PARENTS OF RUYTON (POR) 2022

Co-Presidents, Bridget Langley and Elli Beggs

Embarking on establishing a new-normal postrestrictions and reigniting the essence of what makes our community so special was key to supporting our students and families in 2022. POR Committee and Year Level Representative Meetings moved from online to hybrid and faceto-face meetings. Much anticipated year level gatherings, assisted by Year Level Representative Co-ordinator Caroline White and the Year Level Representatives, were fervently organised and keenly supported by our community as the year progressed.

The year started with events to welcome Early Learning, Junior and Senior School parents and staff. The Twilight Concert in Term 1 saw families come together on the school oval with the Friends of Ruyton Performing Arts (FORPA) providing pizza and refreshments to support our wonderful musicians and performers. A Giant Easter Raffle Fundraiser, with forty hampers and prize packages organised by POR and Questers, was held at the end of Term 1. This raffle was generously supported by donations from businesses in the Ruyton community, with proceeds going towards Questers for the beautification of the School, enriching the educational experience of all our students.

Highlights for Term 2 were craft activity packs, prepared by the POR and Questers, for the Junior School students to create handmade gifts for Mother’s Day. Additionally, a Junior School Mother’s Day Movie Event was held at the Rivoli Theatre. The entire school also supported the Cancer Council of Victoria’s Biggest Morning Tea by fundraising through the purchase of Krispy Kreme Donuts and donations, with the Ruyton community contributing $2,653 to this worthy cause.

The focus of Term 3 was the POR Ruyton Luncheon, our first since 2018. Alice in Wonderland inspired, the venue was transformed for our Mad Hatter’s Luncheon. It was a sheer delight to have the Ruyton community gather together once more. The Junior School Father’s Day Breakfast, was also successfully re-established and a sell-out event. Teacher Appreciation Day was celebrated in Term 4 with the Ruyton Care Group (RCG), under the leadership of Phoebe Juebner, baking and preparing a delicious morning tea for Ruyton staff.

Other POR activities undertaken during 2022, included the regular fortnightly opening during term time of the Second Hand Uniform Store (SHUS). Lead by Annabel Dundas, the recruitment and support of the team of volunteers enabled this valuable service to our community to continue. Consultation and review of the POR gift for the Year 12 leavers was also undertaken, with bespoke sterling silver bracelets adorned with the Ruyton motto Recte et Fideliter being presented to the Class of 2022.

We acknowledge and thank the POR Executive: Annabel Dundas (Immediate Past President), Sue McLeish (Secretary) and Kathryn Brown (Treasurer) for all their support of our endeavours throughout 2022.