A message from Mr Steed

Congratulations Hurstville Public School 

Outstanding student achievement in NAPLAN acknowledged in local media publication

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to our outstanding students and exceptional teachers for their dedication and hard work. This week, our students, staff, and community members were recognised in the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader newspaper for their remarkable achievements and significant progress in the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assessments conducted in 2025 and 2026.

For families new to our school, it’s worth noting that at the end of 2025, our students, staff, and community received commendations from the NSW Acting Education Minister and the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education for outstanding results across all three NAPLAN domains.

Recently, several media outlets have highlighted a group of high-performing NSW public primary schools, evaluated by various factors including NAPLAN results, student attendance, and socio-economic indicators. While NAPLAN rankings provide only a limited view of student achievement and do not fully reflect the holistic development opportunities available, they remain one of the useful measures of academic success.

I am pleased to share that Hurstville Public School was ranked 18th among NSW public primary schools and 29th nationally in this published list of the top 100 high-performing schools. These rankings are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our students and staff, supported wholeheartedly by the trust and involvement of our entire school community.

Congratulations once again to the Hurstville Public School students and community. Please see the attached article in this week’s St George and Sutherland Shire Leader below.

Hurstville PS Staffing Update - Deputy Principal Position

Congratulations to Mr. Dave Renshaw

I am very pleased to share that, following the completion of the recent merit selection process for the substantive Deputy Principal role at Hurstville Public School, Mr. Dave Renshaw has been offered and has accepted the position of substantive Deputy Principal at Hurstville Public School.

The merit selection panel process for the Deputy Principal position was conducted in accordance with all departmental procedures and included a panel comprising principal, staff representative, P&C representative, Local community NESB representative and Director, Educational Leadership's representative.

Mr. Renshaw clearly established himself throughout the process as an experienced and talented educational leader who continually advocates for young people and their families. He brings a strong dedication for public education, a deep commitment to continuous improvement, and extensive leadership experience in the relieving Deputy Principal role.

I know you will join me in congratulating Mr. Renshaw on this wonderful achievement. He will continue to be an incredible asset to the Hurstville Public School community

REMINDER - Hurstville Public School - Annual Voluntary School Contribution 2026

We warmly invite you to consider making the Voluntary School Contribution. As the name suggests, this is completely optional, and no one is required to pay if it’s not possible. 

However, these contributions are important for helping us provide additional quality resources, facilities, and equipment for our students.

In 2025, our P&C members shared with the school that some families would like to receive a hard copy donation envelope to make their Voluntary Contribution for 2026. We have sent these envelopes to families today with the hard copy letters.

To further enhance student and community experiences, we seek fundraising opportunities and your voluntary contributions each year.

In 2026, the funds raised through voluntary contribution will support:

• Constructing a 150 Year legacy area near the Forest Road school entrance by the school office.

• Adding more outdoor seating and tables in a number of playground areas.

• Expanding playground equipment for students to enjoy at recess and lunch.

The suggested contribution is $45 per child for the year. If you can give more, we greatly appreciate it!

Please find attached below electronic copies of the 2026 Voluntary Contribution letter to families in English, Arabic and Chinese. The  letters include instructions on how to make your voluntary contribution payment using the SchoolBytes electronic payment system.

Reminder: Applications for Extended Leave – Travel: Important Information for Families

Since the beginning of Term 1, the school has received a high number of Applications for Extended Leave – Travel. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind families of some key considerations when planning travel during the school term.

Regular school attendance is a critical factor in maintaining student progress and achievement. All NSW public schools are working towards specific attendance targets, and we are required to have systems in place to closely monitor and support student attendance. 

With international travel now more accessible, I understand many families are looking to travel more extensively throughout the year. However, I ask that families carefully consider the impact extended travel can have on their child’s education.

Over recent weeks, I have received a significant number of extended leave applications. While each application is thoughtfully reviewed and individual circumstances are taken into account, it is important for families to know that a student’s current and previous attendance rates are also key factors in the decision-making process.

NSW public schools are required to take action when a student’s attendance falls below 90%. This includes implementing strategies to support the student in returning to regular attendance. A number of the applications we have received involve students who are already at or below this 90% threshold. Approving further leave in these cases would result in attendance falling even further below expectations, which is not something the school can support.

For this reason, I am currently in the process of notifying some families that their application for extended travel leave has not been approved. This also applies to applications where the proposed travel duration would significantly reduce a student’s overall attendance percentage to below the acceptable threshold.

I urge all families to carefully consider the timing of travel and, where possible, to schedule any extended trips during school holiday periods. Doing so helps minimise disruption to student learning and supports their ongoing academic and social development.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.