Term 4 Week 10

15th December 2025

This will be the last newsletter for 2025 – I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. When I reflect on all that has occurred during this past year, I understand why it has passed so quickly. Here’s to hoping that 2026 is another great year.

As always, there will be many whispers over the next few days as teachers begin moving classrooms for next year. At present, I cannot confirm the exact class numbers or make-ups. The reality is that I will not be able to do so with certainty until we return next year and reassess our enrolment. Currently we are one student above maintaining 11 classes, however, here is our school organisation which hopefully will be in place when students return:

Kindergarten – Mrs Hoyn and Miss Beckingham

Stage 1 – Mrs James (K-2, AP), Mrs Wrice, Mrs Logue, Mrs Rann, Miss Johnston

Stage 2 – Mrs Quince (Stage 2, AP), Mr Crane, Mrs LaVanda, and Mrs Nelson

Stage 3 – Mrs Rafferty (Stage 3, AP), Mr Batley, Mrs Rejske and Mr Elsley

Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Instruction – Mrs Smith

Learning and Support Teacher – Mrs Dawson

Library – Mr Shepherd

RFF – Mrs Cleall, Mrs Wrice

Mrs Cleall will continue coordinating an environmental and sustainability program for all classes each week through the gardens and farm.

To all our staff members, I say a huge thank you for such a productive and professional year - this a highly cohesive and collaborative teaching group, always striving to provide an education filled with new and exciting experiences for our students.

The Assistant Principals - Leesa James, Michelle Rafferty, Raeleen Quince, Pip Smith and Beth Logue have led their teams superbly, and the school is fortunate to have them as leaders. They are truly dedicated and highly professional people who add great depth to the educational outcomes for all students.

My administrative team of Anne Birkett, Jennifer Walker and Katrina Clothier is highly capable, very caring and greatly empathetic towards our students. Thank you for your work, ladies.

I wish Mrs Brown all the best as she prepares to welcome a new baby into her family. We hope to see her back in 2027!

To all of the parents who have assisted this year in a variety of ways, many, many thanks. Our students are wonderful at Russell Vale - we are truly blessed to have such lovely, caring, considerate, hardworking students and families.

I thank all members of the P&C for their time and commitment in making Russell Vale a true community school.

Students return to school on Monday, 2nd February 2026. Staff return to school on Tuesday, 27th January if you need to contact the school at that time.

There will be plenty of action at Russell Vale Public School over the holidays. I am very happy to announce that we will once again be participating in Share Our Space during weekdays, Saturdays and public holidays this summer. This means that that the sports court will be available to the entire community every day except Sunday during the school holidays.

I ask that you please not access the school grounds outside these hours as Bungalow OOSH will be operating.

Further to this, there will be lawn maintenance happening on the oval beginning this weekend in preparation for when students return.

To any parents or carers that have not completed our School Satisfaction Survey, I ask that you please take the time to give us your feedback on what we do at Russell Vale Public School and those areas in which we could improve. The school satisfaction survey can be completed at: https://forms.gle/TNc7hsWienywpcXQ6

Finally, I would like to wish all students, staff, parents, carers and the school community a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Artistic Achievement: Class 3/4 L Featured in State Calendar!

These students’ collaborative artwork has been selected for inclusion in the NSW Department of Education’s 2026 Calendar for Cultural Diversity. This is a prestigious achievement, with schools from across New South Wales submitting entries for a chance to be featured.

This year’s calendar theme, "Towards Peace," invited students to explore concepts of harmony, unity, and intercultural understanding through art. Class 3/4 L rose to the challenge, producing a piece that not only showcased the students’ artistic skills but also their thoughtful engagement with these important global values.

If you scroll to the month of May, you will find - Acknowledgement of Country 3/4L – Russell Vale Public School – Dharawal Country. This artwork is a representation of Russell Vale Public School’s Acknowledgement of Country, honouring the Elders and traditional custodians of the Five Islands and Dharawal People, symbolising unity and a shared journey towards peace.

The Calendar for Cultural Diversity is a key resource used in public schools throughout the state to celebrate significant cultural, religious, and international dates. Having our students' work featured in such a widely distributed publication is a proud moment for Russell Vale Public School.

Congratulations to all the students in 3/4 L and Mrs LaVanda for this outstanding accomplishment. We look forward to seeing this artwork in print and hanging in classrooms across NSW in 2026! https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/multicultural-education/culture-and-diversity/2026_Calendar_for_Cultural_Diversity.pdf

Paul Cuthbertson
Principal

Preparing for 2026

Below you will find a list of the basic requirements for a K-2 classroom or a 3-6 classroom if you wish to prepare over the school holidays. Please note that these are the basic requirements and individual classroom teachers may require specific items not on this list, which would be communicated next year.

K-2 Requirements

· School hat everyday

· Library bag

· Paint shirt

· Small headphones/earbuds

· Clear home reading folder (A4 document folder)

3-6 Requirements

· School hat everyday

· A book of interest to read for silent reading each day – can be from the library.

· Library bag

· Paint shirt (if they use one)

· Small headphones/earbuds

· 2 small pencil cases for personal use

.  First pencil case = 2 HB pencils, 2 blue/black pens, 2 red pens, 1 sharpener, 1 eraser, 3 highlighters, 2 glue sticks, scissors and 3 whiteboard markers (some items may need to be replaced throughout the year)

. Second pencil case = coloured pencils, textas

. 30cm ruler - no floppy ruler and no metal rulers

BYOD  (Bring Your Own Device)

Students in Years 3-6 are also encouraged to be part of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

Guide to Giving Devices as a Gift

The holidays are a magical time, and few gifts light up a child’s face like a brand-new gadget. Whether it’s a gaming console, a tablet, or their very first smartphone, these gifts bring joy and open doors to creativity, learning, and connection.

Yet, with great devices come great responsibilities. As parents and caregivers, you have a unique opportunity to set the stage for healthy and responsible tech use from the very beginning.

Setting Up the Device Together

Make the initial setup a shared experience. Sit side by side and walk through the settings together, enabling parental controls, filtering content, and discussing privacy features. You might say, “Let’s make sure this is safe and fun for you,” as you guide them in selecting age-appropriate apps and disabling unnecessary features like chat options for younger users. By creating a family account, you ensure transparency and oversight building trust through teamwork.

Together, agree on a few simple family rules:

· No screens during meals.
· No devices in bedrooms.
· A nightly shutdown time to prioritise rest.

Frame these as opportunities to connect, not just restrictions. For example, suggest screen-free moments like board game nights or family walks to stay close. You also create a safe space for your child to share if something upsetting happens online. Normalise tough conversations early “If you ever see something that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsure, let’s talk about it together. There’s nothing we can’t figure out.”

These open-ended tech talks foster ongoing dialogue and build trust, ensuring your child feels supported as they navigate the digital world.

Modelling Healthy Tech Habits

Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. As your child explores their new device, be mindful of your own tech use. When they look up, let them see you engaged in non-digital activities like reading, cooking, or playing with them. Or even show them what you are doing if you are using your device like "I am just paying the phone bill" so they can see the device being used as a tool. Turn screen time into shared time by co-playing their favourite game, exploring an educational app together, or working on creative projects. By showing balance and intention in your own habits, you demonstrate that technology is a tool not a distraction.

Incorporating Mindfulness Amid the holiday excitement, take small moments to pause and reflect with your child. Before they dive into their new gadget, you could say: “Let’s think about how this device can make our lives better.” Encourage breaks during screen time to check in on how they’re feeling.

Simple mindfulness practices like a breathing exercise or journaling about what they’re grateful for can help them develop a thoughtful relationship with technology. These moments of reflection promote balance and self-awareness.

Preparing for Challenges

Challenges are inevitable. Perhaps your child resists shutting down their device at the agreed time. Instead of frustration, approach it with empathy: “I know it’s hard to stop when you’re having fun, but let’s figure this out together.”

When accidents happen like a misplaced device or a cracked screen treat it as a teachable moment about responsibility. Involve your child in problem-solving or contributing to repairs. These situations help them develop accountability and resilience.

Making Tech Part of the Bigger Picture

As the novelty of the gadget fades, guide your child in discovering its full potential. Encourage creative and educational uses, such as:

· Exploring apps to make music, design art, or learn coding.

· Video chatting with grandparents or friends to nurture connections.

Balance screen time with offline adventures whether it’s outdoor play, board games, or family outings. Show that the device can be a bridge to creativity and connection, not a barrier.

Staying Involved

Always, check in: “How’s it going with the new iPad?” This keeps the door open for ongoing conversations about their experiences both good and challenging.

Stay informed about app updates, emerging risks, and new parental controls to ensure the device remains safe and functional. By staying involved, you help the gadget remain a source of growth and joy instead of conflict.

Wrapping Up

Gifting a device is more than handing over a box with a bow; it’s an opportunity to guide your child in building a healthy, balanced relationship with technology. To set the stage for success, consider including a written use guideline with the gift. Together, outline key rules like screen time limits, tech-free zones, and approved apps.

Through open conversations, clear boundaries, and shared experiences, you’re giving your child more than just a gadget. You’re equipping them with the tools to navigate the digital world with confidence, creativity, and care not just this holiday season, but for years to come.

• 18th     Year 6 Farewell and Graduation
• 19th     Party Day and Last Day of School for 2025

• 27th - 30th     Staff Development Days

• 2nd     First Day of Term 1 for all students 
• 6th      Swimming Carnival 8:30am - 12:00pm

Aria P, Brody T, Lara F, Kaea N, Izzy C, Nell R, Oliver H, Taj S, Malikai F, Mahalia N, Honey B, Eddy K, Madilyn T, Charlotte S, Jayda K, Sophie D

Kennedy W, Taj S, Malikai F

Jasper K, Imogen S, Ivy J

Imogen S, Jesse D, Esther A, Eloise K, Anika D, Olivia C, Marlie E, Harriet McG, Eden-Rose G, Indi W, Mia B, Keira F, Eli B, Isabella P, Joni W, Ruben M, Kennedy W, Charlotte S, Daisy S, Isla B, Keira D, Talulah N, Evie S, Poppy M, Blake D, Finn B, Vali T, Archie W, Nixon C, Stevie W, Molly W, Molly J, Giselle B, Owen T, Rex N, Olive T, Brooklyn T, Alani A, Lacey j, Lux P, Piper S, Oliver D, Verity L, Alexis M, Millie M, Leah S, Jirah N, Marnie P, Indi P, Penny J, Ella S, Sophie H, Holly W, Airlie N, Sofia H, Emily M, Larni B, Eliza K, Sienna B, Harlie P, Kayla M, Tempe L, Grace T

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.

The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents and carers on a range of topics essential to child safety.  Please use the link to access the handbook.

Child-Safety-Handbook_2025-November-Update-2.pdf