Principal Team Message

AFFIRMATION TO HELP YOU HARNESS YOUR HOLIDAYS 

You can be soft and successful, a traditionalist and a rebel, a lover and a fighter, vulnerable and invincible.

-Lisa Messenger 

OUR RIPPERS SHINE 

It's been a very fast-paced term of only nine weeks. Our students have managed to meet their goals and the high expectations of their families and teachers. Throughout the term, students set personal and academic goals and have reflected on their progress and achievements. This week they shared and celebrated their success at the parent, student and teacher conferences. The interruption to schooling has been hard for our Rippers, but it's wonderful to see them back on track. 

Our teachers have noticed students more engaged in their learning, remaining positive and resilient when facing challenges. Many have embraced new learning opportunities, leadership roles and have extended their friendships. They are now feeling more connected to school and each other and we hope this continues into next semester and beyond. Many staff have been supporting the learning of students, from our learning tutors, intervention specialist, volunteers and all other support staff. 

We thank our teachers, support staff, families and other RPS staff for working so hard over the last semester to ensure our students optimised their learning potential and maintained their health and wellbeing. 

RIPPONLEA HAS JOINED THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM 

RPS is on a journey to becoming recognised by the Victorian Government as a health-promoting school. The framework comprises of six sections that encompass a whole school approach to health and wellbeing. 

Improving behaviour in the seven health areas can help prevent chronic disease, improve learning outcomes and set students up for a healthy life. 

Over the last term, RPS achieved recognition for its sun protection practices. Our School Captains proudly received our first emblem. 

We are keen to work on our next recognition, of healthy eating and oral health. Next term we have a visit from the Smile Squad. 

THE CHILD SAFE STANDARDS

As part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Betrayal of Trust report, which found that more must be done to prevent and respond to child abuse in our community, there is a new regulatory landscape surrounding child safety, underpinned by the Child Safe Standards.

The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian early childhood services and schools, to ensure they are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.

As a school, we will take this opportunity to review all policies and practices and will report to our community on how we demonstrate the principles of Child Safety. 

PLEASE DONATE - IT'S TAX TIME 

With the end of the financial year fast approaching it's a great time for families to consider making tax-deductible donations towards the Library Fund or the Building Fund. The school’s use of these funds is strictly governed by State Government and ATO-DGR rules.

School Building Fund donations may be used for the following:

• Repairs, painting, plumbing and general maintenance
• Replacing floor coverings
• Heater/cooler repairs and/or replacement
• Cleaning a school building

School Library Fund donations may be used for the following:

• New books and collections
• Computer software and hardware
• Certain library furniture such as bookshelves and displays 

If 200 families at RPS were to donate $50, $100 or $150 to either fund, this would raise $10,000 or more for each fund. Because these funds are tax-deductible, the net cost to parents would be less, depending on your tax bracket. 

This is an efficient way to raise money that benefits the donor as well as our school. To find out more about how you can donate, please contact the school office or speak to Kate Crawford our Business Manager.

SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES AND  BUILDING WORKS 

Supply chain issues are affecting the installation of our $20,000 Shade Sail structure (Pergola outside the Barrbunin) Frustrating as it seems, it's the reality facing many industries across the state. 

The great news is that finally, our building project will commence over this coming holiday period (Tuesday 28 June). Contractors will remove asbestos and begin major demolition works, all hopefully completed before we return next term.   

               STAFF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING  

Effective professional learning is collaborative, inquiry focused and embedded in teaching practice. It is guided by the needs of the students and reflects the broader school strategic direction (articulated in the school’s Annual Implementation Plan). 

Effective professional learning leads to improved teacher knowledge, skills and practice. It has the power to shift attitudes, behaviours, relationships and everyday interactions. Effective professional learning empowers teachers to pursue a moral purpose of helping our students to thrive. It serves as a catalyst for student learning growth because students taught by the most effective teachers learn in six months what other students may learn in a year.     

Over the year many of our staff have undertaken a range of professional learning experiences. These have been led by external consultants, our instructional leaders and network Communities of Practice. Next term we are excited to welcome back Tracey Ezard who has been working on supporting the development of a collaborative, trusting, professional learning culture and Narissa Leung from Ozlit Teacher who will work with our staff on evidenced-based instructional features of the 'Workshop Model'. 

WELCOME TO OUR ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL & STAFFING UPDATES 

Jess Grey our Assistant Principal will be stepping down from her current role to join the Year 1/2 Professional Learning Community, especially returning to the dearly missed role of a classroom teacher.  With Ms. Dom due to take her family leave, Jess Grey was the perfect choice for all families and students in Year 1/2B. 

After posting a short-term acting role through the department, we welcome Marta Orzlowska-Phengnammachack as our Acting Assistant Principal (AP) for semester two. Marta comes to us from Caulfield Primary a local bilingual school, where she was in the role of both an Acting AP and literacy Learning Specialist. Marta is very excited to join our little school and looks forward to meeting all staff, students and families. 

Furthermore, due to unforeseen circumstances, Luca Dickinson will be taking leave until the end of this year and returns in 2023.  Stepping straight into the role of Foundation B's teacher will be Michelle Rozbach, who is one of our experienced and regular casual relief teachers and a past full-time staff member of RPS. 

We know that everyone will openly welcome these new staff members to our school. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

We hope you all take the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming holiday period. No doubt the colder weather will see many of us snuggling up with our pets, loved ones, cooking soups and keeping warm inside our homes. This is the best time to start a great hobby or even get active at home and outdoors when possible. 

Have a look at this website for over 115 activities to do at home. Get active in June Rippers and stay healthy and safe! 

Until next term!

Natalie Rose Principal

Jess Grey Assistant Principal