The Grapevine Newsletter 11-02-2022
From the Principal's Desk
Welcome back
We have had a busy and productive with our students being excited to return back to school. Our students have settled in well to the new school year and have demonstrated strong College values as they took responsibility for their learning.
Our Year 12 students enjoyed some important bonding time last week during their overnight leadership camp at Lake Benanee. Their tent erecting skills were put to the test with the high winds but even in the cooler weather, most enjoyed a swim or the water activities.
New staff
Please join me in welcoming the following new staff to Robinvale College:
- Richard Snel – Secondary English teacher
- Brenda Latunipulu – Secondary Maths and Science teacher
- Tyson Gordon – Secondary English, Health and PE teacher
- Taitusi Funaki – Education Support / Instrumental Music Instructor
- Krystl Brown – Education Support
ISEPs
Our teachers will soon be making contact with all parents/carers to organise a time to discuss your child’s Individual Student Engagement Plan (ISEP). The ISEP provides staff with important information about your child and how they best learn, as well as, explaining your child’s goals for the year. We welcome your feedback and insight into these plans so that we can make sure all of your child’s needs are being catered for at school.
Covid-19 Vaccinations and update
There has been some confusion and rumours in the community about Covid-19 vaccinations. It is important to understand that the College staff have no authority or intention to vaccinate students for Covid-19, if they attend school. The responsibility for vaccinations sits with parents/carers. There are very strict guidelines around administering of medication etc and even Panadol or other medications can’t be given to students without a signed, written note from a parent/carer. If the Government were to change laws and regulations in relation to vaccinations, we would fully inform parents/carers before any actions were taken.
Robinvale College supports and encourages all eligible students to be vaccinated against Covid-19 but this is not required to attend school. Children aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to book in for their vaccinations. Getting as many 5 to 11 year olds vaccinated as quickly as we can will be one of the most important steps we can take to keep our schools as safe as possible, and maintain continuity of learning through 2022.
I am grateful and thankful to all of our parents/carers, students and staff who are following the new guidelines about health and hygiene, including wearing masks while indoors (for year 3 and above) and staying home if feeling unwell. Thankyou to everyone who has already picked up a RAT kit from the front office. We strongly encourage all staff and students to use the rapid antigen tests twice a week, for the first four weeks of school. Please remember to supply your child with a mask each day.
Newsletter
Our newsletter is published once a fortnight and can easily be accessed from any electronic device, including your phone. Just download the Schoolzine app and follow the directions to get started. One of the really helpful features of Schoolzine is that you can translate the newsletter into any preferred language, so you don’t miss out on important information.
Swimming lessons
Swimming lessons begin for all primary year levels this week. More information will be provided to parents/carers by the classroom teachers.
School photos
School photo day has been postponed this term and a new date will be communicated soon.
New Playground and Basketball Courts
I received a phone call this week confirming that our new outdoor basketball courts and playground equipment are on schedule to be constructed during Term 2 this year. We are really excited for our students to enjoy this new equipment, when it arrives.
College Council
It is that time again where we call for parents / carers and students to nominate for College Council. We are currently looking to fill 3 parent/carer vacancies and 1 student vacancy. You can nominate yourself or have someone nominate you. College Council members play a vital role in the Governance of any school. Please have a think about whether you can help us out one evening a month. More information is included in this email. Please complete the nomination form by the 25th February and hand in to the front office no later than the 10th March, 2022.
Please let me know if you have any questions or you would like to discuss further. Anyone who has previously sat on College Council can re-nominate for a new Term.
COVID-19 third-dose vaccinations
COVID-19 third-dose vaccinations are now available to 16-17 year olds who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago.
Supporting as many eligible students as you can to be vaccinated will help make our school as safe as possible.
Getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps you can all take to get direct protection against COVID-19.
How to book an appointment
There are many convenient and accessible options to access vaccinations. These include state-wide vaccination clinics, your local GP or pharmacy.
You can book your appointment in a few different ways, including: * online: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine * by phone: 1800 675 398 (Coronavirus Hotline) * using the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder | Australian Government Department of Health
* In person: talk to your local pharmacy, doctor, or attend one of the State Vaccination Centres.https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers
Stationery Items for 2022
Your child is encouraged to have their own supply of stationery item, that won't be shared with other students. Attached is the list of suggested items.
Mallee Family Care Research Project
Our current Year 4 students participated in a Mallee Family Care Research Project at the end of last year to help make our town a more inviting place. Today these students were awarded a certificate of appreciation for participating in the project. Well done to all involved.
Year 1 /2 Awards
Year 1/2 have been engaging in a range of different oral language activities to help build up their confidence and speaking and listening skills. During one of the activities, the students enjoyed dreaming about what they wanted to be when they grow up. They drew themselves as who they wanted to be, then had the opportunity to share their picture and talk about why they chose the profession. The students spoke with enthusiasm and excitement whilst the rest of the class listened and asked questions.
Anaphylaxis, Allergies, Asthma and/or other Medical Conditions
Does your child suffer from Asthma, Allergies, Anaphylaxis or other serious medical condition such as Diabetes or Epilepsy? If so please notify the school, have your child’s doctor complete a medical management plan and provide the school with a copy.
Allergies we need to know about include bee stings, insect bites, grasses, pollen, rubber, band aids and any foods.
Schools require parents to supply all medications including Ventolin and EpiPens. If these have been supplied but have expired, we will be in contact to request new supplies.
The Doctor In Schools service can also assist to complete medical plans.
Appointments can be made every Wednesday for secondary age students by phoning on 0458 523 360. Parents/carers are encouraged to attend for these appointments. Anaphylaxis, Allergic and Asthma action plans below: If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the school on (03) 5026 3704 for further assistance.
Australia Day Awards 2022
Congratulations to Ioan Togo.
Ioan was nominated by Leon for the Australia Day Local Government Awards Medal entitled For Achievement and relates to any field of endeavour pursued by students at school.
Ioan displays great initiative to put his health and wellbeing at the forefront of his mind. He does this with being an active member of the Robinvale Cricket Club and the Robinvale Clontarf Academy in our community.
Through the Clontarf program, he has access to a number of opportunities to volunteer his time to events in the community and school, such as Clean-up Australia Day, Community market set-up, Robinvale College BBQ’s etc. He also helps with garden maintenance and watering for his church's grounds.
