A message from Mr Steed

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.