Principal's Message

SCHOOL FUN RUN

Our school was an explosion of colour and lots of fun last Tuesday. So many students remarked that it was the best day ever, especially enjoyable after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Brenton and the team from School Fun Run for putting on this spectacular event. We also thank our enthusiastic staff who joined in the fun. From the inflatables to the vast array of obstacle courses, our students and staff relished the opportunity to be splattered like a rainbow and even get wet. Every inch of body was covered for some students and many were found rolling on the ground trying to collect the last bit of powder. We thank our parent volunteers who assisted on the day as well. This initiative was planned by the Student Leadership Team for school events and activities. Our community raised $11,250. The students have nominated to spend the funds on the upgrade of the junior playground. 

YEAR 3/4 CAMP

It was the first time our brave 3/4 students and staff ventured off by bus to the Mornington Peninsula for an experience so valuable and immeasurable in terms of personal growth and development, especially in courage and independence. Many were of course home sick and missing their families on the first night but by the second night, the sheer exhaustion from of all activities and the care and camaraderie of their peers and teachers, missing home faded in concern. 

Camp Iluka Retreat was a fantastic campsite led by coordinator Amanda and her team. Not far from Red Hill, it was certainly a hidden gem. Canoeing was a favourite for many and the winner of the crate challenge stacked 11 crates high making her the top-ranking camper on the Iluka leader board. From gaga ball, trivia night with Mr G and a beach escapade on the last day at Shoreham, all students returned safely (although tired) to the very appreciative and loving arms of their families. We deeply thank Miss I for coordinating the camp, assisted by her wonderful team members Brenton, Mrs Howell and Mrs Nield. We also thank all the additional staff who gave of their time and supported our students and staff: Mr G, Jordane, Fred, Nat P, Kim (student teacher) and Mrs Rose.

TRANSITIONS

Whilst our new 2022 Foundation students will visit us in the next few weeks onsite, we have been conscious that transitions are happening for many other students at the school. 

Foundation

Reminder: Onsite visits - Thursday 2nd December @ 2:00pm & Friday 10th December @ 2:00pm 

Year 6-7

On the 7th December all Year 6 students will be visiting their respective secondary colleges. They have been working with Glen Eira Council on the ‘Moving Up’ online program. We’ve had visits from some schools to meet their future Year 7 students. Next year we have students moving to government schools in the immediate area such as Prahran High School and Elwood College but even as far as Rowville Secondary College and Surf Coast Secondary. 

Glen Eira Youth Services will be hosting a free webinar –‘Moving up with parents — primary to secondary transition’

When: Wednesday 1st December 

Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm. 

Parents will need to register online to secure a zoom link for the event HERE

Whole School Stepping Up

All students will participate in three sessions of stepping up into their next year level. This will help them to become accustomed to the environment and expectations for their next year. This process will be delicate and highly supportive as we know many students are anxious about this move, especially after the challenges of the last two years. Students will spend time in classrooms and will discover the special activities that occur within a particular year level. On the final session students will meet their classroom teacher for 2022. 

BOOK FAIR

We managed to squeeze it in (just) and wanted to say a big thanks to all the RPS book lovers who attended. Over $2,750 of stock was purchased over the four days so this gives the school around $700 of Scholastic Rewards to top up our classroom libraries. Thank you to all who attended and a big thanks to the LOVELY staff who assisted and the AMAZING parent helpers – Lee, Rohgina and Melinda – and their INCREDIBLE retail assistants – Reid, Sofie, Ryan and Otis. What a team!

ASSESSMENT & REPORTING

Now that we are back onsite, our teachers are complementing the assessments undertaken in remote with a range of tools that help them understand each child’s progression and growth over the last six months. 

Reports will once again look a little different due to COVID-19 interruptions as we have been advised by the Department of Education and Training.  Student reports will be issued in the last week of this term via COMPASS. Students identified as having gaps in their learning will once again be supported by our Learning Tutor program for remainder of this term and next year. 

SCHOOL PRODUCTION – TICKET SALES COMMENCE

Yesterday we received the most exciting news from the management of Cripps theatre at Caulfield Grammar School. Our students will be able to perform for all family members at full audience capacity. 

Please note the following guidelines set by the Department and conditions set by Caulfield Grammar School for the Cripps Theatre must be adhered to.

1. All adults must be double vaccinated and show evidence upon arrival. (Students of Ripponlea are exempt from the vaccination requirements to attend this school-organised event.)
2. The use of Service Victoria QR codes for electronic record-keeping is mandatory at this venue.
3. Face masks must be worn indoors by all adults and children in Year 3 and above. 

We are certain that tickets will go quickly as soon as they go live from tomorrow morning at 9am and will close on the 7th December at 9pm. We encourage main family members to attend the evening performance, allowing extended family to attend the matinee. 

All bookings will be available through TryBooking using the following information:

• https://www.trybooking.com/BWCBX  

MUSEUM IN A BOX

This afternoon our incredible Year 1/2 students presented their research with a comparison of life and objects in the past and present. Student's found out how technology and human needs have changed over time. 

Did you know in the 1990's digital cameras were introduced to the mass market by Kodak. These cameras became very popular by the end 2000 and today are the most popular type of cameras. Zahra  

Modern computers are very different from early computers. They can do billions of calculations per second. Computers do many different jobs were automation is useful. Kruze 

Modern televisions are much larger yet thinner then ever before. With clear images and surround sound they are used for more then just watching television. Leni 

We thank our Year 1/2 teachers for curating this exhibition of historical masterpieces. 

2022 PLANS & STAFFING

As we draw to the end of the year, our staff have been finalising student placements based on a range of criteria such as friendships, effective learning partnerships, academic and social needs and parent requests have all been considered as we prepare to build harmonious learning communities that focus on what’s in the best interest for each individual child. 

Across the school we will have the following class structures:

• Foundation – 2 classes
• Year 1/2 – 5 classes
• Year 3/4 – 3 classes 
• Year 5/6 – 3 classes 

We have completed all recruitment processes to finalise our staffing needs for 2022. Classroom teachers will be announced in the last newsletter of the year. Could we please again remind families to inform the office if your child/ren is not returning to RPS in 2022. 

Next year we see the return ofMs Lucy Clover. Lucy will join the learning support team working in a part time capacity as a Learning Tutor in 2022. Ms Clover is very excited by this role and looks forward to supporting all students. 

Mrs Kay Conserour current Learning Tutor is unfortunately leaving us next year. Kay resumed work with RPS as a retired teacher and former colleague. She wanted to give back to our community and help support our children after the impact of the last two years. She will of course stay in touch and return as a possible casual relief teacher when required. 

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose Principal

Jess Grey Assistant Principal