School Council
Finance Sub Committee:
The end of the financial year is upon us.
RWPS has a school Library Fund and Building Fund which have Deductible Gift Recipient status. Donations to these Funds are tax deductible.
RWPS appreciates any payments and funds will go towards the library and staff room renovations planned for this year.
Reminder as well that parent payments can be made through Compass and these cover the cost of resources and additional programs including Kitchen Garden and Swimming.
Any queries, please contact the office.
Regards,
Finance Sub-Committee
Buildings & Grounds:
Building something special together: Our new library space
We are about to create something a little different at Richmond West Primary School. Not just a library. A space that reflects how our children actually learn, read, and connect today.
Designed by parents/Designers Siri Stokkeland and Ryall Burden, the new library will move away from the traditional model of rows and silence. Instead, it will be flexible, open, and inviting.
Shelving will be accessible at all levels, so every child can reach, explore, and choose their own books with ease. There will be multi-level storage that can be moved and adapted over time, creating a space that grows with the school.
The design also acknowledges the deeper story of this place. Elements will reflect the pre-colonial landscape and natural environment of the land, helping students connect with the history beneath their feet as they learn.
And there is room for more than just reading. A bench under the window will create a place for chess, games, and quiet connection. There will be spaces for sitting, studying and small group work, along with a projector to support shared learning.
This is a library designed for how children learn now. And we would love your help to build it.
How you can get involved
We are looking to our parent and school community to bring this space to life.
We are seeking:
- Skilled volunteers, including cabinet makers, carpenters and electricians.
- Donations of materials, especially timber and hardware – details to come as the project unfolds.
- Access to workshop space for building components off-site.
- Help with painting and finishing.
We are also continuing to work closely with Simone, teachers and members of the wider school community to refine the design and ensure the space meets student needs.
Budget and contributions
Our goal is to deliver the project for around $20,000. This will be achievable with a mix of school funding, in-kind support and donated materials. We will also be approaching suppliers such as IKEA and Bunnings for specific items and support.
If you have access to materials or suppliers, or can help source items, we would love to hear from you.
Books and collection
Alongside the build, we will be refreshing the school’s book collection.
Donations are welcome, and books collected through the second-hand book drive will be prioritised for the new library. This is a chance to build a collection that reflects the diversity and interests of our students.
Timeline
We are aiming to plan and construct the library during the winter school holidays. In the lead-up, our mid-year Working Bee will focus on preparing the space. This will include:
- Emptying the current library
- Sorting and organising books
- Preparing walls, with painting where possible
This is a big project. But it is also a chance to build something meaningful together.
If you can contribute time, skills or materials, please reach out.
Because the best spaces in our school are not just built - they are made by the community around them
Regards
Ryall Burden
Graduate of Architecture
+6148043779
@ryallburden