The Grapevine Newsletter 3rd July 2025

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear students, parents, carers, and staff

As we reach the end of another busy term, I would like to thank all parents and carers for your involvement and support of us as we continue to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. The winter terms can prove challenging, and we have had quite a number of colds, coughs and flu throughout the school. Having said that, there have been many highlights to this 11-week term to warm us up as we take a moment to reflect on them.

We have accomplished so much…

The Year 7and 8 camp to Bogong

Information sessions and subject selection for our 2026 senior students – It is so pleasing to that nearly all our current year 10’s and 11’s will return next year. What a great endorsement for our school and community!

The Year 12 Senior Ball – everyone looking so good!

School Cross-Country Congratulations to our age champions

Inter-School Cross-Country

Mock interviews

Safe Minds

Do it for Dolly Day

The GAT for our Year 12s – well done to everyone for really taking the exam seriously and trying their hardest

Dreamtime Expo Excursion for our Koorie students

Reconciliation Week activities and flag raising

Year 9 Morrisby Career Profiling

Year 10 Exams

Year 10 Work Experience – Thank you to all our local businesses in supporting our students

Year 7 -10 Man Cave

Year 7-10 Sister day out

Year 9 Mesh program

Primary years CASEA

VCP Dodge Ball competition

The Year 9 Author visit

Year7-8 Carnival Football training

Parent-teacher interviews – it is always a pleasure to welcome our families into the school, and this was so well supported this year.

Pre-school visits

So many Brass band performances

Staff Professional Learning on Cultural Understanding

This is a remarkable list, although it is not comprehensive!

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the day-to-day work that goes on, often unrecognised, that makes Robinvale College great. The students who take opportunities to learn new knowledge and skills, the teachers who prepare lessons and adapt them to suit students’ learning ‘point of need’ in each of their classes, the education support staff who keep us all buoyant, support all our classrooms and  ensures the school keeps running and looking good, and to the parents and carers who support their child by supporting our community where it is needed, and celebrating the wins along the way. Thank you all!

Everybody have a happy and restful mid-year break. To those travelling, travel safely, and to those staying home, keep warm, relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends.

YEAR 12 SUNRAYSIA STUDENT BALL 2025

Last Friday, our Year 12 students attended the Sunraysia Year 12 Annual Ball in Mildura. The students had a wonderful time mingling with peers from other schools and dancing the night away. Events like the ball offer a fantastic opportunity for students to connect, celebrate their final year of schooling, and create lasting memories.

THE GENERAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST (GAT)

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is an essential part of the VCE assessment process. It is designed to assess a broad range of skills, including literacy, numeracy, and general knowledge.

All students enrolled in one or more VCE Unit 3 & 4 subjects or scored VCE VET subjects are required to sit the GAT.

The GAT includes both a written component and multiple-choice questions, covering areas such as English, mathematics, and humanities. While it does not directly count towards students’ final VCE scores, it plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and fairness of assessments across the state.

The GAT can also be used in certain circumstances—for example, to help differentiate between students with identical ATARs during course selection. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have met the minimum literacy and numeracy standards expected for senior secondary education.

On Tuesday 17th June students from the VCE and VET completed the GAT at the Robinvale Football Rooms.

MORRISBY CAREER INTERVIEWS

On Tuesday 17^th June our Year 9 Students completed their Morrisby Profiling by taking part in a Career Interview with Career Advisors from the Morrisby Program.  The students earlier this term took part in the profiling component  which looks at each individual students strengths and abilities and looking to a career pathway that aligns these.  At the interviews students were taken through their profiling results in depth and given expert advice on pathways and  subjects that may suit them.  The students engaged very well in the Morrisby program and feedback from the Advisors that the Robinvale College students took part in a really positive way and “what a lovely bunch of Year 9s we have”.

NMILLEN SCHOOL INDUSTRY ROUND TABLE FORUM

NMLLEN School Industry Round Table Forum

On Tuesday 24^th June a mix of students from Year 7 – Year 12 took part in the School Industry Round Table Forum hosted by NMLLEN in the Library Conference rooms.  This was an opportunity for our students to learn about Industry awareness and understanding the impact of skill shortages and a general career education discussion to enquire where the students awareness is at.  NMLLEN are an integral partner of the Robinvale College and are always looking at ways for our students to always be included in all opportunities offered. 

AVISTA NATIONAL SCHOOLS ROADSHOW

As part of the Department of Defence’s School Pathways Program, AVISTA delivered a series of engaging STEM learning experiences for students.

The free, curriculum-aligned initiative is designed for students in Years 7–12, offering valuable insights into STEM and career pathways within the defence industry. The program explores the pivotal role of aviation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous systems, showcasing how these technologies contribute to national defence and can lead to exciting, future-focused careers in Australia's high-tech industries. AVISTA is taking the  interactive, in-person science and STEM careers show to over 200 high schools across Australia, including rural and regional communities.

Students have had the opportunity to  explore:

• ✈️ Flight and aviation

• 🚀 Rockets and propulsion systems

• 🤖 Autonomous systems and situational awareness

• 🔬 The importance of STEM

• 🎓 Pathways into defence industry careers

This was a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. 

DUKE OF ED STUDENTS TERM 2

This term the Duke of Ed students have been busy volunteering across the school and wider Robinvale Community. Students have not only taken part in volunteering activities but have led the identification and planning of various volunteering efforts, including but not limited to, Supporting the Robinvale Preschool, cleaning up rubbish along our beautiful river and preparing food hampers for your community families.

LA TROBE REGIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM

At the heart of the La Trobe Regional Pathway Program is a simple but powerful belief: where a student lives should never determine how far they can go. This initiative goes beyond university preparation—it's a commitment to equity, ensuring regional students have the same opportunities, aspirations and support as their metropolitan peers. At our last School Assembly, we proudly celebrated our current Year 12 students at Robinvale College involved in the program. Their consistent commitment week after week speaks volumes. Many of these students are on track to meet the engagement benchmark that could lead to a conditional offer from La Trobe University this September. This milestone is more than a stepping stone; it reflects their dedication, resilience, and belief in what’s possible. It was a joy to recognise their achievements at our recent event. Sandra Connor, Head of La Trobe University Mildura Campus, and Shenae Francis, Senior School Senior Coordinator for the Regional Pathways Program, proudly presented students with their certificates of participation and engagement and a La Trobe Mildura Jumper—small but meaningful tokens of appreciation for their outstanding effort so far.

THE BIG SISTER EXPERIENCE

On Wednesday, girls from Years 7 to 10 participated in The Big Sister Experience – an inspiring program dedicated to promoting self-love, self-confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

Focusing on mental health, wellbeing, and life education, the workshop provided students with valuable tools to help them navigate adolescence with resilience and confidence. Through a holistic and empowering approach, students explored strategies for building positive relationships, enhancing self-awareness, and developing a strong sense of self.

The day offered a supportive space for meaningful conversations, encouraging our young people to become capable, confident, and empowered members of their communities.

MAN CAVE EXPERIENCE

On Wednesday, boys from Years 7 to 10 took part in The Man Cave Student Workshop – a full-day, immersive experience designed to explore healthy masculinity and challenge outdated societal expectations placed on men.

Based on the Rites of Passage framework, the workshop provided a safe and supportive environment for students to engage in open, honest conversations. Through group-building activities, interactive games, and guided discussions, students explored important topics such as mental health, relationships, and consent.

The day encouraged reflection, connection, and the development of respectful, authentic relationships with themselves and others.

TRY A TRADES

Last Friday 20^th June, 5 students along with Julie Kelly took part in the Try a Trade day at Red Cliffs Secondary College. Students took part in Applied Fashion and Design and Music Production courses to see if they would be interested in pursuing them next year.  It was a great day hosted by Red Cliffs and included students from St Josephs College, Henderson College, Chaffey and Robinvale.   VET Pathways need to be organized in Term 3 for the 2026 School year.  If you would like more information on the VET Courses available please visit Julie Kelly at her office.

SLEEP AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Sleep Matters: Our Whole-School Campaign on Healthy Sleep Habits

Lately, we've noticed a growing number of students arriving at school feeling tired and falling asleep in class. Many of them report not going to sleep until the early hours of the morning. This lack of sleep can significantly impact their health, wellbeing, and ability to learn.

Common effects of poor sleep include:

• Difficulty remembering things

• Poor or risky decision-making

• Moodiness or aggression

• Frequent naps during the day

• Poor academic or sporting performance

• Trouble concentrating in class or at home

• Feeling drowsy, sick, or sluggish during the day

• Missing school or refusing to attend

• Slower physical reflexes and increased clumsiness

These are just some of the signs and symptoms we’re seeing.

To address this, we’ve launched a Sleep Awareness Campaign, led by our SRC. The campaign includes two engaging Kahoot quizzes—one for primary students and one for secondary students—focused on teaching students about healthy sleep routines and the importance of a good night’s rest.

Education is key. That’s why the SRC has delivered this initiative school-wide, and now they’re aiming to take it even further—into the wider community. The goal is to raise awareness among families and caregivers about why sleep is essential for a successful and positive educational journey.

Together, let’s support our students in developing better sleep habits—for their health, their learning, and their future.