Principal's Message

eNews Reminder
Thank you to those parents who have already sent in their request for a paper copy of the school newsletter to be sent home each fortnight.  This is a reminder that as of Term 3, 2009, paper copies will only be sent home to those families who have provided a written request to the school office to receive a hard copy of the school newsletter.

To sign up for our eNewsletter please type in the link below into the address bar of your browser. Your email address will only be used to send out school enews and nothing else.

http://mailouts.austnews.com.au/subscription/R/ruskin-park-ps-signup.html

If you experience any difficulties please feel free to contact AustNews IT department on 1800 245 077 or email help@austnews.com.au

The school is offering the use of the computers in the school library for any parent wishing to check out the eNews online or wanting to use the internet. Please sign-in at the front office and inform the Assistant Principal, Mary Kelly that you are here to use the computer.

Staff Parking Lot
Parents are reminded that the staff parking lot is out of bounds to parents between the hours of 8:45-9:00am and 3:15-3:45pm. During these times, many children and their families are walking to school or on their way home and for the safety of everyone, car traffic in and out of the staff parking lot needs to be restricted for staff use only. The cooperation of everyone is greatly appreciated in this regard.

Updates and Thanks
NAPLAN – National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy, concluded last week with students in Years 3 and 5 putting forth their best efforts to demonstrate their skills in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Well done to all these students and their teachers. In particular, thanks to the coordinators – Lynn Williams and Jennie Bickford with the support of Mary Kelly. Thanks also to Mrs. Vistarini for organizing a wonderful Loud Shirt and Walk to School Day!

School and House Captains strike a pose!
Thanks to Mary Kelly and Mic Carolan for organising the fantastic display of our best and brightest on the wall just outside the main office. Why not take a look at these wonderful young leaders?

An attractive display of art works from children at Ruskin Park PS can be seen at the Eastland Shopping Centre during Education Week. Thanks to Frances Elms who has dedicated her time and energy to setting up this display to show off our talented students!

Mr. Brown recently conducted Japanese sessions for parents in the evening. Thank you to those parents who attended and enjoyed learning something about Japan and the Japanese language and to Mr. Brown for his dedication and willingness to offer these sessions to interested parents.

The Adults Only Trivia Night is fast approaching. In order to create fantastic gift hampers and mystery gift boxes to be raffled off, all children are invited to participate in a Free Dress Day on Friday, 22nd May. We invite families to donate interesting, fun, practical and non-perishable items in exchange for their child dressing out of uniform on Friday, 20th May. Since the ‘Book Fair’ is also coinciding with Education Week, we are suggesting that the children may wish to dress as their favourite book character or book.

Talent Quest
The ‘Talent Quest’ has commenced for this year with many students preparing their songs, dances or other acts in readiness for judging. Thanks to: Miss Campbell, Mrs. Vistarini, Mrs. Rainbow for once again coordinating this special event and good luck to all those children brave enough to give it a go!

Sun Smart
As a Sun Smart school, this is a reminder that between May and August, hats are not required to be worn as long as the UV index is below 3. Between September to April, all students are required to wear hats when playing outdoors.

Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week: May 27-3June and NAIDOC Week: 5-12 July is just around the corner. Once again, students will have the opportunity to purchase a NAIDOC Week 2009 Respect Band for only $2.00 while quantities last. All funds raised through the sale of the Respect Bands will go the Koori Kids effort in conjunction with the Department of Education to increase public awareness and provide all children both black and white with equal opportunities to attain their goals in all areas of life.

Health checks
The School Nurse, Diane Plant will be visiting the school in the month of May to conduct health assessments on all Year Prep children. Parents are encouraged to ask the nurse anything that is worrying them regarding their child’s health or development. Feel free to call Diane on 0448 377 936.

Student Report Cards 2009
This term students will receive the first of the two annual report cards all students receive describing their academic and social progress during the school year. Parent-Teacher or the option of requesting a ‘Three Way Conference’ (with your child present) will be available to all parents this term. Details of the reporting process and when interviews will be held is forthcoming.
Parents may wish to access information online in the Parents section of the Student Reporting website: http://education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/studentreports/default.htm

Parent Forum – Wednesday, 24th June
All interested parents are invited to attend an upcoming forum to be held on Wednesday, 24th June from 7-8 pm to discuss the upcoming Parent Opinion Survey which goes home to a randomly selected group of about 40 families in Term 3. Last year’s survey results (2008) will be examined and the opportunity to understand the survey statements and discuss the meaning of these statements as they relate to the Ruskin Park school community and student learning will be explored. Details will follow in the next issue of the Ruskin News.

Thank you,

Elle May Laikve
Principal

Assistant Principal's Report

Information and Communications Technology:
All students across the school use computers to support their learning. Prep children learn to use the computer safely.  They become familiar with the parts of the computer and develop hand–eye coordination when using the mouse. With assistance, the children use different computer programs.

In Grade 1 and 2 students develop a greater independence. They will use the computer to find information and begin to create and present this information in interesting ways. Students will learn to improve their presentations by adding attractive text and images and by checking their work for accuracy.

From Grade 3, students use ICT for visualising thinking, for creating and for communicating. They use a wide range of ICT; including computers, the Internet and digital cameras as tools for learning. Students use computers to access information, to work on research projects and develop higher order thinking skills, as well as to present their work to an audience. In the classroom, students complete activities using:
- Multimedia presentations     - Word Documents    - PowerPoint        - Kahootz
- The Internet for research     - Digital cameras

Having just completed a curriculum audit, the ICT committee is working towards providing opportunities for teachers to continue to develop their ICT skills and for students to showcase their work.

Mary Kelly
Assistant Principal

PE News

Cross Country
Our squad will be competing at Lilydale Lake tomorrow in the Montrose District Cross Country. The first event will be the 9/10 boys commencing at 12.30pm.

Thank you,
Brendan Murphy

Ms Readathon

Last Friday the children listened to a representative from MS and gained a greater understanding of the plight of people with MS.

Many children have signed up to participate in the MS readathon to support the organisation to find a cure.

Good Luck and Happy reading!
Lynn Williams

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School Trivia Night

Saturday 20th June – Tickets on sale soon!

Do you, a family member or a friend have a business that is willing to donate an item or service for auction or raffles at our trivia night? 
Do you work for someone who would be willing to donate an item?
Are you able to help with setting up on the Saturday afternoon?

If you can help with any of the above, please contact

Sandy Jackson on 9723 7379
Emma Wigley on 9723 3667

Note: all sponsors will have an advert placed in the first Ruskin news published after the trivia night. 

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Walk to School Day

Well done to all those students who participated in Walk To School Day last Friday. There were noticeably less cars on the street and students who walked safely to school gained some points for their house colour. Walking to School is a fantastic way for students and their families to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

So stay active and remember, ‘It’s cool to walk to school!’

Mel Vistarini

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Family and Friends

Hi to everyone. I hope all Ruskin Park Mothers had a fabulous Mothers' Day. We would like to thank everyone who supported Mothers' day by either buying a plaque or other items at the stall.

A huge thank you to the teachers and children who by all reports did a fantastic job on their Mothers' Day gifts.

We have made approximately $700, which is a fantastic effort and now look forward to distributing these funds evenly throughout each year level. Well done everyone.
 
Kind regards
  
Samantha Unsworth
Family & Friends President.

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Loud Shirt Day

It was fantastic to see so many students brighten up a dull Friday with their loud shirts last week. With all your gold coin donations we managed to raise around $250 for hearing impaired babies and children. Great effort everyone!

Mel Vistarini

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Camp Arrabri

On Wednesday, 6th May, sixty-seven Grades 5 and 6 students and seven teachers and parent-helpers invaded Camp Arrabri for 3 days of fun, food and fitness. The students worked in 5 groups developing their cooperative skills, challenging their fears and working with new friends. Most of the activities were outside and even though it rained on Thursday we all enjoyed the challenges presented to us.

The students enjoyed the animal enclosure, the mini golf, trampoline and the basketball court when given free time to pursue their own interests. As usual we appreciated the great meals and snacks throughout the day, and the cheery kitchen staff who were always willing to help accommodate special dietary needs where necessary or provide a cup of coffee to a weary adult.

The students were happy (but tired) to go home on Friday and we were delighted with their great behaviour and willingness to support each other throughout the camp.
We would like to thank Emma Wigley, Tanja Dalton and Holly Dazenko for being our parent helpers, Marissa
Cashmore and Kate Gardner our student teachers and Robbie Boyle our chaplain for all making our 2009 camp a great one.

Brendan Alexander, Margot Pope and Jennie Bickford
Level 4 teachers

CAMP ARRABRI LODGE
Camp Arrabri was so fun
And I loved the activities  
Mapping for orienteering
People were so nice

Also I went to the top of the giant swing
Remember the flying fox that was cool
Ropes course was so fun, I only fell off on the “kitten crawl” but it was still loved it
Archery was fantastic
Bringing your own food was yummy
Really everything was awesome
I would like to thank all the staff for the meals and accommodation, my room was very clean and sparkly *

Lollies were yummy and so were the marshmallows at the camp fire
Oh and luckily I actually got some sleep
Doing mini golf was cool to
Gold panning was very fun
Every little second I enjoyed

By Kristen O.

CAMP ARRABRI
CABINS WERE NICE AND CLEAN
   Adventures and activities
       Milk and Milo at night
           Was yum yum yum 
           Playing on the ropes course
              Is so much fun     
             
 Archery was hard but I had a very good go
   Rest at night was great in
     Our cosy cabins
       Rock climbing was so
    　  Much fun
          Activities included,
             Mini golf, and rock climbing
             Bed time was always at a good Time so we wouldn’t get tiered for the next day
               Ropes course was challenging
                 And exciting
                   Interesting and fuN activities
By Amy M.

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Out of School Hours Childcare (OSHC)

Curriculum Day Program - Friday 12th June
We will be running a Curriculum day program from 7.00am to 6.30pm on this day (If sufficient enrolments are received)

An exciting day is being planned - morning activities will include craft, cooking, carpentry, outdoor games, dancing, DVDs and Wii Fit. In the afternoon we will have a creative art workshop on puppet making presented by Mad Art Works.

Curriculum day booking forms will be available on Friday 22nd May from the Oshc program.

Programs
These programs are planned in consultation with the children and highlight "Special "activities based around the children's interests and requests. We aim to repeat these activities during each week to ensure all interested children have an opportunity to participate.

Other activities available every day include: Dramatic Play, Construction, Music/DVDs, Game boys and Computers, Drawing, Junk Construction, Puzzles and Board Games, Quiet Area for Reading and Homework, Sports Equipment and Outdoor Games.

What's on at Before School Care

What's on at After School Care

Thank you,

Sharyn, Benita and Merrilyn
Out of School Hours Child Care (OSHC)

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Ruskin Park Auskick News

Ruskin Park AFL Auskick Center 2009 Postal Address: 3 Fay Court, Croydon Vic 3136

Hi everyone!

Saturday May 9th was our Richmond Player visit and we were lucky enough to have Alroy Gilligan #45 from the Richmond Football Club.

Alroy mainly plays in the forward line and is in his 1st season at Punt Rd.
Alroy was recruited from Claremont in WA and is still to make his debut in 2009.
Alroy went to school with Cyril Rioli, Hawks and Paddy Ryder, Essendon.

Alroy Gilligan    Richmond - Tigers

Age: 18

Height: 171 cm

Number: 45

Position: Small Forward

Games: Rookie (Still to make Debut)
Small forward with pace and agility, and has good goal sense. From Claremont, he was selected in the WAFL Colts team of the year in 2008.

The Skills Test results are being compiled and as a result, the Round Robin Representatives will be chosen. “Stay Tuned!” Thanks to all those that helped on the day and to the kids for being so patient, “Well Done!”.

Saturday May 30th is our first Interclinic for the year when Mooroolbark Auskick Hosts Ruskin Park Auskick at Mooroolbark Secondary College and later in the afternoon 15 Intermediates will travel to Etihad Stadium for a Grid game at the Nth Melbourne V Brisbane Lions Match.

Go Ruskin!

Steve Davidson
Coordinator
Ruskin Park Auskick Clinic.
(Phone: 9723 2986 or 0412 104654 anytime)

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An Exciting Opportunity for Victorian Students!

John Monash Science School is a specialist science school opening in 2010 at Monash University, Clayton, beginning at Year 10. It is a government school in the Eastern Metropolitan Region, for Years 10 to 12 students. We welcome applications from any Victorian students with a keen interest in the sciences and a desire to pursue a career in this exciting field!!

Monash University and DEECD are partners in this initiative. The combined expertise and resources will help ensure students are able to access programs of the highest quality in the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, the VCE and university enhancement.

If you are in Year 9 now and are keen for a challenge, we would invite you to register for enrolment!

For all information about the school please visit the website www.jmss.vic.edu.au, including details on how to register for the entrance test on July 18th at Monash University Clayton campus

Our Information Night will take place on Thursday June 11th at the Alexander Theatre Monash University Clayton beginning at 7 p.m.

Further enquiries to JMSS Office at EMR, 92652492 or via email on john.monash.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au

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Naplan

National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy 

Last week, saw the Year 3 and 5 students working diligently on their tests for the 'National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy'. Congratulations to all students for their efforts and many thanks to parents and teachers for their support.

Results of tests will be distributed from the 14th September.
Further information may be obtained from  

www.naplan.edu.au/frequently_asked_questions/frequently_asked_questions.html

Lynn Williams
NAPLAN coordinator

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Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

Does your child like to write poetry? This year the Dorothea Mackellar poetry awards’ theme is ‘Searching for Stars’ and at Ruskin Park we have many.

If your child is interested they can see me or access the web on www.dorothea.com.au

Entries close on June 26th.

Good Luck!
Lynn Williams

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The Ruskin Park Primary School Vision

THE RUSKIN PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL VISION
Every student at Ruskin Park Primary School can develop their natural curiosity and imagination through new and engaging approaches to teaching and learning.

The encouragement of a positive attitude within a friendly community of learners will promote success today, tomorrow and into the future.

THE RUSKIN PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL VALUES ARE
Building Friendships
Creativity
Honesty, and
Respect