Co-curricular programs
At Rutherford Public School, we believe in providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom. Our co-curricular activities offer students a variety of opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and contribute to the school community. Some initiatives that the VOS squad have implemented have included pyjama days, infants scooter track (set days to ride scooters at break times), labelling our buddy benches with plaques, bring your favourite blanket to school day and more.
Voice of Students (VOS) Squad
The VOS Squad empowers students to have a voice in our school community. It is made up of representatives from each class and provides students with leadership opportunities. They meet fortnightly to share ideas on improvements that can be made to our school and strive to build school spirit.
Technology
There are devices in each classroom across the school.
Once enrolled, students are issued with an individual e-learning account and password. Children have access to the internet and an individual email account through a safe DoE browsing filter. This means that a wide range of programs are available for students and teachers to use. Students are taught diverse technological skills from Kindergarten to Year 6. These skills include advanced keyboard, word processing and document enhancement skills, management of databases, spreadsheets and tables, research processes using the internet, email communication, power point presentations and interactive games skills.
Students at Rutherford Public School have access to a range of advanced technologies including 3D printing, Lego WeDo, Lego Spikes Spheros, Bluebots and Cubetto.
Library
Rutherford Public School received a new library upgrade in 2021. The library is well-equipped and is widely used by teachers and students across the school. The school continues to purchase quality books and resources for teachers. The library also has a range of computers which are used for research activities and technology tasks. Children attend library lessons weekly or fortnightly and require a library bag, which is available from the Administration Office, to borrow books. They are encouraged to take care of these books as they are expensive to replace if lost or damaged.
Sport
Rutherford Public School has a long history of sporting success. We celebrate our students’ successes and encourage the qualities of fair play, sportsmanship and consistent effort. All classes from Kindergarten to Year 6 participate in organised sports programs. Students are encouraged to enjoy sporting activities and participate at their own level of expertise.
Parents are advised which sporting house their child been placed in upon enrolment in order to purchase sport house hats from Lowes at Greenhills, the Lowes online store or the administration office. The sporting houses and colours are:
- Williams – green
- Hunter – yellow
- Allyn – blue
- Paterson – red
Students from Years 3 to 6 and students in Year 2 turning 8 within the current calendar year participate in our school carnivals. Students have the opportunity to qualify for participation in zone, regional and state carnivals.
Our sporting carnivals are-
- Swimming – Term 1
- Cross-country – Term 1
- Athletics – Term 2
Class sporting programs are organised by class teachers.
Throughout the year, we run before school coaching clinics for students in Year 3 to 6. These include netball, soccer, cricket and football.
Students have the opportunity to represent Rutherford Public School as members of representative sport teams including:
- Soccer
- Rugby league
- Cricket
- Netball
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Boccia
The School Swimming Scheme is run annually for all Year 2 students.
Music Programs
Rutherford Public School is particularly proud of the music programs offered. Currently, students in Years 2 to 6 can enrol in lessons for the following instruments:
- Violin
- Trumpets
- Drums
Performance opportunities are offered throughout the year for our music students. Enrolment information is shared with students at the start of each year.
Choir
We currently have 2 choirs at Rutherford Public School. The Primary Choir for students in Years 3-6 and the Infants Choir is for students in Years 1-2. Both choirs meet weekly to practise and have several performance opportunities throughout the year.
Dance
Students can audition for our dance groups. Auditions are held early in Term 1 each year. Our dance groups are:
- Stage 2 representative group
- Stage 3 representative group
- Tap group
All Stage 2 and 3 students can join the inclusive, all-in dance group which runs during break times.
Each year, dance students perform in our Dance Showcase and the representative dance students participate in the Hunter Dance Festival.
Debating
Debating develops essential skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, research, teamwork and active listening. The debating team meet regularly to learn about debating and practise their debating skills. The debating team participates in the NSW Premier’s Debating Challenge each year, competing against other schools.
Public Speaking
Students in Years 3-6 can participate in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition which is held annually and is an initiative of the NSW Department of Education, Arts Unit.
All students are encouraged to participate in our annual in-school public speaking competition. Successful students then have the opportunity to represent Rutherford Public School at the Hunter Inter-schools Public Speaking Competition.
NSW Premier's Spelling Bee
Each year, students from Rutherford Public School hold a school-wide spelling bee. Successful Stage 2 and 3 competitors then have the opportunity to represent Rutherford Public School in the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee which is an initiative of the NSW Department of Education, Arts Unit.
Chess Club
The chess club is open to Stage 3 students of all levels. Each week chess players meet for regular competitive chess and/or social chess. We participate in inter-school tournaments.
School Farm
Rutherford Public School has a small farm in which we have chickens and we grow vegetables. Students are able to visit the farm at designated break times or with their classes.
Environment Group
Small groups of students are invited to assist in maintaining our school environment each week. Students assist in building garden beds, weeding gardens, planting native plants, pruning trees, mulching garden beds, raising awareness of local birds and tidying the school grounds.
Community Connections
Small groups of students are invited to regularly visit a local nursing home, allowing them to form meaningful connections with older members of our community.