The Newsletter Friday 27th October 2023

Principal Report

Staffing News

Last week we welcomed Ingrid Van Vuuren who has come to us all the way from South Africa. Ingrid is living in Robinvale with her husband, Sidney and her son Ruben who is in Year 1 at our college. Ingrid is teaching Years 7-10 English and Humanities. She comes with a strong background in business and qualifications to teach psychology. Ingrid is already a favourite amongst the staff.

Another favourite with our staff is Orla Kavanagh who is one of our Irish crew. Orla joined us in term 2 and was originally here for 2 weeks. Staff and students are grateful that she has remained with us until now. She has been a wonderful staff member and teacher, especially for our Learning Through Connection class. Orla will be leaving us to join her family as they explore more of Australia. We thank Orla for her positive and caring outlook and her professionalism, she gave beyond what was expected of a relief teacher.

VCE Exams

VCE Exams have begun. Our students have already sat their English, Physical Education, Biology and the first of two Maths exams. Our Year 12 students including those completing their Victorian Pathways and Victorian Vocational Major certificates have applied themselves admirably all year. We couldn’t have asked for more resolute students. It goes without saying that we all wish them well.

It was great to have our Year 12 parents and families join us for the Year 12 final assembly. The students prepared a very entertaining video that highlighted their creativity and wonderful humour. Well done to Milly Mitchell for coordinating and editing the video and to all our year 12s for entertaining the crowd with their staff \student trivia game. Not sure the staff, who inevitably responded with the wrong answers appreciated the shower and the cream cake facials. I’ve witnessed a few Year 12 celebration days and can say that the Robinvale Year 12 celebration day was the most fun.

Year 7-10 Exams

In week 8 our Year 7-10 students will be completing exams for English, Maths, Science and Humanities. This initiative has been introduced to support an improved culture around organisation of bookwork, revision, information retention and to also rehearse sustained concentration under exam conditions. These skills will hold students in good stead for all sorts of situations, including VCE exams as they get older.

World Teacher’s Day Friday October 27th

This Friday, we acknowledge our wonderful teachers who always go beyond for our students. We are blessed to have this team of dedicated and caring teachers. Teaching is not an easy gig. Teachers are constantly being asked to evolve, adapt, and contribute to all sorts of forums that improve the learning experience of our students. The teachers in Robinvale are outstanding because of their commitment to being all these things.

Natalie Mouvet

YEAR 12 ASSEMBLY

Congratulations to the Class of 2023, who last Wednesday celebrated their last day of Year 12. Students celebrated with a whole school assembly and morning tea with their parents, family and teachers. At the Assembly the students were treated to a video of the year 12's running late to the assembly followed by a games show where staff members were asked a series of questions. School captain Rocco Chirchiglia then spoke on behalf of the year 12's on their time at Robinvale College followed by Kiko Lanumata who translated part of the speech in Tongan. Wishing those students all the very best for those sitting exams in the upcoming weeks. 

“To begin with, we would like to thank Acting Principal Ms. Natalie Mouvet and all members of the college leadership team and front office. Ms. Mouvet’s leadership and guidance have changed the college for the better. Her tireless work has done wonders, and we are so thankful to have a Principal as great as her. “Next, we would like to thank all staff from this year and across all our years of school for their kindness and generosity. “We would also like to thank Career Co-ordinator Julie Kelly. Julie’s work behind the scenes with work placements, SuniTAFE, Latrobe University, and many others who have
opened up a multitude of opportunities for us. Julie’s work and wisdom have helped us to grow, work toward, and achieve our future endeavors. “Furthermore, we would like to thank our 10-12 Coordinator  
Miss Ford. Miss Ford’s work to organise excursions and other activities has been fantastic. Her teaching in the VCEVM and VPC rooms is appreciated by all VCEVM and VPC students. We would also like to thank the other VCEVM and VPC teachers: Miss Davoli, Mrs. Afa, and Miss Yates, as well as their aide, Bobbie-Jo Togo Singh, and any other teachers and ES staff who taught and supported the VCE, VM, and VPC students, for their support and guidance through our journey this year. “We would like to take this opportunity to also thank all the VCE teachers: Mrs. Fang, Ms. Mulada, Miss Biggins, Mrs. Latu, and Miss Price, for their support and guidance to the VCE students during the year, especially during the holidays when they took time off to come back to school and support the students through their exam studies and
preparation. “Additionally, we would like to thank Talia, Jessie, and any others who have helped with the RYG. Your support is much appreciated. Furthermore, we would like to thank anyone who assisted in the Tongan Language Week celebrations. “To add, we would like to thank Travis Bussell for his help with our celebration day antics and Year 12 assembly, as well as his work with the other wellbeing officers and school nurses. Also, we thank Sunny Handy and Georgie Kelly for their work with the Student Representative Council and the smooth running of our assemblies every two weeks. “We would also like to thank Stacey Ingram, Janelle Ricker, Robinvale College Year 12 Class of 2023 Bids Farewell Sharon Urquhart, and Daryl Singh, La-Tarnya Burkinshaw, Ryan Sedgmen, and Rex Handy, who have worked tirelessly with the Koorie Girls Academy and the Clontarf Academy, as well as with the NAIDOC Week celebrations. “Most importantly, we say a big thank you, and we love you, to all our parents and guardians. We know that we can be a pain sometimes, but without you, we would not be who we are today. You have guided and supported us from the day we came into this world and across our journey to becoming adults. You are our rock, and we love and truly appreciate everything you have done for us, from all those sandwiches and lunchboxes you packed for us, to all the times you took the day off work when we were sick, and that tireless running around you did for us. You have taught us to be resilient,
determined, and hardworking. Without you, we would not be standing here right now. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for everything. “Finally, I would like to take this time to thank my fellow 
Year 12 graduates. As a Year 12 student, I can look back on my time at Robinvale College and laugh, cry, and reminisce on all the good times we have had together. I am so proud of how far we have come during our thirteen years of schooling. The bonds, friendships, and memories we have built together will last many lifetimes. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter of my life with the people standing behind me. I know that we will always have each other’s back and be there to support each other every step of the way.” 

 The 6 Year 12 students sat the first exam, which was English, on Tuesday morning..

WELCOME TO MRS INGRID JANSEN VAN VUUREN

This week we have welcomed Ingrid Jansen van Vuuren, her husband Sidney and her son in year one Ruben. Ingrid was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but grew up in a small farming town (much like Robinvale!) called Groblersdal.  She studied Psychology and a PGCE (which is a teaching qualification), but has worked for a large global corporate company most of her career as an Area Sales Manager. Teaching at Robinvale College is a lovely change for Ingrid and she  can’t wait to get to know the amazing students and staff better! For now, Ingrid will be teaching Humanities and English Y7-10.

She has had a  wonderful first impressions of the school, students and staff. The school grounds are lovely, all the staff are super welcoming and supportive, and the students are friendly and very helpful too.

Ingrid really want to thank the Robinvale Community and everyone at Robinvale College for the warm welcome that they have given her and her family. they  feel right at home from day 1, and for that  and her family, they will be forever grateful. THANK YOU.

YEAR 7&8 ART

Collaborative artworks with year 7&8

BREAKFAST CLUB

The breakfast program is an initiative aimed at providing nutritious meals to students who may not have access to a nutritionally balanced breakfast. We believe that no one should start their day on an empty stomach, as it can negatively impact their physical and mental performance, not just at school but on a daily basis.

When the breakfast program commenced it was funded by the Uniting Church Toorak outreach program, we also received funding from many different grants sourced from our local businesses.

The breakfast program is now mainly sponsored by Food Bank Victoria, also with the support of local community grants.

The breakfast program provides a healthy, substantial breakfast including, cereals, toast, milk and fresh fruit starting from 8am to 8.45am every morning before  school.

Our breakfast room is a place where staff and students can come together, feel safe and have a comfortable place be able to talk with their friends over a healthy breakfast.

The breakfast program runs many different programs throughout the year in conjunction with Our Place. Our Place work alongside Robinvale College to help support and enable positive outcomes for students and families in our community. We acknowledge the importance, to collaborate and work with partnered services as they provide us with the opportunities to meet these essential needs.

Some of our programs we have collaborated with Our Place include Pancake Days where we make homemade pancakes topped with maple syrup, strawberries, bananas, and ice-cream. We try to have two of these days per year. Other programs we have run are bacon, egg and cheese muffins days, we also aim for two of these per year. We are currently planning with Our Place on the next special breakfast morning where we plan to have another pancake morning.

Overall, our breakfast program aims to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy and fulfilling breakfast, regardless of their circumstances. By providing nutritious meals and promoting healthy eating habits, we strive to help the students to start their day with energy, focus and a positive mindset.

HOW TO MAKE FRUIT SALAD

In Literacy, Year 1/2A have been working hard learning about procedural texts. After writing their procedures individually, students worked safely and had a lot of fun creating their fruit salads. Students did a wonderful job of following their procedures before having the best time eating it on the warm and sunny day last week.

ITALIAN WEEK 20th -25th NOVEMBER

The College is planning a week long celebration of Italian culture  in week 8, 20th November-25th November the week will consist of
Monday:
● History and migration Assembly
● Making origami Gondolas
● Italian Christmas story - Befana
● Pasta lunch
● Soccer on the Basketball courts
Wednesday:
● All Saints Day mosaic.
● Carnival mask-making
● Primary making Tiramisu, “Nonna Biscuits”
● Secondary making homemade Pizza and Pasta.
● Teaching Briscola (card game) and Taranatella
● Staff vs Students Soccer match on the Basketball courts
Friday:
●Food + Games + Tarantella
● Guest speakers
● Blindfolded salami tasting - Antipasto basket reward for the best salami
● Dress in the colours of the Italian flag. (All day)
●Students  dressing up as their Nonna and Nonno

If any parents, grandparents and friends are able to help and participate with our Italian week please contact the College on 50263 704 

I am able to particpate on

Monday: Italian History & Culture 

Wednesday: All Saints Day & Carnival Fun

Friday: Italian Food & Festivities

Please select your area(s) of interest:
If you selected "Speaker," please briefly describe the topic you would like to discuss:

Food Contributor:
I would like to prepare Italian food for the students on Friday.
If you selected "Food Contributor," please indicate what Italian dish you plan to prepare ______________________________________________________________

Please return information to the front office by week 5