BIEC was also fortunate to have met Mr Steve Kamper, the NSW State member for Rockdale as well. All three made everyone feel very welcomed and connected to our NSW State Parliament.

A very special BIEC thank you goes to Ms Cheryl Han, electorate officer for Chris Minns. Ms Han arranged the school's visit to the State Parliament and she was a fantastic tour guide. Thank you so much!

It was a lovely day and enjoyed by all indeed!

Mr J. Spilstead

H.S.I.E coordinator

What a Fantastic Wellness Day on Thursday 3 November 2016

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:53 AEST

At Bankstown Senior College (BSC) and Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC), everyone looks after each other! We want to be always feeling good and happy! On Thursday 3 November 2016, Bankstown Senior College organised its annual "WELLNESS DAY" with a very tasty BBQ and fantastic activities in the afternoon! Students had the opportunity to play chess and various board games, volleyball as well as fun games in the Hall. All the students, as they said themselves, enjoyed every moment! At BIEC, we care for each other. Thank you to the College, for organising this important event and to all teachers and students who had such an enjoyable afternoon! The photos "tell the story" about this exciting day at BSC & BIEC!

Welcome to all NEW students at BIEC!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:38:52 AEST

Bankstown Intensive English Centre (BIEC) in Sydney welcomes all newly arrived to Australia students from around the world!! The doors at BIEC are always open to all students anytime! Teachers and support staff always help our new students.

WELCOME TO BIEC!!

2016 Term 4 starts on Monday 10 October

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:37:59 AEST

Term 4 classes start on Monday 10 October. Students must be at school before 8.25am as they will be attending a meeting at 8.30am in Room 5. Students will be told what classes they will be in for Term 4 and they will be given their Timetable. This term is 9 weeks long. The last day of classes will be Thursday 8 December 2016

HAVE A GREAT TERM 4!

News

School Updates App - be prepared for any emergency

Privacy information

#MathsTrainsBrains for the future

Video – #MathsTrainsBrains

Updates to COVID-19 restrictions affecting NSW schools

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

Students and staff who have travelled through or visited Victoria

Information for students and staff on new NSW-Victoria border restrictions

Attending schools along the border

New restrictions affecting boarding schools

More information

Returning to school in Term 3

Education Week to celebrate learning together

NSW students return to the classroom full-time

Students begin return to classrooms

NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2

Latest advice

No child will be turned away from school

Latest advice

New COVID-19 restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning

Latest advice

Schools to implement distancing measures

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Science Excursion

Level 3 Science Excursion to University of New South Wales - Ms Sundaram Level 3 Science Teacher

Classes have started for Term 2, 2019

2019 school budget allocations

Breakfast Club at Bankstown Senior College in winter is very popular

Art classes at Bankstown Intensive English Centre make wonderful mosaics

Bankstown Intensive English Centre mosaic elective students go to NSW university

Classes have started for Term 3, 2018! BIEC welcomes all NEW students!

WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Saturday 7 July-Monday 23 July 2018

Bankstown IEC is closed between Friday 6 July to Sunday 22 July 2017 for the Winter School 2 weeks holidays.

Students must return to school on Tuesday 24 July between 8.00am - 8.25am. Students will have a Welcome Back Assembly in the TLS (above the Cafeteria) and then they will receive their timetables and classes as well as other information for the term.

BIEC students visit the Sydney Fish Markets on Tuesday 3 July 2018 and they have a...whale of time!

BIEC wins the AFL Cup for females on Wednesday 13 June! Win, win win!!

A great fishing day on 26 June with the "Thrive" Program, LMA & Department of Primary Industries

Many awards for our students from Auburn Diversity Services on Friday 22 June 2018

Doing Art at BIEC is a great subject amongst so many others!

Welcome back to all students for Term 2 at Bankstown IEC!

April/Autumn 2 week School Holidays--Term 2 starts Tuesday 1 May for students

Dear Student, Families and Community Partners

Please note that from Friday 13 April 2018 - Sunday 29 April 2014, (2 weeks), the IEC will be closed. The school email: bankstownc-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au will be checked sometimes during this holiday period so responses to emails will not always be on the same day.

Teachers and Office staff will be back at school on Monday 30 April 2018 for our School Development Day. The Office will be open for telephone ( 9796 8138) or in-person enquiries on this day. There will be NO classes for students.

*** ALL STUDENTS must return to school on Tuesday 1 April between 7.45am-8.25am for an 8.30am start.

At 8.30am, there will be a Welcome Back Assembly in the TLS room. At this Assembly, students will be given their new classes and new timetables.

From the Principal Ms Marianne Doyle, the IEC Head Teacher Mr Dimitrios Kametopoulos and all the IEC and HS Teaching & Office staff, please have a safe and wonderful 2 week holiday during April.

2018 Term 1 PICNIC DAY - A great day at Blaxland Reserve

Happy "Harmony Day" to all our students today and every day!

2 of our ex-IEC students are on this year's poster, Van and Mario and we congratulate them.

"HAPPY HARMONY DAY TODAY & EVERY DAY!"

2018 TERM 1 BIEC NEWSLETTER ONLINE & LANGUAGE PROGRAMS ON SBS RADIO

Learning to respect each other through sport at BIEC

Students back at school on TUESDAY 30 January 2018 at 8.30am

School starts for students returning to Bankstown IEC (BIEC) on Tuesday 30 January 2017 at 8.30am.

Students must be at school before 8.25am.

There will be a "Welcome Back Meeting" in the Hall or TLC at 8.30am.

Welcome back to the students who are continuing at BIEC and welcome to all NEW students!!

HAVE A SAFE & HEALTHY 2018!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018! Have a great summer holiday too!

STUDENTS return to school on Tuesday 30 January 2018 at 8.00am for 8.30am for a "Welcome Back Assembly" in the TLS and then for lessons for the rest of the day.

***NEW STUDENTS come to school on Wednesday 31 January 2018 at 8.00am for 8.30am "Orientation lesson for new students" in Room 2.

5 BIEC students win scholarships for 2018!! Fantastic news!!

BIEC students have fun, fun, fun at Luna Park on Thursday 7 December 2017

BIEC students have...the gift of the gab at the 2017 Oratory Showcase at Chester Hill IEC

BIEC students fishing...for success!!

The female students at BIEC are also great AFL football players!

Feeling good on "Wellness Day" at Bankstown and every day!

"Welcome to Australia" Elective AMAZING RACE around Bankstown on Tuesday 31 October!

BIEC students at University of NSW for the MOSAIC Presentation: Tuesday 24 October.

BIEC: A proud school for its graduating students in Year 12!

Welcome to all students in Term 4, 2017! Welcome to BIEC!

Spring School Holidays: Friday 22 September - Sunday 8 October 2017

To all of our students and their families, have a lovely spring school holiday from all the staff at Bankstown IEC!

The IEC will be closed between Friday 22 September 2013 - Sunday 8 October 2017.

Do not forget that summer time (1 hour ahead) starts from Sunday 1 October! All clocks should be put 1 hour ahead from Sunday morning, e.g from 2.00am, clocks should be put forward to 3.00am.

IEC Classes start for Term 4 on Monday 9 October at 8.45am. Students should be at the school between 8.00am-8.25am.

All enquiries can be emailed at the school's email: bankstownc-i-school@det.nsw.edu.au during the spring school holidays and if possible, some emails may be answered.

Please call our school for any enquiries on 9796 8138 from 8.00am on Monday 9 October as well.

* ALL STUDENTS must return to school on Tuesday 1 April between 7.45am-8.25am** for an 8.30am start.