Things To
Know
Starting school information
ANNUAL PRIVACY REMINDER FOR OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy. Please take time to read our school’s collection notice, found here on our website.
We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education] safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education], please contact the school.
For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages:
- Amharic
- Arabic
- Dari
- Gujarati
- Mandarin
- Somali
- Sudanese
- Turkish
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
COVID SAFE MEASURES AT RPS
COVIDSafe measures have changed but all Victorian government schools are required to continue to implement important practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission
At RPS we continue to:
- Use air purifiers in each space and change filters on a termly basis
- Wipe down surfaces
- Maximise outdoor learning in good weather conditions
- Promote air ventilation in all spaces
- Encourage personal hygiene especially hand washing before eating and after toileting
- Masks are available for staff, students and visitors
- Rapid Antigen Testing Kits are available at the office
The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive to COVID-19 report that result to their employer, school and household.
Where a student or staff member is identified as a positive case, the following steps will be taken:
- Parents/carers should complete the Student COVID-19 COVID Test Portal if a student tests positive to COVID-19 (via a PCR or rapid antigen test). Where a parent/carer informs our school by phone or written notification, we will complete this on a school portal.
- Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until all their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test will be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury.
- There is no longer a requirement for principals to inform the school community of a positive case associated with the school.
IT'S NOT OKAY TO BE AWAY
Attendance Information for Parents/Carers
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What is my responsibility as a parent/carer? Unless unwell or abiding by COVID-19 restrictions, please make sure your child attends school ALL days and arrives on time.
In Victoria, it is compulsory for children and young people aged 6–17 years to attend school.
Parents are legally required to ensure their child attends school every day and to provide an explanation for their child's absence from school unless an exemption from attendance has been granted or an exception to their attendance applies.
Evidence shows that daily school attendance is important for young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health and employment outcomes and enjoy higher incomes.
The law provides a framework for school’s attendance, exemptions and exceptions from attendance and parents’ obligations relating to ensuring attendance. The rules are not in place to punish students’ time away from school, which can be unavoidable. Instead, the laws are an effort to promote and improve student attendance across Victorian schools.
Parents/carers, please: |
| - provide the school with an explanation using the COMPASS portal or phone the office |
| - do not allow your child to stay at home for minor reasons |
| - try and schedule appointments outside of school hours |
| - contact the school as soon as your child starts refusing school |
| - consider the health of others by not sending a sick child to school |
SCHOOL BELL TIMES
| 8:45 am | Students enter the yard and will be supervised by the teacher on duty. Lining up areas: Foundation - can enter the classrooms for a soft start Year 1/2 - basketball court Year 3/4 - basketball court Year 5/6 - mini pitch |
| 9:00 am | Roll Call Learning Session 1 |
| 9:50 am | Learning Session 2 |
| 10:40 -11:10 am | Recess |
| 11:10 am | Learning Session 3 |
| 12:00 pm | Learning Session 4 |
| 12:50 pm | Whole School Lunch Eating Time (Younger students start earlier) |
| 1:00-1:50 pm | Lunch |
| 1:50 pm | Learning Session 5 |
| 2:40 pm | Learning Session 6 |
| 3:30 pm | End of School Day |
START OF SCHOOL TO-DO' LIST
We know family life can be extremely busy and balancing everything can be daunting. We have released some very important information on COMPASS that will impact your child's learning and participation in events and activities.
We kindly remind and request families to ensure the following items are addressed.
| Compass Online Consent Forms | Local excursions |
| First aid & medical attention | |
| Incidental injuries and ambulance cover - The Department of Education and Training does not provide student accident insurance or ambulance cover. Parents may wish to obtain this cover, depending on their health insurance arrangements and any other personal considerations. | |
| Photographing, Filming and Recording students - use and disclosure within the school community & publically accessible | |
| Class or Year Level Distribution Lists (including class reps) | |
Year 3-6 House Swimming Carnival | Consent on COMPASS and payment of $55 on QKR. |
| Parent Payments | Stationary & Classroom Consumables Curriculum Contributions Whole School Events Other Voluntary Contributions |
| Wellbeing Programs | Music, Animal and Art Therapy Consent Online (coming) |
| Year F-2 & Year 3-6 Acceptable Use of Technology Forms | Paper copy to be returned to the classroom teacher |
CHANGE OF DATE SCHOOL PHOTOS THURSDAY 9TH MARCH
We have encountered a few clashes with our programs with both Year 5/6 students and several staff not at school on the previously scheduled day. Apologies we've had to move our photo day.
MEDICATION
If a child is required to take any medication during school hours, a Medication Request Form must be filled out. The office staff can assist with daily administration. The school also requires all Anaphylaxis/Allergy and Asthma plans to be updated.
https://www.ripponleaps.vic.edu.au/uploaded_files/media/medication_20212024.pdf
LUNCHBOX WEEK COMPETITION
