16 December 2016
Newsletter Articles
Principal newsletter: 16 Dec 2016
Dear Parents, carers and friends
Welcome to the final newsletter for 2016. I would like to thank you all for your incredible support in my first year at Risdon Vale Primary School and in my first year as a principal. I am incredibly excited about continuing to work with the whole school community in 2017 to ensure these things:
- That our classrooms are calm, safe and orderly learning environments
- That our teaching team work together to ensure that best practice is used in delivering the curriculum to your children
- That we work together with the whole school community to engage all students in their learning
In 2017 we will continue to work together to ensure that: Risdon Vale Primary School is proudly recognised as a centre of excellence in educating for the academic and social/emotional needs of every student.
Staffing news for 2017:
I would like to thank the following people for their invaluable contributions to our school throughout 2016. Each one of these staff members has brought great expertise and dedication to their roles and they have worked with us to enrich the lives of our students.
Alex Sugden, school nurse: is going on maternity leave in 2017. We look forward to hearing about the birth of Alex’s baby and we send all our love and best wishes for this new little family.
Michelle Ennis, school social worker: Michelle has worked across two very demanding roles this year and we appreciate what a stunning job she has done to support so many of our students. Michelle is going to focus on her main role with SASS. We know that her skills are precious to everyone.
Michelle Gearman, Gr 4/5 teacher: Mrs Gearman is an extremely dedicated teacher who is particularly skilled at ensuring that lessons are always highly organized and that every student is provided with many opportunities to learn in their individual ways. Mrs Gearman will be joining the staff of another primary school next year and we wish her all the very best.
Ester Gros, Kinder teacher: Ms Gros’ bright and sparkling presence in our Kinder is something that has helped our youngest learners feel comfortable and happy at school. I know our Kinder parents have appreciated her a great deal. Ms Gros’ will be joining the staff of another primary school next year and we know that they will be delighted to have her.
Heather Bessell, Literacy coach: Mrs Bessell is an educator and leader I have admired and worked with in many contexts for a long time. Her intellect is formidable and her capacity for organization and noticing details is exceptional. Mrs Bessell is an extraordinarily skilled and hard-working leader in education, whose every action is focused firmly on ensuring the best for every student. She has been invaluable at RVPS, particularly in her role of managing the professional learning of the staff. Mrs Bessell’s leadership skills will be utilised next year in a different school and we wish her all the very best and give our heartfelt thanks.
Kristine Aisbett, TA: Kristine is taking a year’s leave in 2017. We look forward to seeing Kris when she returns and we hope her year’s leave is fulfilling and perhaps even relaxing.
New staff in 2017:
Ashley Jubb, Advanced Skills Teacher – Respectful Schools: Mr Jubb is not only a qualified physiotherapist, he has exceptional skills in ICT, Mathematics, Science and Music education. Mr Jubb has led the positive behaviour support program in his current school and is also experienced in the crucial role of organizing transition for students from primary to high school. Mr Jubb is now part of the permanent staff at RVPS and we look forward to welcoming Mr Jubb in this vital leadership role.
Wendy Palfreyman, Numeracy/Literacy Coach: Mrs Palfreyman is a highly experienced primary school teacher whose specialist skill is leading professional learning for teaching staff. Mrs Palfreyman has been a leader in improving the teaching of Mathematics and Numeracy across all southern primary schools. Mrs Palfreyman’s role will be to work with all teaching staff to ensure that we have best practice in teaching across our school. We look forward to welcoming Mrs Palfreyman when she joins us in 2017.
There are still a few positions to be confirmed and I will look forward to introducing those staff to you at the beginning of 2017. The most exciting part will be a whole school assembly within the first few weeks of the school year to not only introduce to you the staff of the school but to share with your our plans and gain your input.
The ECE Water Orientation program is a huge success this year and we are also about to begin Pool Rewards for nominated students in our Gr 3-6. I would like to carry this forward into the beginning of 2017 as the pool and the weather give us a unique opportunity to include this as a continuing part of our H/PE program.
This week our school hosted the RV Community Christmas Lunch which was attended by a wonderful group of our community’s senior members. I’d like to thank Ann and her helpers for putting on such a wonderful lunch and for our politicians: Vanessa Goodwin, Julie Collins and Lara Giddings for their ongoing support of our school community.
Mrs Carolyn Cross is an extraordinarily talented and dedicated music teacher, who has been working tirelessly with our students to produce instrumental and choir pieces for celebratory school assemblies. The ECE and Primary Christmas concerts were so joyful and fun; it was great to see a good crowd of visitors here!
I’d like to thank you for your support for our Home Reading Program for 2016. This program is so important to supporting literacy development for our students. The partnership we have with you is so crucial in the academic, social and emotional development of the children.
Our school’s work throughout the year involves a great number of support staff: our Teacher Aides, Admin staff and Education Facility Attendants. This crew of non-teaching staff are a vital cog in our machine and without their skills, hard work and enormous generosity of spirit, we would not be able to function. There are many incidents and needs that arise everyday which require staff to step out of their normal role to offer a helping hand.
What a great community, I am so glad to be a part of it! Congratulations everyone on a hugely successful year. Have a restful, fun and safe holiday. See you all in 2017
Kind regards, Libby Robinson
Home Reading
Congratulations to these students, who received Home Reading Certificates at assembly the week 5th December
25 nights of reading
Mikayla Dare - 3/4Patulny
50 nights of reading
Mikayla Dare - 3/4Patulny
100 nights of reading
Casper Smith - Prep/1Bowering
200 nights of reading
Eliza Temple - 1/2Rigney
250 nights of reading
Willow Story - 3/4 Patulny
275 nights of reading
Paige
Hattenschwiller - 2/3Weavers/Varveris
Willow Story - 3/4 Patulny
Libby Burles - 4/5Gearman
300 nights of reading
Libby Burles - 4/5Gearman Home Reading
Congratulations to these students, who received Home Reading Certificates at assembly this week. 12th December
25 nights of reading
Mikayla Dare - 3/4Patulny
50 nights of reading
Mikayla Dare - 3/4Patulny
100 nights of reading
Casper Smith - Prep/1Bowering
125 nights of reading
Candice Smith - Prep/1Porte/Varveris
150 nights of reading
Candice Smith - Prep/1Porte/Varveris
175 nights of reading
Abbie
Cowburn - Prep/1Porte/Varveris
Candice
Smith - Prep/1Porte/Varveris
200 nights of reading
Ada
Murphy - Prep/1Porte/Varveris
Eliza Temple - 1/2Rigney
Reece Story - 4/5Gearman
225 nights of reading
Reece Story - 4/5Gearman
250 nights of reading
Willow Story - 3/4
Patulny
Reece Story - 4/5Gearman
275 nights of reading
Declan
McKendrick - Prep/1Porte/Varveris
Paige
Hattenschwiller - 2/3Weavers/Varveris
Willow Story - 3/4 Patulny
Libby Burles - 4/5Gearman
Reece Story - 4/5Gearman
300 nights of reading
Paige
Hattenschwiler - 2/3Weavers/Varveris
Willow Story - 3/4Patulny
Libby Burles - 4/5Gearman
Reece Story - 4/5Gearman
High 5 certificates presented at assembly 5/12/2016
Connor Hopkinson |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing. |
Joshua Dunn |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing. |
Taj Burnett |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing |
Blade McCauley |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing |
Logan Shaw |
Increased maturity and application towards all areas of learning. |
Brittney DeJong |
An outstanding effort in all areas of learning. |
Madeline Hutt |
Great work in the classroom. |
Argyle Atkinson |
Great work in the classroom |
Cody McConnon |
Being a consistently positive part of our class. |
Jake Latham |
Showing Hi5 Values when Firefighter Alison was visiting |
High 5 certificates presented at assembly 5/12/2016
Connor Hopkinson |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing. |
Joshua Dunn |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing. |
Taj Burnett |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing |
Blade McCauley |
His amazing effort with News Journal writing |
Logan Shaw |
Increased maturity and application towards all areas of learning. |
Brittney DeJong |
An outstanding effort in all areas of learning. |
Madeline Hutt |
Great work in the classroom. |
Argyle Atkinson |
Great work in the classroom |
Cody McConnon |
Being a consistently positive part of our class. |
Jake Latham |
Showing Hi5 Values when Firefighter Alison was visiting |
Lincoln Bryan |
Always working to the best of his ability. |
Seth Cooper-Hanfling |
Helping in the ECE playground. |
Mitchell Kirkby |
Helping in the ECE playground. |
Jayla McCauley |
Outstanding effort in writing |
Taj Cooper |
Excellent spelling and punctuation. |
Connor J Sonners |
Having a go with his reading. |
Mason Burr |
Great participation in activities |
Jett Pearson |
Showing learning with history. |
Schools triathlon Bellerive Beach
The Hobart Schools Triathlon Challenge (Bellerive Beach) was held on and Friday 2nd December (Primary Schools grades 3-6). What a fantastic sporting event participated by many schools from around Southern Tasmania. Risdon Vale Primary School had many students place their hands up to participate in the triathlon, which could be individual or team, with every one of them on the day trying their hardest and supporting their team mates.
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The students from Ms Rigney’s class have been assembling and painting their reindeer. They had to follow instructions.
The instructions were:
First of all, push out the cutout pieces. You will find
it easier if you use your thumb nail.
Before assembling the pieces, smooth all rough edges with the
sandpaper.
Look at the photograph on the cover to get a general idea of where each
piece goes.
Join pieces by matching those marked with the same numbers in the
diagram.
Strengthen any weak joints using the glue.
The students followed these instructions and these are the results.





Grade 2/3 Weavers/Varveris went to the Mt Pleasant Radio Astronomy Observatory & Grote Reber Museum in Cambridge.

























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School Association letter to parents
One famous speech began with “I have a dream” well this is not so famous but begins with “we had a dream”
We had a dream that we wanted to raise academic
achievement across the school in 2016
and we did!
We had a dream that we wanted to provide
opportunities for our students and community outside of the classroom in
2016
and we did!
We had a dream of making 2016 the biggest
fundraising year
and we did!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their efforts throughout the year. The success of our school is built on the efforts of our teachers, staff, students, parents and community members. This past year, we have enjoyed many successes. Thank you for the dedication, loyalty and commitment that each one of you has shown us.
We’ve come through a year that was filled with both challenges and victories. The most successful fundraising year; biggest fair and new ideas for fundraising. How reassuring it’s been to know that we can count on all of you regardless of what faces us. On behalf of Risdon Vale Primary School Association, please allow us to extend our personal and genuine appreciation to each and every one you for your valuable contributions to this organisation whether it be through donating, support or participation. Working with you this past year has been a pleasure and we’re proud to have you all with us. People get involved with schools to support their children, they do it to create a better pathway for their children one better than their own and working together that’s exactly what we do.
We offer our best wishes and happiness to you and your families as we all look forward to a successful 2017.
Merry Christmas and a safe and exciting new year.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Johnny Marks (c) 1949
You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
(reindeer)
Had a very shiny nose
(like a light bulb)
And if you ever saw it
(saw it)
You would even say it glows
(like a flash light)
All of the other reindeer
(reindeer)
Used to laugh and call him names
(like Pinochio)
They never let poor Rudolph
(Rudolph)
Play in any reindeer games
(like Monopoly)
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
(Ho Ho Ho)
Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then all the reindeer loved him
(loved him)
And they shouted out with glee
(yippee)
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
(reindeer)
You'll go down in history!"
(like Columbus)
SCHOOL CALENDAR
DECEMBER |
|
Frid 16th |
Last day Kindergarten – Performance and break-up party 10am |
Frid 16th |
Christmas Stall Grades Prep – 6 $3.00 per item |
Frid 16th |
Last day for School Canteen |
Mon 19th |
Leavers Dinner 5.30pm – 9pm Bellerive Yacht Club |
Tues 20th |
Whole school picnic – Bellerive Beach |
Wed 21st |
Last day students for 2016. Final assembly 12 noon. |
Don’t forget to return your forms if you wish to collect your child early. |
|
2017 |
|
JANUARY |
|
Saturday 21st |
Risdon Vale Fun Festival 11 – 2. SAVE THE DATE |
FEBRUARY |
|
Wed 1st – Frid 3rd |
School office open for levy payments between the hours 10am – 2pm. |
Thurs 2nd –Frid 3rd |
Uniform shop will be open from 10am – 12pm. EFTPOS is available. |
Wed 8th |
Students return to school for 2017 |
Feb 22nd – 24th |
Wednesday – Friday Grades 5 and 6 Camp at Orana Roches Beach |
STUDENT FREE DAYS IN 2017 |
|
April 13th |
|
July 24th |
|
October 27th |
THE EDITORS OF THE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. STAY SAFE AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN 2017 |