Principal Team Message

2024 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL: A DAY OF SUNSHINE, SPIRIT, AND SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE

Could our day last Friday have been any better? With clear blue skies, sunshine throughout, and a remarkable display of house spirit, the 2024 Athletics Carnival at Duncan Mackinnon Reserve was a resounding success. 

Each team—Bemin, Booring, Tunparrim, and Warren—entered the arena with enthusiasm, turning the event into a mini version of our very own Ripper Style Olympics.

The day featured a full schedule of track and field events, starting with our Foundation to Year 2 students. These young athletes kicked off the day with the 50-metre sprints, followed by hurdles, and finally, the baton relays. The energy was palpable as the F-2 students were cheered on by enthusiastic supporters at the front of the stadium.

Simultaneously, our senior students were busy rotating through various events, including long jump, discus, shot put, and more. Under the expert guidance of Susie Massey and Tye McGannon, the day ran smoothly. Every run, jump, and push was meticulously recorded for time and distance, with points being tallied to determine the winning house for 2024.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, parent and carer volunteers, and every spectator who was there to cheer on our competitors. The vibrant atmosphere and unwavering support played a crucial role in making the day a success.

While we eagerly await the announcement of the winning house, we commend every athlete for their courageous spirit, stepping outside their comfort zones, and participating in a variety of events. 

The selection of students who will represent the school in the Balaclava Districts will be determined by Tye and Susie by the end of next week.

The 2024 Athletics Carnival was not just about competition but also about community, teamwork, and celebrating the achievements of all our students. Here's to another fantastic year of sportsmanship and school spirit at Ripponlea Primary School!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FOUNDATION STUDENTS ON CELEBRATING 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL

We recently celebrated a significant milestone at Ripponlea Primary School—our Foundation students have reached 100 days of school! This incredible achievement is a testament to their dedication, enthusiasm, and growth. Our staff, Year 5/6 buddies, and families all joined in the festivities to mark this special occasion.

The students embraced the spirit of the day by dressing up to represent the number 100. Some even added a humorous touch by dressing as elderly individuals, much to everyone's delight!

This celebration is more than just a fun day; it acknowledges the remarkable progress our Foundation students have made. Over the past 100 days, they have demonstrated tremendous growth in their learning, social skills, and overall development. We are immensely proud of their achievements and grateful for the support of their teachers and families.

Here's to further cherished moments in their educational journey and to the continued success and happiness of our Foundation students!

SUPPORT REFUGEE FAMILIES WITH THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL 

The Student Representative Council (SRC) at Ripponlea Primary School is supporting the Asylum Seeker Resources Centre by collecting specific food items to help refugee families. We are appealing to our wonderful community to contribute to this cause throughout the term. Please drop off your donations at the school office whenever you can.

We are collecting:

• Tuna in oil (95g, 185g, or 425g)
• Coconut cream or milk
• Honey
• Peanut butter / Jam
• Basmati rice
• Sweet/savoury biscuits
• Tinned vegetables (peas, carrots, corn kernels, tomatoes)
• Oil (750ml – 1 litre)
• Dried fruit & nuts
• Razors
• Deodorant

Let's come together to support this initiative, just as we do with our recycling project. Thank you for your generosity and support!

EXCITING NEWS FROM OUR RIPPER FAMILY

It's always a delight to share heartwarming news from our extended Ripponlea Primary School family. We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a new Ripper baby and the exciting journeys ahead for some of our cherished past staff members.

Firstly, congratulations to Jo and her husband Ryan, who recently welcomed the birth of their beautiful daughter Olivia. We are overjoyed for their new addition and wish them endless joy and precious moments with their little one.

In more wonderful news, Jon Wood and partner Emeline are expecting their first child in late December. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them as they prepare for this exciting new chapter in their lives.

These joyous announcements remind us of the special bonds within our Ripper community. We look forward to welcoming more Ripper babies into this wonderful world and celebrating these milestones together.

Warmest wishes and congratulations to Jo, Ryan, Jon, and Emeline from the entire Ripponlea Primary School family!

REcYcLIng fOr REfugEes

“Tip them out and let’s put them in piles of ten, and then we’ll count the piles,” suggested Miles.

The ingenuity of children, and their kindness, never ceases to amaze 

When I presented to the Ripponlea school community at an assembly last term, and introduced this idea to the children (with my youngest boy in tow) - to recycle bottles and cans for a soon-to-arrive refugee family - a young boy came up to me on his way back to class. He had a thought. Why don’t we also bring in toys and games for this family, he said.

My heart melted. Such consideration, for others.

Last Wednesday morning, here was this boy again – Miles – and I reminded him of his suggestion.

“I think we should also bring in some board games and books,” he added.

Then he got on with the business of sorting and counting.

*

Last night I transferred $34.10 into our fundraising bank account, for an Afghan refugee family – a widowed mother, her five children – arriving in Melbourne next week, to which our group have committed to supporting for the first 12 months of their new life. They come with only their bags, and likely much trauma and uncertainly, but also with hope. 

I added the children’s names to the donation. 

Thank you Clem, Raph, Eva and Miles.

Thank you for helping me, and your parents, to help others, people we don’t even know.

May you always remember this act of kindness. 

Your names can be read here - Shout For Good – as an acknowledgement for your good work.

*

We sorted and counted and added and multiplied 341 eligible containers last Wednesday (190 cans, 102 plastic bottles, 49 glass bottles), but that was only the half of it. The real value was in the activity, in the cooperation, in the being together and thinking in other ways. Doing good things for others, it nourishes the soul, it sets an example. 

And there is pleasure in the talking. 

I asked the children why they think they may have been chosen come outside and help.

Eva says she wrote a letter to Mrs Rose, asking to join the can counting, and she says she put a wax seal on the envelope.

"I like putting wax seals on things."

Miles also said he wrote a letter to Mrs Rose, he said it was a long letter. I could see his ingenuity, his aptitude for counting, for numeracy. He devised the systems we used, organised us, and was right across the maths.

I've done it before, he said. 

Collected 160 cans. Cashed them in. Knew exactly their value.

"Hot tip," he told me. 

Collect cans at the footy.

"I put them in my backpack, then stacked my mum's bag to the brim."

*

For any parents who might be interested, I’ve been writing a nightly diary – Sixteen Days of Giving – and posting it on my Facebook page. It’s about kindness and generosity, about getting ready to welcome a refugee family, about me and my two boys, about trying to make a difference. 

It is also a very public thank you – an acknowledgement – of all who’ve helped. 

Between now and when I wrap it up on Sunday night (the family arrive on Monday), there’ll be a few Ripponlea people I’ll be thanking. 

Those who’ve helped me, to help others. 

All while helping our world, by recycling, by reusing the resources we have already.

*

Eva trolleyed the tub of glass to the truck. 

She carried over the glove bag, and empty bins, whatever she could.

Others had returned to class, but she was keen to linger. Do anything to stay outside, continue our activity. The counting, the talking, the sorting, the negotiating, the organising, the being together, working as a team.

Eventually, there were no other tasks I could get her to do.

She ran back into class, called out.

"I honestly want to keep helping."

Dugald Jellie

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS AT RPS - ACCESSIBLE BUILDING PROJECT UNDERWAY

Ripponlea Primary School is gearing up for an exciting phase of transformation with the commencement of the Accessible Building Project, managed by the Ascot Group. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and infrastructure within the school, ensuring a more inclusive environment for all students, staff and families.

Project Overview

The project encompasses Stages 1-4 of the Accessible Building initiative and is set to bring substantial improvements to our school facilities. Following an initial kick-off meeting with architects and the building crew, the construction is scheduled to begin in two weeks. The deck project, a key component of this initiative, will also continue concurrently.

Key Changes and Access Restrictions

As construction gets underway, several important changes and access restrictions will come into effect to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the school:

Blocked Main Corridor:

• The internal main corridor will be blocked from the start of the office along the kinder, right before the student toilets.
• Access to classrooms will be rerouted through the external toilet door, up the small stairwell to the classrooms.

Restricted Areas:

• Area 1: The corridor leading to the Foundation and 1/2A classrooms will be blocked during the building phase.
• Area 2: The area outside the 1/2A classrooms, a small part of the current deck will also be restricted.

Alternative Access Routes:

• Foundation classrooms will be accessible via the ramp outside the learning tutor and FB classroom.
• The back oval will remain accessible from the outside.
• 1/2A classroom will be accessible from the external toilet door, where they usually line up. 

Bike Shed Relocation:

• The existing bike shed will be demolished and rebuilt in a new location. Consequently, students are requested not to bring their bikes and scooters to school starting from Monday, August 26th. (We will inform you of the exact date).

During this period, we unfortunately have no alternative storage options for our students who ride or scoot to school.

We are encouraging families to walk to school whenever possible. To assist with this, we are sharing information on how to create a Walking School Bus in your area. You can find more details here: How to Start a Walking School Bus.

For those who need to travel a longer distance, we recommend bringing a bike lock and securing bikes either along the fence at the entrance, at the racks at the front door entrance into the office, or at one of the trees/sign posts on Carrington Grove. 

We will provide pictures to illustrate these options and ensure families have clear guidance. 

Promoting physical exercise and sustainable transport remains a priority for us.

At this stage, we will inform you when the builders will erect their fences. 

Impact on the School Community

While the construction work is a necessary step towards improving our school, it does bring temporary changes and potential disruptions. The community can expect increased construction activity and some noise during this period. Safety protocols and restricted areas will be clearly marked to ensure the safety of students and staff.

We are committed to keeping everyone informed and minimising disruptions as much as possible. Regular updates will be provided to ensure that students, parents, and staff are aware of the progress and any further changes.

The Accessible Building Project represents a significant investment in the future of Ripponlea Primary School. These improvements are aimed at creating a more accessible, inclusive, and well-equipped environment for our students to learn and grow.

We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our school community during this exciting period of transformation. Together, we are building a better future for Ripponlea Primary School.

For any queries or concerns regarding the construction project, please feel free to contact Mrs. Rose.

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

      Principal                                         Assistant Principal