RPS Chatter June (Special Edition) 2024

Welcome to the RPS chatter “special edition”.  A few things are happening at the moment that I need to share, and it just can’t wait another week!

 

Assistant Principal 2024 and beyond!

 

As you are well aware, Russell has been our acting Assistant Principal since the beginning of 2024.  It is with incredible excitement that I can let you know that he is now our provisionally appointed Assistant Principal!  In a nutshell, that means it will all be “official” at the end of next week.

From my perspective, Russell and I make a great team (even though his football club choice is questionable), and I am looking forward to working closely with him moving forward.

 

Introductions are needed

 

At this stage of my message, I’m going to let it t be hijacked by Broden Borg who I am currently being a mentor for.  Take it away Broden…

Hi everyone, my name is Broden Borg and I am the Assistant Principal from Caulfield Junior College. I am completing a leadership course through the Department of Education and as part of that course, I have the privilege of completing a 4-week placement at your school. The course is designed for assistant principals that aspire to become principals in the next couple of years. As part of this learning, participants are assigned a mentor to work and learn alongside.

I am elated that I have been placed with Megan as a highly experienced and respected leader and educator. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff and community better. Please feel free to stop me and say hi if you see me around the school grounds.

Have a great weekend!

Broden will be around the school for next week and then back with us for the first 2 weeks of Term 3.  If you see him around the schoolgrounds, please introduce yourself and make him feel part of our amazing community.

 

THANKYOU!

 

Thank you so much to the beautiful school community and staff of Richmond Primary for the incredible support and excitement around NF Day that was held on 17 May, which in fact is the date of World NF Day. The colour of blue and green at the school on that day was overwhelming and a wonderful sight. So many great costumes, we were so impressed with the effort made.  A lot of kids came up and asked  me ‘What is NF?, and to be able to share this amongst young kids is a great way to raise awareness.

Neurofibramotosis (NF) refers to a group of complex genetic conditions that cause tumours to form on nerves, under the skin and deep in the body – affecting 1 in every 2,000 births or about 4 million people worldwide.

NF can lead to a range of significant health issues including blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, chronic plain, learning difficulties and even cancer. There are more than 13,000 people living with NF in Australia. It is unpredictable, progressive and there is no cure.

We are so grateful for the money raised and for the kindness shown with Jack post surgery. The genuine care from the kids shown towards Jack across  all age levels is something that we will never forget. It warmed our hearts and souls.

With love & gratitude always

Mel, Lee, Edie & Jack Shrimpton 💙💚

 

 

 

 

Building Update

 

Recently I requested some communication from the Victorian Schools Building Authority (VSBA) that I could share with our community.  The following is their response:

Richmond Primary School

 

PROJECT FAQs @ June 2024

 

FUNDING

 

What funding has been received and how will it be used?

As part of the 2023-24 State Budget, Richmond Primary School received $15.384 million. This will allow us to expand the school with a new multi-storey building that replaces Block B. The larger school will give students broader learning opportunities and have places for another 100 local children.

We plan to complete the project in Q4 2026.

 

Project status – June 2024

 

What stage is the project at?

We are planning and designing the project.  We are doing this with the school’s senior leadership team and architect WOWOWA.

 

Project stages and next steps (dates subject to change)

 

Asset Management Plan (AMP) Q1 2024

 

We have developed and agreed the AMP with the school. This outlines how the school’s buildings and facilities can better support the school’s educational needs and priorities. The plan maps out the school site and outlines the capital works required to achieve the school’s vision. It also includes several stages of possible future works, which are subject to future funding.

 

Schematic design – Q2 2024

The schematic design is a basic sketch and plan of the upgrade. Schematic designs are initial drawings that may change in the next step. We do not share these early designs because of likely changes in the next phase – design development.

 

Design development – Q3 2024

Design development is an important phase. We refine the initial schematic design ideas into a more detailed plan with our architects. This phase bridges the gap between the initial creative vision and the practical implementation of the project. By the end of the design development phase, the project’s design will be detailed enough for construction documents. These documents help builders bring the design to life. Like schematic designs, the VSBA does not share design documents.

 

Builder appointment – Q4 2024

Appointing the builder is the next step and is known as ‘going out to tender’. The VSBA will manage this step. We conduct thorough evaluations to ensure the best value for the project. To maintain the fairness of the process, communication to the school community about the project is limited while the project is out to tender.

 

Design release – Q4 2024

After we’ve appointed a builder, we can confirm what the project will include and share designs.

 

Construction starts – Q1 2025

The VSBA aims to give schools (and residents) as much notice as possible before construction starts on our projects. That includes pre-construction works like preparing the site. We’ll also let you know if we must remove asbestos or trees.

 

Construction updates – ongoing

We will work with the school to keep you regularly updated as the project progresses.

 

Construction completion – Q4 2026

 

Questions and answers

 

Who was consulted?

In developing the design, our architect WOWOWA and their engineering consulting team have worked closely with the school. They have consulted teachers, the principal and the school council. This will ensure the project meets the school’s curriculum needs.

 

When are works happening?

We expect to start construction in Q1 2025, once we’ve finalised designs and appointed a builder.

 

What planning permits are required for the project?

Government schools are exempt from planning permits under section 16 of the Planning Act. This means the VSBA and schools do not require local planning permits for capital building projects. However, we do consult with local councils during planning.  Where possible, we design buildings that comply with the local planning scheme.

We comply with all regulatory notification requirements for construction works on school sites. We will also notify residents about construction before major works start.

Our architects will consider the privacy of residents in their designs.

 

Why can’t I see designs earlier?

We share designs when they’re finalised and we’ve appointed a builder, as designs might change before then.

 

Why do you need to build up?

We are limited by the school boundaries. This means we need to build up, not out, to maintain enough open space for students. The school has emphasised the importance of retaining its open space.

 

How is the budget allocated? Why isn’t the whole school being fixed?

Modernising and building new schools are top priorities for the Victorian Government. The infrastructure needs of all schools are considered through the State Budget process.  Unfortunately, we cannot complete all deserving projects at once.

Our responsibility is to balance the needs of more than 1570 government schools.

 

What sustainable design features will be incorporated into the new building?

We will confirm the new building’s sustainable design features at a later stage. But the building will incorporate passive design principles. This includes maximising natural light, while ensuring shading on east and west windows. We may be able to include solar panels, subject to cost.

 

Will students be able to see into my house/backyard? What about overshadowing? Will the height of the building impact me?

We will design the new building to minimise overlooking and overshadowing.

 

How far is the new building from the boundary with my property?

We’re constructing the new building on the site of Block B, which we’ll demolish in late 2024.

 

What are the changes to traffic flow and parking arrangements during construction?

We will minimise potential traffic disruptions where possible.

The builder may need to work with the local council on a traffic management plan to outline any temporary changes to traffic conditions, road and footpath closures and traffic detours.

The builder will communicate with you directly about access or construction impacts. If you have any questions regarding access during construction, please speak with the builders directly in the first instance. If you believe the building site is not complying with its traffic management plan, call the City of Yarra on (03) 9205 5555.

 

What measures are in place to address noise, dust and other potential nuisances associated with construction?

Unfortunately, the nature of construction makes it impossible to contain all dust within the site. We’ll take measures to minimise dust, including:

• wetting roads and stockpiles
• reminding contractors that all vehicles, especially trucks, are to drive slowly on site
• asking contractors to regularly remind their workers of these requirements.

 

Construction will take place between 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm Saturday, in line with the City of Yarra’s guidelines.

If you believe the building site is not complying with construction guidelines, call the City of Yarra on (03) 9205 5555.

 

Will students be able to return to school in 2025?

Yes. The school will remain open for the duration of the project.

 

Will the school have power and computers to start the 2025 school year?

Yes. The school will operate with power and computers for the duration of the project.

 

Will the children be safe during construction?

Yes. The building site will be fenced off, ensuring the safety of all students, staff and residents.

 

How can I stay up to date on the project?

The VSBA will provide regular updates for the school to share with its community as the project approaches milestones. This includes appointing a builder, releasing designs, starting construction, and construction milestones as they occur.

You can also visit the VSBA project page for more details throughout the project.

 

Who can I contact with more questions?

If you have any questions throughout the project, you can contact the Victorian School Building Authority on 1800 896 950 or email vsba@education.vic.gov.au

Don’t forget to come along to our Arts Gala on Thursday!  Not only is it a great opportunity to celebrate our Arts program, you can also be part of our silent auction where each class has collaboratively constructed a piece of artwork which you can bid on to display proudly in your home.

Think that’s about it from me this week…. it’s been a big one, but an important one.

Stay safe.  Stay healthy.  Stay happy and remember to be kind to yourself and others (and stay warm this weekend!)

Megan 😊