Student opportunities and activities

Huge congratulations to our Year 12 student, Katana, on being named the 2026 Hunter and Central Coast Region SBAT of the Year at the NSW Training Awards on Friday night.

Katana’s hard work, dedication and positive attitude have truly paid off, completing her SBAT in Wool Classing. This award is a well-deserved recognition of everything she has achieved through her SBAT journey. We are incredibly proud of you, Katana. Congratulations!

Students from the Secondary Campus competed at the Secondary Swimming Carnival on Friday 13 February. It was a fantastic day and the atmosphere was electric with friendly competitiveness between houses.

Lawson swimmer in the boys 50m freestyle event.

Wentworth swimming in the 100m girls freestyle.

One event students loved was the hot laps. Students could do any stroke but had to do as many laps as they could within a certain time period.

Year 3 student in 50m Freestyle race at the Primary Annual Swimming Carnival.

Year 1 in the 25m kickboard event at the Primary Annual Swimming Carnival.

Year 2 student in the 25m kickboard event at the Primary Annual Swimming Carnival.

25m kickboard was a popular event for infant students at the annual Primary Swimming Carnival. It was great to see the enthusiasm of all the students and the involvement of the Infants in the swimming programme.

Lara and Katana attended Experiment Fest for Biology run by Newcastle University on Monday, 15 June.

The girls conducted experiments that they wouldn’t usually do at school. They explored electrophoreses and how DNA can separate and extracted the DNA out of a strawberry. Students also conducted IVF in sea snails and investigated a sea snails sperm viability in natural water verse artificial water.

Lara and Katana are to be commended for representing our school with pride.

Our Infants students had a fantastic day visiting Hunter Valley Zoo!

Students enjoyed patting and feeding the kangaroos and goats, exploring the zoo, and seeing a wide variety of amazing animals. They also had fun collecting stamps on their postcards as they made their way around the zoo. Students even got to meet Snow the lion, who is the oldest female lion in Australia. She's 22 years old!

Despite the wet weather, everyone had a wonderful day filled with learning, excitement, and plenty of memorable experiences. Thank you to Hunter Valley Zoo for a great day out!

It’s show week and our Starstruck group is ready for their first performance!

It has been a huge week filled with rehearsals, excitement and plenty of hard work. Our students have shown incredible dedication and enthusiasm, and we are so proud of the way they have prepared for this amazing opportunity.

A big thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way and helped make this experience possible.

We can’t wait to see our students shine on stage!

Yesterday, our Primary students enjoyed a fantastic excursion to Fighter World and Newcastle Museum.

At Fighter World, students explored aircraft from the past and had the opportunity to speak with former Air Force members about the different aircraft and how they have been used over time.

We then visited Newcastle Museum, where students explored the history of the Hunter, watched an engaging light and sound show about BHP, and had a huge amount of fun in the science area.

Our students represented our school beautifully throughout the day. They were respectful, engaged and well behaved, making us very proud.

It was a wonderful day of learning, exploring and hands-on experiences!

On Wednesday, 19 june our Infants students made their way to Cassilis Public School for a combined school's Traditional Indigenous Games. With 160 infants students descending on Cassilis, it was a big day of fun and learning. Sharing the day with Coolah Central School, St Joseph's Primary School Merriwa, Dunedoo Central School and Sandy Hollow Public School, students engaged in traditional games, dancing and sharing stories to reflect on our First Nations People and their connection to Country.

Supported by Uncle Richie and Bindi, students enjoyed learning about First Nations culture, Indigenous games, with Merriwa Central School Year 6 and Year 7 leaders delivering the games to students from all schools. What a lovely day of learning, connecting with peers from other schools and having fun with each other in the spirit of connecting on country!

From 20 to 22 May, Years 11 and 12 Primary Industries and Agriculture students explored a variety of agricultural enterprises and career opportunities. During the trip, students toured Caroon feedlot, TFI, the Red Jewel Berry Plant Farm and Wakefield Charolais.

On 21 May, students participaated in a program called Farming Futures at the University of New England that focused on technology and career pathways in agriculture. They had the chance to ask industry experts questions and learn about life after school, gaining insight into the many options available to them.

Following the program, students enjoyed a tour of the UNE academic campus.

The girls who attended are to be commended for their excellent behaviour, thoughtful questions and for representing Merriwa Central School.

Debating and public speaking

Students can develop their thinking, communication and teamwork skills through debating and public speaking. They also have the chance to compete in local and state events. Where There's a Will promote leadership skills and public speaking giving students opportunities to work with other schools within the area. The highlight of the year is when nominated students attend the Adelaide Conference.

Where Theres A Will

“Effective leadership supports student wellbeing by promoting mindfulness and building resilience, helping everyone navigate challenges at school and in life. I am grateful to the staff and organisers for making this valuable experience possible.”
– Emily, Merriwa Central School WTAW Leader

Gratitude is one of the most common reflections we hear from our student leaders after attending the Youth Leadership Conference.

The opportunity to explore the connection between wellbeing and leadership is a powerful experience, helping young people understand how resilience, mindfulness and positive relationships contribute to effective leadership.

By bringing these insights and skills back to their schools and communities, our student leaders create a ripple effect that benefits those around them and helps build stronger, more connected communities for the future.

Creative and performing arts

Our drama, music and art programs help students be creative and express themselves. They can join in concerts, art shows and drama activities.

Trips and excursions

Our students enjoy getting out of the classroom to explore, learn and try new things. These experiences help them grow, build confidence and see how their learning connects to the world.

Richard Lawton's Budbudda Indigenous Boys Group

Uncle Richie has fostered the learning of culture with students making and learning their instruments including didgeridoos and click sticks as well as boomerangs.

Driving School

Students are given the opportunity to apply and sit for their 'L' test and given driving instructions to help with their skills and knowledge.

Student Representative Council

The SRC is the student voice in both Primary and Secondary Campus' and allows students to present ideas and suggestions to the staff for consideration, fundraising for charity and whom meet regularly with the Principal to discuss matters of concern.

Clubs

Friday afternoon's are dedicated to Club groups incorporating students from Year 5 to Year 10 giving them a range of extra-curricular activities ranging from Cadets, Cooking, Primary Industries, Agriculture, Guitar, Fishing,Chess, Sewing and Knitting.

External TAFE and SBAT Courses

Students have opportunities to undertake short term courses externally through Scone and Muswellbrook TAFE such as Hairdressing and Construction.

CAPERS Dance Group

CAPERS dance group take to the stage in Tamworth for the Creative Arts in Public Education Regional Spectacular.

Horse Sports

Students have the opportunity to compete in various inter school competitions

ANZAC Day

Students participate in the ANZAC ceremony at school and within the community

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is run by our Learning Support Officers at both the Primary and Secondary Campuses.

Benefactors Breakfast

Each year Merriwa Central School celebrate community involvement by hosting a Benefactors Breakfast held in our studio and catered for by our Hospitality students. This is a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation for their support.

Love Bite Program for girls

Dare 2B Deadly Program

Heart to Heart Program

Little Sprouts Program

NAIDOC Celebrations

Quicksmart Program

Festival of the Fleeces

Each June long weekend students and staff proudly represent our school in the Festival parade. As part of the parade, students will march together, showcasing school spirit, teamwork and enthusiasm.