RPS Chatter May 2024

What an action packed term it’s been….and we are only 4 weeks in!  I can’t see it slowing down any time soon; we’ve still got excursions, incursions, interschool sport, report writing, Pizza Day, Student free day, Arts Gala, as well as the exciting day to day programs happening in the classrooms…the list is never ending.  Every time I think we can take a breath, something else happens (to be honest, that’s one of the reasons I love what I do because it’s never predictable and keeps me on my toes).

Is it Bullying?

Bullying has been happening long before I was even born.  It can happen in schools, workplaces, communities, online platforms and even within families.  It’s essential to recognise that bullying is not just a normal part of growing up or a harmless rite of passage.  It is serious and requires attention and intervention to prevent further harm and create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals.  Schools, communities, and families play crucial roles in addressing and preventing bullying through education, awareness, intervention, and support for all involved.

We encourage students to tell a teacher immediately when they are feeling they are being treated inappropriately, so that we can deal with the issue and behaviour straight away.  Sometimes, students wait until they get home, and they tell you about it (which can be very upsetting for you to hear) and we can’t deal with the situation until the following day at the earliest.  If we don’t know about it, then we can’t do something about it!  When we hear about an inappropriate behaviour, we always ensure that parents are contacted so we can work together for a positive outcome for all.

Sometimes we can get confused as to what bullying is.  Individuals can display bullying type behaviours at different times, but that does not mean they are a bully.  We try to help children differentiate between rude, mean, and bullying behaviours.  This helps them navigate social interaction more effectively and respond appropriately to different situations.

Rude behaviour is typically unintentional and may stem from a lack of awareness or consideration for others’ feelings.  This can include actions or words that are impolite, disrespectful, or inconsiderate.  While rude behaviour may be unpleasant, it’s often not intended to cause harm or repeated over time.

Mean behaviour is intentional and may involve actions or words that are deliberately hurtful or unkind.  This could include teasing, name-calling, excluding someone from a group, or spreading rumours.  Mean behaviour is directed at causing temporary harm or distress to another person, but it may not necessarily involve a power imbalance or repeated pattern of behaviour.

Bullying behaviour is when someone intentionally hurts, scares, or makes fun of another person on purpose and they keep doing it….even after they have been told to stop or they are aware of how their behaviour is making someone feel.

By helping children understand these distinctions, they recognise and respond to different types of behaviour they may encounter.  At school we constantly model appropriate behaviour every day.  Through our work with Real Schools and The Resilience Project we teach gratitude, empathy, communication skills and conflict resolution strategies to all our students.  This empowers students to navigate social interactions more effectively and build positive relationships based on mutual respect and understanding….and be a good person.

With everything that is going on around us at the moment, teaching and developing these skills from a young age can’t be a bad thing.  It will hopefully result in a more compassionate, inclusive, and harmonious society, where individuals are empowered to understand, support, and uplift one another…we are nurturing the next generation of empathetic leaders, changemakers, and global citizens who strive to create a more just and compassionate world for us all.  And that’s a future I look forward to!

Early/Late Arrivals

We have noticed a number of students arriving at school quite early who are not booked in for Before School Care.  Staff are not “on duty” until 8:45am and therefore it is unsafe for students to be in the school grounds before then unsupervised.  If students arrive at school before 8:30am they need to be booked into CommunityOSH.

On the other side of the coin, we have students continually arriving late.  Instruction commences at 9am.  When students arrive late, they miss out on valuable instructions, disrupt the flow of the lesson and cause distractions for both the teacher and other students.  When the music plays at the beginning of the day, that is the signal for parents to leave the learning areas and students to make their way to their classroom to ensure they are ready to learn when they hear the bell.  If you need to speak to your child’s teacher, please contact them via Compass to make an appointment for a time that is appropriate for you both.

NF Day

Next Friday (May 17th) we are once again raising awareness of Neurofibromatosis.  Whoever said that “blue and green must never been seen unless there is something in-between”….obviously didn’t know about our plans for NF Day!  Our school will be a sea of blue and green as we raise awareness and fund for research into NF.  Students and staff are encouraged to wear blue and green, make a gold coin donation, learn about NF….and have a great day!

Neurofibromatosis (NF) awareness and research will directly benefit one of our own members of the RPS community.  Jack Shrimpton in 1/2E has NF and requires another surgery at the end of the month.  His mum, Mel, is also raising awareness by participating in Steps Towards a Cure in support of the Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF).  You can support her via:  Steps Towards a Cure – Team Jack Jack

That’s all from me this week.

Stay safe.  Stay healthy.  Stay happy and remember to be kind to yourself and others

Megan 😊

In Reading and Writing we have been focusing on analysing and constructing information reports and non-fiction texts. In Maths, we have learnt how to apply multiplication strategies to open ended worded problems and are moving onto division next week.

 

The 5/6‘s have loved learning about electricity during our inquiry sessions. Last week we participated in an Electricity Incursion, where the students experimented with basic electrical circuits to gain an understanding of what electricity is, and how electrical currents travel in a circuit. Students also investigated conductors and insulators of electricity, and learnt about how electricity is generated.

 

Foundation

• Billy B – For being an excellent observer on our Yarra Walk this week. You took great notes and confidently shared your learning with the class. Well done!
• Rhys L – For always being ready to learn, showing respect for others and kicking goals in his writing!

 

Year 1/2

 

• Annabel F – For her enthusiastic attitude towards all aspects of her work! Annabel is a kind and responsible member of our class! Well done superstar!
• Parker S – For being a kind and considerate friend. You have been building wonderful relationships with your classmates, and everyday you show us how we can use our empathy to look after each other. You have also been so bravely challenging yourself to share your amazing ideas and experiences. You are unstoppable, Parker!
• Theodore A – For your positive attitude and enthusiasm to challenging tasks in Maths this week! Well done, Theodore!
• Jett M – For your incredible help and encouragement to your fellow peers during cross country. Even though you’re out with an injury, you still managed to cheer on your friends! You brighten everyone’s day, Jett.
• Archer T – For your enthusiasm for learning and energy for taking on new concepts is a wonderful asset, keep up the that fabulous mindset.

 

Year 3/4

 

• Liam R – For the dedication, creativity and effort he’s put into his classwork this week. Thanks for helping making our class awesome Liam!
• Floyd P – For your awesome effort and commitment to your writing this term, and being a great role model in our class. Keep up the great work Floyd!
• Frankie C – For Being in the SRC and an Area Sport captain have helped you develop into a mature and responsible leader. Others look up to you and teachers are starting to notice!

 

Year 5/6

 

• Anna A – You’ve truly shown dedication this week, putting immense effort into your writing. Your focus is admirable, and it’s clear that you approach each task with determination, ensuring you give your all to your learning. Keep up the fantastic work Anna!
• Audrey D – For your consistent role model behaviour and positive attitude towards your learning. Well done, Audrey!
• Dustin C – For your contributions in class discussions and focus during our writing sessions.
• George M – For your enthusiastic participation in discussions, positive attitude towards learning and exemplary behaviour in our classroom.

 

Please see the below list of extracurricular activities that you can enrol your child into for 2024:

Code Camp: Tuesdays, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Drama lessons: Thursdays, Lunch Time

Music Lessons: Individual Bookings

Tennis Lessons:  Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:10AM – 8:50AM

Dance Lessons: Wednesday’s, Lunch Time

Chess Club: Fridays, 8:00AM – 8:50AM

If you are interested in any of the above activities for your child, please see the links below for further information.

• Code Camp
• Drama Lessons
• Music lessons
• Tennis Lessons
• Dance Class
• Chess Club