The Grapevine 10-12-2021
From the Principal's desk
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thankyou to Nathan Black, who took on the role of Acting Principal while I was recovering from knee replacement surgery. We are fortunate to still have Nathan work with us in a coaching capacity, as he returns back to his role in the Regional Office.
On Tuesday I attended the Robinvale Euston Industry Forum facilitated by Our Place. The purpose of this forum was to address workforce development, accommodation and housing, economic growth, services and infrastructure. During this event, Robinvale College was presented with a donation from Telstra of robotic equipment for our students. On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to thank Telstra for this kind donation. Our students were very excited to try out the new equipment, as can be seen by the photos in this newsletter.
On Tuesday 7/12 all of our existing and new students enjoyed transition day. Students were given the opportunity to spend the day with their new classmates for 2022, meet some of their new teachers and get a feel for their new subjects. It was pleasing to see so many students enjoy the day and the free BBQ. If any parents/carers are wanting to discuss their child’s class for 2022 then please call the front office to make a time to meet with me, alternatively, you can email me at sarah.broster@education.vic.gov.au
Next week will be Activities Week with students enjoying a range of engaging and fun activities that the teachers will be offering from Monday to Wednesday, with Thursday and Friday being designated for clean-up. Students will be dismissed early at 1.20pm on Friday with buses also running at this earlier time.
Congratulations to our year 12s who have now officially finished their last year of school, celebrating their achievements and all of their hard work at the Valedictory dinner on Wednesday, 24th November. We wish them all the best for the next stage of their life journeys.
Congratulations also to our year 6 students who celebrated their graduation on Thursday, 9th December at the Robinvale Golf Club. This is a significant milestone for all of our year 6 students as they prepare for the start of their secondary schooling.
Welcome to new staff member Jack Davidson, who started with us on Monday 6th December, in the role of ICT Technician. Congratulations to Sharon Urquhart who has successfully been appointed to the role of Koorie Girls Academy Program Leader for 2022.
On behalf of Robinvale College, I would like to farewell Daryl McClure, Linda Connell, Carlos DoRosario, Lisa Hocking, Jacky Chhun and Bonnie McKenzie at the end of the year. We wish each of these staff all the best for the next stage of their careers or further study.
Our Achievement Night will once again be held via Webex, so that families can watch it in the comfort of their own home and we can remain Covid safe. Keep a look out on Facebook for the log in details.
Student reports will be available for parents/carers to pick up from the front office on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th December, 8.30am to 4pm. Reports that are not collected will be posted home on Friday morning. Please note that students will not be allowed to collect their own reports.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nick Zappia for his role on College Council as student representative. We have really appreciated all of his input and dedication to representing the student body. We wish him all the best for the next stage of his life journey.
Students will return to school on January 31st January 2022. There will be no book selling day at the beginning of the school year due to the changes to parent payments and purchasing of school supplies. Parents/carers are encouraged to read through the information that has been sent out and will be resent in the report envelopes. The Uniform Shop will still be open Monday 24th January, Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 27th , 9am to 3pm, for those who want to purchase uniform items before the school year begins.
On behalf of everyone at Robinvale College I would like to sincerely thank all of our parents and carers for working together with us in supporting the learning of all of our students. It has been another disruptive year with remote learning and lockdowns and we are extremely grateful to all of our parents/carers for all of your hard work and dedication.
I would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing christmas and new year. I look forward to working with you again in the new year.
Sara Broster
Principal
Telstra Robots
End of Term 4 Friday 17th December at 1:20pm
College Council President Message
Hello All, Well we all made it to the end of another difficult year thanks to the COVID Pandemic……I have great empathy for the students, their parents & families and also the teaching staff led by Sara. It is unimaginable to understand how you all survived and probably thrived but I am guessing it is because you are all a very resilient community.
We have shared some good times this year and I believe every year upon reflection has had some good in it whether good or not so good. A positive outlook on life can make things easier to accept and even tolerate in mild doses! Your teachers have guided you through the year enabling you to navigate the many demands upon your learning trail. Imagine the difficulty in teachers having to adapt their ways of imparting their knowledge and skills to you?
The School Council has worked hard this year exploring many new ideas and improvements to your school environment. We have debated, discussed and collectively agreed on many items that we hope ensure that your learning and play environment is the best it can be. We too as a Council have studied with all of us “learning” the Governance requirements of being a School Council member! Thank you to all of my colleagues and I have enjoyed working with you all. Together our hearts are in the school and we just had to convert that to business!
My sincere thanks also to our Principal Sara Broster and her management team for getting things done and for being the outstanding leader that she is. I also would like to mention Annie Evans for whom without her guidance with paperwork I would simply be “lost at sea”!
Our future is bright and promising and I believe holds many opportunities for both improvement and innovation. For the students leaving I say “Good Luck” and hope to stay in touch…apply yourselves to whatever you choose to do, a trade apprenticeship, TAFE or University with a passionate enthusiasm as only you can determine your future and your pathway. For those students advancing to the next level at school apply yourselves with a belief in achieving the best you can be then try harder! You are now the next role models for the junior levels. Demonstrate all of the good traits in people; kindness, respect and a positive attitude! Be especially kind and respectful to your teachers they are your role models, people you would like to become.
A Happy Christmas to you all. Celebrate the time however your culture does. On behalf of the College Council I wish you all a Happy 2022 New Year, a year we will make memorable and the best it can be!
Mara Richards
College Council President
Year 6 Graduation
The Year 6 Graduation was held at Robinvale Golf Club on Thursday evening. After the Graduation Ceremony, the students enjoyed dinner with their present and past teachers, which was followed by a disco.
Welcome Jack
Jack Davidson.
I lived in Robinvale from birth to the age of four. From there, I moved to Mildura where I completed my education. During my time studying at Mildura Senior College, I completed a variety of ICT related certificates, including Cert II in Integrated Technologies, Cert III in Media, and Cert II in Digital Information. After completing Year 12, I studied a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at La Trobe University. I have completed volunteer work at a variety of schools in the Mildura area. I have assisted students with remote learning and taught a variety of lessons in subject areas including English, Mathematics, Digital Technologies and Personal and Social Capabilities.
I have taken on the role of Information Technologies Technician at Robinvale College. Since commencing the position, I am becoming familiar with the layout of school buildings and completing practical tasks to keep the colleges digital resources functioning adequately.
The college community have been very welcoming, and I have been able to begin utilising my professional knowledge in the short time I have been here. I look forward to offering my services to the staff and students at Robinvale College.
Whole School Transition Day
On Tuesday, Robinvale College held a school-wide Transition Day for students from Foundation to Year 10. The purpose of this school-wide Transition Day was to enable all students to experience a day in their 2022-year level –
VISE program 2021
From Monday the 22nd to Friday the 26th of November Jirra was part of Melbourne University’s VISE program, joining like-minded Indigenous students from around Australia to interact with scientists learning about the principles and real-world applications of cutting-edge science.
Jirra conducted experiments with the guidance of inspirational First Nations scientists making waves in STEM. These experiments revolved around the study of natural phenomena and environmental impacts.
In one experiment Jirra tested samples from a local source to examine the water quality of the Murray River. He was able to quantify the total alkalinity, pH and Nitrate within the sample. From there Jirra was involved with the investigation and discussion of possible solutions to reduce environmental impacts. It was fantastic to see Jirra take charge of his own learning and engage with the content.
College Photo Day 2022
The College Photo day has been set for Monday 14th February 2022. The paying for photos in 2022 will be online only. Please contact the front office on 5026 3704.
Families who don't have access to online ordering for payment will be given instructions to collect an envelope from the school office to place an order, so no one misses out.
Online family photo orders must be placed online by 4:30pm the day prior to photo day.
Community Garden Story
Several 3/4 boys have been working hard at lunchtime in the community garden. Sam Backus, Zaiden Anderson, Corey Valinoti-Marks and Riley Jenner have been regular ‘chicken farmers’ over the last few weeks. Our 11 hens have responded to their kindness and attention to detail in improving their chicken coop. Special thanks to Ms Rikki Johnson for arranging the carts they have used to transport mulch and hay in the garden. These boys are not afraid pick up a shovel, clean a water container or feed the chooks! Well done.
Mr P. Hughes
Prep class of 2022 visits the chook house
Miss Hocking along with the kindergarten teachers took a group of next year’s foundation students to the community garden on Thursday 25 November. Many students were keen to feed the chickens and get to know them. Year 3/4 students have been working with the chickens for several weeks now and they have become very tame. Foundation students learnt a lot about chickens, feeding them and even how to collect some eggs. All in all it was a great experience for the children and they look forward to spending more time in the community garden next year.
Miss Hocking Mr P. Hughes
2022 Year 11 & 12 VCE/VCAL Campion Orders
All orders to be completed online at www.campion.com.au using ‘XDJ7’ as your code. Orders need to be completed by Wednesday 15th December 2021. Click the following link to view subject requirements: https://drive.google.com/.../1RjmjcGTc7zvYjjeBZxZ.../view
Big Summer Read
We have Chickens
Students in Year 2 are learning about change over time and life cycles in Science this term. Antonio Liparota from Liparota Poultry Farms and Hatchery provided the school with an incubator and showed them how it worked. Each student had an egg, they were shown how to care for the eggs in the incubator and how to check whether they are fertile or not. After 21 days the year 2 students were able to see their baby chicks. Thank you to Antonio who has taken them and will return them in the new year.
