SCHOOL NEWS

Annual Celebration of Success
Rylstone Public School continues to distinguish itself as a vibrant hub of student opportunity and achievement, empowering its students to shine and thrive across multiple domains including academics, sport, and performance. Every child is given a chance to discover their unique talents and develop confidence in diverse areas - and their Whole School Annual Performance stands as a shining testament to the creativity, talent, and collaborative spirit of its student body.

Each year, this much-anticipated event brings together every student, from Kindergarten to Year 6, in a spectacular celebration of performance arts that highlights the depth and diversity of their skills. The play is written by the principal, and all dances are choreographed by class teachers. Students eagerly anticipate their participation in the play - fostering a sense of belonging and pride. Teachers and staff work closely with students to develop themed productions that are engaging, inclusive and reflective of the school’s values, and usually based around our school or local Rylstone community and environment.

The event provides an invaluable platform for students to develop confidence, public speaking skills, and teamwork. It also inspires leadership among older students, who often have significant speaking roles.
Its success reflects the school’s commitment to providing enriching opportunities that enable every student to shine, thrive, and experience the joy of shared accomplishment, whatever their area of interest.

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‘Steering’ into Success at the Beef Bonanza
16 enthusiastic members of the St Matthews Cattle Show Team travelled to Scone to compete at the annual Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza for the first time. The team brought along 6 animals - 2 hoof-and-hook steers, 2 stud Charolais heifers and 2 commercial Angus heifers, proudly representing the school across a range of competitions and educational events.

Friday began with steers being weighed and placed into classes. Winnie weighed 536kg, placing him in Middle Weight, while Poh weighed a whooping 570kg, placing him in the Heavy Weight Class. Students also attended educational workshops, including a hands-on paraders workshop, before taking to the arena that evening for the School Steer Shootout with their Limousin x Speckle Park steer, Winnie. Their Angus heifers Betty and Bessie competed in the Commercial Heifer Class, while their Moondoogundi Charolais heifers competed in the Stud Heifer Class.

On Saturday the show team entered the ring for the judging of our steers, followed by Peewee and Junior Paraders, with Flynn White receiving a Highly Commended in Peewee Paraders. Students competed in Junior Judging on Sunday morning by assessing an unled Shorthorn bull class, a prime led heifer class and a led steer class. We were well represented in this with Emmaline Littler receiving 5th and Leon O’Connell-Fsadni a Highly Commended. More ribbons were received in the Paraders competition, with Alannah Rossetto, Riley Rankin and William Maher all receiving 5th in their heats, and Layla Mills a Highly Commended.

The Cattle Show Team extends a big thank you to all teachers, students and supporters who made this opportunity possible. Special thanks to Moondoogundi Charolais and Queenie Limousins; your support makes these opportunities possible and continues to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

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Learning with Heart Since 1868
Ilford Public School is a small village school that has been providing quality education to the local area since 1868. It is set in a picturesque bush setting on the Castlereagh Highway between Lithgow and Mudgee. Students attend from the local farming community. The school has a current enrolment of 18.

Teaching and learning is at its core - enhanced by strategic and quality resources, including quality literature, technology for all students and resources to support intervention programs. A range of experiences in sporting, cultural and environmental programs are provided as part of the broad educational opportunities.

The historical stone administration building dates to 1878. The school has expansive and well-manicured gardens with mature trees and a large, grassed oval. There is also a large COLA, fixed play equipment, a large sandpit, tennis court and vegetable gardens.

We have developed and continue to maintain strong community support for the school. Our small but mighty P&C run the Driver Reviver stop in Ilford, ensuring that travellers can Stop, Revive, Survive on their travels. They also host a very popular Christmas Fair & Market on school grounds on the last Saturday in November each year.

At Ilford Public School our values are kindness, respect, tolerance and trust. These values are embedded in all aspects of school life. Ilford Public School is a proud NSW public school.

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The School with a Heart of Gold
Students at Hargraves have been working very hard in all areas of their learning this year.
In particular, this term the school has some achieved some wonderful results. Supported by the sport lessons at school, Cassie Condren finished first place in the senior girls shot put at the Western Athletics Carnival.

This achievement saw Cassie competing at the State Athletics Carnival at Homebush where she held her own against the best in the State.

Hargraves has two students, Ewan Mattick and Jack Primmer who will be competing in the State Spelling Bee in early November. Both boys won their regional final, earning them in a place at the State Final being held in Penrith. The boys are among the top 32 spellers in the State! In addition to the boys competing, Hargraves has been invited to be the host school for the Junior Spelling Bee final.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the students and an outstanding achievement for the school.

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Student Wellbeing Team School Play – “Ariel”
At Mudgee Public School, Student Representative Council members are assigned to portfolios, each focusing on different areas of school life. The Student Wellbeing Team wanted to boost student wellbeing, engagement, and morale, and together they planned, crafted, and performed a school play of Ariel. This performance was created by the students, for the students and held during a lunch break for all students K–6 to enjoy. The school hall was full, the play was a great success, and it stood as a proud example of student voice and what public education is all about.

Pink Up Mudgee & Grandparents Day
Mudgee Public School proudly hosted a combined Pink Up Mudgee and Grandparents Day celebration. We invited our grandparent community into classrooms to share in students’ learning, followed by a picnic on our beautiful school grounds. The event celebrated connection, relationships, and community spirit, while raising funds and awareness for a great cause. It was a joyful day that reflected the heart of our school - learning, love, and togetherness.

Transition to Kindergarten
Jolly Gym kicked off in Term 3, with Mudgee Beginners set to commence in Term 4. These programs form our Transition to Kindergarten pathway. Jolly Gym is a five-week gross motor program where students engage in outdoor physical activities in small groups, helping them build relationships and make early connections with future Mudgee Public friends, staff, and students. Mudgee Beginners marks the next phase, where children explore classrooms, visit learning spaces across the school, and become familiar with their new environment - ensuring a confident and positive start to their school journey.

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Kindy Connection
This term Kandos Public School have warmly welcomed new families to our 8-week Kandos Kindy Connection Transition Program! Our soon-to-be Kindergarten students have a wonderful time each week learning all about school life, getting to know their teachers, exploring the classrooms and making new friends.

It is fabulous to see the children’s smiles and excitement as they begin their school journey at Kandos Public School!

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A Morning in Pink and Grandparents Day
On Friday 24th October, Gulgong Public School was awash with pink as students, families, and community members came together to celebrate A Morning in Pink and Grandparents Day.
The event brought together students from Gulgong Public School, Gulgong Preschool, Happy Days Preschool, and Tiny Steps Playgroup, who each performed for a large audience consisting of parents, carers, grandparents, the Pink Up Gulgong committee, Wenonah Lodge residents and members of the wider community.

Everyone was encouraged to wear a splash of pink and donate a gold coin in support of Pink Up Gulgong and the McGrath Foundation, raising a fantastic $522.25 for the cause.

The morning was filled with smiles and laughter as students showcased their talents. The performances included energetic dancing and singing to music, along with a beautiful choir performance and a clever Grandparents Rap by 3R.

Following the performances, families and guests enjoyed a relaxed picnic lunch in the school playground, soaking up the sunshine and sense of community spirit that defines Gulgong.
A special thank you goes to R & J Andrews Engineering for generously donating their trailer for the student performances and to Ray, our local DJ, for organising the music and sound for the morning.
The day was a wonderful reminder of the power of community connection and the joy of bringing generations together. Gulgong Public School extends its gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed, it truly was a morning to remember.

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Kindergarten 2026 Transition Program
Starting school is a big step for children and families. At Cudgegong Valley Public School, our transition pathway is designed to make that journey smooth, welcoming and positive.

In September, the school offered Kindy Connections, an optional four-week program for children new to the school or feeling a little anxious about starting. Parents and carers stayed with their children, creating a calm and supportive environment while students explored key school spaces such as the library, hall, and playgrounds. It also provided early opportunities for families to connect with staff and one another.

In Term 4, Operation Big School launched - five weekly, one-hour sessions attended by all 2026 Kindergarten students. These sessions helped children become familiar with classrooms and routines, meet current Kindergarten teachers, and begin building friendships. Sessions rotated through classrooms, the garden, library, COLA, and playground, offering hands-on experiences in the places students will use daily.

While children participated in activities focused on literacy, numeracy, creativity, and movement, families attended a “Tips and Tricks for Starting School” session - gaining practical advice for a smooth start.

By the end of the program, students were confident, connected, and excited for the year ahead - a reflection of Cudgegong Valley Public School’s caring culture and strong partnership with families. The school looks forward to welcoming its newest learners in February 2026.