The Grapevine Newsletter 25th February 2022

From the Principal Desk

We are looking forward to our Swimming Sports Day on Friday 25/2 at the Robinvale Leisure Centre. We are expecting perfect weather conditions for swimming and are excited to be able to get back to extracurricular activities again this year. Unfortunately, due to current Covid restrictions, only staff and students will be able to attend the event. Parents/carers and visitors will not be allowed to enter the gated area. We are currently trying to organise a live stream to the event so parents/carers can still share in the fun from the day.

Lunchtime activities

Thank you to Mr Jensen and his team of staff who volunteer their lunchtimes each week to provide our students with free activities to do during lunchtimes. This term, students have the opportunity to participate in:

Monday- Students in year 7 and 8 – Yoga with Antoinette.

Tuesday- All ages – Chess, Years 5-12 – art and craft activities

Wednesday- All ages – Card games

Thursday- Years 5-12 – board games

Friday- Years 3-12 – Karaoke Club, All ages – video games, All ages – pot luck

Students can ask their teachers, Mr Jensen or Mr McDonald for more information.

Instrumental music lessons

Tusi and Siua will be offering instrumental music lessons to individuals and small groups of students this year. If your child is interested in learning how to play a musical instrument like guitar, keyboard or a brass instrument, please complete and return the permission note. Notes can be collected from the front office and families have the option to pay in instalments, once a term.

College Council nominations

It’s not too late to get your College Council nomination forms in to the front office. We are looking for 3 parent/carer nominees. 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. Please complete the nomination form by the 28^th February and hand in to the front office.

Covid update

As of Monday 28^th February, students in years 7-12 will no longer be required to wear masks at school. Students in years 3-6 are still required to wear them. If your child is in years 3, 4, 5 or 6 then please make sure they are supplied with a mask each day, that they can wear on the bus and at school.

Thankyou to everyone who has been utilising the free RAT kits and testing your child twice a week for Covid-19. This initiative has been so successful across the state of Victoria, with Department of Health modelling indicating that in the first 2 weeks of school returning, the program has already prevented more than 21,000 cases in schools alone. As a result, free RAT kits will be provided for the remainder of Term 1, for all students and staff. Parents/carers are strongly encouraged to come and collect their kit from the front office, during school hours or call the school if other arrangements need to be made.

Pupil Free Day

Friday 4^th March is our first Pupil Free Day for the year. Students are not to attend school on this day. Staff will be using this time to participate in professional learning and undertake an appreciative inquiry.

Canteen volunteers are needed to help  prepare and assist with restocking and assist with service between the times 9:30am -2:00pm . If you are able to help out please contact Rebel at the Loft 13 canteen.

College Captains

As part of Dr Anne Webster MP, Federal Member for Mallee and her  ongoing support for education in Mallee, Dr Anne Webster has sent congratulation cards to this year's Captains; 

College Captains – Claudia Gallo and Nathan Zappia                                                                                                         Vice  Captains – Claudia Pulvermueller and Tanah Burkinshaw 

College Captains' morning tea

School Captains held a  morning tea for new students to Robinvale College in Years 9-12 Learning Community on Wednesday morning. The school captains introduced themselves and told the  students about their roles in the school, and offered them support to make them feel at home. A delicious  morning tea was enjoyed by all.

Welcome New Staff

Brenda Latunipulu

My name is Brenda Latunipulu. I have moved to Robinvale with my family to teach Science and Maths here at the College.

I am originally from Ingleburn, a suburb in the south-west region of Sydney. I attended Ingleburn High School then completed my Bachelor of Science at Western Sydney University. In 2018 I graduated with my Masters in Secondary Teaching from the University of Technology Sydney.

Through the NSW Teacher Education Program, I was fortunate enough to gain employment at Georges River College Peakhurst Campus for 3 years as a science teacher.

My family and I have enjoyed our transition from the busy city life into the serene country lifestyle. We have particularly enjoyed fishing in the Murray and mingling with our neighbours over gardening and lawn bowls.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my students through games and I look forward to a productive year.

Krystl Brown 

I have grown up in Euston/Robinvale, after moving here at age four from Melbourne.  Currently I'm studying my Bachelor of Education (Early Years & Primary), in my second year.  Previous to working at Robinvale College and studying, I was Functions & Events Coordinator at Euston Club Resort. I always liked the thought of teaching but didn’t have the confidence in myself to pursue teaching. Until I came to realise, you’ll never know if you don’t try. So I took the chance and have surprised myself. Best choice I ever made. 

I am working as a Teaching Assistant/Integration Aide, with Year 7 and Foundation. 

 From the moment I arrived at Robinvale College, I was graciously welcomed by all staff, who were all more than happy to help me settle in. I’m enjoying my role at Robinvale College. Special thank you to Sara Broster and Steph Shanahan for the opportunity to work at Robinvale College and the further experience I will receive. 

Richard Snel

I live in Swan Hill and travel to work each day. I taught at Swan Hill for about 7 years all up and also taught at Tyrrell College in Sea Lake. I have been teaching for around 14 years now. I went to university in Ballarat.  I am teaching English and Humanities here at Robinvale College – working with years 7, 9 and 10.  My first impressions are that this community is tight knit and supportive of one another as well as being friendly and welcoming. I am starting to develop positive relationships with the students in my classes and the college.

Tyson Gordon

I grew up in Irymple attending school in Irymple and then further studies at  Unley High School (SACE), Charles Darwin University (BEd) and The University of Melbourne (MEd). Recently, I have been working as a tutor at Haileybury College and English Teacher at Williamstown High School.

At Robinvale College  I am be teaching Health and Physical Education in Year 7 & 8. Additionally, I am teaching English in Year 7 & 8. My impressions of Robinvale College are that I am in awe of the variety of learning spaces available for teachers and students.

Taitusi Funaki

I was born in Griffith NSW, moving here to Robinvale, when I was young, I have a  Bachelor of Music Performance, and now work where I have always  dreamed of  working. I work as an Education Support person with  students for the years 8, 9, 10 and  as an instrumental instructor in  Music.  My first impressions of the school were that it felt good to be on the old stomping grounds, and two days into starting work, I knew that this was always something I wanted to do. I love working with young kids as it's something I'm used to doing, I'm so grateful for the opportunity.

Weekly Bell Songs

Robinvale College’s bell sounds for learning coach, the end of recess and the end of lunch break are accompanied by music. This is so students know it is time to go to their locker and prepare for their classes, or go inside ready to learn. We change the music each week and we like to include music that calms, motivates, or that students enjoy and that is appropriate for Foundation to Year 12 students. We also try to use music that reflects the Robinvale community and our College values “we are resilient, we are respectful, we are responsible, we are learners”.

For Week 2 the songs were:

• Wake Me Up by Aviici (for the morning)
• Black Magic by Baker Boy (sung in both English and Yolgnu Matha)
• We Don’t Talk About Bruno (from the musical animation Encanto)

Baker Boy is an artist from Kunibídji country and Yurruwi in the Northern Territory. His name is Danzal Baker and is known for rapping and singing in both his language of Yolgnu Matha and in English. Danzal was awarded Young Australian of the Year in 2019. “He uses his talent to inspire Indigenous youth to embrace their culture and take up leadership positions.” https://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/danzal-baker/2069/

For Week 3 the songs were:

• Together by Mitch Tambo (sung mostly in the language of the Gamilaraay People)
• Fight Song by Rachel Platten (to encourage resilience)
• Let It Go by Idina Menzel (to encourage self-belief and inner strength)

Mitch Tambo is a proud Gamilaraay man. In 2019, he performed his version of the John Farnham song ‘You’re the Voice’ which was sung mostly in Gamilaraay language and was instantly loved by Australians of many different cultural backgrounds. He has gone on to produce and release more songs and albums. https://www.mitchtambo.com/bio

Students can have input into the bell songs via the Student Representative Council (SRC).

Empowerment & Engagement Workshop |

 VCAL students participated in an Empowerment and Engagement Workshop where they developed a Career Pathway Plan.The presentation was delivered by Swan Hill Youth Services.

5-6 Getting Along Awards

Finau Heitonga was happy to receive his Getting Along award on Monday. Well done to Finau who has a good understanding of tolerance and appreciation.

Foundation - 4 Weekly Awards

For demonstrating tolerance and appreciation. Week 2 

Foundation/Year 1 – Jett Dunrobin-Rowe

Year 1/2 – Nadia Hydari

Year 3 – Mihle Linde

Year 4 – Hamish MacIntosh

For demonstrating tolerance and appreciation. Week 4 

Foundation/Year 1- Charlene Le Year

1/2 - Henry Nguyen

Year 3 - Ammar Abdul Rahman

Year 4 - Latai Masila-Liutolo

Lunchtime Activities

The staff at Robinvale College are again going to share their interests and passions with our students during lunchtime this year. Beginning on Monday 28 February we will be running activities each day at lunch time. 

Monday- Students in year 7 and 8 who are willing to open their minds and spirits will enjoy a mindful session of Yoga with Antionette. This is a great way to begin your week. Sign up is required (by the door to the 5-8 building next to the poster) Location of the activity is M4.

Tuesday- Students will have a choice of stretching their minds or their creativity. Meeting in V5 students can challenge each other in a game of chess. All students are welcome to attend. Rules of play will be explained, however, strategy will be up to the students. See Mr Jensen or Mr Mc Donald for more information.

If you have a creative side head down to the room 31, where Mrs. Bajkiewicz will have you exploring your creativity in an art and craft activities. This group will include grades 5-12. 

Wednesday- Calling all card players to V4. The aim of this will be for everyone to share their favourite card games with the group, while learning from their fellow students and teachers. Mr Jensen will teach students the finer points of Eucher and Mr McDonald will introduce the game of Spades. This group will be for all ages and players who are willing to share their passion of card games.

Thursday- Grades 5-12 should meet in M4 if they have a desire to play an assortment of board games. From Battleship to Scrabble we have games for everyone. Mr McDonald is a certified Dungeon Master and has offered to take some students through the mystical world of Dungeons and Dragons (more information to come).

Friday- Students in grades 3-12 get your vocal cords ready for some singing as Ms. Yates will be leading our aspiring singers in the Music room as our students participate in the Karaoke Club. Music and speakers will be provided, just need students to show off their singing voices. This activity will be capped at 20 students. 

If singing isn't your thing, we have the return of the popular video games club in M5 with Mr McDonald entertaining the troops. Due to the popularity of this activity, we are limiting the number to 20 students and will have a signup sheet. 

If you cannot get into any of the Friday activities Mr Jensen will have a selection of activities ready to go in V5 (potluck of the previous day's activities)

For students in the F-4 community, Mrs. Dawes and Mrs. Johnson are busy working on some fun and exciting activities for you to participate in this year.  

Stay tuned for more activities. Keep an eye out in the communities for the posters for the different activities on offer this term.

F-4 Outstanding Attendance for Week 2

Foundation/Year 1          

Vili Ale; Austin Chittasorn; Lewa Damuni; Loveila Havea; Aneldi Linde; Ivy Manu; Johnny Nguyen; Sione Tupe

Year 1/2

Tevita Akauola; Ratu Damuni; Viliami Heitonga; Cindy Huynh;       Nadia Hydari; Darcy Jenner; Gwen Masila-Liutolo; Flynn Milne; Annabelle Morris; Henry Nguyen; Morgan Valinoti-Marks

Year 3 

Talita Heitonga; Mihle Linde; Jed MacIntosh; Sze Lei Poh; Tenerson Ricker; Moana Soni

Year 4

Ava Best; Molly Bivolcheff; Korban Dixon; Hamish MacIntosh; Lillian Paola; Harry Pettit

2022 Bell Times

Victoria Police Applicant Attraction Team

The Victoria Police Applicant Attraction Team are hosting an information session on the police officer role in Swan Hill on Monday 7 March.  There will be a focus on how students and younger applicants can improve their chances of a successful application and some of the attributes Victoria Police are looking for.

Please see event information below:

EVENT DETAILS:                                                                                                                                                              When: Monday 7 March 2022                                                                                                                              Where: Swan Hill RSL – 138 Curlewis Street, Swan Hill, VIC, 3285                                                                Time: 6pm - 7.30pm

Please join us on Monday 7 March in an information session to learn about the Police, PSO & PCO roles, the recruitment process, training at the Academy and a Q and A session with some local members.

To register click: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/police-pco-information-session-swan-hill-tickets-268667099527

To find out more about the role of a Police Officer, visit www.police.vic.gov.au/police

Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund (CSEF) -

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. If you have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card valid on 31.1.2022 you will be eligible to claim $125 for Primary School Students and $225 for Secondary School Students to be used toward the cost of camps, excursions and sporting activities. If you applied for CSEF last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. If you are a new applicant and believe you are eligible, please contact the school and we will assist you to complete an application.

The Our Place Robinvale

The Our Place Robinvale Team had the opportunity to introduce Frances Martin – Director of Services Development to the Robinvale site. This provided an opportunity for Frances to attend the Robinvale Our Place Partnership group face-to-face. It was a great week for the Our Place team to reconnect and prepare for the year ahead. We also farewell one of our Community Facilitators, Travis Bussell. After 13 years of school and almost 7 years of employment here at Robinvale College. We thank Travis for his commitment to the OP team, school staff, students, and overall the community that he has worked with over the years and we wish him well on his future endeavors.