Things To 

Know

RPS LANGUAGE PROGRAM 

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational experience at Ripponlea Primary School, we have been exploring the possibility of introducing new language options for our students. 

Our current language program focuses on cultural learning, aiming to provide students with a rich understanding of different cultures rather than a formalised language curriculum. To ensure that we offer languages that resonate with our community and align with our educational goals, we are seeking your input on which languages you believe would be most valuable for our students to learn. 

Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our language program.  

https://forms.gle/RMTJC3oywgd5BTZA6

BOOK FAIR

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school library during Book Week (Week Six).

The Book Fair is open from 8:30am until 8:55am and from 3:30pm until 4:15pm from Monday to Thursday (19/08-22/08).

We are looking for volunteers to help out during the book fair. Please contact the office if you are happy to help during one of the sessions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

CENTENARY PAVERS PROJECT CONTINUES IN 2024

We would love to continue adding more pavers to this meaningful path. If you would like to get a special paver for your family and child, please read the information below. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a memento immortalised in time at Ripponlea Primary School. The path, now free from puddles, is a beautiful addition to our school, and we invite everyone to come and see it for themselves.

How to Order Your Commemorative Paver:

• Step 1: Visit the school office to obtain an order form.
• Step 2: Fill out the form with your family's details and any special message or name you would like on the paver.
• Step 3: Submit the completed form along with payment of $60 on QKR by 30th October 2024.

We look forward to seeing many more names and messages added to our Centenary Path, creating a lasting legacy for future generations of Ripponlea Primary School students and families.

NEW LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY   PLAYGROUND PALS 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new leadership opportunity for students in Years 3-6: the Playground Pals program. This initiative is designed to empower our students with essential skills and create a positive playground environment for everyone.

In the Playground Pals program, selected students will receive training from Stride Education facilitators. They will learn how to identify issues amongst peers, resolve low-level conflicts, and assist fellow students who need support in making friends. Additionally, Playground Pals will encourage our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) playground expectations by awarding tokens to students exhibiting positive behaviours.

Students will develop leadership skills by taking on this important role, learning to mediate conflicts, and support their peers. The program will enhance their ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Playground Pals will improve their problem-solving skills by learning to address and resolve conflicts. By assisting peers and supporting those who feel left out, students will develop greater empathy and social awareness. This role teaches responsibility and the importance of being a role model. Successfully helping peers and receiving positive feedback will boost their self-confidence.

How will this benefit all students:

• Younger or more introverted students will have accessible support, making the playground a more inclusive environment. 
• PBS tokens awarded by Playground Pals will encourage and reinforce positive behaviours among all students. With trained students on the lookout, low-level conflicts can be resolved quickly and effectively, reducing overall playground disputes. 
• The chat stop and buddy benches provide dedicated spaces for students to make new friends and find companions during recess and lunch. 
• The visible presence of the student wellbeing team ensures that students know where to seek help, improving overall student wellbeing.
• The program fosters an inclusive and supportive playground atmosphere, promoting a sense of belonging among all students.

The Student Wellbeing Team will be an integral part of the Playground Pals program. They will wear special vests to ensure they are easily visible to our students and staff. Additionally, we will establish a special chat stop and buddy benches under the verandah of the LOTE and OSHC room. These spaces are designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for students to connect and receive assistance. 

If your child is interested in becoming a Playground Pal, please see Mrs. Rose.

We are confident that the Playground Pals program will create a positive and supportive playground environment, benefiting our entire school community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our students and their daily school experience.

BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS 

AUTHOR VISIT - LEIGH HOBBS 

WEDNESDAY 14th AUGUST

We are thrilled to announce that the beloved Australian author and illustrator Leigh Hobbs will be visiting Ripponlea Primary School on Wednesday, August 14th, just before the launch of our Book Week celebrations.

About Leigh Hobbs

Leigh Hobbs is best known for his charming and humorous children's books. His iconic characters, including Old Tom, Mr. Chicken, Horrible Harriet, and Mr. Badger, have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers around the world. Hobbs’ work is celebrated for its unique blend of wit, warmth, and whimsical illustrations, making him a favourite among children and parents alike.

Books Available for Purchase and Signing

Families will have the special opportunity to order one of Leigh Hobbs' delightful books and have it personally autographed. This is a wonderful chance to own a treasured keepsake and to inspire your child's love for reading and creativity.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that promises to be a highlight of our Book Week festivities!

See Flyer Below for More Details: 

BOOK WEEK PARADE - MONDAY 19 AUGUST

Get Ready, Ripper Staff and Students!

It's that time of year again! Time to rummage through your costume cupboards and bring to life one of your favourite book characters. Book Week is just around the corner, and we can't wait to see the incredible creativity of our students.

When: Monday, 19th August

Hosted by: Mr. Braden Leech, School Captains, and Vice Captains

Our School Captains and Vice Captains will be judging the best costume from each year level. We know how imaginative and resourceful our Ripponlea students are, and we’re excited to see what you come up with this year.

Parents, we encourage you to recycle and reinvent previous costumes. There’s no need for expensive store-bought ones – sometimes the simplest costumes are the best. Let's showcase our Ripper creative spirit!

Perhaps Leigh Hobbs' visit will inspire some of you. Whether you're channelling Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, or any other beloved character, we’re looking forward to a day filled with fun and fantastic costumes.

Get ready to unleash your imagination and celebrate Book Week in true Ripponlea style!

PERFORMING ARTS

We are excited that Peter Combe is coming to our school to perform on Wednesday the 21st of August, so we have been singing along to his great songs every lesson: 

Newspaper Mama, Wash Your Face With Orange Juiceand so many more. 

Even the teachers are getting excited and bringing in their copies of his cassettes (from when they were a lot younger) for Peter to sign. Peter will also have copies of his CDs and DVDs available to buy. Details to follow.

ENSURING OUR STUDENTS WEAR THEIR UNIFORMS WITH PRIDE 

As we strive to create a strong sense of belonging and pride among our students, we kindly remind you of the importance of adhering to our School Uniform Policy. The uniform ensures safety and comfort during school activities and helps minimise peer pressure related to clothing choices.

Key Points to Remember:

• All students are expected to wear the school uniform every day.
• The uniform must be clean, neat, and in good condition.
• Non-uniform items are not permitted during school hours.

Uniform Details:

• Dark navy blue items such as leggings, tracksuit pants, shorts, and skorts.
• Set sports uniforms, house tops, and specialty sports tops are to be worn on designated sports days and classes.
• Boots and black clothing items are not permitted.

We understand that sometimes uniforms may be in the wash or unavailable for other reasons. In such cases, please provide your child with a quick note to explain the circumstances or inform their teacher directly. This helps us maintain our uniform standards while accommodating occasional issues.

For our older students, we kindly ask parents and carers to check what they leave home in to ensure they comply with the uniform policy. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated and contributes significantly to fostering a cohesive and supportive learning environment.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Mrs. Rose if you need any support in securing some new uniform items. The second-hand uniform shop is open on most Friday mornings.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping our students wear their uniform with pride.