It was a busy conclusion to Term 1 at Richard Gill School. From the stage at the Upper Hunter Show to the lanes of the Muswellbrook Aquatic Centre, our students spent the last few weeks showcasing their talents, embracing healthy competition, and engaging with our local community. Whether solving complex problems on World Maths Day or sharing their voices at the Youth Council, our students continue to demonstrate the curiosity and spirit that define our school.

Spotlight on the Upper Hunter Show

On the 20th of March, our staff and students travelled to the Upper Hunter Show for a day filled with exploration and achievement. A highlight for many was visiting the pavilion to view their winning entries in the Baking Competition—a testament to the diverse talents of our students!

The day also marked our first public performance of 2026. Students showcased a mix of familiar pieces and some brand-new items, including a surprise song about the Bilby that delighted the audience. As always, we were humbled by the support of our school community and families who gathered to cheer us on. Thank you to everyone involved for making our performance such a resounding success.

Making a Splash: RGS Swimming Carnival

The week following the show, RGS swapped the stage for the pool! Students aged 8 and older headed to the Muswellbrook Aquatic Centre for a day of swimming races and novelty events, followed by a well-earned wind-down in the splash pad.

Events like these are vital for more than just physical fitness. Engaging in healthy competition teaches our students resilience and sportsmanship, while encouraging physically active interests like swimming fosters lifelong habits for wellbeing. Well done to everyone who competed or cheered loudly for their sporting house!

World Maths Day

On the 25th of March, we joined schools globally to celebrate World Maths Day. This international event highlights the importance of numeracy as a universal language and a foundation for logical thinking. At Richard Gill School, we love any excuse to dive into the world of numbers!

After recess, our students participated in a series of collaborative Maths games and activities. Seeing children develop a genuine love for mathematics is incredibly rewarding; a strong mathematical foundation is a critical predictor of future success, equipping students with the problem-solving skills they need for an ever-changing world.

Year 6 Leadership and Easter Celebrations

The final day of Term 1 was a whirlwind of activity. Our Year 6 Captains represented RGS at the Muswellbrook Shire Council Youth Council event, where they shared their views and ideas with local council members and peers from other schools. It is vital for our senior students to engage with civic leadership and see that their voices matter.

Upon their return, the festivities shifted to our annual Easter Hat Parade. The creativity on display was exceptional, with students proudly showing off their unique designs. A special thank you to Woolworths Muswellbrook for their generous donations, which served as wonderful lucky door prizes.

On a personal note, I feel incredibly grateful to experience these milestones through a dual lens—as both Principal and parent within the school. Seeing the consistent turnout of supportive families at these events reminds me of the strong, professional community we are building together.

Looking Ahead to Term 2

There is no doubt that Term 2 will be even busier as we look toward the future of our school. We have several exciting events on the horizon:

Year 7 2027 Information Night: Join us to hear about our exciting transition into high school. For a sneak peek at the details, see below.
Preschool Music Sessions: Continuing our commitment to music-based early learning.
Kindy for a Day: If you have a child starting Kindergarten in 2027, we invite you to join us and experience the RGS difference firsthand.

Enrolment & Interest: We are now taking expressions of interest for Year 7 in 2027. If you would like to learn more about our high school plans or register for "Kindy for a Day," please enquire through our website or follow the links online to get in touch.