Term 1 Week 10

31st March 2025

This will be the final newsletter for what has been an extremely busy, yet successful start to the school year. We have an extremely dedicated and hard-working staff at Russell Vale and these educational leaders combine to make it a pleasure to work here. The same can be said for our students, parents and community. I hope that everyone has a very relaxing, yet exciting holiday break. We still have a very busy end-of-term ahead and hope many of you can make it to our Easter Hat Parade and the Russell Vale Show.

Monday 28th May and Tuesday 29th May are School Development Days. Students return Wednesday 30th May which will also be our ANZAC Ceremony, led by our student leaders. Parents, carers and community members are welcome to attend. 

Thank you to the very large number of parents who came to our AGM. In fact, our regular attendance has more than doubled and nearly tripled over the past year. New parents and carers are still encouraged to attend. Our next meeting will take place in Week 3 of next term. A special thank you to the following members that will form our executive team and sub-committees for this year. I look forward to working with them.

Executive Committee

President: Holly Williamson

Vice-Presidents: Naomi Adamson & Kate Leyden

Secretary: Natalie Moore

Treasurers: Jayne Wigginton & Vanessa Woelner 

Sub-Committees

Uniform Shop: Jessica Jones and Bec Emmett

Canteen: Candice Bergner

Canteen Sub-Committee: Angela Williamson, Megan Warburton, Natalie Mahoney

Fundraising: Melissa Murray

Fundraising Sub-Committee: Bec Emmett, Olivia Kerr

Grants Coordinators: Jessica Jones & Laura Marsden 

School Disco: Melissa Murray and Stacey Allport

Social Media Officer: Kylie Murphy

I would like to give a couple of special thanks to Kylie Murphy and Dona D’Amico-Ward. 

At this time last year, Kylie stepped into the Secretary role after it had been vacant, shared or temporarily filled for a number of years. There was a growing concern that if the position was not filled, we would no longer be able to continue operating a P&C. Thank you, Kylie, for your time and organisational skills you have brought to the position to bring it back to what it needs to be.

With this being Dona’s last year as a parent at RVPS, she has stepped aside to aid in the transition of her role. Dona has been what l see as the ‘backbone’ of our P&C for my entire time as Principal at Russell Vale, dating back to 2017 (Dona’s involvement dates back prior to this). Dona has led or contributed to nearly every event that has happened at Russell Vale Public School and has helped guide the P&C through many transitions of positions over the years, ensuring that such areas as our constitution stays up-to-date, school and student resources are second to none and many, many times, leading events that bring our entire community together. It was Dona’s initiative that created our Grants Coordinator role, one that has brought in funds that, if I had to guess, would be approaching the $100,000 mark. You are second to none, Dona, and I thank you deeply for what you have brought to our school and community. Many would not be aware of the endless time and effort that you have put into many different activities behind the scenes, going well beyond the grants. Thank you for your time and effort. 

I have some sad news for RVPS, but some exciting news for Mrs Inwood to share. Unfortunately, Mrs Inwood will be leaving us at the end of this term to take up a position closer to her home in the Catholic Education Department. Mrs Inwood has been with us since 2017 as a targeted grad. She has worked mainly in the K-2 space during that time, spending the last two years working as our Learning and Support Teacher. I thank Katelyn for everything that she has brought to our school over this time, but most importantly what she has brought to her students. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Mrs Inwood and watching her grow and flourish into an expert teacher. I wish her all the best in this new journey and I encourage the community to take the time to do the same over the coming weeks. 

As a very fortunate turn of circumstances, we are also very excited to welcome back Mrs Dawson into the Learning and Support Teacher role beginning from day one next term. 

Last week could not have been a better day to hold our Cross Country Carnival. Congratulations to all students for giving their best. Also, thank you to Mr Batley for organising the day. The Cross Country ribbons will be awarded next term at a date not yet confirmed.

We are extremely fortunate to be hosting the ISER Performing Ensemble Concert Monday next week. They are a touring group of public high school performers, including a stage band, dancers and vocalists. For over 30 years, the Ensemble has been entertaining audiences with a spectacular variety show that showcases the best in public education.

The concert costs $5 per student and will begin at 1:30pm, meaning that we will adjust our school bells for the day. More information, including a QR code that links to their Instagram and YouTube can be found later in this newsletter.

A highlight in our school calendar is fast approaching – The Russell Vale Show. Students are asked to bring their projects in on Tuesday 8th April, clearly labelled with their name, class and category for entry. The hall will be open to the community on the afternoon of Wednesday 9th April from 3:00pm - 4:00pm and we invite you to join us on Thursday 10th April from 10:00am-11:00am for the Russell Vale Show Awards. Parents are welcome to stay during the recess period. Our Easter Hat Parade will commence at 11:30am. The Easter Raffle will be drawn during this time.

Paul Cuthbertson
Principal

Stewart House envelopes need to be handed in to the office by Monday 12th May. Additional envelopes can be collected from the office if required.

If your child is late to school, even if only by a couple of minutes please come to the office so they can be signed in before going to their class.

A reminder for parents to phone the office 5 minutes prior to collecting if you are picking your child up early for an appointment.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors and donors for their generous support of our School Farm.

Hornby Transport Services
Sheds n Homes - Nowra
A local plumber who donated time and materials
M&L Excavations
Pap Mechanical
D&A Constructions
Bungcaras Family
Eather Family
Turner Family

• 4th    Hot Cross Bun orders due
• 4th    Woonona High School Year 7 Academic and CAPA Enrichment applications due
• 7th    Illawarra South East Regional Performing Ensemble Concert 1:30pm
• 8th    Bring RVPS Show entries to school
• 9th    Illawarra Sports High School Year 6 Talented Sport Program Trial
• 9th    RVPS Show - hall open to the community from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
• 10th  RVPS Show Awards 10:00am
• 10th  Easter Hat Parade 11:30am
• 10th  Hot Cross Buns delivered
• 11th  Last day of Term 1
• 28th  School Development Day
• 29th  School Development Day
• 30th  Term 2 commences for students
• 30th   ANZAC Ceremony

• 9th   District Cross Country - Hollymount Park
• 12th P&C Meeting 7:00pm - Woonona Bulli RSL 
• 21st  Kamay Botany Bay National Park Excursion - Stage 2
• 28th  CoS Day 2 - Woonona High School

Nash J, Giselle B, Darcy U, Kayla M

Sam W, Oliver D, Ava T, Owen K, Zach E, Ella S, Giselle B, Darcy U, Max L, Mia B, Tyler M, Blake D, William H, Lara F, Ava J, Millie B, Caitlin S, Jai C

Nash J, Esther A, Kalani J

Eddy K, Honey B, Tulli P, Aria P

Harlie P, Nixon C, Owen T, Anders K, Stevie W, Jake F, Archie P, Isla S, Jasmin F, Jett P

Sunny K, Olive T, Matilda J

Charlotte S, Beau W, Keira D, Taylan E

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.