RWPS eNewsletter Term 4 Week 1

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Principal Report

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends,

Welcome back to the final school term of 2024. It’s bound to be an exciting and busy time!

I hope that you were able to spend some time with your families over the holidays, possibly the Grand Final public holiday helped with this. Congratulations to Bruce and all our Brisbane supporters in the school community who are celebrating Brisbane’s flag win!

I enjoyed the holidays with my two children while my husband worked. Days were filled with play centres, shopping, cleaning, and spending time with extended family. We took a drive to Ballarat and enjoyed the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and watched my niece play in a soccer tournament. Ballarat is a place I will be visiting again soon.

Bruce is currently on leave and has spent a bit of time up in Mooloolaba recently and will be back at school on Monday. He has told me that the weather has been great in Mooloolaba!

WELCOME
I would like to welcome Ivona Lonac to the RWPS school community. Ivona is replacing Bryony Hardy as the classroom teacher in LA6 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

CALENDARS
As stated earlier, it is a busy term of events. Remember to continually check the school calendar in the Newsletter, and on Compass to make remembering everything a whole lot easier!

SUN SMART
As we are now in Term 4, it is imperative that RWPS hats are now at school and being worn outside when deemed necessary. Please ensure that these hats are found (check under the beds, behind the couches and buried in school tubs/bags) and send them to school. Please ensure your child applies sunscreen before school. If students have sunscreen at school, then it is highly recommended that they reapply throughout the day, too. Please reiterate to your child that sunscreen is not to be shared.

BREAKFAST CLUB
There will be no Breakfast Club this week. Breakfast Club will be commencing on Friday, October 18th in the STEAM Room from 8.10 am to 8.40 am (sharp).

NEXT OPEN SESSION
This Friday, 11th October 9.00 – 10.00 a.m.

We invite parents/carers of our students to attend. This will provide an opportunity for you to see what happens at school and you might even be asked to help out with particular activities! Your children would love to see you at school. No bookings are required – just turn up.

PARENT WORKSHOP
THE LITERACY BLOCK AND GENRE WRITING AT RWPS
YEAR 3 – YEAR 6 PARENTS/CARERS
A special workshop will be occurring on Wednesday, October 30th from 5pm – 6pm in LA2 and 3 (Year 5/6 building – Morton Wing). The workshop is aimed at Year 3 – 6 parents/carers and is dedicated to exploring what happens during a typical literacy block at RWPS. This is a great opportunity for you to gain insights into the literacy curriculum and understand how we foster reading and writing skills in our students using the John Fleming Effective Teaching Model.

The workshop will explain the components of a Literacy Block using classroom resources and some recordings – showing various components at different levels. In addition, our Genre Writing sessions will also be included. Genre Writing sits outside the Literacy Block. Please note this workshop is for parents/carers only. We ask parents/carers to make alternative arrangements for care of their children.

Please complete this form to indicate your attendance for the workshop.

SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY FACT SHEETS
The Department have provided a social media fact sheet which provides tips and resources for parents, carers and families to support school students to be safe when using social media. Please take the time to have a very worthwhile read by following the social media fact sheet link.

THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA SEASON
Grass pollen season, which typically runs from October to December each year in Victoria, brings an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms. It also increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

Reservoir West PS will implement a range of measures to keep our school community safe as the risk of thunderstorm asthma increases.

Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid, and we will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings, and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk. 

During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:

  • If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.
  • If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
  • If your child has hay fever and experiences wheezing and coughing, it is important to make sure they don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor about an asthma action plan.
  • Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October to December, especially during the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.

Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters.

For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also visit the Better Health Channel website.

STUDENT TOILETS
A reminder for adults to not use the student toilets. If required, you may request to use the adult toilets, via the office.

Should a child require assistance, please use the individual, multipurpose toilet, near the school Gym.

 

Regards,

Barb Balliro  
Acting Principal



SOTW

Term 4, Week 1

NO Assembly this week.

  • 3.15pm: 5MoF
    • Golden Ticket Draw – Morton Wing and 3J
  • 3.25: SOTW and Golden Ticket Draw photos at the stage area

Congratulations to all of the students that are receiving a Student of the Week award!

  

NAME

VALUE

LA1

5/6L

Emily Kang

Success

LA2

5/6M

Jethro Van Kalken

Success

LA3

5/6K

Oscar Hu

Wisdom

LA4

5/6V

Oscar Giles 

Success 

LA5

5/6P

Panagiotis Vlahoulis

Responsibility  

LA9

Prep B

Birdie Kingsmill

Success 

LA10

Prep D

Atlas Marshall 

Success 

LA11

Prep V

Diyana Barcham

Success

LA12

Prep H

Cleo Pottenger

Success

LA17

1C

Alistair Roadknight

Success

LA18

1M

Kody Bonadio

Success

LA19

1P

Matilda Murray

Success

LA20

1R

Pia Hesketh & Charlie Cox

Persistence

LA22

3J

Ruby Pfeiffer

Success

LA23

3M

Clara

Shepherd

LA24

3S

Hashim Aden

Responsibility

LA25

2C

Darcy Irwin

Wisdom 

LA26

2G

William Cotsopoulos 

Wisdom 

LA27

2B

Sonny Jones

Success

LA28

2M

Tavi Stephenson 

Success

LA29

4T

Zain Eldardeer

Success

LA30

4H

Gabriel Sands-Haymes

Success

DIGITECH      

Kane Brown LA24

Success

LIBRARY 

Year 2B

Success

MUSIC   

Milli Orellana LA6

Persistence & Success

SPANISH

Fox Stohr LA26

Success

PE

Ruby Pfeiffer LA22

Success

PRINCIPAL

Callum Young LA29

Success


Group photo of last term's SOTW recipients!

Last term's Golden Ticket winners!



Wellbeing

THE WELLBEING HUB: SUPPORTING STUDENT WELLBEING

At our school, we believe that fostering student wellbeing is key to success in learning and development. That’s why we established our Wellbeing Hub, a space dedicated to helping students recharge and refocus, supporting both their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Term 4 Lunch Clubs

Brain Breaks at the Wellbeing Hub
Throughout the school day, students take brain breaks at the Hub. These short, purposeful breaks allow students to refresh their minds, especially when they feel overwhelmed or in need of a reset. During these breaks, students can engage in various calming and stimulating activities, such as:

  • Mindful breathing exercises
  • Colouring / Drawing
  • Puzzles and sensory activities

These brain breaks help students return to their work more focused, reducing stress and boosting their productivity.

The Play Area: Recess and Lunch Fun!
During recess and lunch, the Wellbeing Hub's play area becomes a space for students to unwind, play, and socialise in a structured, supportive environment. Here, they can enjoy:

  • Quiet zones for students who prefer a more relaxed break
  • Creative stations with arts and crafts for those who enjoy expressing themselves artistically
  • Game areas to play board games, chess or card games
  • Floor space to build with blocks, use the train set or construct with Lego

The play area is designed to cater to a variety of interests and energy levels, ensuring all students can make the most of their free time.

Hub Leaders: Jobs and Roles
Our Wellbeing Hub wouldn’t be the same without the fantastic work of our Hub Leaders. These dedicated students ensure the Hub runs smoothly by:

  • Welcoming students and guiding them through activities during brain breaks
  • Organising games and setting up activity stations during recess and lunch
  • Encouraging positive social interactions and supporting students in need of assistance
  • Ensuring the space stays clean and inviting

Being a Hub Leader is a role of responsibility, allowing students to take on leadership duties, build confidence, and contribute to the wellbeing of their peers.

The Wellbeing Hub is a vital part of our school community, providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. We’re proud of how it’s helping students recharge, socialise, and develop essential life skills every day.

OCTOBER IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH: LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!
October marks Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. This month is centered around World Mental Health Day on October 10th, and this year’s theme is "Let’s Talk About It".

Why Talking About Mental Health Matters
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it affects every aspect of our lives—from how we feel and think to how we interact with others. Talking about mental health helps break down barriers, allowing people to seek support, share experiences, and find the help they need.

At our school, we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where students, staff, and families can openly discuss their mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s through informal conversations, classroom activities, or events at our Wellbeing Hub, we encourage everyone to take part in these vital discussions.

 

World Mental Health Day: October 10th
On World Mental Health Day, we will be hosting activities in the Hub at lunch time focused on promoting mental health awareness. This includes:

  • Mindfulness sessions to help students develop coping skills
  • Peer support activities, encouraging students to check in with each other

 

Let’s Talk About It: How You Can Get Involved
Throughout Mental Health Month, we’re asking students, parents, and teachers to join us in the conversation by sharing experiences and talking about mental health openly with friends and family.

By talking about mental health, we’re not only supporting each other but also creating a community where everyone feels heard and valued. Let’s come together this October to make mental health a priority and say, “Let’s Talk About It!”

Information for further perusal: 
Wayahead - Mental Health Month

Creative Healing
Deadly Tips Poster

MENTAL HEALTH / EVENTS CALENDAR 2024

Event Date

Event

1 - 31 October

Mental Health Month

1 - 7 October

BPD Awareness Week

2 October

International Day of Non-Violence

10 October

World Mental Health Day & World Homeless Day

13 - 19 October

National Carer's Week & OCD Awareness week

17 - 23 November

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week

19 November

International Men's Day

25 November

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

10 December

Human Rights Day

 



2025 Device Purchasing Portal - NOW OPEN

Dear Parents and Carers,

From Years 3 to 6, students have the opportunity to participate in a 1:1 Smart Classrooms program using Chromebooks running Google’s ChromeOS. We have had great success with this program, with over 90% of families opting in.

Reservoir West has chosen to create technologically inclusive learning environments to inspire hands-on learning, promote creativity, provide personalised learning and education in a variety of subject areas, and develop students 21st Century learning skills. Through increased access to digital technologies, students can benefit from enhanced learning that is interactive, collaborative, personalised and engaging.

Attached below is further information from both RWPS and our supplier, EduNet for those who would like some more information around the program.

The portal for purchasing Chromebooks for 2025 is now open.

Visit the Edunet Parent Portal at: http://reservoirwestps.technologyportal.com.au 

Please note the following cut off dates: 

  1. To receive order prior to Christmas, order must be placed and paid for by 28th November 2024*.
  1. To receive order for Week 1 Term 1, order must be placed and paid for by 5th January 2025*
  1. All orders will be sent to the school and then distributed to families

* Cut off dates are only for devices listed on the portal as in stock. If a device is out of stock we can’t promise a Christmas or Week 1, Term 1 delivery.

In addition, some families have asked if other devices from home can be used at school. Unfortunately, this is not an option at RWPS. Chromebooks are exclusively used from Years 3-6 and they must be purchased via EduNet to be configured to our network. If you believe you have a device from an older sibling that may be able to be used, please see the criteria in the attached handout or email Jen Barnes.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to email:
Jen (Digital Technologies Co-ordinator) Jen.Barnes@education.vic.gov.au
Bruce (Principal) Bruce.Kearney@education.vic.gov.au
Edunet (Supplier) portal@edunet.com.au

Kind regards,

Jen Barnes
Digital Technologies Co-ordinator

2025_RWPS_Smart_Classroom_Presentation
RWPS BYOD 2025 Parent Doc



Community Conversations - We need you!

Dear RWPS community,

This year, we will be hosting a Community Conversations event, which is being led by one of our school council members, Viki Komornik. This event provides families in our community an opportunity to share ideas, perspectives and voice on matters that impact our school.

By attending, you will engage with other members from our school community and provide insightful perspectives on important matters that impact our school and teaching and learning. We would be delighted to have you present at this event and for you to provide your insight and thinking to the items being discussed.

This event details are as follows:
Date: Monday, 28th October
Time: 5-6pm
Location: School Library

Please indicate your attendance by completing this form

Unable to attend but have some great ideas to share? No problem! Simply fill out this feedback from and we will consider your thoughts and feedback throughout this session.

We hope to see you there! 

Julia Nour
Assistant Principal - Administration

Year 5/6 Literacy

Bruce’s Grant - Persuasive Topic

Last term in Year 5/6 our writing focus was persuasive, for our topic we decided to imagine if Bruce was given a grant and we would write if we believed the grant should go towards sports equipment or electronics. The majority of people chose sports equipment, though there where many debates over the topic.

Throughout the term we wrote our persuasive pieces confidently, we followed a set structure and put hours of work into the pieces, every writing lesson we would sit down and continue our pieces, most people had created many great reasons for why their belief was correct.

The main idea for the topic was that Bruce had saved up a grant to spend on the school and we would argue why it should be one of either topics through our writing.



Year 5/6 - Spanish/Music incursion

INCURSION
Instrumentos de Países de Habla-Hispana.

On Monday 21st October, the grade 5/6 students will engage in an incursion for Spanish & Music, at no cost to parents. In Semester One, the 5/6 classes completed a unit on instruments from Spanish-speaking countries: Instrumentos de Países de Habla-Hispana. This incursion will allow students to see and listen to the instruments they studied. Señorita Vargas’s father, Alejandro, moved to Australia with his parents and siblings at 13-years old, escaping Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile. He and his brother began playing Chilean folk and Andean music as children in Chile, and shared their culture through music as non-English speaking teens. They formed the first Andean band in Australia and to this day, continue to share our culture through music. Alejandro has performed in multiple Latin bands and is still a key figure in the Latin community of Victoria. Alejandro will be bringing his instruments to play for the students and sharing his story.

Read his story here: https://www.latinstoriesaustralia.com/blog/2018/9/25/rodrigo-vargas


This is an opt-out event. If you do not wish you child to participate, please contact your child's teacher.



TheirCare

Hello RWPS Community,

I am so excited to be part of and commencing with the team at Reservoir West Primary School. 

My name is Makayla, and I will be the new 2IC for TheirCare. 

I hold very passionate values for children fun and growth. I am a positive, approachable and supportive in all ways needed and look forward to getting to know everyone. 

I love travelling and adventures, so I’m always up for a chat about and to discover new things around the world. When I’m not enjoying my day-to-day routine of working with these amazing little humans, I enjoy going to my beach house on the weekends and holidays, tanning at the beach and socialising with family and friends! 

I have a background in studying a couple of years worth of health and nursing; therefore, care and safety is always my number 1 priority. 

All around, I take a very positive approach to life and firmly believe that ‘all is well’ and always will be in any situation. 

Furthermore, Please find attached our newsletter for this week.

See you around soon!
Makayla.



Community

Garden group meeting Thursday 10/10/24 at INDIGENOUS GARDEN.

We are seeking donations of red, black or yellow material to create cloth ribbons to protect the plants. All welcome to join, meeting from 3-3.50pm.

Thanks also to Scott, of Humus Landscape gardens, for your donation of star pickets. 


Time for a Spring clean!
Hanna SK from year 4 is organising a garage sale at Hang Around Friday 25/10 to benefit the Lighthouse Foundation. The Lighthouse Foundation helps children and young people who experience homelessness or trauma. 

We are only asking Year 4 students to bring in items to avoid having the whole school filled with donated items :) This doesn't mean there may not be future opportunities to contribute with your goodies. For now please contribute by coming along and spending at the garage sale so we can donate the funds. Items will cost between $0.50 - $15.

We will look to students from year 4 to bring the following items that they happy to donate, all must be in good condition:

  • Books
  • Toys
  • Games
  • Clothes

Please only bring the items during the week of the garage sale (from Monday). The fun will be at 'Hang around Friday' 25th of October.

If you have any questions on what can be brought in please contact Viki (Hanna's mum) on vkomornik@gmail.com.



Calendar

Please take a look at what is happening this term at RWPS.

Term 4 Calendar

Follow our live updates on our Compass calendar.