Issue 612
09 September 09
Contact our school
18-20 Ruskin Avenue(P. O. Box 249)
CROYDON, Vic 3136
Ph: (03) 9723 3886
Fax: (03) 9725 5355
OSHC: 0439 345 134
Email: ruskin.park.ps
@edumail.vic.gov.au
Web: www.ruskinparkps.vic.edu.au
Our Sponsors
Please click on any of the advertisments below to contact the business via email
 Principal’s Message
Bush Dance
SEPTEMBER
Fri 11 Sept
– 1:00-2:00pm – Prep Transition
Mon 14th Sept
– Assembly & Principal’s Awards
Tues 15th Sept
– 7:30pm – Families and Friends Meeting
Thurs 17th Sept
– Free Dress Day – Theme ‘a famous musician’ – Gold coin
donation for Robotics team to go to Australian Championships.
Fri 18th Sept
– 2:30pm DISMISSAL – Lunch 1-2 pm / Last day of Term 3
OCTOBER
Mon 5th Oct
– Term 4 Starts –
Welcome Back!
– Assembly & Principal’s Awards
Thurs 8th Oct
– Footsteps Dance program commences
– Ruskin News
Mon 12th-Wed14th Oct
– Year 4 Gundiwindi Camp
Mon 12th Oct
– Assembly & Principal’s Awards
– 7:00pm – School Council
Thurs 15th Oct
– Footsteps Dance program
Mon 19th Oct
– Assembly & Principal’s Awards
18-24 October
- National Water Week
Tues 20th Oct
- Japanese Day
Thurs 22nd Oct
– Ruskin News
– Footsteps Dance program
Mon 26th Oct
– Assembly & Principal’s Awards
Tues 27th Oct
– Free Dress Day
– Spring Walk-a-Thon (Whole School)
Wed 28th Oct
– UNICEF Day for Change
Thurs 29th Oct
– 6:45-7:45pm – Mothers and Daughters Night-Yrs 3-6 girls
– Footsteps Dance program
NOVEMBER
Mon 2
nd
Nov
– Assembly & Principal’s Awards
Thurs 5th Nov
– Footsteps Dance program
– 6:45pm – 7:45pm – Blokes Night-Yrs 4-6 boys
– Ruskin News
Fri 6th Nov
– Tentative Disco Night-details forthcoming
Mon 9th Nov
– 9:15am-10:15am – Prep Transition
– 7:00pm – School Council
Mon 9th-Fri 13th Nov
– Years 2-5 Swimming
Wed 11th Nov
– Remembrance Day
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.
HE RUSKIN PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL VALUES ARE
Building Friendships
Creativity
Honesty, and Respect
 Be Safe and Happy Holidays
I’d like to wish all families a safe and enjoyable third term school break. The students will be
dismissed on Friday, 18th September at 2:30 pm. Lunch will take place from 1-2 pm on this day
and the canteen will be operating for lunch orders. We look forward to seeing everyone back on
Monday, October 5th for an exciting and busy final term.
Parent Helpers and Volunteers
Many parents and other community members play a vital role in supporting the school throughout
the year. Volunteers support students in the classroom, for special events and excursions, during
working bees and in the provision of information and resources that assist the school to operate
more effectively and efficiently overall.
I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to all these wonderful individuals who do make a difference.
While December sounds like it’s still far away, I invite all volunteers and helpers to mark Thursday,
10th December on their calendars as this is the day the school will host a special morning tea to
celebrate and thank all these people.
Thank You
I’d like to thank Doug Elliott, Principal at Great Ryrie PS who has generously donated the furniture
we borrowed last year for Mrs. Tozer’s Prep classroom to our school. This is a wonderful gift which
is greatly appreciated.
I’d also like to thank Mic and Louise Carolan for visiting Croydon South PS and scooping up some
more chairs and tables for our use in 2010. Recycling is a great thing!
Fiona is our school crossing guard/lollypop lady on Ruskin Avenue. She is pleased to report that
the majority of students cross the road safely at most times. This is a reminder that students must
obey the crossing guard when crossing at the crosswalk. Fiona does a terrific job and when you
have the chance to thank her in person, I’m sure that she’d appreciate your comments.
Thanks to all the members of the Families and Friends Club who organised and ran a very
successful Fathers’ Day Stall on Friday, 4th September. We hope that all the dads had a terrific
day and enjoyed their gifts.
Canteen Updates
Students are strongly encouraged to restrict their spending at the canteen to $2 for years 3 to 6
students for morning recess snacks and $1 for Prep to 2 students. Anni, the canteen manager has
been advised not to accept notes larger than $5 for over the counter sales.
The school will be trialling an on line lunch ordering system during term 4 in addition to the regular
brown bag ordering method. By using the Lunch Monitors service, families can order their lunch
from the school canteen for the next day, week, or even next month, all from the comfort of your
home.
The school is seeking about ten families who would be willing to be part of this trial. For information
about this system go to: www.lunchmonitors.com.au
Please contact the school on 9723 1817 and leave your name and best contact phone number if
you are interested in participating in this trial. Someone will contact you by the start of Term 4 with
details.
Student Scholarships 2009-2010
A list of available scholarships can be found at: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/scholarships
These scholarships are advertised by the Department of Education but administered by Individual
Trustees. Online scholarship applications will be accepted commencing in late November 2009.
Contact Details
Parents and carers are reminded to inform the school of changes in contact details as soon as
possible. In the event of an emergency, the school needs to be able to reach the parent or other
designated party. Your cooperation in this regard is greatly appreciated. Kindly call 9723 3886 and
ask for Gwen.
SunSmart and School Uniforms
 School hats and sunscreen will be required by all students commencing 5th October-Term 4! All
students are also expected to come to school each day in their proper school uniform.
Occasionally other clothes must be worn and it is very important that the school receives a note of
explanation from the parent/carer as to why the student is not wearing their proper school uniform.
Teachers will be sending home notices with students who do not have a note from home and are
not wearing their proper school uniform. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Condolences
The school community expresses our sympathies to Mrs. Beare on the recent passing away of her
beloved father. May he rest in peace.
Elle May Laikve
Principal
The Premier’s Reading Challenge has now closed for this year. Congratulations to the 218
students who met the Premier’s Challenge this year by reading am amazing 6 058 books.
I am sure they had many happy moments reading, as well as improving their personal reading
skills.
These students will receive a certificate and names will be printed in the Age in the near future.
The Community News Notices will no longer be printed in the Newsletter but will now be displayed
on the notice board in the foyer opposite the office. These will be on display for two weeks only and
then removed.
All those wishing to find out about the events or clubs in the local area please take some time to
visit the Community Notice Board.
A
The Asthma Foundation send out quarterly newsletters to interested families. If you would like to
subscribe, please contact rcrocker@asthma.org.au. These newsletters offer interesting articles, a
diary of family information sessions and events as well as advice for families regarding asthma.
The Foundation also operates a toll free telephone HelpLine, 1800 645 130 Monday to Friday
between 9.30am – 3pm. The Asthma Advisors are available to answer any questions relating to
asthma.
Jenny Rainbow
TRI SKILLS
This successful four week gymnastic program concludes tomorrow. The children have enjoyed it
and gained lots of new skills from participating in the sessions. If you have not yet paid for the
program could you contact the office to arrange payment.
ATHS SPORTS
Thank you to all the parents who came along to the inter school Aths Sports last Friday week. The
children did well and special congratulations to Nick F from grade 5 who won the 800m event.
 SWIMMING TERM 4
An advance notice that our supplementary swimming program will be held for Years 2 to 5 children
at Kilsyth from the 9th until the 13th of November. More details to come next term.
AUSSIE RULES FOR JUNIORS
Get Active sports are running an Aussie Rules for Juniors program starting on October 17th at the
Bimbadeen Heights gym. This program is designed for children from the ages of 3 to 7.Information
and registration forms are available in the school foyer.
Many Thanks
Brendan Murphy
Thank you to the families and children who have supported the MS Readathon.
Congratulations to Caellam S who has completed and submitted his tremendous contribution of
$636.
Many thanks Caellam for your outstanding effort!
Lynn Williams
Hi Everyone,
We hope everyone has had an enjoyable Fathers' Day with their families. We would like to thank
each one of you for such a fabulous turn out at the stall on the day. We have made a profit of
approximately $400 which will be going back into things for the students. I would also like to thank
Belinda, Mel, Merrilyn, Natalie, Samantha and Tracey for their help with running the stall as their
help was invaluable.
Just a friendly reminder to every one that the Spring Walk-A-Thon is coming up shortly so get your
walking shoes ready!
Kind regards
Samantha Unsworth
Family and Friends President.
 Last Day Term Three – Friday 18th September
On the last day of term three After School Care will commence at 2.30pm instead of 3.30pm. We
plan to have an electronic games and movie afternoon. Children are welcome to bring a G rated
play station game or G rated movie to share.
Farewell
At the end of this term we farewell Merrilyn Davidson, who has been working in the OSHC program
for the past 18 months. We would like to thank Merrilyn for her contribution to the program and
wish her all the very best for the future.
Sun Smart
From the beginning of September through to the end of April all children attending After School
Care are required to wear a broad rimmed hat or legionaries hat when playing outdoors.
We supply Hamilton sunscreen for the children to use, however if you would prefer your child to
use a different type please send it to school in your child’s school bag.
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
Monday 14th September –
Friday 18th September 2009
Craft: - Super Paper Planes
Cooking: - Jam Drops (Thursday)
Games: - Musical Statues
Outdoor Fun: - Down Ball Challenge
Monday 5th October –
Friday 9th October 2009
Craft; - Hand Puppets
Cooking: - Honey Joys (Friday)
Games: - Ooblick
Outdoor Fun: - Frisbee Fun
WHAT’S ON AT AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Monday 14th September –
Friday 18th September 2009
Cooking: - Poffertjes (Tuesday)
Requested by Brittney
Craft: - Worry Doll
Requested by Chloe
Games: - Carpentry
Sports: - Badminton (Wednesday)
Dance (Thursday)
Monday 5th October –
Friday 9th October 2009
Craft: - Hand Puppets
Requested by Jazmin
Outdoor Fun: - T Ball
Cooking: - Banana Bread (Thursday)
Games: - Meteors
OSHC Team
Out of School Hours Child Care
 FINALISTS
Congratulations to Josh W and Justin T from Grade 5. During term 2 they spent a lot of time
researching and experimenting to complete an excellent Power Point explaining how a Boomerang
works. While working on the project, they discovered that Mr Brown has in the past spent a lot of
time practising boomerang throwing so that he could use the skills while working in Japan!
We entered the boys presentation in the Verniers Competition and have just found out that theirs
was judged to be one of the top 5 in Victoria. The boys are excited to have been invited to a
luncheon on Thursday 10th to find out their placing. All 5 teams will win science equipment for
their school.
We are looking forward to see where the boys came.
Well done!
Victorian Robotics Champions
The Australian Championships are drawing closer. Josh C has spent a lot of time improving the
program and rebuilding the robots to include sensors and subprograms, in order to gain more
points in the interview than in the Victorian Championships.
Everyone was really impressed with the robots and the way they danced to the music of Jailhouse
Rock when Josh and Caleb ran their program for all grades to see. There were some very
interesting questions that were asked of Josh and Caleb.
HELP NEEDED
We are looking for the loan of a dress up Policeman’s cap for Caleb to wear and a pop-gun to use
at the Championships, as the boys are dressing up as guards in the jail where the robots are
dancing to Jailhouse Rock.
The prize money from Robocup Junior Victorian Championship and from a grant we have applied
to Maroondah Council for, doesn’t quite cover the cost of the team travelling to Sydney in a couple
of weeks for the Australian Robocup Junior Championships. To help make up the shortfall, we are
holding a Free Dress Day on Thursday 17th September with a gold coin donation. The theme for
the day will be famous musicians/singers. Hopefully we will see some Elvis’s as the music the
robots dance to is Jailhouse Rock.
Thank you,
Margot Pope
Last week several of the staff visited George Wood Performing Arts Centre in Ringwood. We are
very excited about the beautiful theatre and are sure that it is going to be an amazing venue for our
concert in November.
I’d like to remind you to put the date Wednesday, 25th November in your diaries as all students
from Prep to Grade 6 will be involved in performing on that evening.
Jenny Rainbow
Arts Convenor
We have been most fortunate to have the assistance of many classroom volunteers who given up
their time in supporting students’ reading. Their valuable time is truly appreciated by both students
and teachers.
Many thanks
 Heather Stewart
Heather Dosset
David Cook,
Wendy Murray
Christine Forshaw
Kay Hanley
Felicity Pitcher
Rebecca Hartley
Traci Goddard
Kirstyn Anderson
Melissa Manthey
Phillippa Commins
Kerrie Cunningham
Belinda Tyack
Samantha Unsworth
Dana Musgrave
Annette Fitzgerald
Merrilyn Davidson
Andrea Feller,
Jane Burrows,
Michelle Harris,
Michelle Allen,
Chris Forshaw,
Marli Gervasoni,
Sue Brownlee
Marli Gervasoni
Tracey Hilton
Joanna Campbell
Amanda Neagle
Emma ferrier
Sonja Pawsey
Patrick Nixson
Jules Cathie
Fiona Gibb
Nicole Gibson
Melody Mackay
Kate Pownall
Elizabeth Stevens
Jennifer Smith
Fiona Tilker
Kym Mcintosh
Mrs Kershaw
Mrs Wiggly
Ms Plummer
Mrs Fitzpatrick
Cath Williamson
Amanda Rosaroll
Natasha Meyland
The grade 4 students would like to say a big thank you to all those
children who supported their toy and book stall.
We raised $240 which was enough money to adopt 2 orangutans
through the Borneo Orangutan Survival organisation in Australia.
We have already received our adoptions papers with a photograph
of our orangutans and look forward to our first newsletter which will
inform us of the progress of our orangutans.
We are really proud of our efforts.
Grade 4 Teachers and students.
Choir Victoria is refreshed and rejuvenated and is now located nearby at Tintern Girls Grammar
School.
Both boys and girls aged 5 years and up are welcome to audition for our Victorian Girls and
Victorian Boys Choirs.
We are a parent run, non-profit choir who employ professional staff to provide your child with
excellent musical tuition, in an atmosphere of great fun and friendship.
For an affordable musical and wonderful lifetime experience for your child, please contact the office
on 9845 7881 or Ros on 0403 472 033 for details or visit our website at www.choirvictoria.org.au.
Alternatively, please feel free to attend our information and audition session at 2.00pm on Saturday
12th September at Tintern Girls Grammar School, Alexandra Road, Ringwood East (Melways Ref
50 D9).
Thank you to our Sponsors
Please take the time to support those people and companies who support our school.
 Hair Mania
91 Brice Avenue
Mooroolbark
9727 3344
Gray Line
Bus Tours
1300 858687
Hair Sense
32 Main Street
Croydon
9723 3248
Just Cuts
Shop G131
Eastland Shopping Centre
Ringwood
1800 334 498
Sovereign Hill Ballarat
5337 1100
Melbourne 360
Melbourne Observation Deck –
Rialto
Level 55 Rialto South Tower
525 Collins Street
Melbourne
9629 8222
Scienceworks
9392 4864
Nikos Tavern
190 Mount Dandenong Rd
Ringwood East
9870 0554
Melbourne Cricket Club
Brunton Avenue
Jolimont
9657 8888
Le Mans Go Kart
55 Waterview Close
Dandenong South
8787 8741
Astas Tandoor
91 Main Street
Croydon
Subway
Main Street
Croydon
A Maze’N Things
1805 Phillip Island Road
Cowes
5952 2283
Puffing Billy Railway
Old Monbulk Rd
Belgrave
9754 6800
Chirnside Park Centre
Management
Maroondah Highway
Chirnside Park
The Tan Shop – Beauty Salon
178 Main Street
Croydon
9725 0725
Noeleen Talbot
Mrs Pope
Kathleen & Harry Jackson
Elle-May Laikve
Sonia Etheridge
Katherine Crennan
The Learning Ladder
9758 9260
Trish Lanzendorfer
Nutremetics
9870 3737
0408 102 584
A Balloon & Party Centre
116 Main Street
Croydon
9725 1432
Mandy’s Beauty Salon
17 Bretby Way
Montrose
9761 9702
Personal Trainer
KLH Mobile Personal Training
0425 760 447
Just Yummy
(specializing in gluten free)
13 Meadowgate Drive
Chirnside Park
9727 0034
Kmart
Chirnside Park 9726 5444
La Porchetta
93 Maroondah Highway
Croydon
9723 6566
Walk up Cuts & Colours
Shop 716
Chirnside Park
Shopping Centre
9727 5144
Club Kilsyth
Cnr Canterbury &
Colchester Rds
Bayswater North
9761 4233
Subway
239-241 Maroondah Highway
Chirnside Park
9726 8922
Pets Paradise Eastlands
L12-13 171 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood
9879 8299
Eastlands
Centre
Management
171-175 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood
Guardian Pharmacy
401 Maroondah Highway
North Croydon
9726 0137
Natural Skin Sense
30 Main Street
Croydon
Melbourne Storm
PO Box 141
Parkville
ID Hair
Shop L034
Eastlands Shopping Centre
Ringwood
Dan Murphys
159 Boronia Road
Boronia
Kenman Kandy Australia
16 Henderson Road
Scoresby
A notice went out to all Junior school families in the purple pockets last Friday regarding the Bush
Dance.
As the Bush Dance is scheduled for the first week back from school holidays, we would like to sell
as many tickets as possible by the RSVP date to ensure the success of this evening.
Therefore could you please forward this email to the families in your year level. I believe the
children will be performing a dance to open the evening.
The details are as follows:
 Junior School Bush Dance
When:
Friday October 9, 2009
Time:
6pm – 8pm
Where:
Glen Waverley Campus, Junior School, Jean James Oval
Cost:
$20 per family (BYO picnic dinner)
RSVP & money:
Friday September 11th - To the Junior School office
Thank you for your support.
Kind regards,
Carmela Nankervis
Yr 2 Representative
At Ruskin Park, we celebrated Literacy and Numeracy Week with a variety of activities including
sharing books, a galaxy of stars showing our favourite books, a cartoon drawing and writing
competition and investigating our names for the national ‘Reach for the Stars’ data collection.
We also held our first mental computation championship, which allowed the students to
demonstrate their knowledge of numbers and processes. All students took part in their grade
competition with very good results. The names of the winners are printed below.
The first three students in Grades 3 & 4 and 5 & 6 then competed to find the Level 3 and 4 Quiz
Champion. The Level 3 Champion was Brad M and the Level 4 Champion was Alex Y.
Congratulations to all competitors, especially Brad and Alex.
GRADE WINNERS WERE:
Grade Prep A:
Jaymie C
Grade Prep E:
Cole M
Grade Prep T:
Evan S
Grade 1/2M:
Matthew D (Year 1)
Lachy B (Year 2)
Grade 1/2V:
Joshua C (Year 1)
Alia F (Year 2)
Grade 1/2L:
Emma W (Year 1)
Dylan Dent (Year 2)
Grade 1/2S: Nicholas C & Jordan S (Yr 1)
Tyler W (Year 2)
Grade 1/2N:
Cooper F & Connor T (Yr 1)
Steven J & Joseph C L (Yr 2)
Grade 3B:
1st Jenna B
2nd Srayash C
3rd Caitlin J
Grade 3MW:
1st Brad M
2nd Alex C Nelson M
Grade 4R:
1st Sarah H
Equal 2nd Daniel McC & Calvin F
Grade 4C:
1st Jacob S
2nd Catrina K
3rd Zac W
Grade 5/6B:
1st Alex Y and Jade S
2nd Srayash C
3rd Caitlin J
Grade 5/6A:
1st Josh C
2nd Srayash C
3rd Caitlin J
Grade 5/6P:
1st Daniel S
2nd Ashleigh M
3rd Caleb B
Students enjoyed the special literacy events through the week; buddy reading, nominating and
decorating their favourite story on a star and continuing their writing for the Book Week
Competition. The library looks tremendous decorated with book stars and the buddy reading was
a highlight for many of the students.
Congratulations to all the students for their wonderful efforts.
Marg Bloom, Lynn Williams and Alaine Beare
 WiseOnes – Moving Clever To Wise
Coming up Term 4 …
WiseOnes is a program for fast learners* from Grades 1-6. It operates during school hours, in
small groups. It provides students with an opportunity to mix with other creative thinkers, be
challenged and have fun. There is a levy of $190 for the term – 8 one-hour sessions in a very small
group. The levy is payable before the start of the unit.
*Children with high potential for learning may show the following characteristics:
How to … Mind Your Money
Suddenly everyone is talking about money, savings,
the share market and budgeting.
How DO you mind your money?
Is it good to have cash and save it in a money box?
How do credit/debit cards work?
In this unit we learn about budgeting, savings, interest, the share market.
Establish a share watch, and use the business section
of the newspaper to check your shares.
Classify what we buy at the supermarket, & make discoveries
about the total spending of a typical family .
We use plays and drama, maths activities & games
to teach us how to mind our money!
 Requires less sleep than other children
High energy levels
Quirky sense of humour
Advanced ethical and moral concerns
Flexible, creative thinker
Understands abstract concepts well ahead of others the same age
Highly perceptive of own and others feelings, needs.
Perseveres for long periods of time in special interest areas
Gets on better with older children and adults
An inquiring mind, highly curious
Sets high standards for self, perfectionist tendencies
Excellent vocabulary for age
Able to solve problems quickly and often creatively
Believe that school is for learning
Ref: Professor Joyce Van Tassel-Baska.
For students already qualified: Individual notices are being sent next week.
For new students:
The free Problem-solving try-out, which is quick to do, suits students with maths and science type
abilities. The free Reading test suits those with high ability in language.
To try-out for WiseOnes, please contact Christine Ryan, Ph: 03 8320 3340
The importance of protecting our environment was highlighted at Ruskin Park during a special
week of activities linked to Planet Ark’s National Tree Planting Event which was held on the 31st of
July in all state schools. During literacy lessons students read stories such as Where the Forest
Meets the Sea by J. Baker and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss which highlighted the importance of trees
and provided the stimulus for writing sessions.
Our students were invited to participate in a writing competition. The following 16 entries were
selected because they captured the importance of saving trees and our environment. Thank you to
everyone who entered the competition and I hope you enjoy reading the winning entries as much
as I did.
Alaine Beare
Leading Teacher
Name
Grade
Entry
Jordie G
4C
A Short Story – “The Very Naughty
Tree”
Isla M
4R
Trees - A Poem
Letisha W
4R
The Tree Rhyme
Chloe N
4R
Trees - A Poem
Matilda Q
3MW
The Importance of Trees
Harley L
4R
Trees - A Poem
Jasmine E
56P
“The Big Oak” A Story
Caleb B
56P
“Save
The Trees” A Poem
Liam C
12M
A Tree Story
Holly T
12V
The Importance of Trees
Mark G
12M
Why Trees are Important?
Madison G
12L
Why Trees are Important?
Elin M
12SW
Acrostic Poem - Tree
Shayla C
12SW
Trees
Ebony T
4R
Tree Poem
Sophie F
12SW
Trees
 The Very Naughty Tree
It all began in the forest where all the lovely, well mannered trees
lived, well all except for one tree. You, see this one tree was a very
naughty tree his name was Sneaky. He was always playing tricks on
the humans who came into the forest. He said things like “look over
there” and then picked them up and threw them way back into the
city. One day a man came into the forest and sat near the river
expecting some fish. Sneaky the tree said “look over there” the man
didn’t answer, Sneaky tried again “look over there” the man turned
around and said “look you don’t fool me you silly old tree so why
don’t you just leave me alone”. The tree swooped to pick the man up but the man moved out of
the way and Sneaky fell into the river and broke a few branches. “That will teach you” the man
laughed and walked home. The tree was never naughty again in fact, he became the nicest tree in
the forest.
The End
By Jodie G 4C
Trees
Why won’t they listen just listen to me just one little person just one just me.
They cut down the trees one by one
Just leave them for my kids at least just one.
The trees are special all of them it’s true
Just listen just listen or else you will be blue.
There’s wattle red gum willow and more
Just tell me some other time for trees galore!
By Isla M 4R
The Tree Rhyme
We need trees for the bees
We need oxygen for us to breathe
So can you please save our trees
Please please I’m on my knees.
By Lateisha W 4R
Trees
Trees are important
They are creatures of beauty
Of which we should love
They give oxygen
And much joy for everyone,
We can give things to…
Give them room to grow,
Enjoy them while they last too.
Trees are earth’s heart.
People cut down trees
Next time you see a tree stump,
Think of planting seeds
So take care of trees
They are just doing their job
Our world…great!
By Chloe N 4R
The Importance of Trees!
 The trees are important because they give us oxygen. They help animals by giving them food and
shelter. They are fun to climb on they also clear the water and stop erosion. The trees make
homes for the poor. So just because they have no mouth or eyes they are still alive.
Save the Trees!
By Matilda Q 3MW
Trees
Trees give us oxygen
And medicine
Shelter too.
Trees give us something to look at.
The branches hang down like they are about to pick up something.
They are home to birds and insects so you have the choice
Will you cut a tree down or will you not?
By Harley L 4R
The Big Oak Tree
In the woods there is a big oak tree, it is home to a sparrow, a rabbit, a field mouse and a squirrel.
The animals call it Sam and have been living there for three years now, although Sam has been
living there for ten. One day a man came through the woods, he stopped and looked at Sam,
“This tree is huge!” he said “I could make a lot of money!” I’ll go and tell my friends, maybe they
could help me.
And with that the man was gone. Meanwhile the animals were listening the whole time.
“What is he going to do with Sam? asked the sparrow. “I don’t know”, answered the rabbit, “but I
don’t think it is good.
The next day the man came back, but with help. The man had brought with him an enormous
truck, five chainsaws and four other men! “I think we’re in trouble now!” squeaked the mouse in a
high pitched voice. The man was coming straight towards them and Sam, with a chainsaw.
Suddenly the squirrel jumped out in front of him “Stop” he yelled. “ If you cut down this tree we
won’t have a home! We love this tree and we love living in it! “Wow” said the man “I never thought
about a tree like that before and I guess I shouldn’t go cutting down trees anywhere… I’m sorry, I
promise I won’t cut down just any tree; and if I do I’ll plant a new one! “Thank you!” shouted the
animals, “Thank you!”
By Jasmine E 56P
Save the Trees
Save the trees for the bees
Kill the axes they’re like million dollar taxes
Don’t cut down the trees, it’s like killing an innocent bee.
How would you like it if you were cut down?
Then fell over and hit the ground
Don’t use the paper from the tree hater
Instead use 100% recycled paper
If you see someone cutting down a tree
Say “you cut down that tree, you go through me”
Caleb B 56P
Please don’t cut
down
our home.
 National Tree Day
One day Aidan the Koala lived in a beautiful tree so he got oxygen. He could feel the breeze and
eat the leaves. He was such a friendly koala he shared his leaves too. One day a naughty man
came and he chopped his tree. Then he couldn’t eat and he was sad.
By Liam C 12V
The Importance of Trees
Trees are very special because they give oxygen and healthy food. Trees come in lots of shapes
and sizes even wonky! Lots of birds and animals need trees to keep warm. Trees keep lots of
people alive because of the oxygen. Trees are good because sometimes you have to wash your
fruit because it might be poisonous. Trees are very tall and long. Their trunk is fat, wide and
brown. Trees are very good and cool.
By Holly T 12V
Why trees are so important?
Trees are important because they give us shade. If we didn’t have trees there wouldn’t be any
shade at all. If we didn’t have trees the bears wouldn’t have house s with the possums either
would the koalas or the squirrels. There wouldn’t be any fresh air.
By Mark G 12M
Why Trees are important?
Trees help us breathe. Trees also give us wood and paper. Wood is
important to furniture. Paper is important because you make stuff right and
write on it. Anyway Trees are also important because they give shade and
oxygen.
By Madison G 12L
Trees
Trees are
Responsible for preventing
Erosion on planet
Earth. They give give us
Shade.
By Elin M
Trees
We need shade to keep us cool. Trees give us
oxygen. The leaves give us compost to put on
our garden/ If we didn’t have trees there would
be erosion.
By Shayla C 12SW
Trees
Trees help us breathe,
They keep the air clean.
Don’t cut them down
It will make us all frown.
Animals like to eat it
And we do too,
It gives all medicine
For me and you.
They’re houses for insects
and animals too
 without trees
there’s nothing to do.
By Ebony T 4R
Trees
Trees are important because they give us oxygen. Some people are chopping down trees.
Animals need trees because they live in them and also they give them shade and shelter. People
are chopping down trees to use it for furniture and timber. I love trees because you can climb them
and build a cubby house. That’s why I love trees.
By Sophie F 12SW
One day a Super Cat came along. A bad guy was pushing a person off the edge and the Super
Cat came to save the person. The person said, “Thank you for saving me. There is another person
falling. Go and help them.” Super Cat said, “I will deal with this.” “Ok, you can do it!” said the
person. “Yes I can! I am the best” said Super Cat. Super Cat saved the person. “I have saved the
day”, he said. “Let’s have some chocolate. What do you say?” “Yes”, said the person…and they
did.
By Lucas B - Prep E
On Friday the 31st July three representatives from each class participated in our schools National
Tree Planting Day event which was held at Ruskin Park Primary School. We planted 50 Australian
trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the school and in the Prep Garden.
The children who participated weeded the designated area and prepared the planting site. It was
wonderful to see the enthusiasm and care they took as they gently planted each seedling. Over the
next few months classes will be encouraged to monitor and protect our seedlings to ensure their
survival. Then as they mature we will be able to enjoy the wildlife they attract and the shade they
provide. We will also know the children at our school have made a positive contribution to
maintaining the health of our planet.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Natalie Tisch for her support with the organization
of our Tree Planting Day at Ruskin Park. She kindly gave up her time to arrange the delivery and
collection of the seedlings and sponsors donations. Secondly the day would not have been
possible without the generosity of Candlebark Nursery who donated 50 Australian native trees and
shrubs. I would also like to thank Toyota the sponsors of Planet Ark’s National Tree Planting Day
for their support and donations of T-shirts. Finally I would like to thank Mr. Scott who despite the
wet conditions helped prepare the planting site and assisted our students on the day. It is a credit
to the students involved that they completed the task in an hour they have left a lasting legacy at
our school.
Alaine Beare
Leading Teacher
 Book Week
Everyone enjoyed the Book Week activities that were held throughout the week. Each grade was
given a different shortlisted book to read and study. Mrs Elms had spent a lot of time prior to the
week, reading each of the books and working out fabulous art activities that enhanced the book.
The enjoyment each grade gained from the books and the artwork was wonderful.
On Thursday each grade showed off their artwork and gave a report about the book that they
studied. They were all fantastic.
On Wednesday, Mrs Stuart organised for Brett Cardwell, the cartoonist to come and demonstrate
to the students how to draw cartoon characters. It was great to see every student who attended,
engrossed in creating their own characters. Brett broke the features down into sections, beginning
with the eyes and mouth. He demonstrated how to draw them to create different moods. Everyone
was successful in creating excellent characters.
After creating their own characters, the students were then given time to write a story involving
their character. Each level decided on a winner who was awarded a Book Club voucher and a
certificate at assembly. The winning stories have been published below. Congratulations to Lucas
B Level 1, Tahli M Level 2, Anja S Level 3 and Ashleigh M Level 4. They all received a $10
voucher for Book Club.
It was a great week highlighting literature and the enjoyment that can be gained from books.
Margot Pope
Level 2 Winner – Bart Man
One day there was a robot called Robby. He was knitting in the special lounge room. There was a
boy called Bart Man. He was still making his cape. Soon an alarm went on so Bart Man went to
find where the noise was coming from. First he looked in the park. It wasn’t coming from there, so
he looked in the bank and that was where the alarm was coming from. He quickly went inside to
see what was going on. When he went in he saw Chris. He was robbing the bank, so Bart stopped
him and saved the day, but he had forgotten about Robby so he ran home and checked on Robby.
All he was doing was still knitting, so Bart went to bed.
By Tahli
Level 3 Winner – Lolly Land
Once upon a time there lived two children called Peter and Susan. They lived in Lolly Land, in a
lolly house. There was a terrible baddie called Licorice Gobble Bottom. He lived in a castle.
One day Licorice Gobble Bottom stole the humongous lollypop, which guarded the entrance to
Lolly Land. This same day Peter and Susan noticed that the lollypop was gone, so they went to
find the lollypop.
They kept on searching and searching until they thought it could be in his castle, so they walked all
the way to his castle.
“Phew, finally we’re here” said Peter.
“But what do we do about the guards?” asked Susan.
“I’ve got an idea” said Peter.
“What?”
“If you distract the guards with making a bee noise, they will start slapping each other, then I’ll tie
them up with fairy floss.”
“O.k.” said Susan.
So they did that. After the guards were wrapped in sticky pink fairy floss, the children climbed up
the stairs and found the giant lolly pop in a big room. They carried it down the stairs where the
noticed Licorice Gobble Bottom. Peter and Susan wished that that evil baddie would disappear,
which he did. Thankfully the humongous Lollypop was magic, so Susan and Peter put the lollypop
back in it’s rightful place and went home.
By Anja S
Level 4 winner
-
The Final Lap
As I lined up to run, my heart was pounding out of my chest. Compared to all of the other girls, I
was an amateur. I watched the big hairy man yell something foreign to the conductor who started
the race. I blanked out my mind and prepared for the big yellow whistle. The whistle blew and I was
off like a rocket. All my thoughts and emotions settled into one big blur. My mind was set into the
zone. I roared as to say “I’m coming, so scram!”
My feet thudded and stomped down the track. Before I knew it I was on the home stretch. I threw
my arms back and sped through the finish line. I couldn’t find the strength to look back and see
where the others were. When I finally did, I knew where they were. They were doing the second
lap, like I was supposed to have done. I stood up quickly and went to do a second lap, but I was
too late. My stupidity had cost me a gold medal. I got removed from the track. I was bawling my
eyes out. I had cost Australia an Olympic Gold in the 800 metre event.
As I was welling it over in my hotel room, I got a call from an Olympic Official asking me to meet
them down at the track now. I used the energy I didn’t use that morning and bolted down to the
track. I swear I looked like a shadow. I got down there and they told me that I was the gold medal
winner!
Puzzled, I asked how? As it appeared, all the other contestants had been taking performance
enhancing drugs. I didn’t know what to say. I am an Olympic Champion!
My point is, there is always hope!
By Ashleigh M
 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
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