Principal Team Message

FAREWELL & BEST WISHES SUSIE 

Susie Massey, our P.E teacher has secured a new position moving from the education sector.  Susie has been teaching for the last 30 years and has decided that a change in direction is well deserved.  Susie has made a tremendous impact on our school community, especially our students. 

Susie has developed their confidence and passion for various sports. Susie's incredible organisational skills enabled our school to run significant events on a large scale involving all students from Foundation to Year 6. 

We will certainly remember the two outstanding House Athletics Carnivals, House Swimming and Cross Country. We wish Susie the best in her new role and look forward to her support and involvement next year at all significant house and district events. 

For the remainder of the term Mr. Joel Lewis, one of our regular CRT will be covering the position.  

VICKI SMITH'S RETIREMENT

The end of 2022, marks the final year of Vicki's teaching career. Vicki started teaching at Ripponlea in 1981.  In her time, she has taught many students who are now adults with their own children. Ripponlea Primary School holds a significant connection for Vicki and her family. Vicki's mother and both her children attended the school.  

Vicki has been a member of the school leadership team and has instilled her passion for literacy in many of her colleagues and students. She has been a mentor to our graduate teachers as well as student teachers from a range of universities. 

Vicki leaves a long legacy of outstanding teaching and educational leadership. The school will hold a special assembly on the 9th of December. 

As a form of thanks to Vicki and her amazing contributions to RPS over the years, we are looking to raise money for a retirement gift. If your family would like to contribute, please pay via QKR! under 'Vicki's Retirement Gift'.

RPS STAFF ARTISTS 

Many of our staff are getting ready for next year's Art Attack. A bit of weekend fun and bonding produced the most amazing pieces wouldn't you agree? 

HALLOWEEN DRESS-UP DAY

Yes, you heard it first here. We DO NOT have a Curriculum Day on Monday 31st October, but we are hosting a Halloween theme dress-up day. Students are able to come dressed in their spookiest costumes and be ready for the evening door-knocking and trick-a-treating. 

All students are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation in support of the indigenous garden. 

HAPPY DIWALI 

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, began this week from October the 24th. It is usually a five-day festival featuring different ceremonies each day, with the third day being the main event. 

Diwali celebrates the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana return to their homeland after 14 years in exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana. Reenactments of this story are part of celebrations in some regions.

RPS extends a Happy Diwali to all our Ripper Families who celebrate. 

YEAR 1 & 2'S BIG NIGHT IN & SLEEPOVER! 

Last Friday our Year 1/2 students spent their evening at school to begin the journey of independence, resilience and interpersonal development. Being away from home in the evening or sleeping over at school is a step up to our senior school camping programs.

Students enjoyed a range of rotational circus activities hosted by professional circus performers. Dinner from Domino's was a highlight along with a movie the children had never seen before. We introduced them to Charlie Brown and his Friends! 

Many students overcame the challenge of sleeping at school despite thunderstorms, heavy rain and loud snores! We would like to thank Stef Hoffner for organising this experience and her team of overnight helpers: Dave, Mr Leech, Ms Reis and Jess. This is another demonstration of our committed staff. 

As Jac Holz, our admin officer would say: 'That's a tough gig!'

GO FOR GOLD - ACTIVE SCHOOLS COMPETITION 

Remember to enter the Golden Ticket competition, entries close on Friday 4 November!

Simply visit www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/golden-ticket between 28 October and 4 November to record your Golden Ticket activities and enter the competition.

Students must complete a minimum of 10 activities to or from school during 3-28 October to be eligible to enter the competition.  

Council will draw the student prize for each participating school on Monday 14 November and will notify each school of their student prize winner by Wednesday 16 November. 

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

             Principal                                    Acting  Assistant Principal