Student opportunities and activities

Band

Valentine Public School's band program began in 1975. Valentine is recognised as having one of the strongest and longest running school band programs in the Hunter Region.

Junior Band is open for students who are new to band and who are in year 3 and above. Senior Band is for continuing band students in years 4-6.

Students benefit in many ways from their experience in band, not just by developing stronger musical understanding and instrumental skills. The opportunity enables students to further develop their concentration, persistence, organisational skills, confidence, creativity and friendships beyond their own class. Learning an instrument and playing with others is proven to have a positive effect on the brain and this often has a flow on effect of improving achievement in other areas of school.

Students commit to attending all rehearsals and playouts. Performances include in-school events, the Bandfest competition, Coco's Christmas Carols and the Year 6 Solos Night at the end of each year. Other enriching events include an overnight band camp.

Band members may also connect with musicians outside of school, with opportunities available in the Lake Macquarie Winds, regional bands and playing in solo instrumental competitions.

Information regarding things such as instruments, music tutors, uniforms, expectations and fees is forwarded to parents early in the year.

The band program is supported by the Band Committee, which is a sub-committee of the P&C. Parents are encouraged to come along and be part of the Band Committee to support the band and aid in fundraising. Meetings are held as needed, once or twice a term.

Starstruck

Star Struck is an annual performing arts spectacular run by the NSW Department of Education, celebrating the talent of students from across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast. It brings together students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to shine on stage through incredible dance, drama and music performances. This event gives students amazing opportunities to grow their skills, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of the performing arts. At Valentine Public School, our students can join combined dance, drama or choir ensembles, or audition for featured roles as vocalists, instrumentalists, or members of the elite dance and drama groups. There are also exciting behind-the-scenes opportunities in stage management, choreography and props.

Hunter Super Nova Camp

The Hunter Super Nova Camp  is a three-day residential program designed for Year 5 and 6 students who demonstrate exceptional ability and a strong interest in Mathematics, Science, English, Visual Arts, ICT, The Big Buzz, and History. Hosted and coordinated by Valentine Public School, the camp welcomes students from across the Hunter Region, providing an exciting opportunity for young learners to extend themselves in a supportive and stimulating environment. Throughout the camp, students work with specialist teachers in both creative and performing arts, participating in enriching, hands-on learning experiences that deepen their skills and knowledge in their chosen elective. The program fosters a collaborative, energetic atmosphere where students connect, create, and grow alongside like-minded peers.

Premier’s Debating

Stage 3 students excel in our debating teams, developing critical thinking, public speaking and teamwork skills through the 2025 Premiers’ Debating Challenge. Our Year 6 Connect and Year 5 Inspire teams approach each debate with enthusiasm, integrity and a willingness to learn. This program helps students communicate with clarity, listen thoughtfully, and build lasting confidence that extends far beyond the debating arena.

Premier’s Spelling Bee

The Premier’s Spelling Bee provides a valuable opportunity for students to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their spelling skills, and deepen their understanding of language. While the competition is designed for Stage 2 and Stage 3 students, enthusiastic Stage 1 participants are also welcome to take part. Aligned with the NSW English K–10 syllabus, the program supports literacy development by encouraging students to engage with new words, build confidence in spelling, and develop a lifelong appreciation for language. The Spelling Bee is a wonderful way to celebrate our students’ growing literacy skills at Valentine Public School.

Public Speaking

At Valentine Public School, we proudly participate in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition, a statewide program that encourages students to explore and reflect on the rich cultural diversity of Australia. This competition provides an authentic platform for students to share their ideas while strengthening their public speaking skills. We also take part in the annual Hunter Interschool Public Speaking Competition, giving our students additional opportunities to represent our school and further develop their confidence. Through these programs, students learn to: communicate clearly and confidently, organise their ideas and structure speeches effectively and develop persuasive techniques and expressive language
These experiences help students build lifelong communication skills, grow their confidence, and develop a strong sense of personal voice—qualities that benefit them well beyond the classroom.

Regional and State Sport

Our extensive sports program encourages students to embrace an active lifestyle while developing physical skills, teamwork, and confidence. From cross country and swimming to cricket, rugby, soccer, and athletics carnivals, there are countless opportunities for students to get involved, have fun, and showcase their talents. We are proud to celebrate our students’ recent achievements: our AFL team won the State Finals this year, and our Softball team finished 3rd in the State. At Valentine Public School, we foster a supportive environment where participation and sportsmanship go hand in hand, helping students develop healthy habits and a love of sport that lasts a lifetime.

Davinci Decathlon

Valentine Public School’s Stage 3 students proudly participate in the da Vinci Decathlon each year, an academic competition designed to challenge and inspire young minds. Students work in teams of eight to tackle ten diverse disciplines, including engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy. The competition encourages collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills across a wide range of challenges while working closely with their peers. Participation in the da Vinci Decathlon is a highlight of the year for our Stage 3 learners, celebrating both academic excellence and teamwork.