RPS Chatter November (2) 2023

Good afternoon everyone it’s been another exciting fortnight of learning for staff and students. On curriculum day our teachers worked together to further develop their knowledge of the Readers Workshop Instructional model that is now in place. Specifically reading conferences were the focus, as this plays a pivotal role in providing one on one time for teachers to set goals for each student and track their progress. The development of this instructional model has seen a significant shift in how reading is being taught at RPS and is based on current research and best practice. It is our goal that we continue to strive to improve and evolve our practice, to provide the best teaching and learning for our students.

Staff then were introduced to The Resilience Project. More about our partnership later in the newsletter. Staff also learnt about the Disability and Inclusion Program that is being implemented in our region in March 2024. This is how we, as a government school are providing inclusive education for all students and provides extra support for students with a disability.

 

Student Well Being

 

At Richmond Primary we are embedding a positive, inclusive, and restorative culture to foster positive well-being in all our students. Our partnership with Real Schools has seen our restorative culture developed and strengthened over the past 3 years. What does that look like? It means a consistency in our expectations of student behaviour, a consistent language used by staff around behaviour of ourselves and students, and it means that we handle conflict between students using a restorative conversation. This enables students to take responsibility for their behaviour, learn from their mistakes and look forward with a strategy on how to repair a fractured relationship.

How and what our staff do to cater for the individual well-being needs of our students is documented RPS Well-being Framework. This identifies what our school does at a student, class, and whole school level. The RPS Engagement Plan explains what we do at school to promote a restorative culture. These documents are attached below and are also on the RPS website.

• RPS Student Engagement Plan
• Wellbeing Structure at RPS

 

Resilience Project

 

We are very excited to announce that we will begin a partnership with The Resilience Project in 2024! The Resilience Project (TRP) delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, porting clubs and businesses, providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness.

In 2024 you will receive regular updates and information about what we are doing in the classroom with TRP and ideas on what you can try at home.

 

School Contributions

 

For the first time in a number years our voluntary financial contributions schedule for 2024 will increase.  This is due to us endeavouring to provide all our students with a wider range of experiences and opportunities.  All going to plan, you should receive your 2024 statement by the end of this week.

 

BYOD Program

 

AT RPS we have a bring your Own Device (BYOD) program for students in years 3-6. Students can either choose to bring an iPad from home or lease one from school. ICT plays an important role in  21st century learning and prepares our students for the modern world in which they live. Teachers have the opportunity through iPad technology and Google classroom to differentiate the learning in literacy and numeracy and set individual tasks that are each student’s point of need. Integrating iPads through science and inquiry also provides many opportunities for students to develop their research skills, collaboration, and creative and critical thinking.

Later next week families in years 2-5 will be invited to indicate their decision to bring an iPad from home or lease one from school. More information on apps and iPad recommendations will be shared then.

 

YEAR BOOK UPDATE

 

Our RPS yearbook is almost complete and will be available to order in the coming weeks. It is a great memento of your child’s year at RPS and will include many pictures of students from throughout the year.

Keep an eye out for the order forms so that you don’t miss out on your chance to own one for yourself!

On Monday the 13th of November the Grade 1/2 Students went to an excursion to The Melbourne Zoo.

The excursion aligned with our Term 4 Inquiry unit of Design and Innovation. During the excursion the students were able to apply their STEM knowledge and skills to design enrichment toys for zoo animals. The children enjoyed getting nice and close to the lemurs, elephants, snow leopards and butterflies!

 

 

 

 

Our 5/6 students went to an excursion to Healesville Sanctuary on the 14th of November , which alligned with their current study into natural adaptions and biomes.

Today our senior students got to visit Richmond High for a sporting challenge while the Foundation students had a visit from members of the Fire Brigade.

Newsletter & Important Dates

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation

• Estelle L – For being a wonderfully positive and thoughtful member of our class. You give everything a go and are always seen caring for others. Well done Estelle!
• Jack C – Congratulations Jack for always showing respect, working hard and coming leaps and bounds in your writing!

 

Year 1/2

 

• Samuel U – For his outstanding efforts in reading. It is a joy to listen to you read and you should feel immensely proud of your progress. Go Samuel!
• Charlie C – Your positive energy and kind heart brings so much joy to the class. I commend you on being such a thoughtful and responsible classmate. Well done Charlie!
• Mila A – For the incredible growth you have made in your reading and writing. You have worked very hard and are a super learner! Well done, Mila!

 

Year 3/4

 

• James D – For his confident attitude and insightful ideas during class discussions. You’re starting to emerge as a budding leader – keep it up!
• Samika A – For her delightful attitude towards learning. You’ve been an absolute joy to teach this year, great job Samika!
• Roman S – For always being a Superstar Learner who gives 100% and is kind and friendly to all!
• Ethan L – For his improved attitude and motivation in his learning. Keep pushing yourself. Congratulations Ethan!
• Cece D – For always bringing joy to our classroom and consistently trying her best every single day. Stay amazing Cece!
• Abbie S – Abbie, you always take on any challenge with a calm, happy attitude and approach each day at school with a positive mindset. You’re a superstar each and every day!

 

Year 5/6

 

• Aisha A – For your impressive step up to hosting area assembly last week. Aisha-n’t forget your amazing public speaking skills!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do painters do when they get cold?

They put on another coat.

 

 

 

 

Please see the below list of activities that you can enrol your child into for Term 4:

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.

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