Stories and highlights

PPSSA

Wheeler Heights participates in weekly competition against the other eight schools in the Pittwater Network. Students in Years 3-6 are invited to trial for a range of summer and winter sports as listed below.

Summer PPSSA - Terms 1, 3 & 4:

Girls and Boys T-Ball (Juniors)

Girls and Boys Softball (Seniors)

Girls and Boys Cricket (Years 3 - 6)

Girls and Boys Eagle Tag (Years 3 - 6)

Winter PPSSA - Terms 2 & 3:

Girls and Boys Soccer (Years 3 - 6)

Mixed Netball (Years 3 - 6)

Mixed AFL (Years 3 - 6)

Mixed Blues Tag (Years 3 - 6)

Wheeler Spectacular

The Wheeler Spectacular is Wheeler Heights Public School’s annual celebration of the performing and visual arts. This highly anticipated event showcases the talents and dedication of our students across a range of creative disciplines.

In addition to live performances, the event includes a curated exhibition of student artwork from all year levels, transforming the hall into a vibrant and inspiring gallery space.

The Wheeler Spectacular is a proud highlight of our school calendar, bringing families and the wider community together to celebrate the artistic achievements of our students in a supportive and festive environment.

Sustainability Garden

Our school is proud to offer a dynamic Environmental and Sustainability Program dedicated to fostering eco-consciousness and practical skills among students. Central to this initiative is our Sustainability and Green Team, which meets weekly with guidance from an expert horticulturist. Together, students actively engage in growing a variety of plants while learning essential principles of sustainable living, including reducing, reusing and recycling.

Students regularly harvest crops from our sustainability garden and sell fresh produce, plants, and creatively crafted items made from recycled materials. These efforts not only generate funds to support the school’s environmental initiatives but also contribute to local environmental charities, strengthening our commitment to community and sustainability.

Environmental education is woven throughout the curriculum, with all classes participating in regular lessons in the sustainability garden, ensuring that every student gains hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.

In Term 4, 2025, our program was honoured with a Highly Commended award by Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities for our outstanding Project Less to Landfill, reflecting our ongoing dedication to creating a greener future.

Dance

The WHPS extra-curricular (user-pay) Dance program offers students in Years 3–6 the opportunity to develop their skills and perform as part of a dynamic and professional experience. Run in partnership with a professional choreographer, our dance teams rehearse regularly and perform at a range of prestigious events throughout the year.

Dance team auditions are held during lunchtimes at school and team selection is made by the choreographer based on skill, commitment and potential. We proudly offer three inclusive teams:

· Junior Dance – Years 3–4

· Senior Dance – Years 5–6

· Junior Boys Dance – Years 3–4

· Senior Boys Dance - Year 5-6

· Combined Juniors/Seniors

Chickens

Our beloved school chickens and their fantastic home, ‘Eggington Castle’—a beautifully crafted chicken coop and garden—are proudly funded by our P&C. These friendly chickens have become a much-loved feature of the school, often seen wandering freely around the grounds. They play an important role in supporting various science curriculum areas, enriching our students’ learning experiences. Even more importantly, they provide valuable wellbeing support for some of our students who need extra care throughout the day. Spending time with the chickens has helped students manage anxiety and find calm, making them cherished members of our school community.

DanceSport Confidence

Year 5 Students have the opportunity to participate in DanceSport confidence. The 15 week program, called "My Best Self" teaches wellbeing concepts, along with a suite of partner dances. DanceSport Confidence is a powerful & proven tool to develop relationships through respect, self confidence and trust.

At the end of the program, all year 5 students perform their dances at the DanceSport Gala night at Olympic Park.

Stage 1 Dance

Our Stage 1 Dance program is a fun and inclusive lunchtime club where students in Years 1 and 2 can explore movement through jazz and hip-hop styles. Open to all students with no auditions required, this is a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, coordination and creativity in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Choir

Our years 3–6 Choir offers students the chance to develop their vocal skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of singing as part of a team. No auditions are required — all students are welcome. The choir performs at a variety of events throughout the year. Highlights include school assemblies and local community performances at places such as the RSL ANZAC Retirement Village.

AUSLAN Choir (Years 1 & 2)

Students in Years 1 and 2 have fun learning AUSLAN and bringing a variety of well-known songs to life through expressive signing, movement and music. They also have the exciting opportunity to perform at school events, including our annual Wheeler Spectacular Performing Arts Night.

Drama

Our lunchtime Drama Club offers a fun and supportive environment for students in Years 3–6 to build confidence, creativity and teamwork. Through theatre games, improvisation and role-play, students explore a range of dramatic techniques while developing their performance skills. Throughout the year, the group works together to create and rehearse a performance piece to share with our school community at the annual Wheeler Spectacular Performing Arts Night. Students may also have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Combined Public Schools Musical Theatre program.

Band Program

The WHPS Band Program is operated by the schools Parent and Citizens Association (P&C) and is a user-pay option. The band is open to all students from Years 3-6 and provides students with the opportunity to learn an instrument, play as part of an ensemble and perform at exciting events throughout the year. With no prior experience needed, this program is ideal for any child keen to try something new and be part of a supportive musical community.

We proudly offer four ensembles to cater for all experience levels:

• Training Band: Beginners (no experience required)
• Intermediate Band: players with 2+ years experience
• Senior Band: Advanced musicians
• Jazz Band: Extension group for Intermediate and Senior Band members

Annual Sporting Carnivals

Wheeler Heights puts on three carnivals during the course of the school year which students can participate in. They are:

· Swimming Carnival

· Cross Country Carnival

· Athletics Carnival

Swimming Carnival - The Wheeler Heights Swimming Carnival is available for all students who are turning 8 years and over in the year of the carnival. It is traditionally held at Manly Andrew Boy Charlton Pool. There are a variety of races that they can participate in which parents can sign them up for through a Google Form. If students finish in the top 2 fastest times for their age group they are able to advance to Zone, District, State and National Finals. We are proud that in recent history we have had national champions in butterfly and freestyle.

Cross Country Carnival - The Wheeler Heights Carnival is held at Collaroy Plateau Park (Vic Huxley Oval) and students run around the perimeter of the venue. Our younger students 8 - 10 years run 2km and our older students 11 - 13 years run 3km. Students finishing in the top 6 are able to advance to Zone, District, State and National Finals having to finish in the top 6 positions to qualify in each round. This year we had two students qualify for State finals. Our K-1 students also participate in a modified cross country carnival at the school.

Athletics Carnival - The Wheeler Heights Athletics Carnival is held at the Sydney Academy of Sport. Students can participate in a variety of different races from 100m all the way up to 1500m. They can also engage in field events such as shotput, long jump and high jump. Students finishing in the top 2-3 positions are able to advance to Zone, District and State Finals. Our K-2 Athletics Carnival, held on our school grounds, happens towards the end of Term 3 and features a variety of novelty events and sprint races.

Buddies - Kindy & Year 6

Our Kindy and Year 6 Buddy Program is a wonderful initiative that fosters friendship, support and connection between our youngest and oldest students. Through fun activities and regular meet-ups, Year 6 students mentor and guide their Kindy buddies, helping them feel welcomed and confident as they begin their school journey. This program not only builds strong friendships but also promotes leadership skills, empathy and a sense of community across year groups. It’s a special part of our school culture that we are proud to nurture.

Book Week

Wheeler Heights Public School celebrates Book Week with enthusiasm every year. Our festivities include a spectacular Book Parade, where students proudly dress as their favourite characters, authors or illustrators. During the week, library lessons focus on the annual Book Week theme, engaging students in fun and meaningful activities. Even the canteen joins in the spirit by offering special Book Week-themed additions to the menu. In 2025, we were especially excited to reopen 'Library Lane' — a beautiful walkway featuring vibrant ‘book spines’ thoughtfully designed and painted by our Wheeler families. This stunning display brought our love of reading to life and showcased the creativity and strong community spirit that defines our school. It was a memorable week that celebrated the joy and magic of books and stories.

Wheeler Wonderland

Wheeler Wonderland is an exciting Year 6 fundraising event where our students take charge of the entire process—from planning and marketing to promoting and running stalls and activities. This hands-on experience empowers students to develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills while making a positive impact on our school community. Funds raised through Wheeler Wonderland support important school initiatives, including recent projects like the installation of 3 new flag poles. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our Year 6 students to contribute meaningfully and celebrate their final year together.