Homeschool Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 15th December - at 6:30pm in West Pymble Scout Hall.
2024-12-15 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | West Pymble Scout Hall – (the end of) Prince of Wales Dr, West Pymble NSW 2073, Prince of Wales Dr, West Pymble, NSW, 2073, Australia
The Sydney Homeschool Band and Choir would love to invite everyone to a

Homeschool Carols by Candlelight

on Sunday 15th December at 6:30pm in West Pymble Scout Hall.

Bring a picnic rug, snacks and your own battery powered candles (we’re in a hall so no flames allowed)

Lyric booklets provided on the night.

This event is free and no tickets are required – just turn up.

We look forward to spending an evening singing with you!

Homeschool Barter & Trade Market Day - Mon 9th & Fri 13th
2024-12-09 13:00 - 15:00 | NSW
Our Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley Inc. Homeschooling program classes are holding barter and trade market day for the last classes of term. We would like to invite anyone from the homeschooling community to come along and join in the fun.

The event will be set up like a market and children will have the opportunity to barter and trade their goodies with one another.

This is a ticketed event with a limited number of tickets available. Tickets are just $5 per household. with all proceeds going towards finishing our shaded outdoor classroom.

Link to event-

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1073881361059…

Our barter and trade market days help consolidate our learnings of the three permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fare Share.

A barter and trade market aligns beautifully with the three core permaculture ethics—
Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share:
1. Earth Care: Bartering encourages the reuse and sharing of resources, which reduces waste and lessens our environmental footprint. By trading goods instead of buying new ones, we minimize the need for new products and resources, supporting sustainability and protecting the Earth
2. People Care: Bartering brings people together, fostering a supportive community where everyone can access what they need. It promotes face-to-face interactions and relationships, which helps create a strong, interdependent network. This directly supports the principle of caring for one another’s well-being
3. Fair Share: Barter and trade markets embody the idea of “returning surplus” by sharing goods or skills that might be in excess. They allow people to share what they have with others who may need it, ensuring that resources are fairly distributed and accessible to everyone, rather than hoarded or wasted.
A barter and trade meet is a practical way to live out permaculture principles by creating a more resilient, resourceful, and connected community.

Some key information to help the event run smoothly…
Approved trade items for our trade meet are-
Veggies
Fruit
Nuts
Herbs
Honey
Eggs
Preserves/preserving jars/preserving pots
Home grown livestock
Baked goods
Home made cleaning products
Homemade beauty/bathroom products
Homemade household/garden items
Beeswax wraps
Homemade clothing
Homemade jewellery
Seedlings
Seeds
Manure
Gardening equipment
Worms
Worm farms
Composting items

Please note we do not allow-
•Store bought produce (unless turned into a homemade preserve)
•Store bought goods (such as toys, clothing, books, food items, crockery etc..)
•Sale of goods for money

TABLE & CHAIR- Please bring your own picnic table and chair or picnic blanket to display your items on. There will be very limited tables and chairs available at the garden

CHRISTMAS THEME-
Please feel free to decorate your table in a Christmas theme to add to the fun of the day.

WASTE FREE EVENT- It’s a good idea to bring along reusable bags, containers etc.. to collect your trade items in and prevent the use of single use plastic

PARKING- Please drive in through village main gate and follow road around to park in designated parking area.

ARRIVAL & BARTERING TIMES-
Monday 9th Trade Meet:
•1pm Arrive and setup
•1:30pm Walk around and view items on offer for potential trade
•2pm Barter and trading begins
•3pm Conclusion of event
Friday 13th Trade Meet:
•10:00 Arrive and setup
•10:30 Walk around and view items on offer for potential trade
•11:00 Barter and trading begins
•12pm Conclusion of event

Tree Tops Central Coast
2024-12-06 10:30 - 13:00 | Treetops Central Coast, Ourimbah State Forest 1 Red Hill Rd,(cnr Yarramalong Rd), Wyong Creek, NSW, 2259, Australia
Experience the thrill of swinging, flying or bouncing in the treetops of Ourimbah State Forest. Ascend between 1-20 metres above the ground tackling aerial challenges and zip lines.
Friday 6th Dec, 10:30am-1am
$35 for ages 8+, must book and PAY by Monday 2nd Dec.
Ages 8-11 years require 1 participating adult per 4 children. A paid ticket is required.
Ages 11-15 years require an adult to remain onsite and actively watch from the ground.
All weather activity: Rain or shine, we climb! If the forecast hints at rain, pack your wet weather gear and embrace the challenge. The paths can get muddy, so leave your best outfits behind. Treetops Adventure will only close during thunderstorms and strong winds.
Bring a packed lunch to enjoy together when the activity finishes.
Note: there are 6 colour codes for courses
Yellow: Junior 3-7, 2 courses, reach 85-100cm
Orange: Junior Pro 3-7, 2 courses, reach 85-100cm
Green: Beginner 8+, 1 course, reach 115-130cm
Blue: Intermediate 8+, 1 course, reach 115-130cm
Red: Advanced 10+, 1 course, reach 120-150cm
Black: Expert 12+, 1 course, reach 140-170cm

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1322366

Maritime Museum - Special Event (Oosterschelde) - Free - Mon 25th Nov 24
2024-11-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, NSW, 2000, Australia
Maritime Museum has a very special visitor on Monday 25th November! A ship called the Oosterschelde which is retracing the scientific journey of Charles Darwin on The Beagle to the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia among other exciting places. Students can watch some presentations from some youth conservation projects and then have a tour of the ship and get free access to galleries and other vessels at the museum. Students will hear from Chris Darwin (a descendant of Charles Darwin) as well as other scientists and conservations from across the globe.

This is a really good opportunity for any students 12yrs+ – it will book out quick. The event is FREE.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/…/darwin200-tour-and…

Also you can go to their website where they have great onsite learning classroom – focusing on science – https://worldsmostexcitingclassroom.com

Big Art Day - Art Gallery of NSW - Tuesday 19th November 2024 10am - 2pm
2024-11-19 10:00 - 14:00 | NSW
Magritte: absolutely absurd
Bring the whole year group and join us at the Art Gallery of New South Wales for a big day of art!
In our Big Art Day sessions, we get up close to artworks, participate in lively debates about art and ideas, and create a collaborative artwork inspired by the works around us. Taking inspiration from the art and exhibitions on view, students learn how to look at and interpret art, and experiment with a range of art-making techniques and materials.
This day-long program is designed for primary group excursions, available for students in years K–6. Led by Gallery educators, it is linked to curriculum outcomes and brings students together with art in fun and inspiring ways.
Big Art Day schedule
10am: arrival and morning tea
10.30am: learning tour
12pm: lunch
12.30pm: learning workshop
2pm: finish
Magritte: absolutely absurd
An apple the size of a room, a pipe for a nose and a floating bowler hat. Why did Magritte paint people and things not as they are, but in strange and mysterious ways? Join us for a leap into the unconscious as we explore the surrealist practice of making the usual unusual. Students visit the exhibition Magritte and get up close to the celebrated surrealist René Magritte’s works to learn about his conceptual and artistic practice before experimenting with materials to transform the ordinary into the strange.
You need to be a SHEN member to purchase tickets. Tickets are non-transferable.
Ticket sales will end on 4th November (unless sold out beforehand)
Accompanying adults are free – but will need to purchase a free adult ticket if wish to attend

SHEN'S 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION @LUNA PARK -SOLD OUT
2024-11-14 10:00 - 14:30 | Luna Park, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, NSW, 2061, Australia
It’s SHEN’s 25th Birthday!!!!
To celebrate SHEN has organised a family day at Luna Park on one of their dedicated school days (not open to the General Public) on Thursday 14th November, 10am – 2.30pm.
As a gift to members, SHEN is heavily subsidising the tickets for Luna Park with large discount on the student tickets (up to 18 years of age) and a waiving of the PayPal processing fees.
Adult tickets (for adults wishing to go on rides etc) $39.50
Adult tickets (for adults who wish to attend but not go on any of the rides) FREE
Student tickets (unlimited rides) $23.50
Child tickets (for accompanying younger siblings not going on any of the rides) FREE
You must be a SHEN member to purchase these tickets. Please only purchase for your family.
Please note: students under a particular height restriction need to be accompanied on a ride by a paying adult (see below)
Red Riders: 85 – 105cm
Red Riders will need to be accompanied by a paying adult (18+)
9 Rides available
Free access to Coney Island
Green Riders: 106 – 131cm
Green Riders can ride alone on many rides, but will need to be accompanied by a paying adult (18+) for others
21 Rides available
Free access to Coney Island
Yellow: 132cm+
Yellow Riders are free to ride any ride they like
27 Rides available
Free access to Coney Island

Stage 5 : Litter Free Oceans Immersive Study Day
2024-11-13 | NSW
Become a champion for change!
Wednesday 13th November 2024 | Student $28.50
This curriculum focus day explores the marine environment and the impact of pollution.
The day’s inquiries will stimulate your child’s geographical knowledge of Sydney Harbour and ignite their passion for exploring sustainable solutions to real world problems.
On the day, stage 5 students will have the opportunity to engage with Taronga’s Wildlife Conservation Scientists, members of the Wildlife Hospital, and Community Engagement Officers. They will also have the opportunity to enjoy Seals for the Wild experience and make a difference to the local environment by cleaning and assessing the rubbish present found on the Sydney Harbour foreshore. All workshops and resources are created to be stage appropriate and will be shared leading up to the event.
By participating in this full day workshop, students will be challenged to think about the positive changes they can make in their local area, and the direct or indirect impacts this could have on our marine wildlife.
Please note: Each un-related child participating must be accompanied by a supervising adult. While there is no cost for this supervision, the adult is required to stay with the child at all times throughout the day. This ensure both the safety and well-being of the child during their activities.

Member Aquatopia Pool Party - SOLD OUT
2024-11-08 09:30 - 14:30 | NSW
End Of Year Celebration
Aquatopia Pool Party
November 8th
9:30am – 2:30pm at Prairiewood Leisure Centre
Price:

Full paying ticket for 6 yrs – adult: — $21 non member ($19 SHEN member)
3-5 year olds: — $14 non member ($12 SHEN member)
0-2 years free

Each adult will be required to purchase a full paying ticket
PLEASE NOTE:
All entrants (kids and adults) to Aquatopia will require a ticket. This means that even if you aren’t playing and getting into the water / rides, you will require a ticket so all parents who wish to enter the park will need to purchase an adult ticket.
Please be aware that there will be no additional tickets for sale on the day itself. Once tickets are sold out, there will be no more available due to the capacity booked with Aquatopia.
Address

Prairiewood Leisure Centre
Prairievale Rd & Moonlight Rd, Prairiewood NSW

The event is organised by Western Sydney Homeschool Group (sponsored by SHEN).
SHEN Members please login and use the Members Aquatopia Pool Party event to get the discount

Aquatopia Pool Party (Non-Member)-SOLD OUT
2024-11-08 09:30 - 14:30 | NSW

Next Steps in Home Education: Teen years and Beyond (Non-Members)
2024-10-31 13:30 - 15:30 | West Pymble Scout Hall – (the end of) Prince of Wales Dr, West Pymble NSW 2073, Prince of Wales Dr, West Pymble, NSW, 2073, Australia
Next Steps in Home Education: Teen years and Beyond
“Many parents feel anxious about home educating their children into secondary years, and feel that perhaps it’s beyond their capacity. “What about algebra, Shakespeare and Science?” “Will I be limiting their career options?” “Will they learn from me?” However, the adventure is just beginning, and treasure awaits!
Come along and be encouraged to keep going in your quest. “
An opportunity to hear and ask questions about home educating teens, and learn about some of the pathways for further education, presented by experienced home educators
Free for SHEN members $10 for Non-members
31st October 1:30-3:30
West Pymble Scout Hall, West Pymble Bicentennial Park

Please note: All children are welcome to attend but remain the responsibility of the parent. If the children are young, I would recommend parents bring activities for the children to do quietly next them, so not to disturb others.
SHEN Members sign-in to get your free ticket from the Members Next Steps event.

Members: Next Steps in Home Education: Teen years and Beyond
2024-10-31 13:30 - 15:30 | West Pymble Scout Hall – (the end of) Prince of Wales Dr, West Pymble NSW 2073, Prince of Wales Dr, West Pymble, NSW, 2073, Australia
Next Steps in Home Education: Teen years and Beyond
“Many parents feel anxious about home educating their children into secondary years, and feel that perhaps it’s beyond their capacity. “What about algebra, Shakespeare and Science?” “Will I be limiting their career options?” “Will they learn from me?” However, the adventure is just beginning, and treasure awaits!
Come along and be encouraged to keep going in your quest. “
An opportunity to hear and ask questions about home educating teens, and learn about some of the pathways for further education, presented by experienced home educators
Free for SHEN members, $10 for non-members
31st October 1:30-3:30
West Pymble Scout Hall, West Pymble Bicentennial Park
Please purchase tickets for the event to help with the organising
Please note: All children are welcome to attend but remain the responsibility of the parent. If the children are young, I would recommend parents bring activities for the children to do quietly next them, so not to disturb others.

Lifeline Bookfair Forestville October 2-5
2024-10-02 08:00 - 2024-10-05 17:00 | NSW
Get ready for the highly anticipated return of the Lifeline Giant Book Fair at Forestville Memorial Hall from 2-5 October 2024!

Dive into a treasure trove of over 50,000 books across 50+ categories, along with an incredible selection of CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, games, puzzles, and more.

Get in early with EARLY BIRD ENTRY on Wednesday, 2 October from 8am – 11am for just $10.

After that, doors open for General Admission (with a gold coin donation) during the following times:– Wednesday, 2 Oct: 11am-6pm– Thursday, 3 Oct: 9am-6pm– Friday, 4 Oct: 9am-6pm– Saturday, 5 Oct: 9am-3pm
Every purchase directly supports Lifeline Northern Beaches’ crucial local services, including counselling, support groups, and financial advice. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to shop for a cause!
Here is a link to their upcoming fair at Forestville Community Centre: https://www.facebook.com/events/1145722533160773/?ref=newsfeed
We are bringing 43 boxes of quality second hand school resources to this fair comprising K-12 as well as parenting and teachers sections.

Ice-skating Classes at Macquarie Ice Rink
2024-09-27 11:30 - 13:00 | NSW
Our lessons start at 11.30 am for beginners, and 12:00 pm for experienced on Fridays. Macquarie Ice Rink provides the skates; you need to take warm comfortable clothes and gloves.

The term fee this year is $290 for a 10-week term.

If you’re interested, come on Friday around 11:00 am, pay for the rest of the term or for the trial lesson and join our Homeschooling Learn to Skate program.

Sydney Dance Company - Thursday 26th September (12pm - 1pm) Primary School performance of 'Impermanence'
2024-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 | NSW
https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/work/impermanence/
https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/work/impermanence/
School Matinee performance of Sydney Dance Company production ‘Impermanence’
For Primary aged students – aimed at Years 3-6 (although a little younger or older would be fine)
Thursday 26th September 12pm – 1pm at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
$25 per ticket (accompanying Adults at children’s price)
All attendees (Adult and child) must have a ticket.
For more information – https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/work/impermanence/ Please note – ticket sales for this end on August 20th (if not sold beforehand).
You must be a SHEN member to purchase. Tickets are not-transferable

Musical ‘Hamilton’ @Lyric Theatre, Sept 25th, 1pm
2024-09-25 13:00 - 16:30 | Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd,, Pyrmont, NSW, 2251, Australia
HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honour, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
Tickets available for the Musical ‘Hamilton’ in Sydney Lyric Theatre at the special school matinee on
Wednesday, 25th September,
1pm followed by a Q& A.
Ticket cost is $70.12 per attendee (adults and children the same price) and limited to 50.
Recommended age 12yrs+

Please only purchase tickets for family members.

Opera House – Edward the Emu
2024-09-25 12:00 - 15:00 | Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, Benelong Point, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Edward the Emu Wednesday 25th September, $25 a ticket – arrive at 12noon to have your name ticked off and we can all go in together.
Based on the books by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement.
Written for the stage by Eva Di Cesare
A Creative Learning Performance for students | Stages ES1 – 3

Join Edward and Edwina on their grand adventure

Edward and Edwina are back! After enchanting over 50,000 young people across Australia, everyone’s favourite emus are returning to the stage. Adapted by Eva Di Cesare from Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement’s much-loved books, Edward the Emu is filled with love, laughter, and a lesson or two. Featuring exceptional puppetry, original music, inventive design, and thrilling storytelling, this show is full of hijinks and heart.
Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has him feeling glum and thinking perhaps the grass is greener on the other side of his fence. Is life more fun for the seals or the lions or the snakes? Join Edward on his grand adventure of self-discovery as he explores the world outside of his enclosure and makes a very special friend along the way, Edwina the Emu. On their heartwarming and hilarious journey, our feathered friends learn that the true secret to happiness is embracing who you are.
Presented by Sydney Opera House and Monkey Baa Theatre Company
** Please note it’s a school booking so it’s no assigned seats -we all sit together in a group.

Tickets sale ends on 11 Aug 2024

Sydney Dance Company - Tuesday 24th September (12pm - 2pm) High School performance of 'Twofold'
2024-09-24 12:00 - 14:00 | NSW
School Matinee performance of Sydney Dance Company production ‘Twofold’
For High School aged students – aimed at Years 7-12
Tuesday 24th September 12pm – 2pm at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
$30 per ticket (accompanying Adults at children’s price)
All attendees (adult and child) need to have a ticket.
For more information – https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/performance/twofold/
Please note – ticket sales for this end on August 20th (if not sold beforehand).
You must be a SHEN member to purchase. Tickets are not-transferable

HT Youth Formal
2024-09-21 18:00 - 21:30 | NSW
HT Youth warmly welcome you to our Under the Sea formal.
A supervised event with all food and entertainment provided.
Located in the Hills district Sydney address supplied at time of booking.
All dietary requirements provided for.

SHEN Athletics Carnival 16th September 2024
2024-09-16 09:00 - 15:00 | Dunbar Park, Sobraon Rd, Marsfield, NSW, 2122, Australia
The SHEN Athletics Carnival is now CLOSED to new registrations. There will be strictly NO NEW PARTICIPANTS REGISTRATIONS ON THE DAY. Please do not travel from far and wide expecting us to make an exception because we just can’t do that anymore, we have far too many kids to organise and look after. Thank you for your understanding.
If you started the registration but it didn’t complete and send you a return email, we will be able to see that incomplete registration on our system and you should contact us immediately to sort it out. Do not wait until the day of the carnival. If you did not receive a return email, your children are not registered.
Additional spectators may register on the day, but we would appreciate you “purchasing” a free ticket for additional spectators so we know how many people we can expect on the day.
Thank you so much, looking forward to an awesome event!
SHEN Volunteers

Date: Monday, 16th September 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Venue: Dunbar Park, Marsfield
Participant cost: $12.50 – $14.50 (spectators free)
Please note this event is open only to members.
The annual Athletics Carnival for all home schooled students aged 5-18 is on again! Please book your tickets, mark your calendars, and help spread the word.
The events will be*:
ages 5 to 7 – running races (80m for 5 yrs, 90m for 6 yrs and 100m for 7 yrs), shotput, long jump and two games;
ages 8+ – running races (100m and 200m), discus, shotput, long jump, high jump, relays and two games.
*Please note based on feedback from last year’s carnival the younger group will finish at lunch time.

We will send an information pack to participants in the week before the carnival with further details on recommendations and facilities that will be available on the day.

Cost for participants :
$14.50 – each child,
$12.50 each child – Large Family discount tickets (3+ children participating)
$0.00 – Spectator Tickets for all people attending and not participating,
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR SHEN MEMBERSHIP IS CURRENT BEFORE PURCHASING TICKETS

You can check your membership status by logging into your account at www.shen.org.au before purchasing tickets.

Booking is through the SHEN website, and will close on Monday 12th August to allow plenty of time to organise the day, so please book your tickets ASAP!
If you have any event questions please send us an email here. For payment or membership enquiries, please email SHEN. FAQ are at the bottom of this page.
We will send an info pack, event updates and a link to our event Facebook page to ticket purchasers via email in the week before the carnival.
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Frequently Asked Questions:
When will I receive my tickets? The confirmation email tells you there will be tickets arriving soon. Unfortunately this is a little bug in our system – tickets are not necessary as we have all your details already – you just check in with us in the morning before the carnival starts so we know you are present. It’s a good idea to keep your confirmation email handy just in case.
What is the itinerary? We will email you the itinerary and useful information for the day in the week before the carnival. We can’t send that any earlier as the way we will run the day will depend on the total number of participants we end up with in each group.
Will the kids be using real discus and shot puts? Yes! There will be real equipment there as well as training versions of the equipment depending on what the individual would like to have a go at.
Can my child participate in lower age groups because of their developmental challenges? No. Please enter your child in their chronological age group. There is no need to “adjust” a child’s age to accommodate for developmental or physical challenges. In the past we have found that all the children entered in lower age groups decided on the day that they would have preferred being with their chronological age group after all. Children of all abilities will participate together and are encouraged to have a go at the events in a safe and supportive environment.
I can’t make it to the carnival, can I get a refund? Once the closing date for bookings has passed we are unfortunately unable to give a refund on tickets as we have already committed the number of participants to the event organiser.
