From the Classrooms
Instrumental Program Update
Music is one of RNPS’ super-powers! Instrumental lessons at school have been part of life at our school for decades, and in 2021 children have the opportunity to take group or private lessons in keyboard, piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, recorder, trombone, and drum kit.
Our qualified, talented and approachable instrumental teachers have been hand-picked for this community. The value they add to RNPS, and to the lives of around one-third of our students, is indisputable. We are sad to be saying good-bye to our Brass teacher Tom Sly, but delighted that our current woodwind teacher Anthony Merchant, is willing and able to offer trumpet and trombone lessons in 2021.
Our instrumental teachers are currently enjoying increasing enrolments. If you are interested in finding out more about our instrumental program, please refer to our handbook, fee structure and contact on Compass here. To enrol in the program, complete the form on Compass and return it to school office. Once your instrumental teacher has received the enrolment form they will be in contact with you. You are also welcome to contact instrumental teachers directly. NB: school policy requires Foundation (Prep) children to take instrumental lessons outside classroom hours, in order to optimise their start at school.
If you would like to know more about the benefits of learning an instrument, this short animation, How Playing An Instrument Benefits Your Brain, is a good place to start. If you’re not sure which way to jump, I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
Lucy Graham, Classroom Music Teacher
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet & Trombone
Hi, my name is Anthony and I am the Woodwind & Brass teacher at Ringwood North PS. My musical studies include a Bachelor of Music from Melbourne Uni and a Diploma of the State Conservatorium of Music from Newcastle Conservatorium. I have been teaching instrumental music and inspiring younger musicians for more than 30 years.
Having performed in almost every conceivable musical situation at one stage in my life, I understand how to teach every musical style. From symphonic and operatic orchestras, jazz bands, folk music groups and touring Australia with rock and roll bands. Having been musically obsessed since a very young age, I love sharing my passion of all things musical with others.
Woodwind and Brass instruments come in many shapes and sizes and can be started at any age. Woodwind and Brass instruments can be very beneficial for students with asthma as they help fully develop your lung capacity.
For more information contact me on 0425 738 420 or at anthonymerchant@gmail.com.
HELPERS NEEDED FOR BIG ON BOOKS
Big-on-Books is a school based literacy support program for students in Grades 3 – 6 who would benefit from additional support with reading. In this program, volunteer tutors work with a student once a week for half an hour, supporting them with their reading. A key factor in the Big-on-Books program is reliable volunteer tutors from the community. You yourself may be interested in participating in this program as a volunteer tutor, or you may know someone in the wider community (such as a retiree) who is interested in participating in this program.
It is most important that these students see their tutors every week, so before signing on, please be very sure that you are prepared to commit fully to the program and can come every week.
We are hoping to get the Big-on-Books program operating early in Term 2. We will run a short training session for those who would like to become tutors, on a date to be advised. If you have already trained previously, you do not need to train again, though you are more than welcome to attend the session.
You must have a current ‘Working with Children’ card. If you do not have one, you need to apply at the Post Office as soon as possible and state that you are a volunteer (this will then be free of charge).
If you are interested in participating in this program, please email the following information as soon as possible to:- Fiona Davis fiona.davis@education.vic.gov.au
Name:
Contact no. (mobile and/or home):
Email:
Days available:
Time available: eg. 1/2 hr, 1 hr
Time: eg 9:00 — 10:00
Alternatively, you can ring the school office on 9876 3411 and provide your details (as above).
Thank you
Fiona Davis
Request for Class Representatives
The following classes do not have a class representative:-
Grade 1B
Grade 1W
Grade 2DP
Grade 3DJ
Grade 3K
Grade 5JP
If you are interested in being a class representative, please email asap Fiona Davis at fiona.davis@education.vic.gov.au .