Principal's Blog

School Property Update

18/6/2021

Kia ora RVS Community,

The Spiritual, emotional and physical environments are all important in education. We are continually working to maintain an excellent environment here at RVS. This blog pertains to the physical environment.

In my last update, I promised more information on development happening around the property. Certainly an exciting time as we continue to prioritise works and see them completed. Many are involved in the projects being done and we thank our proprietors, Doug Clark, Glenroy and Kevin Dickens for their continued work. We have many projects on the go at the moment...

Project 1 - New automatic sliding doors.

The Foyer now has an impressive set of auto sliding doors. You will remember the old set that were heavy and difficult to open.

Project 2 - Paths and tree removal

One of the main thoroughfares in our school now is the area in between the Library and B Block. We have a nice, wide, paved walkway planned for this area but will need to remove the big tree first. I am not a fan of tree removal but this is important for flow and future path integrity. We will plant many more in its stead. The large tree near the drop-off area will also be felled as it has become rotten and is a safety concern. Several large branches have broken off recently. This work will be done this coming Monday.
More paths are planned around the school but only as money permits.

Project 3 - Jnr Playground Installation - RVS CREW project

The RVS CREW (https://www.rvs.school.nz/rvs-support-crew.html) have been faithfully raising funds to add to our current Jnr Playground. This is the year! With the wonderful help of Andy Johnson, we have a playground and an installation plan. The will also be embellishments to the current Jnr playground which is exciting news.

Project 4 - Kea Class Upgrade

As you will be aware, I moved back into my original office in A block to free up a space in the Library for our young Kea class starting soon. We wanted the Kea and Koru classes to be close to each other. We are working on a plan to bring the Jnr school together again but can not action this plan immediately.

My old office will have a new external door and stairs (by the current bike stands) and the bike stands will move slightly east to give easy access to the Kea class. We have been purchasing furniture for the new Kea class and it will be up and running in a matter of weeks.

Project 5 - The Basketball Court

We are over half way raising money for this! Thank you to all who have helped with this cause. The court will be situated next to E block and will begin as soon as the money has been raised. The picture below is taken in the main foyer and the black squares coloured indicate current squares that have been purchased.

Project 6 - Bottle Filling Station

At the north end of B block there will be a bottle filling station set up to look like a Marlborough/Waiharakeke mountain scene. The wall and surrounding area will be a Tapuae-O-Uenuku & Wairau scene pointing to our amazing, creative Heavenly Father. There will be seating there also.

Project 7 - F Block

We are looking forward to engaging again with the amazing Glenroy Housing, builders of our high quality C & E blocks to build our next learning block. The plan is for building to start in September, ready for the first day of T1, 2022. The project involves adding the second planned wing to the north side of the Sci/Tech block. It will have two classes and a study area to house our Y11-13 students. The classrooms we have from Glenroy are as good as you will find. Their understanding of health and safety, their integrity and their product make them a pleasure to work with.

So please do keep praying, with thankfulness, as we read in Colossians 3 for His continued provision. There will be opportunities to be involved along the way and help out, for the benefit of our dear young people.

Thank you and God bless,

Dave Pauling
Principal

Principal's Update

21/5/2021

Kia ora Kotou RVS Community,

I am consistently thrilled with so many of the things I see as I move through Richmond View School on a daily basis. I thought it time I let you know some of the great things and ‘behind the scenes’ actions taking place. We are celebrating FRIENDSHIP week and have spent time considering what it means to be a friend, as Jesus would see it. We have had some GREAT conversations and reflected on our ever growing understanding of what is often an overlooked skill/understanding.
We finished today with a mufti day (for most) and this great activity!

I wish to thank all of those involved in the RVS Support Crew for the work they are doing. I have spoken with Alistair Schorn (Crew Chair) about the direction of the Crew and I am excited about what I hear. Tickets for the Delicia Dessert evening are selling here & I encourage you to head along.
The crew are also working to bring together elements of the new Junior Playground addition which is going to be fantastic.

The Court fundraiser continues with us nearly half way through! Thank you to all who spread the word regarding the guitar auction, my personal contribution to see the court happen asap. The fine gentleman who purchased the guitar paid enough for over 20 new squares, thank you! There is a display in the ELIM Foyer showing where we are up to and how to contribute.

We are also working on fitting out my old office to become a great space for Kea Class (Y0), working on laying a path between B block and the library to connect C Block to the entrance path. We are also gearing up for the next big build with Glenroy, a space for Y11-13 students. More to come on that soon.

I am REALLY looking forward to the Junior School Jonah production coming later this term. I have observed the work that is going into this and know it will be great. Thank you to all the volunteers who are helping with props, costumes, sound etc.

We have had ERO (the Education Review Office) working with us this year. They have changed their model and are working alongside schools now to work on reviewing aspects of a school together. It is incredibly positive and we are enjoying the process. You can read more about the new model here. We have had very good feedback so far from the ERO team regarding our direction, processes and internal review.

We have had a photographer, Jared Buckley, in to take some great pictures of our great school. We are working to overhaul our website to make information easier to find and will update our pictures in the process.

Our Senior Choir "Whakakorōia" (to praise God) are performing in the Big Sing. This will be held in the ASB Theatre on the evening of the 17th of June and is quite a spectacle. Well done to all involved.

Our roll continues to grow and spaces continue to become limited. Due to our roll cap of 345, we have to be very careful about how we fill positions in classes. 345 places in our school roughly equates to a year group at each year level. This means once we reach a particular number in a year level, we need to begin a waiting list for that year level. That way, when our Senior school reaches Y13 (currently our top class is currently Y11), we will have places under the roll cap for them. Needless to say, roll growth in a State Integrated School with a cap is complex. If you have, or know of people who plan to attend RVS but have yet to enrol, please do so sooner than later to avoid potential disappointment. Always happy to answer questions around this if you have any.

I strongly encourage you to continue to connect with each other, whether it be before school in the classrooms, after school in the pick up zone, via the RVS Crew or in some other way. I have always maintained that we have a strong community because of the fact that we have at least two significant central desires, a school with Christ at the centre and an education that is collectively excellent, (excellence rather than perfection as perfection is unattainable). This gives us a great basis to remain strong and connected as we continue to grow.

Keep praying for the school, the staff, for wisdom and for each other. It makes a significant difference!

God Bless,

Dave Pauling
Principal

40th & Easter Celebrations

27/3/2021

Middle/Senior School Court Fundraiser

26/3/2021

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/music-instruments/instruments/guitar-bass/electric-guitars/listing/3026403233?bof=z8gq5Kys

Camps & Tramps Long Term Plan

3/3/2021

Dear RVS Whanau,
Please see below for the Camp & EOTC long term plan based on the consultation we did in 2019-20. More detail about each event will come out nearer the event.
The idea of this plan is to ensure there is plenty of notice before events. Camp fees are not compulsory due to RVS opting in to the donations scheme, but the payment of camp fees makes a huge difference to what we are able to do as a school.

God bless

Dave Pauling
Principal

Back to Level 2

28/2/2021

Dear RVS Whanau,

We are getting quite good at this now, oscillating between Covid-19 Levels. Please find below the things we need to remember at Level 2. It is very important that you scan the QR code of sign in manually before coming onsite.

We are also aware at RVS of the effect constant media coverage, phone alerts etc can have on our young people. Please get in touch with your child's teacher via email if this is the case.

Ngā mihi and God bless,

Dave Pauling
Principal

1. We are open to everyone, and all children must attend.
At Alert Level 2 the disease is contained but there is still risk of community transmission. It is safe for children and staff to attend school as there will be appropriate measures in place, including for children and staff vulnerable to severe illness.

2. Learning will be onsite with distance learning offered in some circumstances.
Distance learning should be provided for those required to self-isolate, only those individuals who health authorities have asked to stay away while waiting for a test result, or those choosing to remain at home because they are vulnerable to illness.

3. Schools are not classified as gatherings and a range of events and activities can go ahead.
For most day to day activities at schools, the rules for gatherings do not apply. Schools are exempted from physical distancing requirements when people are there to receive, provide, or support education services.

4. Schools will only close for cleaning and contact tracing if there is a confirmed case who was infectious when at school.
Your Director of Education will work closely with you and health authorities should this occur. Please contact your Ministry regional office if you hear of a confirmed case in your school community but haven’t been advised about it by health officials.

5. Face coverings are not required at school or on any school transport.
This includes charter buses hired by the school to transport students and staff. Anyone who chooses to wear a face covering in any setting should be supported to do so.

6. Sick people must stay at home.
They should seek medical advice if they have COVID-like symptoms and get tested if advised to do so. If that person displays relevant symptoms of COVID-19, tests positive for COVID-19, or has been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, they must self-isolate.

7. You must use the contact tracing system in place.
This includes the QR code posters at RVS's entrance, or signing in at the office.

8. Fundamental public health measures continue to apply at every alert level:

Physical distancing (not touching and not breathing on each other at Alert Level 2)
Hand hygiene
Cough and sneeze etiquette
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces.

Covid Level 1 - Thursday

17/2/2021

Kia ora koutou

It was great news to hear we are moving to Alert Level 1 so quickly. While new cases in the community are always disappointing to hear of, it is reassuring to see how quickly they have been identified. I am sure we are all grateful for the efforts of our health workers, scientists and technicians in this regard, and the thousands of people who have been tested.

Thank you for your compliance over the last few days in Level 2. Please do continue to scan QR codes and keep students at home who are unwell. We will continue to encourage hand-washing and keep our sanitiser stations in action.

Look forward to seeing you again in the morning.

Ngā mihi

Dave Pauling
Principal

Covid Level 2 - Monday

14/2/2021

Kia ora RVS Community,

You will no doubt be aware of the Prime Minister's address. We are at Level 2 from midnight tonight (Sunday). There is no need to panic and the risk at RVS is low. We will ensure all Level 2 guidelines are adhered to and that our students are both safe and on task.

It is preferable for parents not to enter the classrooms during Level 2 &3.

I will continue to update you with how the government's announcements effect us at RVS.

Below is information for Level 2 at RVS:

Alert Level 2 - All of New Zealand excluding Auckland region
Alert Level 2 applies from midnight tonight for 72 hours.

1. We are open to everyone, and all children must attend.
At Alert Level 2 the disease is contained but there is still risk of community transmission. It is safe for children and staff to attend school as there will be appropriate measures in place, including for children and staff vulnerable to severe illness.

2. Learning will be onsite with distance learning offered in some circumstances.
Distance learning should be provided for those required to self-isolate, only those individuals who health authorities have asked to stay away while waiting for a test result, or those choosing to remain at home because they are vulnerable to illness.

3. Schools are not classified as gatherings and a range of events and activities can go ahead.
For most day to day activities at schools, the rules for gatherings do not apply. Schools are exempted from physical distancing requirements when people are there to receive, provide, or support education services.

4. Schools will only close for cleaning and contact tracing if there is a confirmed case who was infectious when at school.
Your Director of Education will work closely with you and health authorities should this occur. Please contact your Ministry regional office if you hear of a confirmed case in your school community but haven’t been advised about it by health officials.

5. Face coverings are not required at school or on any school transport.
This includes charter buses hired by the school to transport students and staff. Anyone who chooses to wear a face covering in any setting should be supported to do so.

6. Sick people must stay at home.
They should seek medical advice if they have COVID-like symptoms and get tested if advised to do so. If that person displays relevant symptoms of COVID-19, tests positive for COVID-19, or has been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, they must self-isolate.

7. You must use the contact tracing system in place.
This includes the QR code posters at RVS's entrance, or signing in at the office.

8. Fundamental public health measures continue to apply at every alert level:

Physical distancing (not touching and not breathing on each other at Alert Level 2)
Hand hygiene
Cough and sneeze etiquette
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces.

Look forward to seeing you all again tomorrow (Monday).
Thanks and God bless,

Dave Pauling
Principal

Welcome Back to RVS

27/1/2021

Kia ora koutou katoa.

A warm welcome back to the start of a new school year. I hope you have all had time refreshing and resetting after a tricky 2020.

I am looking forward to a great year, 2021, already good things happening. I have thoroughly enjoyed walking through the classes these last two mornings welcoming families and seeing the place explode back into life.

During our first meeting Tuesday morning in the auditorium we talked about the 'why' of RVS. Our motto is educating for eternity and we are all about learning and growing. Learning about The Word and our saviour, growing in our ability to interact with others and learning about the stunning world that our Father created.

Glenroy building company have been working hard to complete the new block at the north end of the school. They have done very well and expect to have it completed in late March for our Y9 and 10 students to move into, this is great considering COVID-19 interruptions last year. It will be state of the art and you will have an opportunity to look through it on completion.

Please make sure you continue to read the information being sent out weekly from the RVS office. Please also make sure you have looked at the Car Park Safety memo to ensure our students are safe in our growing school.

Tomorrow (Thursday) evening is our Open Night Picnic. Please come along with picnic food and drink at 6pm. By the end of the evening we hope that everyone has met a few new people, had a look through the school, met the teachers and is aware of how to best communicate with us. See below for details.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow and around the school.

God bless,

Dave Pauling
Principal

COVID-19, Level 1

22/9/2020

Kia ora RVS Whanau,

It was great to hear yesterday's announcement regarding all but Auckland returning to Level 1 from last night (Monday 21st @ 11:59pm).

Here is what Level 1 at RVS will look like:
- The QR codes will remain and we encourage you to continue to use them in case of another case in our community.
We will continue to:
- wash surfaces twice daily
- encourage good hand washing
- request that all sick students stay at home
- provide sanitiser in classrooms for those who wish to use it

There are no longer restrictions on gatherings so assemblies will return to normal next Term. More information regarding Level 1 can be found here: Level1NZ

Thank you for your ongoing support of the protocols during the different Covid-19 levels.

God bless,

Dave Pauling
Principal

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