Dear RMPS families,

As we approach the end of term, the PFA is delighted to share the latest updates, express our gratitude, and spread some holiday cheer.

Thank you!

‘RMPS PFA 2023 ‘Boogie Fever’ Student Disco … Oh What a Night – The RMPS PFA 2023 Student Disco was nothing short of spectacular! The school’s hall was transformed into a vibrant dance floor, where our young stars danced, laughed, and created wonderful memories together. They were led by the very enthusiastic and engaging DJ Matty V who got everyone up and moving to a great mix of songs – of course including dance classics like YMCA, Nutbush City Limits and Macarena. The standout though for crowd involvement had to be ‘Let it go’ from Frozen.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our disco coordinators, Kim Little and Elizabeth Staunton who worked tirelessly to make this event such a success. A big thank you to Robbie Mac staff – Peter Watson, Stephen Roche, Lisa Ralling, Kate Pickburn, Mollie, Kirsty Davies, Melinda Browne and Tristan Liao. As well as to our parent/carer volunteers – Andrew Rudge, Anne Mologousis, Banny Lan, Bethany Dickins, Carolyn Steart, Gemma Henderson, Karen Maiden, Karla Bennett, Kasia D'Costa, Kate Pearson, Katherine Fullarton, Kathryn Anderson, Kirste Field, Lindsay Gamble, Nicole Perazzo, Ranj Steward, Stan Rychlik, Tori Knight, Veryan Oakley, Victoria Shaw and Zoe Frost. Plus, our gratitude also goes out to TeamKids for once again making some wonderful disco decorations and Hannah for assisting on the night. The team’s efforts in organising, decorating, supervising, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our students did not go unnoticed. You truly turned this disco into a night they will cherish forever.

Some photos from the night are included at the end of the PFA News.

Current Events and Fundraisers

Discounted ‘FUN’raising Biscuits Available at the School Office – Just $4 a Gourmet Box! Although the ‘FUN’raising Biscuit fundraiser has officially ended, there is still an opportunity to purchase these delicious biscuits at a discounted price of $4 per gourmet box (save $1/box) from the school office. Not only will you satisfy your sweet tooth, but your purchase will also contribute to purchasing new school sports equipment for the children to enjoy.

A side note, to those families who are still to return either their box and/or envelope (total value $75/carry box), please do so urgently. Our records still show a significant discrepancy in what was handed out and what has been returned in either boxes or the money raised equivalent. Note that the school has paid for the biscuits, and they were not a giveaway. Please contact the PFA or Office if you have any questions or concerns regarding this.

Referendum Day Cake Stall and Coffee Van Fundraiser Event – Save the Date! On Saturday, 14 October 2023, the PFA will be hosting a Referendum Day Cake Stall and Coffee Van Fundraiser Event. This event promises to offer a delightful selection of homemade cakes, pastries, and the finest coffee to energise you while you cast your vote.

We know that our school community is home to some extraordinary bakers, and we would love to showcase your talents! Your homemade cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats will be the highlight of our cake stall. Cake donation kits will be distributed to families at the beginning of Term 4.

We need volunteers to help organise and manage the cake stall. A SignUp sheet will be sent out in early term 4, so please sign up if you have some time to spare and would like to assist in making this event a success.

Term 4 PFA Events and Fundraisers

The following events and fundraisers are planned for Term 4:

Referendum Day Cake Stall and Coffee Van Fundraiser (Saturday 14 October)

World Teachers’ Day Morning Tea (Friday 27 October)

Foundation Transition Morning Tea (Wednesday 22 November)

School Fun Run (Colour Run) (Monday 27 November)

We are also hoping to run the fresh mango fundraiser in Term 4, which families have enjoyed in past years.

PFA

The PFA is a group of volunteer parents and carers who help organise events and fundraising activities for RMPS, welcome families and bring people together from within the community. This helps us all connect more closely with our school and to raise vital funds for school improvements. Without volunteers, there would be no PFA.

All RMPS parents and carers are welcome to register as PFA members, enabling them to receive copies of meeting minutes, vote on items/actions and the office bearer (executive) roles as applicable, and be elected to PFA office bearer roles. If you would like to register as a member, please contact us for a copy of the registration form. Note that you do not have to be a member to help on events or attend meetings.

Next meeting: Wednesday 11 October 2023 at 8:00pm – 9:00pm. This will be an online Zoom meeting. We look forward to having parents and carers join us for this meeting.

As we approach the term holidays, we want to wish our entire school community a joyful and relaxing break.

Best wishes,

Wen Li (President), Elizabeth (Secretary) and Bård (Treasurer)

The PFA Committee

‘RMPS PFA 2023 ‘Boogie Fever’ Student Disco Photos (Y3-6s)

‘RMPS PFA 2023 ‘Boogie Fever’ Student Disco Photos (F-2s)

FREE Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Ever thought about volunteering at a school (e.g., excursion, swimming, classroom) or PFA (e.g., disco, colour run) activity or event, or even at your child’s sports or dance club, but haven’t been able to because you don’t have a Working with Children Check (WWCC)? Well, you can get a volunteer WWCC for FREE! Applying for one takes about 15-20 minutes and you can do it online via Working with Children Check (service.vic.gov.au). Once you have completed the online application you will receive an application receipt, followed by a card after the check is completed. (Note: We recommend you do this using your mobile phone because of the photo process etc.)

What you'll need to do

Prove your identity with documents using your phone. The online application shows you which ones.
Fill out the online application form
Consent to Service Victoria passing your info on to the Working with Children Check (WWCC) Unit Victoria (Department of Justice and Community Safety) to process your WWCC application. (Services Victoria does not keep your information, they just pass it on.)

Your Working with Children check

The Working with Children Check Victoria screening process looks at:
Your criminal record in all Australian states and territories, including any charges, regardless of the outcome
Your professional conduct as determined by these groups, and

Whether you're required to report under sex offender legislation

If you have applied for a WWCC but are unsure whether your card will arrive before you want to volunteer at an event, please speak to the school office about possible options. A check may take between 3-12 weeks to be processed.

Copies of WWCC cards are kept on file by the school for compliance and a Working with Children Check is required for doing child-related work which includes volunteering. Please provide the school office with a copy of your card.

If you would like to get a WWCC card but are not confident doing this yourself, please contact the school office for assistance by calling 9890 2372.

For RMPS related volunteering, please also read the school’s:

Visitors Policy
https://robmacps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Visitors-policy.docx
Volunteers Policy
https://robmacps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Volunteers-policy.docx

Dates to Remember

Important Dates to Add to Your Calendar

September

October

2023 Term Dates