line with High Performing Students Unit guidelines. Only a small number of places are available each year since a vacancy only occur when a current student leaves the school. Application packages become available from the school's website or the Selective Schools Unit in Term 2 (June) each year and are returned to the school, along with supporting documentation, by the end of July. The deadline date for application each year is determined by the Selective Schools Unit. The selection committee arranges the applications in order of academic merit based upon the evidence submitted. The committee considers material that provides evidence of high academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. Residential status requirements and family placement claims follow the Year 7 entry criteria. Students must be either Australia citizens or permanent residents. Facilities The school has a gymnasium, a field with multi-sport goal posts (soccer and rugby, although contact sport is strictly prohibited), a smaller field with portable hockey goal posts, and two basketball courts. It also has five computer labs, an extensive two-storey library, a large space for creative and performing arts, numerous classrooms with equipment and materials dedicated to specific faculties, and a school hall which is part of the original school structure, built in the early 1950s. The hall can accommodate approximately 450 seated guests, usually used for official school functions, performing arts exhibitions, and information evenings. The Penrith Selective High School Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) operates a school canteen, from which all proceeds go towards improving the educational experience of PSHS students. House system At the beginning of Year 7, all Penrith Selective High School students are placed in one of the following four houses, sorted by last name: Every year three sporting carnivals (Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country) are held, where students compete to earn house points. Students also compete for points throughout the year during numerous inter-house friendly competitions, including dance-offs and halloween performances. The winner of each carnival and of the overall house championship is announced each year. Staff As of 2020, the staff at Penrith High School includes the following: Senior executive Principal – Mark Long Deputy principal – Brian Ferguson Deputy principal – Jaclyn Cush Deputy principal - Doris Lee HSC cheating scandal In September 2015, Penrith High School drew controversy after it was discovered that some students had obtained the login information of a teacher and potentially tried to have