f you’ve raised children in Australia or lived here as a child, you’ve probably spent many hours watching Play School on Australian television. It first aired in 18 July 1966 making it the longest-running children’s show in Australia. It’s been estimated that 80% of pre-school children under six watching the programme at least once a week. It was even added to the Logie Hall of Fame in 2006. So what’s that got to do with school? If you’re a mum, you know how well they give your little ankle biter a love of learning long before they start school.
| OP | overall position (grade point average GPA) |
| HSC | high school certificate (diploma) |
| Dux | top student in a class or school |
| Kindy | kindergarten |
| State School | public school |
| College | private high school |
| Uni | university |
| Tuck Shop | school canteen or cafeteria or eatery |
| Chalkie | school teacher |
| Lollipop Lady (Man) | woman (man) in charge of school crossings |
| Schoolie | holidaying student after completing final year exams. Not to be confused with schooie which is a schooner of beer. |
| School Leaver | child permanently leaving school, often at the minimum specified age and without their HSC |
| Schoolies’ Week | end-of-the-year celebrating by school leavers |
| Break-up Day | last day of school |
| Waggin’ School | skipping school, truant |
| Jig, Wag | skip school, truant |
| Maths | mathematics. Math (without the s) in the USA. |
| Nought | zero (the number 0) |
| Hash Sign | #, pound sign (USA) |
| Biro | ball point pen |
| Glide Clip | paper clip |
| Drawing Pins | thumb tacks |
| Elastic Band | rubber band |
| Rubber | eraser. In the USA it’s slang for condom. |
| Blackboard Duster | blackboard eraser |
| Paper Knife | letter opener |
