PEN
Newsletter
6th May 2015
57 Birdwood Street
Box Hill South 3128
Telephone: 9890 2372
Facsimile: 9899 5490
www.robmacps.vic.edu.au
value:
13th We
November,
2013
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL CLASS TEAM
This term the students have been learning and exploring a
range of skipping skills during PE classes- as we know skipping
is an excellent way to keep fit and to keep the brain active. Last
Thursday all students participated in a Jump Rope for Heart
Day to raise money for the Heart Foundation and to purchase a
new high jump mat for the school. I’m very proud to announce
that the students raised a whopping $10,000 through
sponsorship! It was a fabulous day assisted by gorgeous
weather, with our students enjoying a whole range of skipping
activities and demonstrating newly, acquired skills. Today the
3-6 students participated in our annual House Cross Country. I
would like to thank all parents and teachers who supported and
assisted with these events especially to Jayne McConnell and
Tim Fearn-Wannan for coordinating and organising both
programs.
Tomorrow we are having a Maths Activity Night for 3-6
students. Rob Vingerhoets will be modelling numeracy activities
with our P-2 teams during the day and then will facilitate our
games night. Come along and have fun playing games and
learning- the evening will go from 7.00-8.30pm in the hall!
As part of our Triple R (Robust, Resilient and Ready to Go)
Program, Catholic Care are providing a workshop for parents
nd
from P-6 on ‘Resilience’ on Friday 22 May at 9.15am in the
library. If you are able to attend please return the reply form
attached.
On Sunday is Mother’s Day and the PFA have arranged a
surprise gift for our mums. Thank you to the parents who
contributed to the organisation of this event. Happy Mother’s
Day to all mums and grandmas this weekend!
Amanda Wigg – Assistant Principal
Creativity
Endeavour
Respect
Trust
Honesty
Friendliness
DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday, 8 May
 School Tour – 9:30am – meet in the School Foyer
Monday, 11 May
 5/6’s Excursion to Kingswood College to see the Production of
‘Hairspray’ 10:15am
Friday, 15 May
 Triple R Information Session for Parents of Triple R students
ONLY 12:30 – 1:30pm
Tuesday, 19 May
 Open Morning – Tours at 9:15, 9:45 and 10:15am
Friday, 22 May
 Free Dress Day – Gold Coin Donation – Proceeds go to
World Vision ‘The Problems in Nepal’
 Triple R Resilience Session– ALL Parents Welcome 9:15am
Monday, 25 May
 Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) Morning Tea –
9:00 – 10:30pm in the Staffroom
Friday, 29 May
 PFA’s Women’s Night in School Hall – 7:30pm
Friday, 5 June
 School Tour 9:30am – meet in the School Foyer
Tuesday, 9 June
 3/4 area Free Footsteps Session 1 hour in the Hall
Thursday, 11 June
 PFA Lunch Time Sausage Sizzle – Buddy Day
Friday, 12 June
 5/6 Winter Round Robin Sports Day
Friday, 19 June
 School Tour 9:30am – meet in the School Foyer

Friday 15th May 12.30-1.30: PLEASE NOTE- This
Triple R Information session is for parents of
Triple R students ONLY

Friday 22nd May at 9.15am: Resilience, ALL
Parents welcome

Friday 28th August at 9.15am: School
Transition, ALL parents welcome

Friday 16th October: 9.15am Mindfulness, ALL
parents welcome
More information to follow. Please look out for REPLY FORMS in
the newsletter
Notices sent home last week
Head Lice Letter dated 29th April 2015
Head Lice Letter dated 30th April 2015
Entertainment Book Order Form
Local Walking Excursion to Kingswood College to
see ‘Hairspray’ Notice
Select Children: Australasian Problem Solving
Mathematical Olympiad Competition
To: 3/4D
J6R
Eldest Child
5/6’s
*
**
Please note – items marked in BOLD require parent response.
For your convenience, this notice can be printed from the school’s
website. Click on Practicalities tab on the Home page, then 2012
Permission Forms and Information Forms.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
April 2015
th
The School Council held its regular meeting on 29 April, 2015. The following is a summary of the items discussed.
RMPS Strategic Plan
The RMPS Strategic Plan 2015 -18 has been completed and endorsed by the DEECD and Council. The Plan
describes our strategic goals in our priority areas of Achievement, Engagement, Wellbeing and Productivity. These
goals may be summarised as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To improve the achievements of all students in literacy and numeracy
To provide a learning curriculum that focuses on high expectations, positive relationships and
engagement within the community
To provide an inclusive, safe, orderly and stimulating environment for learning
To utilise school resources to the best possible effect to support improved student outcomes
The School’s annual implementation plan was also discussed. In addition to activities designed to support our
strategic goals, the plan includes initiatives, such as the Triple R program, that provide additional student value and
support improved learning outcomes.
RMPS Annual Report
The RMPS Annual Report will be presented at the School AGM to be held prior to the next School Council meeting at
7pm on Wednesday June 3, 2015. All members of the School Community are cordially invited to attend the School
AGM.
Correspondence
A request from the Grade 1 Girls Playball team, coached by Andrew Scott, to use the outside basketball courts for
training was approved by Council.
Reports
Principal, Education Committee, and PFA reports were tabled. The Principal’s report included very positive and
appreciative feedback from the children and community on the ANZAC commemorative activities organised by the
School.
Compass, the online Parent/School communication tool, was introduced this term and has been well received. In
future, Compass will be used to provide electronic student reports, monitor attendance, provide an additional
parent/teacher communication channel and manage excursion/incursion payments.
The recent Education Committee meeting included an overview of resources currently used in the classroom and
included an update of currently used iPad apps.
Next meeting
The next School Council meeting will be held on 3rd June, 2015, preceded by the School Annual General Meeting
which will commence at 7pm.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Changes to phone numbers, addresses or email addresses
still need to be changed on the school’s student
administration computer program. When changing details
on Compass, an email is generated advising of changes
enabling the student records to be updated.
Please make sure you are providing details for the correct
person. If you are logging on for the first time, the mobile
number required is the Primary Carer, usually the child’s
mother. The first email address is also for the Primary
carer and the ‘Secondary’ email address is for the other
parent/carer, usually the child’s mother.
Please take care when changing any details so we have
current and correct contact details for each Parent/Carer.
Sarah Kelly – Office Administration
Entertainment Books are now
available at the office - enjoy
over 14 months of value for $65
Selling for $65 each, the new
Entertainment™ Membership is valid up
until 1 June 2016. You can choose the
Membership that suits you: the printed
Entertainment™ Book -OREntertainment™ Digital Membership for
your smartphone. Digital membership is
only available when purchased online.
SPECIALISTs’ Spot
Art News
Take a look at the amazing progress photos of the World War 1 relief piece by Adrian Ward, our Artist in Residence.
The piece you see is sculpted over steel armature along with other various objects including real pieces of clothing. It
will then be rubber-moulded and cast in white cement.
We have been very fortunate to have such a local artist who has visited the school sharing his work. As his studio is
so very close, and the structure is not transportable, we will be taking all the year 5/6 classes to see his progress and
learn of the process involved. We will be taking the children during their normal art class time the week beginning
th
Monday 18 May (Wednesday classes will visit the studio the following week as Adrian has a prior commitment).
*If you would like to assist us with any of the walks, and have the pleasure of
seeing the art in real life, please let us know as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the children have learnt about the significance of the poppy and have each made a clay poppy tile to
complement the artists’ sculpture. When all pieces are complete, they will be mounted on the front wall of the main
building by the existing memorial garden.
If you would like to learn more about Adrian Ward and see more about our project, his website is:
http://www.adrianward.com.au/#!about1/chfv
from the Art Room,
Lena Zappia and Katrina Cassidy
From the Robotics desk…
Everytime I open the paper or turn on the tv I discover something new happening in the ever changing world of
Robotics and automation, from “google self driving cars” to robotics shop assistants.
Senior students started the year being challenged to think about the future of Robotics and related ethics. The link
below is makes an interesting read..
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/mar/13/smart-barbie-that-can-listen-to-your-kids-privacy-fears-mattel
Students in the Robotic’s team are well underway with the preparations for the Robocup competition. Under the expert
guidance of artistically creative parents (Melinda McLachlan , Katherine Anderson, Jo Manger, and Sue Truscott ) and
our awesome aide Alison Mc Donald, students have started to design, sew and paint some amazing props and
costumes. Sharing of your precious time, talents and organisation skills is always so appreciated.
For the First time I am entering a team in the First Lego League, an international competition. This year 290,000
children ages 9 to 16* from over 80 countries will explore the fascinating world of trash. From collection, to sorting…..
®
SM
FIRST LEGO League (FLL ) challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers. During the TRASH TREK
season, teams will choose and solve a real-world trash problem in the Project. They will also build, test, and program
®
an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game.
Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL’s signature set of Core Values, celebrating discovery,
teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism - See more at:
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2015trashtrek#sthash.h9VMVXud.dpuf
Children in all classes, from P-6 will regularly have videos on their iPads of some of the challenges we do in our
classroom sessions so you can see what fun we have been having so make sure you check their camera roll.
Finally I am seeking assistance from people with carpentry skills to make a purpose built table for the robotics room. I
have instructions, dimensions and materials required. If you can assist please contact me via email at
[email protected]
Melinda Browne
Robotics Teacher
G.A.T.E.WAYS
G.A.T.E.WAYS is an independent organisation offering challenging and enriching activities and experiences to
th
develop and extend highly able children. Now in it’s 19 year, G.A.T.E.WAYS runs a range of stimulating school
programs as well as the Saturday Brainwaves Club.
The following G.A.T.E.WAYS programs are being offered in Term 2, 2015.
Grade 1/2's
Commencing Monday, 18th May and running for four weeks. ‘Merrill the Mirror Magician’ Wesley College, 620 High
Street Road, Glen Waverley. 9.30am – 12.00pm.
Commencing Monday, 22nd May and running for four weeks. ‘Where In the World Are We?’ Donvale Primary
School. Elata Street, Donvale 3111
Grade 3/4's
Commencing Monday, 18th May and running for four weeks. ‘WORDS, WONDER AND WILD WANDERINGS WITH
THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH’ Wesley College, 620 High Street Road, Glen Waverley. 9.30am – 12.00pm.
Commencing Monday 22nd May and running for four weeks. ‘THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANETARY MOONS’
Donvale Primary School. Elata Street, Donvale 3111
‘Grade 5/6s
· Commencing Monday 18th May and running for four weeks. ‘Diving Into The Gene Pool!’ Wesley College, 620
High Street Road, Glen Waverley. 9.30am – 12.00pm.
· Commencing Monday 22nd May and running for four weeks. ‘Medical Emergency… RoboDocs To The Rescue’
Donvale Primary School. Elata Street, Donvale 3111
Please be aware that there is a cost associated with each program and transportation must be organised by
parents/carer.
Flyers are available with extra information about each program. Please see Miss Shorthouse (J1S) or your class
teacher if you are interested in attending any of these programs.
Be quick—places fill fast!
ROBERTS McCUBBIN
TRADING POST
TRY OUR TRADING POST IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO
SELL, SWAP, WANTING TO BUY OR ADVERTISE AT
ONLY $3.00 PER AD
(Maximum of three, brief items per $3.00),
IT’S A BARGAIN! OUR NEWSLETTER IS
DISPLAYED ON THE SCHOOL’S WEBSITE
VCE student available for child
minding,
Experienced & Reliable,
Has driving license and own car
Email - [email protected]
COMPASS SCHOOL MANAGER
Included above is a Parent Guide from Compass School Manager to help you make entries in Compass in relation to
your child’s absences.
This guide will help you enter a current absence for your child, as well as entering one for a future absence. This can
be done if you are going on a family holiday for instance and know the dates your child will be absent.
All absences for children must now be entered on Compass only.
absences.
Skoolbag is not to be used any longer for
Sarah Kelly
Administrative Assistant
SCHOOL PHOTOS – SECOND CHANCE ORDERS
If you did not place an order for photos on our photo day last Friday, you will have a second chance to do so when the
photographers deliver the already placed orders to us in about two to three weeks.
st
If you did not place an order on or before Friday, 1 May, a further envelope will be sent home with your child offering
you a second chance to place an order.
I am advised by the photographers that if you haven’t placed an order and still have your original order envelope, you
can still place an online order using the ‘shoot key’ on the envelope. However, the photographers will close the online
order facility either Thursday, or Friday this week so you will have to be quick. If you miss ordering online, you will
receive a second chance envelope.
Sarah Kelly
Administrative Assistant
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability
‘Collection Notice’
All schools in Australia, including Independent and Catholic schools, will participate in the Nationally Consistent
Collection of Data on School Students with Disability this year.
The Data Collection is an annual count of the number of students with disability receiving educational adjustments to
support their participation in education on the same basis as students without disability.
All education agencies are now required under the Australian Education Regulation 2013 to provide information on a
student’s level of education, disability and level of adjustment to the Australian Government Department of Education
and Training.* Data will continue to be de-identified prior to its transfer to the Australian Government Department of
Education and Training. No student’s identity will be provided to the Australian Government Department of Education
and Training.
The collection of this information from states and territories will inform future policy and program planning in relation to
students with disability.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Linda Abbott at Roberts McCubbin PS on 98902372 or
the Victorian Department of Education and Training Data Collection Hotline on (03) 9651 3621. For questions after 7
August 2015, please call the Australian Government Department of Education and Training on 1300 566 046.
PFA
President:
Co-Vice Presidents:
Treasurer:
Assistant Treasurer:
Co-Secretaries:
Matoula Romeo
Robin Fripp & Arash Pouyanfar
Lisa Hanna
Jo Townsend
Ellen Swansson & Andrea Belmonte
Mother’s Day Gifts
All Mother’s Day Gift orders have been completed.
For all the families that have ordered their Mother’s Day Gift your special present will be sent home with the
children THIS Thursday.
If you haven’t ordered the gift, the artwork that the children completed will also be sent home so perhaps
you can surprise Mum by framing it or turning it into a special card.
We have such creative children at our school, al the artwork is simply beautiful, awesome, creative and so
much more!
Please contact the PFA for any queries: [email protected] or call Matoula on 0411 089 506.
Women’s Night Friday 29th May
7.30 to 11.30
In the School hall
Book in ladies and come out to our ever popular Women’s Night in the school hall. We are planning a
wonderful evening out for all the women in our lives – because you deserve it! It’s a perfect opportunity to
catch up with friends and meet other women in our school community.
Join us for an indulgent night of delicious food and drinks and smooth music, along with the opportunity for
a relaxing and well deserved mini pamper session or two!
Save all your unwanted quality/good condition books, clothes, bags and accessories – your “unwanted”
might be someone else’s ‘I want”.
More information to come home soon!
We need your help! We are asking all our foodies in our community to help with the food preparation for the
evening with some finger food / canapés etc. for the evening. Martine Woodmason will be organising the
foodies this year and we hope you can help with your “culinary delights”. Please contact Martine via email
[email protected] thank you!
Helping Hands
The PFA Helping Hands is a service that provides help in the form of school lunches and dinners to families
who are experiencing difficult circumstances.
Often family and friends help out but sometimes that is not always possible. What many may not realise is
that these difficult circumstances may be that; a family member is in hospital, the family may be coping
with a major illness, a death in the family, or bedbound family member. Even a major change in family
circumstances can be difficult for some families.
Do you need Help? If you need or know of a family that needs assistance please contact the PFA. We will
organise someone to provide a helping hand, these helpers do not know who it is they are giving a helping
hand to. Please do not hesitate to ask - as there is no need for you or other families at our school to struggle
when we have a supportive community of parents willing to lend a hand.
Can you Help? If you are willing and able to lend a hand by making dinners or school lunches for our
families in need, please email the PFA your details so we can place you on our list. We will contact you
should the need arise with all details needed to make the food and if you CAN help we will place you on a
roster - you support and help is appreciated by all.
PFA Up-Coming Events
MAY/JUNE School Photo Album – Do you need somewhere safe and special to put all those beautiful school
photos, awards and other special school items? Parents will have the opportunity to purchase a Photo
Album with our school logo on it this year. More information will come home soon.
JUNE - Buddy Day lunch time Sausage Sizzle – This will be held at school during lunchtime to celebrate
being a great buddy.
JUNE – Vision Portraits Sunday 21st of June - yes they are back again this year to be held at the school on
Sunday 21st June.
Craft
Hand Made Gift Cards and Wheat bags
There is a lovely range of hand-made gift cards for sale in the school office foyer for $2.50ea for all
occasions. Plus take a look at the groovy wheat bags for sale too – nice and warm for those cold nights!
There are some Mother’s Day Gift cards there too.
Sales from the Gift Cards and Wheat Bags goes towards school fundraising.
Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday!
The PFA Team
Uniform Shop News
Uniform Shop Hours are:
Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00pm and
Thursday 8:30 – 9:30am
Sue Truscott & Jo Townsend
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PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
The DEECD and RMPS do not endorse the products or services of any private
advertiser.
No responsibility is accepted by DEECD and RMPS for accuracy of information in
advertisements or claims made by them.
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