Special Programs

In addition to the programs offered within classes the school operates a range of special programs. These include, but are not limited to:

ESL (English as a Second Language)

Dedicated ESL classes are provided for nominated students two days a week.

Reading Recovery

Assistance is provided to individual students from Year 1 to improve their reading and writing skills. A specially trained teacher provides tuition to select students in addition to classroom literacy time.

Extension and Enrichment Opportunities

These classes are conducted for technology, science and mathematics extension.

Special Education

A range of academic and social skills are catered for in a special class which operates an integrated program.

Peer Support Program

Each year the school runs a peer support program which encourages leadership in older students who each guide a small group of students across all classes through a set program of self discovery.

Sport / Personal Development / Health Programs

Each Friday the school participates in a skills-based sports program. Other events and programs conducted throughout the year include:

• Swimming & athletics carnivals
• Two-week swim school
• Netball, soccer, basketball & rugby league teams
• SMASH Program
• Jump Rope for Heart
• Basketball clinics
• Knights rugby league clinics
• Gymnastic program
• Life Education program
• Road safety initiatives

The four school houses are named after the four streets which border the school grounds.

Dixon (yellow)	Tudor (blue)
Steel (red)	Samdon (green)

Public Speaking / Debating

Each year students across the school are encouraged to prepare and deliver a speech. Representatives from each stage participate in public speaking competitions outside the school.

The school also participates in inter-school debating competitions.

Choir

The school choir meets once a week and is open to students from Year 2 onwards. The choir performs both at special school events and various events outside the school.

Music

The school participates in the Musica Viva visiting schools program with performances throughout the year. Students are also able to access private guitar, keyboard and percussion lessons offered by the school.

Dance

The school has three dance groups open to students from Year 1 onwards - junior girls, senior girls and boys. Each group rehearses once a week for three terms of the year and performs at the annual Hunter Dance Festival and other events both at school and outside the school.

Special Events

Throughout the year the school holds a number of very successful special events. These include:

• Harmony Day - a celebration of many cultures
• Environmental Gala Day - an opportunity to learn and contribute to our environment
• Education Week Celebrations
• Class excursions organised throughout the year

Environmental Programs

Hamilton Public School is a H.O.P.E. school - Helping Our Planet Earth. The school actively encourages students to recycle, operates a worm farm and interested students can join the HOPE Club which meets weekly.

A master plan of the school's outdoor areas has been created with a strong focus on developing an environment which provides safe, fun and creative learning spaces.

Library

The school library provides a learning resource centre for students and provides services, materials, equipment and an information system. The librarian is at the school Monday to Wednesday and each class has dedicated library times once a week. The library is also open to students during lunch times.

Library bags for borrowing can be purchased from the school.

Literacy Loft

Opened in early 2006, this area provides a wonderful learning space outside the classroom. It's colourful décor and natural light make it a popular reading space.

Computers / IT

The school has computers in every classroom and the library to help students develop their computer and internet skills. The school has recently upgraded its telephone and computer networks throughout the school in addition to increased computers for each classroom. This significant investment will continue to be built upon.

Parents as Teachers (PAT)

PAT is an early childhood parents' education and family support program for families with children under 3 years. It operates within the school grounds.