Term 3 Week 6

24 August 2026

Our next P&C meeting will take place Monday 7 September at 7:00 pm at Woonona Bulli RSL. Our fundraising committee is still looking for some extra support! We currently have a rather large group of volunteers assisting with the Fundraising Committee. However, we are seeking an interested volunteer to take over the coordinator role. If you’re interested in joining this dedicated group, please come along and join us. We have a supportive group of volunteers that helps and guides with support. We are now addressing succession planning as key members’ children will graduate from the school at the end of this year. If you would like to find out more information about this role, please do not hesitate to contact me or any current member of the P&C.

If you have a younger child starting school next year or know of any families who are planning to enrol their child(ren) at Russell Vale Public School, our online enrolment system is currently open to process these registrations. Our Kindergarten orientation planning has begun and the dates below have been mailed to families. More information regarding the enrolment process can be found here: https://russellval-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Our school community consists of a number of different staff members, all of whom play an important part in the running of our school and in the provision of quality education for our students. School Administrative and Support Staff (SAS staff members), whether they work in the office, on the school grounds, on the playground, in small group settings or in a classroom, are important contributors to the success of the school and students’ education.

Our SAS Staff members are:

Anne Birkett – School Administrative Manager
Jennifer Walker – School Administrative Officer
Katrina Clothier - School Administrative Officer
Joy Della Vedova - School Learning Support Officer
Charli Stewart – School Learning Support Officer
Brooklyn Fletcher – School Learning Support Officer
Tom Gardiner – School Learning Support Officer
Jeremy Woodford - School Learning Support Officer
Ethan Fuller - School Learning Support Officer
Antun Pivovarski – General Assistant

I appreciate this opportunity to acknowledge the vital role that our SAS staff plays at Russell Vale Public School and I encourage you to do the same.

This week, students in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 will participate in the NSW Department of Education’s annual Check-in Assessments.

• Schedule: Monday 24 August and Tuesday 25 August 2026.
• Components:
  • Monday - Years 3, 4, 5 and 6: Reading and Numeracy assessments. 
  • Tuesday - Year 6: Writing assessment. 

What are the Check-in Assessments?

The Check-in Assessment is an annual, online diagnostic tool developed by the NSW Department of Education. Each assessment is mapped directly to outcomes from the NSW English and Mathematics K–10 Syllabuses and the National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions. 

These assessments are formative, low-stakes activities designed to:

• provide teachers with immediate, actionable insights into student understanding and potential misconceptions; 
• complement regular classroom observations and ongoing school-based assessments; and
• assist our teaching teams in planning targeted, explicit instruction and differentiated learning programs for the remainder of the year.

Students do not need to study or prepare for these assessments; we simply encourage everyone to do their personal best.

Equipment and Practical Details re the Check-In Assessments

• BYOD Devices: Students participating in our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program must bring their device fully charged to school each morning.
• Headphones: All students will require a working set of headphones.
• School Devices: Students who do not have a BYOD device or who routinely borrow school technology will be provided with a school laptop and headphones for each session.
• Catch-up Sessions: If your child is absent on Monday or Tuesday, our staff will facilitate catch-up sessions during the scheduled assessment window to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate.

Best of luck to our singers and dancers this week as they prepare for their performances happening Friday and Saturday. A big thank you in advance to Mrs LaVanda, Miss Beckingham and Mrs Nelson for not only their work and preparation that has gone into providing this opportunity for our students, but also for sacrificing their weekend to do so. 

There will be no assembly this week due to Southern Stars and our planned excursion for students to attend and watch the show. 

Officially, this week is Book Week, however due to it also being Southern Stars performance week, we have decided to postpone our celebrations until the final week of term. Our Book Parade will take place Thursday 24 September starting at approximately 12:00 pm. Parents, carers, younger siblings and community members are welcome to join us for the parade and to stay for a packed lunch, unless the canteen is open. Further details can be found below.

We have set our date for Grandparents Day – Friday 23 October. The official date is Sunday 25 October so we have decided to host it prior to the weekend so that any grandparents who may be travelling will have the opportunity to spend some time with their grandchildren over the weekend. 

Our school was proud to stand alongside school communities across Australia to speak up against bullying during the National Week of Action, held from 17 to 21 August 2026 (Term 3, Week 5).

Throughout the week, our whole-school community worked together to reinforce positive, proactive solutions to prevent bullying and ensure a safe, supportive learning environment for every student. Aligned with this year’s theme, Small Acts, Big Impact, we empowered students to recognise that everyone plays an active role in building a culture of kindness and respect.

Across our classrooms and playground, students participated in a variety of engaging initiatives, including:

• student-led announcements reinforcing positive relationships;
• friendship-themed music played each morning to foster connection and school spirit; and
• educational short videos and classroom discussions focusing on empathy, respect for diversity, and practical bystander actions.

We encourage parents and carers to continue these valuable conversations at home. Helpful conversation starters and resources can be found on the official website: Bullying No Way.

In alignment with NSW Department of Education policy, our school takes a proactive stance against all forms of bullying. If you have concerns regarding your child or require support, please contact the school office to arrange a conversation with his or her classroom teacher or a member of the executive team.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in ensuring our school remains a safe, inclusive, and positive community for every learner.

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 well-being through access to supportive 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 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 when 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. Throughout the school year, 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, he or she will have missed a whole year or more of school by the end of Year 6. Of course, there are reasonable circumstances, e.g. some students that have fallen ill multiple times. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance, you are always able to contact the school to discuss these with us.

Many children love video games. In fact, they like them so much that they might hear something like this from mum or dad: "Enough! Find something else to do!"

It can be good advice, even if they were about to get to the next level. Why? Too much of anything is just too much. It is true that some studies have shown certain video games can improve hand–eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind's ability to process information. But too much video game playing may cause problems.

It is hard to get enough active play and exercise if children are always inside playing video games. Overdoing video games could also affect other important areas, like friendships and how well a student does in school.

But here is the good news: Playing video games some of the time can be ok. Choose quality games, and limit screen time — which includes TV, computer, smartphone, tablet, and video game time combined — to a reasonable amount of time.

A good game will be the right one for how old they are. Games are rated like movies and you can help figure out which ones they should use. If you can choose one that gets them up and moving, that is even better.

As a recommendation, locate the computer or games console in an open area of your home, or if your child is playing on a handheld device, invite he or she to do so in the family room. Talk regularly with your child about their gaming interests and with whom he or she plays online. Help them understand the risks.

There is no magic number of hours, but your child may be spending too much time playing games if the gaming starts to have negative impacts on your child or your family. 

Look out for signs such as:

• less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport;
• not doing so well at school; 
• tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches or eye strain;
• changes in eating patterns;
• reduced personal hygiene;
• obsession with particular websites or games;
• anger when being asked to take a break from online activity, or appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer; and/or
• becoming withdrawn from friends and family.

In some cases, setting firm limits as a family may be enough to help address too much gaming. But there may also be underlying problems like depression and anxiety that are linked to problematic internet use. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/gaming#how-to-create-a-safer-gaming-environment-for-your-child

I will be on Long Service Leave, celebrating my 20-year wedding anniversary 4 – 14 September. Pip Smith will be Relieving Principal during this time. 

Paul Cuthbertson
Principal

If your child arrives late to school, please ensure they report to the office to collect a late note. Students should not go directly to class, as their attendance will not be recorded correctly.

Please note, School Bytes does not allow for parents/carers to create a planned absence for partial absences (late arrivals or early departures). If your child is late to school, please explain their absence by presenting in person at the office, providing a handwritten note to the office, calling the school, or emailing the school’s email address. For early departures, please visit the office to explain the absence and to sign your child out. 

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain accurate attendance records.

The uniform shop is currently open every Monday from 8:30 am - 9:00 am or by appointment. 

To book an appointment or to contact the uniform shop, please email rvpsuniformshop@gmail.com

Please only donate second-hand uniforms purchased from our school uniform shop. If you have items bought from retailers such as Big W or Best & Less, we kindly ask that you donate these directly to your local charity shops. Thank you for your support and understanding! 

• 26   Southern Stars COMBINED Rehearsal - WIN Entertainment Centre 8:15 am - 1:15 pm
• 27   Southern Stars Technical and Dress Rehearsal - WIN Entertainment Centre 11:50 am - 5:40 pm
• 28   Southern Stars Performances - WIN Entertainment Centre at 10 am & 7 pm
• 29   Southern Stars Performances - WIN Entertainment Centre at 1 pm & 7:30 pm

• 7     P&C Meeting 7:00 pm at Woonona-Bulli RSL
• 9     Interrelate 6:00 pm
• 10   Kindy 2027 Playgroup Session 9:15 am - 10:15 am
• 11   PSSA Gala Day
• 18   South Coast Athletics Carnival - Beaton Park
• 18   Surf Sense Program Years 2, 4 & 6
• 24   Kindy 2027 Playgroup Session 9:15 am - 10:15 am
• 24   Book Parade 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
• 25   Last Day of Term 3

Ellie K, Raphi C, Emma B, Tom T, Owen K, Dimitri P, William H, Marlie E, Brooklyn T

Archie W, Tom T, Owen K, Keira F, Ky A, Anika D, Marnie P, Luca B, Izzy C, Kaea N, Ashton A, Malikai F, Cooper B, Jaxon L, Mason G, Rex N, Alfie H, Pippa M, Millar S, Grace C, Brooklyn T

Dimitri P, Marlie E, Isaac L

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.