Term 4 Week 6

17th November 2025

When deciding on the composition of classes for any school year, we attempt to obtain as much information as possible to ensure that, given the resources of the school (number of teachers, classroom availability, number of children etc.), we place the children as best as we can. With this in mind, we would like to know of any factors that could affect the placement of your child in the 2026 classes. While I cannot assure you that we will be able to meet your requests, I can guarantee you that we will listen to your thoughts and, if possible, find a satisfactory placement.

Please send a note to me via the front office staff (or email me directly at paul.cuthbertson@det.nsw.edu.au) and have your envelope marked “Mr. Cuthbertson – Confidential”. I will accept your notes until Friday, 28th November. Please be aware that requesting specific teachers for your child without sound reasons is flattering but often without basis.

If you know or think that you may be moving/changing schools for next year, please either drop in or call the office to let us know. Similarly, if you know of any families moving into our area, please encourage them to contact the school.

Welcome to our new families for 2026! You will notice lots of new children (and parents) getting to know our school and teachers over the coming weeks as our incoming Kindergarten 2026 children visit for their orientation.

As you are probably aware, at Russell Vale Public School we have a Bring Your Own Device Program for Years 3-6.  As a Year 2 parent/carer, you may have questions regarding which devices are suitable. While there is an allowance for iPads to be used, a Windows or Mac laptop is preferred. Chromebooks will work on our Wi-Fi network but are not always reliable. Samsung or Google Play tablets are not compatible with the Department of Education’s Wi-Fi. 

It is my recommendation that families do not overspend on a new device. The majority of use at school will be cloud-based, meaning that there is no need to install any programs or word processing applications. If your child will be using it for different activities at home, you may need to consider a computer with greater storage or processing speeds. 

If you require any further information, please contact one of our current 3-6 teachers, or me. 

We hope that you can join us Tuesday, 9th December for our annual Presentation Day followed by singing and carols in the Hall. The Presentation Day assembly will take place at approximately 9:15am. Following that, parents and carers are welcome to join us for recess break and stay for carols which will begin at approximately 11:30am.

The date for the Talent Quest is set for Thursday, 11th December. The Talent Quest finalists will receive a note with further details. We are looking forward to an entertaining, fun day! All community members are welcome to join us. 

Following the Talent Quest, we would like to invite all of our volunteers for an afternoon tea to thank them for their time and energy this year. This will take place Thursday, 11th December during our lunch break at approximately 1:00pm.

On Wednesday, 26th November, the NRL Game Development Team will be at school as we host the second K-2 Dragon Tag Gala Day in the Illawarra. The Gala Day will take place out the back field of Cawley Park. Woonona East and Woonona Public School have also been invited, but have not yet confirmed their attendance. Parents and carers are welcome to join us for the Gala Day.

Thank you to our many parent volunteers who made our recent school disco such a fantastic event. A special thank you goes to all of our parent helpers and fundraising committee members. A fantastic event like this can not happen without such great community support.

Over the past 25 school weeks, 240 students, from Helensburgh Public School to Kiama Public School, have participated in HPAG Extend classes. These weekly classes have been conducted in eight host schools throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Regions. The primary objective with these sessions is to nurture the spirit of curiosity, encourage discovery, and stimulate creativity among High Potential and Academically Gifted students.

This year, it is with immense pride that we acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the following students from Russell Vale Public School – Max L, Isabella P, Millie M and Talulah N.

For our current Year 4 students entering Year 5 in 2026, applications will come in Term 1 2026. 

From Wednesday, 10th December, 2025, many social media platforms will be required to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on certain age-restricted services. The changes aim to protect children from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts.

The eSafety Commissioner is leading the implementation of the law. This official is responsible for identifying platforms and supporting the community with information and resources.

Under-16s will still be able to see publicly available social media content that does not require logging into an account. There are no penalties for young people who use age-restricted platforms or for their parents and carers as the responsibility for this is with the platforms.

We encourage you to access eSafety’s resources and support for families on their website and register for one of the upcoming webinars for parents and carers.

Applications are now open for entry in 2027 into a selective high school or opportunity class. If your child is currently in Year 3 or Year 5, learn more and apply today. 

https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/choosing-a-school-setting/selective-high-schools

Guide to selective high schools and opportunity classes

https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/schooling/parents-and-carers/choosing-a-school-setting/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes-parents/documents/Parents_guide_to_SHS_OC.pdf

Applying for my child to attend an opportunity class or selective high school

https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/media/parents_applying_for_selective_education.pdf

Submit your application in 5 easy steps

https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/media/Submit_your_application_in_5_steps.pdf

Paul Cuthbertson
Principal

• 20th     Kindy 2026 Orientation Session
• 20th     Arithmechamps - COS Mathematics Event
• 25th     WHS Information Evening - year 6 into 7 
• 26th     K-2 Gala Day at Cawley Park
• 27th     Last Day of SRE/SEE

• 1st       Kindergarten Excursion - What's Alive Kiama
• 2nd      WHS Year 6 Orientation Day
• 3rd-5th    Stage 3 Berry Camp       
• 9th       Presentation Day 9:15am
• 9th       Christmas Concert 11:30am
• 11th     Talent Quest 11:30am
• 11th     Volunteer Afternoon Tea 1:00pm
• 18th     Year 6 Farewell and Graduation
• 19th     Party Day and Last Day of School for 2025

Oaklie S, Ava J, Millie B, Molly J, Owen T, Louis C, Dimitri P, Sune M, Oliver P, Louis A, Felix M, Verity L, Owen K, Keira D, Eloise K, Mackenzie M, Mia B, Harlie P, Miranda J, Lola N, Poppy M, Olive T, Jake F, Louis F, Archie P

Harvey S, Oaklie S

Jasmin F, Caitlin S, Amelie H, Clarence H, Jackson D, Isla, Emma B, Jack M, Vali T, Archie W, Ally K, Noah S, Ruby F, Daisy S, Flynn M, Jaxon L, Charlie P, Harlo C, Nixon C

Flynn M, Sienna B, Keira F, Axton S, Harlo C, Charlie P, Max M, Molly W, Fletcher H, Miranda J, Jett P, Georgia B

Felix M, Charlotte H

Maddison H, Isaac L, Ky A, Brooklyn T, Levi M, Billy K

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.