SCHOOL NEWS - WINTER 2026

Global Experiences, Local Excellence
at Mudgee High School
During the vacation break, 30 Mudgee High students engaged with a fantastic opportunity to solidify their language skills by visiting Japan. This experience helped strengthen cultural awareness, immersed students in Japanese culture, and visited significant cultural and historic sites around Japan. Some of these sites included the Torii gates (provided image) - which represent the conjunction points of the spirit world and the human world - as well as the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima - a reflective and sombre experience.
Mudgee High School

Throughout Term 1 Mudgee High students have been busy doing what we do best representing Mudgee and public education in our local community and the wider region.
Our team in the Western Plains Science and Engineering Challenge for 2026 walked away with the Champion School trophy. An amazing result and a testament to our students; talents and the coaching of our science teachers.
Turning to sport, Mudgee High has again put in great efforts, with representatives within the Western Basketball, Girls and Boys Softball, and Tennis. Mudgee High was represented at included the NSW All Schools Triathlon and Aquathlon, and a 4:1 win/loss record in the CHS Opens Girls Netball competition.
Term 2 started busy for our Student Representative Council, who annually liaises with the local RSL to honour Australian service personal. This program sees students adorning graves of ex-service personnel with the Australian flag to commemorate ANZAC day. This is just a sample of the many opportunities on offer for our students, and the success of our students who take them up.

Rylstone Public School

Rylstone Public School: Excellence in Quality Explicit Teaching and Rich Teaching Experience.
Located in the picturesque historic town of Rylstone in the heart of the NSW Central Tablelands, Rylstone Public School stands as a beacon of educational excellence, committed to delivering quality explicit teaching backed by a wealth of experienced educators. Our school prides itself on fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment where every student is empowered to reach their full potential.
At Rylstone Public School, quality explicit teaching is at the core of our educational approach. This method ensures that lessons are clear, structured, and purposeful, enabling students to understand exactly what they are learning and why it matters. Our teachers use carefully planned strategies that include clear learning intentions, step-by-step instructions, and regular checks for understanding. This approach not only enhances student comprehension but also builds confidence and independent learning skills.
The strength of our teaching team lies in their extensive experience and dedication. Our educators bring years of expertise across a range of subjects and stages, from early years to senior primary. Their deep knowledge and passion for teaching create dynamic classrooms where differentiated instruction meets the unique needs of every learner.
Teachers at Rylstone Public School regularly engage in professional development to stay abreast of current educational research, ensuring that their teaching practices remain innovative and effective.
Furthermore, the school fosters strong partnerships with families and the wider community, creating a collaborative spirit that supports student achievement. This holistic approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop socially and emotionally in a nurturing environment.
Rylstone Public School’s commitment to quality explicit teaching combined with experienced and passionate educators makes it an outstanding choice for families seeking high-quality education in a caring rural setting. Together, we prepare our students for lifelong success, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Kandos Public School

Kandos Public School Playgroup
Our new school playgroup is designed to support local families by providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children. It’s more than just playtime - it’s a chance for children to explore, build confidence, and develop early social skills through guided activities and free play.
For parents and caregivers, it’s an opportunity to connect with others in the community, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships. In a busy world, having dedicated time to interact with other families can make all the difference.
Join us every Monday 9:30 - 10:30am as we create a supportive space where children thrive and families feel connected.
Each session includes a variety of engaging activities such as story time, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor play, all carefully planned to support early learning and development. Our welcoming environment encourages curiosity and creativity, helping children feel comfortable and excited to participate.
We welcome families from all backgrounds and aim to create an inclusive space where everyone feels valued and supported as part of our school community.
Our playgroup was made possible through the generous donation from Kandos Rotary, whose support provided valuable resources for our community.

St Matthews Catholic School

Alumni Spotlight: From St Matthews to the World
It is always a joy to witness the incredible journeys our students embark upon after they walk through the gates of St Matthews Catholic School for the last time. This quarter, we catch up with three remarkable alumni—Jorja, Felix, and Emily—who are making waves in law, veterinary medicine, and healthcare.

Jorja Whale: A Future in Law
Jorja, a “St Matts” original from Kindergarten through to the Class of 2020, has been busy in Newcastle. After graduating with a Bachelor of Criminology, Jorja recently completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice in late 2025. Now working as a Law Graduate, she is preparing for her admission as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW
this April.

Felix: Global Veterinary Pursuits
Currently in his third year of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney, Felix is honing his skills in equine medicine. His journey has already taken him across the globe; he recently completed a placement in South Africa, immobilizing wildlife from helicopters and participating in community vaccination programs. Felix credits his passion for research to his time at St Matthews, specifically the Science Research Project in Vietnam.

Emily: Supporting Communication
Emily is entering her final year of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. Driven by a passion for helping others find their voice, she recently traveled to Cambodia to implement language support in a local school. Emily fondly remembers her Year 12 teachers, whose commitment sparked lifelong interests in music and history, providing her with the perfect foundation for university life.
From the Supreme Court to South African plains and Cambodian classrooms, our alumni continue to embody the spirit of St Matthews. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing where their careers take them next!

Ilford Public School

Ilford Public School is a proud NSW public school
With a close-knit community of just 15 students, we offer expansive playground spaces and a well-resourced learning environment that fosters growth and curiosity. Our foundation is built on four core values – Kindness, Respect, Tolerance, and Trust – which are woven into every aspect of school life, whether in the classroom, on the playground, in the music room, or on the sports field. We are committed to nurturing these values as we continually strive for excellence and encourage every student to be their very best.
Community is at the heart of Ilford Public School. As part of a small village, we understand the importance of visibility and active participation within the wider local community. Our students and staff proudly engage in a diverse array of community events and programs, including ANZAC Day services, collaborative Science Week & NAIDOC week activities, grandparents’ day celebrations, Easter egg hunts and hat parades, art competitions, and public speaking contests.
Our Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C) plays a vital role in community service and school support. They operate the Driver Reviver station at the Ilford bus stop, helping to promote road safety for travelling tourists with the “Stop, Revive, Survive” campaign. The P&C also channels fundraising efforts directly back into the school, assisting with bus transport costs and providing valuable resources that enrich our students’ educational experiences.
As a member of the Wollemi Community of Practice (CoP), Ilford Public School collaborates closely with other local primary schools and our feeder high school, Kandos High School. This partnership promotes shared learning opportunities, celebrates the achievements across our schools, and ensures strong educational pathways for students as they progress in their learning journey.
At Ilford Public School, we provide high-quality, inclusive educational experiences that support every student’s growth.

Hargraves Public School

170 Years Strong: Hargraves Public School at the Heart of Community
Hargraves Public School continues to provide quality education to the students of the Hargraves area. This year marks 170 years since the school began and it remains a cornerstone of the local community.
ANZAC Day: Every year, to educate, foster empathy, and teach civic responsibility students at Hargraves Public School proudly and respectfully lead and commemorate the Hargraves Community ANZAC Service. After marching from the school to the community memorial, students lead the entire service. All students have an important role during the service. School leaders host the service and lay wreaths, while younger students place crosses and poppies for the fallen at the base of the memorial. Students are encouraged to be part of the service to honour, respect and show gratitude to past and present service personnel.
Archibald Excursion: In first term of this year students participated in an online portraiture workshop titled ‘Let’s Face It’, with the Learning Team from the Art Gallery of NSW. The online presentation is part of the Art Pathways Program that has a regional focus and supports opportunities for students to connect with exhibitions and collections like the visiting Archibald Exhibition at the Mudgee Arts Precinct while giving rural, remote settings the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. To compliment the workshops our students visited the Mudgee Arts Precinct to view the Archibald Exhibition and had the chance to participate in another portraiture workshop, this time involving print making. In conjunction with this excursion, for sport, students rode scooters around the Glen Willow sculpture walk and Pump Track…. Making the most of the wonderful facilities in the Mid-Western Regional Council Area.
Technology Focus: Weekly technology lessons have taken a creative slant for the first part of this year. A team of senior students have been collaborating in a Minecraft Challenge. They have been tasked with researching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander narratives to respectfully represent them in a digital (Minecraft) format. The driving question is ‘How can we respectfully bring Dreamtime stories to life and show connection to Country?’ The team gathered facts about Country, animals and landforms, used OneNote as their recording platform, brainstormed and created a storyboard draft, explored Redstone In Action features before creating their own Minecraft world. In addition, all students K-6 have learned how to create models using 3D printers.

All Hallows

Connecting Communities Through Learning
and Faith
All Hallows recently hosted eight Year 10 students and two teachers from Loreto Normanhurst in Sydney.
As a boarding school with many students from rural communities in NSW, Loreto Normanhurst is committed to fostering a sense of community between rural and metro communities. The primary aim is to do this through developing the understanding of students from all schools involved in the partnership through an exposure to differing lifestyles. Our students thoroughly enjoy the visit and enjoy having the opportunity to talk to the girls from Sydney. We thank the girls for their contribution for our school and look forward to the visit again next year.
Catholic Schools Week was celebrated in Catholic schools throughout the Bathurst Diocese from Sunday 3rd May through to Friday 8th May. This annual event is an opportunity for schools to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in these schools every day. The theme for this year’s celebrations is:‘Guided by Faith, Inspired by Hope, Committed to Learning.’
There are 33 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bathurst that educate around 9000 students celebrating Catholic Schools Week in their own way. We had a wonderful week, gathering with our families for lunch, enjoying our Enrichment Day where we participated in lots of fun activities including cooking, STEM and science experiments, games, orienteering and sign language and we finished off our week by celebrating our mothers for Mother’s Day with a special Liturgy and High Tea.

Gulgong Public School

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow
At Gulgong Public School, we have had a fantastic start to 2026, proudly embracing our motto, Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow. Guided by our 4Rs of Respect, Resilience, Responsibility and Reasoning, the school continues to provide a supportive and engaging environment where every student can learn and thrive.
Our strong focus on literacy has been evident through the Home Reading Program and Reading Sprint, encouraging students to build confidence and develop a lifelong love of reading. Students have also taken part in a range of enriching learning experiences, including the Red Hill excursion and an unforgettable visit to Sydney to see The Lion King musical.
Leadership and innovation opportunities have been a highlight, with students participating in the 2026 GRIP Leadership Program and the Year 6 Science and Engineering Challenge, developing teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Sporting participation and achievement continue to be a strength, with students actively involved in the Cudgegong Zone Swimming Carnival, Cudgegong Zone PSSA Cross Country Carnival and the Touch Football Gala Day. The school was also proudly represented in the Yeo/Henry Rugby League Shield and the NSW Primary Schools Chess Competition, showcasing a wide range of talents.
Students demonstrated pride and respect while representing the school in the ANZAC Day March, reflecting the strong values embedded within the school community.
Gulgong Public School remains a vibrant hub of learning, opportunity and community. Enrolments for 2027 Kindergarten are now open, and families are encouraged to visit the school’s social media page to find out more about upcoming Transition to Kindergarten dates and opportunities to connect with the school community.

Cudgegong Public School

In All Our Best at Cudgegong Valley Public School
At Cudgegong Valley Public School, “In All Our Best” is more than a motto, it is a shared commitment to excellence. We support every student to grow in confidence, resilience, and capability, recognising individual strengths through quality teaching and meaningful opportunities.
Our Harmony Choir, Infants Choir, Recorder Group, Band, and dance groups, including the First Nations Pulse Alive Dance Group and Choir, proudly perform at events such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Olympic Park, and continue to prepare for eisteddfods. Our visual arts program also shines, with student work featured in the Young Archie Competition.
We celebrate and inspire every student to strive for their personal best.

Mudgee Public School

Celebrating Creativity, Leadership & Excellence at Mudgee Public School
Archibald Prize Art Workshops: As part of Mudgee Public School ongoing identification and enrichment opportunities for High Potential and Gifted students, our Stage 3 students recently attended the Archibald Prize 2025 at the Mudgee Arts Precinct. Students were fortunate to be guided through the exhibition by Charlie Kingsford from the Art Gallery of New South Wales before participating in a hands-on portrait workshop. Charlie immersed students in a rich art appreciation experience, sharing insights into artistic techniques, artist intentions, and the stories behind the artworks. Students thoroughly enjoyed creating self-portraits and monoprints inspired by the exhibition. A massive thank you to Charlie and the staff at the Mudgee Arts Precinct for providing such an engaging and inspiring opportunity for our students.
NSW State Swimming Championships: As part of another incredible sporting achievement for Mudgee Public School, seven of our students proudly represented the school at the NSW State Swimming Championships, competing alongside the best primary school swimmers from across the state. Nellie, Matthew and Jacob all qualified in individual events, while Alfie, Ryan, Noah and Jacob combined as part of the Junior Boys Relay Team. For our small-town Mudgee Public School crew, this was an amazing experience and an astonishing accomplishment, showcasing not only their talent and dedication, but the pride and spirit of our school community
Filming Workshop at Taronga Zoo: As part of the Mudgee Public School Student Leadership Team, our Film and Media Promotion portfolio recently travelled to Taronga Zoo to participate in a Department of Education filming workshop. Students were immersed in all things film-making, learning the ins and outs of camera work, storytelling, editing and production while creating some phenomenal short films throughout the experience. Working alongside industry professionals and education staff, students developed valuable creative and technical skills in an authentic and engaging environment. Our crew also had the unforgettable opportunity to take part in the Zoo Snooze experience, enjoying behind-the-scenes animal encounters and overnight adventures at the zoo. It was an incredible experience that allowed students to build confidence, creativity and teamwork while representing our school with pride.