Principal Team Message
Term 2 - Edition no: 8, 2024
MOBILE PHONE BAN IN ALL SCHOOLS
As we strive to provide a conducive environment for effective learning and ensure the safety of all our students, we'd like to remind you of our school policy regarding the use of mobile phones and smartwatches during school hours.
It's imperative to note that smartwatches including space watches equipped with cameras and various applications are strictly prohibited for use by students throughout the school day, in class and during recess and lunchtime.
According to ministerial orders, any student found with such devices will face serious consequences. Therefore, we urge parents to ensure that all devices, including smartwatches, are set to school mode and disabled from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm daily.
We understand that some senior students may rely on mobile phones for safety measures during their commute to and from school. Rest assured, we fully support this need and permit the use of mobile phones on school grounds before the bell rings in the morning and after dismissal. Students can utilise this time to communicate with their families, ensuring their safe arrival and departure.
We take no responsibility for the loss or damage of any device, and students and families who breach this policy will need to submit the device in the morning and collect it after school hours.
The rationale behind this policy is to allow students to free their minds from the distractions of mobile devices during crucial learning hours and encourage face-to-face interactions with their peers. Recent discussions within the school council highlighted the importance of this measure in promoting focus, engagement, and social development among students, especially students avoiding social pressures in their younger years.
We appreciate your cooperation and support in enforcing this policy. Should you have any concerns or queries regarding this matter, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mrs Rose or Mrs Campbell.
A mobile phone is a telephone with access to a cellular (telecommunication) system, with or without a physical connection to a network. For the purpose of this policy, “mobile phone” refers to mobile phones and any device that may connect to or have a similar functionality to a mobile phone such as smart watches.
The ban applies equally to all government schools right across the state.
Further information
Emergencies: In the event of an emergency or if you need to immediately contact your child, we ask that families contact the school office who will pass on a message as required.
School mobile phone policy: A copy of our school’s local mobile phone policy, which implements the government’s mobile policy in line with our local context, is available here:
RPS Mobile Phone - Student Use Policy
Parent support: The Mobile phones in schools webpage provides links to resources for families to help them balance their children’s time using mobile phones.
A CALL TO ACTION-SUPPORTING REFUGEE FAMILIES
“I need two dollars of cans out of here.”
“That’s twenty,” says Bea, in Grade 5, and we’re off and running!
My name is Dugald, and I’ve started this initiative – Recycling for Refugees – because a group of friends invited me to help them care for a family less fortunate than most. If you’d like to know more about what we’re up to, or help us directly (all donations over $2 are tax deductible), please see our fundraising page here: Shout For Good
I called at the school this week and was thrilled to see both collection boxes full to the brim, and Clementine and Bea helped start the count, and they sang in numbers - a duet - and others gathered to watch and listen, and enjoy the percussion of aluminium cans dropping into our counting tub. And we’ve begun! The first ten dollars. How many cans is that?
THANK YOU to all within the Ripponlea community who’ve responded to my request to bring in eligible container deposit scheme items (aluminium cans, plastic bottles, glass beer stubbies, juice boxes, etc), to help raise $5000 for an Afghan refugee family – 10 cents at a time!
But first, I invite you to watch a little film I made with my brother, and it includes a few FILM STARS from your school, who all look destined for Hollywood! It’s had 750 views on YouTube so far, and I think the story is timeless, and one day the whole world might see it.
Why I dumped a whole lot of 'waste' in a public park. (youtube.com)
Otherwise, PLEASE pop a can or plastic bottle or beer bottle in the two collection tubs I made for your school. NO wine or champagne bottles, please! Get your child to look for the 10c logo on all eligible containers (it’s in very small print), which include most juice and flavoured milk boxes, ALL aluminium cans, and soft drink and beer bottles. Do a maths equation with your kids (addition or multiplication), start a running tally with your family!
I’ve challenged the school to raise $500 for this cause, and are keen for this initiative to then raise funds for other good things, to invest in local communities.
But for now, we’ve a job to do!
I’ll visit the school at lunchtime tomorrow (with gloves for little people), and empty the boxes and invite the children to count them, we’ll get a tally going, and make a ‘counting club’, and we’ll get there, I know we will, 10c at a time.
It takes a village, et cetera, and THANK YOU to all who choose to be involved, helping me to help others, and on this occasion – to help a family who likely need it more than any of us.
Dugald
RIPOFFS ROCK THE PRINCE BANDROOM
Last week, our school community was treated to an electrifying performance by the talented Ripoffs at the iconic Prince Bandroom. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as cheers reverberated through the venue, echoing the pride and support from some of our staff, parents, and attendees.
Although the Ripoffs placed second in the first round, their stellar performance left an indelible mark on everyone present. Their passion and dedication were evident in every note, and they truly made us proud.
What's even more remarkable is that every ticket sold for the event contributes directly to our school's music program. This means that each cheer and applause not only celebrates the Rippoffs' success but also fuels the future of our student's musical journey.
Under the guidance of Mr. G, our Performing Arts program has flourished, thanks in part to the generosity and support of our community. Past purchases, including drums, ukuleles, tambourines, and a state-of-the-art sound system, have enriched our students' learning experiences and enhanced every assembly.
Now, Mr. G has set his sights on expanding our musical arsenal even further. With your continued support, we can look forward to the acquisition of additional instruments and equipment that will nurture the talents of our students and elevate their artistic endeavours to new heights.
So, let's join the fun and support the Rippoffs at their next event! It promises to be a fantastic night out for all, filled with music, camaraderie, and the joy of supporting our vibrant arts community.
TERM 3 - CELEBRATING SPECIAL PERSON'S DAY EMBRACING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
In a world where diversity is increasingly recognised and celebrated, it's essential to reflect on the various ways we honour and appreciate the special individuals in our lives. As we navigate through an era of evolving family structures and societal norms, it's become evident that the traditional labels of Mother's Day and Father's Day may not fully capture the breadth of relationships and support systems that exist.
This is why our School Council made a conscious decision last year to embrace the concept of Special Person's Day. Special Person's Day is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the important individuals who play significant roles in our student's lives, regardless of their gender or biological relationship. Whether it's a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, guardian, mentor, or friend, Special Person's Day acknowledges the diverse array of individuals who contribute to their growth, happiness, and well-being.
The decision to move away from exclusively celebrating Mother's Day and Father's Day stems from a desire to be more inclusive and mindful of the diverse family structures and dynamics present in today's society and in our very own little community.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and they are formed through love, support, and shared experiences rather than biological ties alone.
By embracing Special Person's Day, we affirm our commitment to honouring and respecting the unique relationships and connections that enrich our student's lives.
The RPS School Council will hold a special day next term. Stay tuned!!!
INCLUSIVE LEARNING DECK PROJECT - STAGE ONE UPDATE
We're thrilled to announce that Stage One of our inclusive deck project is nearing completion! This marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a more accessible and engaging environment for all our students and the community at large.
As we approach the final stages of Stage One, we want to express our gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality. From our dedicated team members to the generous grant authorities of the Inclusive Schools Fund, your support has been invaluable.
Here's a glimpse of what's been accomplished so far:
🔨 Construction Milestone:
The deck structure is almost ready for use, pending essential inspections and compliance checks to ensure safety standards are met.
♿ Accessibility Features:
While we acknowledge the current deck has limited accessibility, rest assured that our next steps will focus on enhancing accessibility. The Victorian School Building Authority's (VSBA) Accessibility Team will be taking over the next stage of the project. Four areas are earmarked for construction, as indicated in the diagram below. Area 2 and Area 3 will be connected to the new deck.
Currently, the team of architects and Disability Access Performance Solution specialists are hard at work. They are ensuring that the accessibility features go beyond ramps and railings, including self-closing doors and other exciting innovations.
We've taken great care to preserve the natural beauty surrounding the deck and our trees. Temporary fencing, though visible now, serves as a safety measure and will soon be removed to seamlessly integrate the decks.
Once completed, the deck will be a hub of activity! From classic games in Structured Play like Connect Four, Chess, and Jenga to cosy seating areas and our outdoor Social Stencil programs led by our fantastic team, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We were able to secure a lockable storage container/seating bench added to our deck with some of our contingency monies.
Just last week, we had the pleasure of conducting a small walkthrough with our team, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Stage One is looking fantastic, thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
We're incredibly excited about the progress we've made and the possibilities that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to completing Stage One and embarking on the next phase of this exciting project.
PRIORITISING HYGIENE FOR A HEALTHIER SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Over the past few weeks, we have observed a rise in cases of gastroenteritis and influenza among our students. While occasional illnesses are expected in any school environment, the frequency and severity of these outbreaks are concerning.
Some good hygiene habits have been lacking, which is contributing to the spread of infectious diseases.
Gastroenteritis and influenza outbreaks not only affect individual students but also have broader implications for our entire school community. High rates of absenteeism due to illness can disrupt the learning process, hinder academic progress, and strain our resources. Moreover, these illnesses can impact the well-being of students, teachers, and staff, creating undue stress and discomfort.
Our teachers have been diligent in reminding students to wash their hands after using the toilet, to use tissues when wiping their noses, and to practice proper coughing etiquette.
However, we must reinforce these habits both at school and at home. Establishing good hand hygiene practices at a young age is key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring lifelong healthy decisions and actions.
To further encourage and empower our students to prioritse hand hygiene, we are excited to introduce the 'Soapy Hero' training initiative. 'Soapy Hero' aims to engage students in a fun and interactive way, teaching them the importance of proper handwashing and how it can help keep their classmates, family, and friends healthy.
Through games, activities, and educational resources, 'Soapy Hero' will empower our students to become champions of hygiene and stop the spread of dangerous infectious diseases.
As a proactive measure, we urge all members of our school community to prioritise hygiene practices:
Frequent Handwashing:
Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
Proper Tissue Usage: Teach your child to use tissues when wiping their nose and to dispose of used tissues properly. Remind them to avoid touching their face, especially their eyes, nose, and mouth, to prevent the spread of germs.
Coughing Etiquette: Encourage your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, rather than their hands, to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
Stay Home When Sick: If your child is feeling unwell, it's essential to keep them home from school to prevent the spread of illness to others. Monitor their symptoms closely and seek medical advice if necessary.
By collectively adopting these simple yet effective hygiene practices, and by engaging in the 'Soapy Hero' training initiative, we can create a healthier environment for everyone in our school community.
Let's work together to minimise the impact of infectious diseases and prioritise the well-being of our students, teachers, and staff.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and your continued support in keeping our school safe and healthy
FOSTERING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STUDENT LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES - A DAY IN MAY & WORLD BEE DAY
In recent weeks, our student leadership team has been at the forefront of fostering community engagement through a series of special activities. From promoting environmental awareness to championing social causes, these initiatives exemplify the spirit of proactive leadership among our student body.
One such noteworthy event was the celebration of World Bee Day. Observed on May 20th annually, World Bee Day serves as a global reminder of the critical role bees play in sustaining our ecosystems and food production. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and the threats they face, while also highlighting the significant contributions of bees to biodiversity and agriculture.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, our school also celebrated 'A Day in May' to support children and families battling cancer. The initiative, spearheaded by Challenge's Musical Moments Trust, aims to fund positive musical experiences for young cancer patients, offering a ray of hope and joy in their challenging journey.
Gathered in our school assembly, we were privileged to hear a touching presentation that shed light on the remarkable support provided to one of our own families during their child's battle with cancer.
Their story underscored the importance of initiatives like 'A Day in May' and the profound impact they have on families facing such adversity. With a spirit of unity and generosity, our school eagerly embraced the campaign. Students and staff alike donned vibrant splashes of yellow, symbolizing hope and optimism, as they made their way to school on the designated day in May. But it wasn't just about wearing a colour; it was about wearing compassion and empathy on our sleeves.
We raised $422.
JUNIOR PLAYGROUND UPDATE
At our recent School Council meeting, we delved into discussions surrounding the upcoming year's fundraising and special projects. It's with great enthusiasm that we share with you the ambitious plans we have in store for the betterment of our school community.
Firstly, let's reflect on the incredible achievements of the past year. Thanks to the unwavering support and dedication of our community, we successfully raised a remarkable $45,000 through various fundraising endeavours. These funds have been instrumental in advancing several ongoing projects, including the completion of the second stage of the Koor Indigenous Garden and the initiation of the Centenary Pavers Project.
As we look ahead, our focus remains steadfast on enhancing the educational and play environment for our students. With this goal in mind, we have earmarked significant events such as the Trivia Night and the Fete in November as major fundraising initiatives for the year. We aim to secure an additional $25,000 to contribute towards the redevelopment of the Junior Playground.
The Junior Playground project holds a special place in our hearts, symbolising not just a recreational area but a space for growth, exploration, and imagination. To bring this vision to life, we are actively seeking a landscape architect who will collaborate with us in designing a nature-inspired playground that aligns with our community's values and Indigenous past.
Additionally, we are delighted to share that Dugald Jellie will be returning for a special project to complete a unique boardwalk and playscape designed by our very own students.
We are thrilled to announce the commencement of the Centenary Pavers Project. The arrival of specially crafted pavers marks the beginning of a transformation at the front of our school, culminating in the creation of welcoming and aesthetically pleasing pathways at the front of the school overlooking and mosaics - CARE, CREATE, CONNECT created by our Year 3/4 students that reflect our school's rich history and bright future.
DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO CASEY TROTTER
As the term draws to the final few weeks, it's with a mix of gratitude and sadness that we bid farewell to our incredible Administration Officer, Casey Trotter. Casey has been an indispensable part of our school community, bringing professionalism, dedication, and a warm spirit to everything she does.
While we will miss her presence dearly, we are excited for the new chapter she's about to embark on. Casey is set to persue an exciting opportunity to travel in Term 3.
Beyond her daily duties, Casey has left an indelible mark on our school community. Her kindness, efficiency, and positive attitude have touched the lives of students, parents, and staff alike. We are immensely grateful for her contributions and the lasting impact she has made during her time here.
Although we say goodbye for now, it's worth noting that this may not be a final farewell. There's a possibility that Casey will return to us in a new capacity in Term 4, bringing with her even more knowledge and experience to share. Until then, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for her future endeavors.
As we bid adieu to Casey, we also extend a warm welcome to Perrine Prevot, our newest addition to the team. Perrine hails from Belgium and brings with her a background in communications and marketing. She joins us with enthusiasm and a commitment to supporting our school community.
Perrine's partner is a teacher, and she is excited to immerse herself in her role as our Administration Officer, contributing to the continued success of our school. We encourage everyone to extend a warm welcome to Perrine as she settles into her new role this week and beyond.
As we navigate these transitions, let us remember to celebrate the contributions of those who have been with us and embrace the opportunities that come with new beginnings. Thank you Casey for everything you've done for us, and welcome, Perrine, to the RPS family. Here's to a bright future ahead for all of us.
Until next fortnight!
Natalie Rose & Marta Campbell
Principal Assistant Principal
