Stories and Highlights

Arabin Cup: Celebrating Sportsmanship and Community

Each year, our school is proud to host the 'Arabin Cup' Small Schools' T-Ball competition, a much-loved sporting event that brings students together for a day of teamwork, competition, and community spirit. The event consistently showcases impressive sportsmanship, with students demonstrating respect, cooperation, and enthusiasm throughout the day.

The success of the Arabin Cup is made possible through the combined efforts of many dedicated people. We acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of:

• Staff who organise the event, prepare schedules, and ensure the day runs smoothly
• Grounds and support teams who assist with setting up the facilities
• Sponsoring families and community partners who help sustain the event each year
• Local volunteer groups who provide catering and on-the-day support
• Student helpers from neighbouring high schools who generously assist
• All attending students, staff, and families who contribute to the positive atmosphere
• The host venue and its staff, who provide a welcoming and well-maintained space

The Arabin Cup continues to be a highlight on our school calendar—a celebration of participation, community connection, and the shared joy of sport.

Annual Student Art Show: Creativity, Community, and Celebration

Each year, the P&C helps to fund and support our school as it hosts its annual Student Art Show, an evening dedicated to celebrating creativity and showcasing the artistic talents of our students. Families, staff, and community members are invited to view a diverse range of artworks, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, and photography. The event provides a welcoming space for students to proudly share their work and appreciate the creativity of their peers.

A highlight of the evening is the community voting, where guests are invited to cast their votes across several categories, including student artwork awards and a special feature category such as “Best Pet Photograph.” While the anticipation of results adds excitement, the atmosphere remains warm, supportive, and focused on celebrating every student’s achievement.

The Art Show often includes special guests from the broader education community who join us in recognising the importance of creative expression in learning. As one student beautifully reflected, "art inspires us by showing the creativity in everyone".

Above all, the event emphasises participation, encouragement, and the joy of artistic expression. Whether or not students receive an award, each artist contributes something unique to the exhibition—and every participant is celebrated.

Fun Fact:
Art is known to support mental health and wellbeing, offering a powerful way to express emotions, explore ideas, and build confidence.

Community Connections: High School and Aged-Care Visits

Each year, our students participate in a valuable day of learning and community engagement through visits to Murrumburrah High School and a local aged-care facility. These experiences provide a rich blend of hands-on learning, social connection, and real-world skill building.

During the high school visit, students take part in a variety of engaging activities across different subject areas. In past years, these have included practical cooking sessions, exciting science experiments, and opportunities to explore specialised learning environments. These activities help students develop confidence, spark curiosity, and gain insight into what learning looks like in a high school setting.

The day also includes a visit to a nearby aged-care facility, where students spend time interacting with residents through conversations, games, and shared activities. This connection fosters empathy, respect, and intergenerational understanding, helping students appreciate the importance of community relationships.

We are consistently proud of the way our students approach these experiences—with enthusiasm, kindness, and genuine care. These annual visits remain a highlight of our school year, offering meaningful learning moments both inside and beyond the classroom.

PLC Days

At Binalong Public School, we value collaboration and continuous improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students. Once a term, we participate in Professional Learning Community (PLC) Days, alternating between Binalong, Bowning and Wee Jasper Public Schools.

These dedicated professional learning days provide our teachers with the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from across our learning community. Together, they analyse student learning, share effective teaching practices, engage with current educational research, and collaboratively plan high-quality learning experiences. By learning from one another and working together, our teachers strengthen their practice, ensuring that every student benefits from consistent, evidence-informed teaching.

While our teachers are engaged in professional learning, students participate in exciting STEM learning experiences led by teaching staff. These days are always a highlight of the school calendar for our students, who enjoy the opportunity to learn in a different environment and connect with peers from Binalong, Bowning and Wee Jasper Public Schools. Through hands-on, collaborative learning activities, students develop their creativity, critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills while tackling real-world challenges. They also build friendships, confidence and a strong sense of belonging across our wider learning community.

Aspire UC Incursions and Excursions

We are proud to provide our students with opportunities to explore future pathways and discover the many possibilities available to them through our partnership with the University of Canberra Aspire program.

Once a term, students take part in engaging Aspire UC learning experiences delivered by the University of Canberra team. Through interactive activities, discussions and hands-on learning, students explore a range of careers, industries and future opportunities, helping them understand the many pathways available to them beyond primary school.

Aspire UC days are always a highlight on our school calendar and are some of our students’ favourite days of the year. Students love welcoming the Aspire mentors into our school and have developed wonderful relationships with them over time. The familiar faces, positive connections and engaging activities create a sense of excitement, curiosity and belonging, with students eagerly looking forward to each visit.

As part of the program, students also have the opportunity to visit the University of Canberra campus in Term 4. This special experience allows students to explore the university environment, participate in activities, see the campus firsthand and begin to imagine the possibilities that further education can offer.

These experiences encourage students to dream big, recognise their strengths and understand that there are many different pathways to achieving their goals. We value our ongoing partnership with the University of Canberra Aspire team and appreciate the inspiration, encouragement and support they provide as they help our students explore their interests, build confidence and imagine their futures.