Wishing all of our students and families a wonderful mid-year school vacation

On behalf of the Hurstville PS staff, I would like to wish all of our students and their families the most enjoyable and safe mid-year school vacation. Our students, supported by their teachers, have worked tirelessly throughout the first semester of the year and have made outstanding progress with their learning. They are to be congratulated on their dedication and commitment to their own learning.

Now is an opportunity for our students and families to pause for a short period, regroup and return in a fortnight for what will be an immense second semester at Hurstville Public School.

I remind all of our families and school community members that our main celebrations for our 150th anniversary (1876 - 2026) will take place throughout Education Week 2026 (3 – 7 August), culminating in an enormous 150th anniversary community fair that will be held at the school on Saturday 8th August from 10am – 3pm. Please lock in this date, as the 150th community fair will be an extremely memorable event for our school and local community.

St George AFL All Abilities Inclusion Gala Day – in partnership with AFL NSW/ACT

Friday 19 June 2026

On Friday 19 June, Hurstville Public School hosted the St George AFL All Abilities Inclusion Gala Day, an inspiring event bringing together over 200 students with disabilities from public schools across the St George area. This groundbreaking initiative is the result of a meaningful and ongoing collaboration between Hurstville Public School and AFL NSW/ACT. Together, both groups recognised a significant gap in our local community: the limited and often unclear pathways for children with disabilities and their families to actively participate in sport and develop fundamental physical skills.

While many sporting organisations speak about inclusion, few translate this commitment into authentic, impactful opportunities. This Gala Day was a powerful example of turning inclusive ideals into real, hands-on experiences that elevate and empower students with disabilities.

Primary-aged students from Athelstane Public School, Bexley Public School, Bexley North Public School, Blakehurst Public School, Brighton Le Sands Public School, Connells Point Public School, Carlton Public School, Carlton South Public School, Hurstville Public School, Peakhurst Public School, Peakhurst West Public School, Penshurst Public School, Penshurst West Public School and Oatley Public School gathered with their families at the Georges River College Hurstville Campus oval to engage in a day of fun, skill-building, and community spirit alongside AFL NSW/ACT staff and activity leaders.

We are deeply grateful to Georges River College Hurstville Campus, who generously offered their oval as the venue for the event. Their commitment extended beyond providing the space: many Year 9 and Year 10 students enrolled in the PASS (Sports Coaching) course actively supported and assisted AFL NSW/ACT leaders throughout the day. Additionally, secondary students from the GRC Hurstville Campus Support Unit will participate in various Gala Day activities, further enriching the inclusive atmosphere.

AFL NSW/ACT’s steadfast commitment to inclusion at the grassroots level shines through in both their words and actions. Their close partnership with Hurstville Public School has been instrumental in bringing this event to life with a shared vision—to highlight the urgent need for more accessible, consistent sporting pathways and physical activity options for young people with disabilities in our community.

I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the State Minister for Sport and Member for Rockdale, the honourable Mr. Steve Kamper who kindly came along an officially opened the gala day for us. I would also like to thank our Federal Member for Barton, the honourable Ash Ambihaipahar for coming along and showing her support for students, staff members and their families.

This Inclusion Gala Day sent a clear and powerful message to all young people with disabilities and their families: you are the main game. You are never an afterthought or secondary consideration. Your participation, inclusion, and enjoyment are central to everything schools, AFL NSW/ACT, and our wider community stand for.

By investing in inclusive opportunities like the St George AFL All Abilities Inclusion Gala Day, we all take a crucial step towards a future where every child, regardless of ability, can confidently participate, grow, and belong in sport—and in life. We invite all members of the community to join us in celebrating and supporting this wonderful event.

Here are a few photographs from the day.

Support Our PSSA Basketball Teams with New Jerseys!

We’re excited to share that our PSSA basketball teams are ready to represent our school in upcoming games against 14 other local schools! These matches help our students build teamwork, leadership, and school pride.

Right now, our teams do not have official jerseys, and we’d love to provide them with comfortable, professional uniforms to wear during competitions. New jerseys will boost their confidence and make them feel proud to represent Hurstville Public School.

We are looking for community partners to help by donating funds to cover the cost of 40 jerseys in various sizes. In appreciation of your generous donation, your organisation’s logo will be proudly displayed on the jerseys, giving you great visibility and acknowledgement at every game and across our local community.

This is a wonderful chance to support our young athletes and be part of a positive community initiative. Please see the image below of the proposed design of the basketball jerseys.

If you or someone you know might be interested in helping, please get in touch with our Hurstville PS PSSA Basketball Coordinator, Mrs. Vicki Koinis.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping them shine on the court!

Mrs. Vicki Koinis

Hurstville PS PSSA Basketball Coordinator

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.

A message from Miss Russell