Term 2 Week 2

28 April 2026

Our next P&C meeting will take place in Week 3 of this term, Monday, 4 May, 7:00 pm at Woonona Bulli RSL. At our next meeting, we will be looking to add to our Sub-Committees, specifically the Canteen Sub-Committee, Fundraising Sub-Committee, Grants Coordinators, School Disco and Social Media Officer. If you have any interest in assisting in any of these areas or would like to find out more information, please reach out to any of our current members or me. New parents and carers are still encouraged to attend.  

In Term 2, we are offering our students in Years 3-6 the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school. 

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what is working well and where improvements can be made. The survey is confidential, takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours. 

Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out consent form, which was emailed directly to parents via School Bytes, and return it to the school. Further information about the survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/npss. 

In Term 2, we are also inviting parents and carers to participate in the NSW Public Schools Parent Survey. The survey gives you the opportunity to share your experience at our school, including communication, inclusion, wellbeing and how your child’s learning is supported. 

Hearing directly from our parents and carers will help us understand what is working well and where improvements can be made. Participation in the survey is optional, your responses are anonymous, and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You can access at the survey at: https://surveyme.education.nsw.gov.au/sc/bF_DtT1yrWXRL5wg7JbumQ2

It is always wonderful to have our students in classrooms, ready to engage and learn. Our teachers and school staff are committed to fostering growth and opportunity, and we are here to work with you to support your child to reach his or her full potential. 

Consistently going to school has countless benefits – from learning, to creating social connections and improving wellbeing through access to support and quality education. 

Students are required to attend school every day, whether it is the first or last day of the term, Mondays, Fridays or days dedicated to sports carnivals, school excursions and incursions. 

As we look ahead to the remainder of the school year, I remind our school community that we are here to work with you to support your child in thriving. We know that families experience a variety of challenging circumstances, and we are committed to working with you to address any student barriers to regular attendance.  

If your child is absent from school, please let us know the reason as soon as possible, even if it is just a few minutes at the start or end of the school day. Of course, there will be times when your child is unable to attend school, such as when he or she is unwell. Medical appointments should take place outside school hours whenever possible, and family holidays should be taken in term breaks.  

If your child is feeling anxious about coming to school and you need support, please reach out to your child’s teacher or to me directly. There are also helpful resources for parents and carers on the NSW Department of Education website.  

Thank you for being a part of our school community and for partnering with us to ensure students access the endless benefits of regular school attendance. In the near future, some families may receive an email outlining that their child’s attendance has dropped below 85%. If a student attends school at a rate of 85% or less, accumulatively they will have missed a whole year or more of school by the time they leave Year 6. Of course, there are reasonable circumstances such as some students  falling ill multiple times. These letters are being sent as a reminder. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance, you are always able to contact the school to discuss these with us. 

This term will feature lots of after school opportunities for activities on site. Beginning Wednesday, 29 April we will be offering Code Camp, which will run for the term. Tuesday, 12 May will begin our after-school netball program; and later in the term AusKick will offer its program Monday afternoons. Registration information can be found on our Facebook page. 

Best of luck to our District Cross-Country Team this Thursday. While the weather forecast has no implications for this event, if there is a cancellation, this information will be communicated via our app. 

Thank you in advance to our wonderful P&C for organising our upcoming Mother’s Day stall. For families who are new to our school, students are welcome to bring in a gift wrapped in cellophane or clear packaging to the value of $5-$10 to their classroom and their teacher will record this. Then on Friday 8 May, students who brought in a gift are to bring in $4 to purchase a gift in time for Mother’s Day. Students who wish to bring in multiple gifts are able to purchase multiple times if they are looking to provide gifts for grandmothers, carers etc. 

Just as you do, I hope they will arrive soon. As our order was rather large this year, it is taking a bit of time. I expect that if they do not arrive this week, it should be next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Best of luck to our Girls’ Soccer knockout game, set for Wednesday 6 May, 1:00 pm at Cawley park. The boys have a bye in the first round and will know their opponent after round one is complete. 

Congratulations to Mrs Brown and her family on the healthy birth of their daughter, Daisy James Brown, born 8 March. We look forward to welcoming her back after spending some time off to look after Daisy.  

Paul Cuthbertson
Principal

Stewart House envelopes have been distributed to students for anyone who wishes to purchase tickets in their annual raffle. Please bring these to school and place in the silver box at the front office by Thursday 7 May. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online via the QR code on the envelope or via the following link https://www.raffletix.com.au/stewarthouseraffle2026

For the safety and comfort of all students, staff and visitors, dogs are not permitted on school grounds or within 2 metres of the school gates. We appreciate your understanding and help in making our school a safe place for all.

• 4      P&C Meeting at Woonona Bulli RSL at 7:00 pm
• 7      Stewart House Envelopes to be returned to school
• 14    School Athletics Carnival
• 20    WHS Year 6 COS Day
• 26    School Photos

• 24   Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - Save the date, more information to follow

Isaac L, Archie K, Nixon C

William H, Sebastian N

Disclaimer: Russell Vale Public School advertises in this column as a service to parents. Russell Vale Public School does not endorse, sponsor or accept responsibility for the management or organisation of the advertised events or services.