SPORT

At North Rocks Public School, we believe sport plays an essential role in the development and wellbeing of our students. Participation in school sport helps students build confidence, resilience, teamwork skills and leadership qualities that extend far beyond the sporting arena.

We are proud to offer students a range of opportunities to engage in competitive and inclusive sporting pathways through the NSW public school system.

PSSA

The Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) is an inter-school sports competition for students in Years 3–6 at North Rocks Public School. Our teams compete against schools in the Castle Hill Zone every Friday at various locations. There are two seasons—Summer and Winter—with different sports offered each season. Students can try out for both Summer and Winter sports, with selection limited to one sport per season. Teams are organised by age group and/or gender, and students are chosen to represent our school based on their performance during trials and demonstrated skills. Our school proudly participates in the Castle Hill PSSA competition, giving students the opportunity to play weekly and develop their sporting talents.

We participate in some of the following sports, depending on the availability of coaches:

Summer Sports

Winter Sports

Summer PSSA Sport runs in Term 1, end of Term 3 and Term 4. Winter PSSA Sport runs in Terms 2 and 3. This is a fee incurring activity to cover registration, field or court hire and transportation.

School Sport

The school sporting program offers for students not selected in a primary school sports association team a varied program of sports and skill development. The program is mandatory for students in Years 3 to 6 and is run during PSSA time in the middle session of the day on Friday.

The objective for the school sporting program is to develop students' skills and to expose them to a number of sporting opportunities. Sports included in the program are T-ball, softball, soccer, touch football, newcombe ball, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, orienteering, minor games and tabloid games. During the run up to the athletics carnival long jump, high jump, sprint training and shot put are concentrated upon.

From time to time major sporting groups including the Australian Football League (AFL), Cricket NSW and Parramatta Rugby League Club run clinics during the Friday sporting program.

School Sports Carnivals

Students are allocated to a School House when they enrol at North Rocks Public School. School Houses promote school spirit and sportsmanship as students compete in the annual swimming, cross country and athletics carnivals as well as other non sporting events.

School Houses

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Swimming Carnival
Generally held at Parramatta Aquatic Centre in late February or early March for students in Years 3 to 6 and for those students in Year 2 turning 8 and who are confident swimmers. Students compete in age freestyle races and in the form strokes as a junior (8, 9, 10 years), 11 year old, or senior (12, 13+). Students who qualify at this carnival will be eligible to compete at the Castle Hill PSSA Swimming carnival.
Athletics Carnival
The Years 3–6 Athletics Carnival takes place in late Term 2 or early Term 3 at Barton Park, featuring exciting track events alongside long jump, high jump, discus and shot put. Some field evets may be held at school prior to the day. The athletics carnival event offers a range of novelty activities to engage all students and celebrate their athletic skills. The K–2 Athletics Carnival is held onsite at school, providing younger students with a fun and inclusive introduction to athletics. Years 3-6 students who qualify at this carnival will be eligible to compete at the Castle Hill PSSA Athletics carnival.
Cross Country Carnival
Our annual Cross Country Carnivals are a highlight for students in K–2 and Years 3–6, held at Don Moore Reserve. Students tackle age-appropriate distances around the reserve, with younger children running shorter courses and older students challenging themselves over longer routes. It’s a fantastic day of fitness, fun, and friendly School House competition, as everyone cheers each other on and celebrates their achievements outdoors! Years 3-6 students who qualify at this carnival will be eligible to compete at the Castle Hill PSSA Cross Country carnival.
AFL Specialist Program

North Rocks Public School is proud to be part of the AFL Schools Connect program, which brings a qualified PE teacher with specialist AFL skills to work with our students throughout the year. This fully funded initiative provides one day a week of expert PE support, delivered by an accredited educator with VIT registration, who partners with our school to deliver tailored Health & PE sessions that fit seamlessly into our timetable.

The program offers more than just footy drills—it includes team teaching, upskilling for staff, assessment tools, inclusive activities, and support for parent engagement. Plus, our school enjoys connections with an AFL Club, gaining access to extra resources, tickets, merchandise, and the excitement of match-day experiences. With the AFL Schools Connect program, we’re boosting our students’ physical literacy, supporting our curriculum, and sprinkling a little footy magic throughout North Rocks!

Knockout Competitions
NSW Interschool Knockout is a statewide competition between NSW Public Schools who enter. Teams are based on the regular PSSA team and students who have been successful in a different Interschool sport, may still be selected in a minor trial for a Knockout team. Schools go head to head in organised rounds where future draws are determined on the winner of the previous game. Teams might only play one game against another school or take it all the way to the state final.
Clinics
Clinics are offered when a local sporting club or organisations provides a free one-off lesson eg cricket clinics, rugby league clinic. This is to promote and encourage participation of this sport outside of school.
Gala Days
Gala Days are one off day competitions, where we compete against schools in the neighbouring area. PSSA sport team members are usually chosen to enter the Gala Day and additional students may be asked to form a second team. Our school’s participation in Gala Days is determined by other planned school events as they take precedence within the term.
Representative Sport and the Pathway

Students aged 8 years and above have the opportunity to trial for certain representative teams and compete at various levels:

School → Zone → Regional → State

Selection is based on performance, skill level and suitability for the competition standard. Students who are successful at each level may progress to the next stage of representation.

Each year across NSW, more than 100 state championships are held in over 30 different sports, offering opportunities for both individual and team participation.

Expectations for Student Representatives

Students representing North Rocks Public School are expected to:

  • Demonstrate excellent sportsmanship
  • Show respect for officials, staff and other competitors
  • Display positive behaviour at all times
  • Commit to training and competition requirements
  • Uphold our school values with pride

Representing our school is a privilege, and students are ambassadors for our community.

Parent Information

If your child is selected to trial or compete at a representative level, parents/carers are responsible for:

  • Completing and returning all permission documentation by the due date
  • Providing transport to and from venues
  • Paying any associated trial or competition fees
  • Ensuring students attend required training and competition days

Trial information and notes will be shared via notes and School Bytes

Inclusive Sport

At North Rocks Public School, we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to sport and physical activity.

Inclusive sport programs provide opportunities for students of all abilities, including students with disabilities, to participate in modified and competitive sports. These programs focus on:

  • Participation
  • Skill development
  • Enjoyment
  • Building confidence

Our goal is for every student to feel valued, capable and included.

NSW Premier's Sporting Challenge

Students at North Rocks Public School also participate in the NSW Premier's Sporting Challenge, a statewide initiative encouraging students to be more active, more often.

Through challenges such as the 10 Week Challenge, students are motivated to increase daily physical activity and develop lifelong healthy habits.

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