Things To 

Know

RESPECTING OUR NEIGHBOURS

This is an important reminder about the way we interact with and respect our local community. This follows a concerning email I received from a resident on Carrington Grove regarding repeated incidents of parents and guardians parking across their driveway during drop-off and pick-up times. Unfortunately, these incidents are not isolated, and on several occasions, the resident has been unable to leave their home, causing distress and significant disruption to their family life.

As a school, we are guided by our values of Community, Respect, and Integrity — and this situation calls for us to reflect on how we demonstrate these values beyond the school gates. Being part of a community means considering the needs and rights of others, and respecting private property is an essential part of that.

We understand that drop-off and pick-up times are busy and can be challenging to navigate. However, parking over driveways is illegal, and beyond that, it directly impacts our neighbours' ability to live and move freely in their own homes.It is disappointing to hear that some responses to the resident’s polite requests have been dismissive and disrespectful. This does not reflect the community we are striving to be.

How can we ensure this doesn’t happen again?

• Please do not park over any driveway — even for a moment.
• If you are unsure about parking availability, consider arriving a little earlier or parking further away and walking.
• Model respect and integrity for your children — our students are always watching how we behave, and this is an opportunity to show them what it means to be a caring member of a community.
• Speak kindly to our neighbours and to each other. We can solve problems with understanding and empathy, not with frustration or anger.

We are also reviewing additional measures we can take to support better traffic and parking management around the school, and we will be working with the local council to address these ongoing concerns.

We kindly ask that you reflect on how your actions impact others. Let’s work together to ensure that our school community is one that we are all proud of — inside and outside of the school grounds.

Thank you for your understanding, and for upholding the values that make our community strong.

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE 2025

The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is an annual initiative that encourages students across the state to engage with books and foster a lifelong love of reading. In 2025, the PRC promises to be even more exciting, offering new opportunities for students to expand their imaginations and cultivate strong literacy skills. With a focus on inclusivity and diverse reading options, the challenge is designed to meet the needs of every reader, regardless of their age or level of ability.

What is the Premier’s Reading Challenge?

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is an initiative led by the Victorian Government to encourage young readers to read a set number of books throughout the year. Students from Foundation to Year 10 are invited to take part in the challenge, with different levels tailored to different age groups. The goal is to motivate students to develop their reading habits and improve their literacy skills, with the added benefit of gaining recognition for their hard work.

How Does It Work?

To participate, students must read a specific number of books by the end of the challenge, which typically runs from March to September each year. The required number of books varies depending on the student’s year level. 

For example:

• Foundation to Year 2: 30 books
• Year 3 to Year 6: 15 books
• Year 7 to Year 10: 10 books

Books must be selected from an approved list provided by the PRC, but there is plenty of variety, ranging from picture books and early readers to novels and non-fiction titles. The books must be read independently or with the help of an adult, depending on the student's reading level.

New and Exciting Features for 2025

The 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge will introduce a host of new features to make the challenge even more engaging for students and schools. Some of the highlights include:

1. Expanded Booklist: In response to feedback from schools and students, the 2025 PRC will feature an even more diverse selection of books. New categories will be added to ensure that all students, regardless of their reading preferences, can find something they enjoy. From graphic novels and audiobooks to texts that promote inclusivity and cultural understanding, the expanded list reflects the changing nature of children's literature.
2. Digital Integration: In line with technological advancements, the 2025 challenge will integrate digital platforms to track reading progress and engage students in new ways. Interactive features will allow students to share reviews, create book-related projects, and earn rewards for their achievements.
3. Focus on Mental Health: Recognizing the importance of student well-being, the 2025 challenge will include books that address mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning. These books will help students develop coping strategies and foster empathy, further enhancing the challenge’s positive impact.
4. Teacher and School Recognition: New incentives for teachers and schools will encourage participation and create a supportive reading culture. Schools will have the chance to compete for various awards, including a special prize for the most creative reading program or the highest participation rate. Teachers can also access additional resources to help them incorporate the PRC into their literacy curriculum.

The Benefits of Participating

The Premier’s Reading Challenge offers numerous benefits for students, schools, and communities:

• Improved Literacy: By reading regularly, students develop essential reading and comprehension skills, which are fundamental for success in all areas of their education.
• Increased Engagement: Students are exposed to a wide range of genres and authors, helping them discover new interests and hobbies.
• Recognition and Achievement: Completing the challenge provides students with a sense of accomplishment, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. In 2025, certificates and awards will be presented to students, highlighting their commitment to reading.
• Building a Reading Community: The PRC fosters a sense of community among students, families, and schools, as they share their favourite books and celebrate their reading achievements together.

How to Get Involved

To join the Premier’s Reading Challenge, students simply need to register through our school by contacting Mrs Rose. The challenge is open to all schools in Victoria, and participation is free.

Looking Ahead

With its renewed focus on inclusivity, digital integration, and mental health, the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge is poised to be a highly successful initiative that will continue to inspire students to develop a lifelong love for reading. Whether students are reading for enjoyment or to improve their literacy skills, the challenge offers something for everyone—and in 2025, the sky's the limit!

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ON TIME TO SCHOOL - EVERY DAY AND MINUTE COUNTS!

A reminder that our teachers begin critical learning at 9:00 am sharp, focusing on phonics, spelling, and reading — essential for strong literacy development.

When students arrive late, they miss this vital learning, which can make it difficult to catch up and disrupts the flow of the class.

🕒 Soft Start to School — Launching Next Term!

From 8:45 am, students can head straight into class to:

✅ Unpack their bags

✅ Settle in

✅ Be ready to learn by 9:00 am sharp

Attendance Expectations — Every Day Matters!

Did you know that missing one day every two weeks adds up to nearly 4 weeks of lost learning per year? Over a school life, that’s equivalent to a whole year of school missed!

Please ensure your child attends school every day, unless they are genuinely unwell.

❌ Unacceptable reasons for absence include:

• Staying home to help with family duties
• Shopping, birthdays, or visiting friends
• 'Mental health days' without professional advice

If your child is absent, notify the school via Compass or the office, and provide a reason for their absence.

Late Arrivals

A child is considered late if they arrive after 9:00 am.

➡️ All late students must collect a Late Pass from the office before going to class.

➡️ Families can log late arrivals on Compass.

➡️ Students cannot enter classrooms without a Late Pass.

⏰ Being 15 minutes late daily = 8 full days of lost learning per year!

Regular Attendance Updates

We will provide regular attendance updates throughout the year, so you are aware of your child’s attendance pattern.

Need Support?

If you need help getting your child to school on time, please contact Marta Campbell — we’re here to support you.

Thank you for helping us ensure every Ripper starts their day ready to learn!

OPEN CLASSROOMS & CURRICULUM INFORMATION SESSIONS - PLEASE JOIN US 

We are excited to invite all families to our Open Classrooms and Curriculum Information Sessions happening from 9:15 am across the final week of Term 1. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to step inside our classrooms, observe our high-quality teaching and learning programs, and connect directly with your child’s teachers.

Here’s the schedule for each year level:

• Monday 31 March: Foundation
• Tuesday 1 April: Year 5/6
• Wednesday 2 April: Year 1/2
• Thursday 3 April: Year 3/4

At 9:15 am, our classrooms will be open for families to join in and observe learning sessions in action.

In Foundation to Year 2, you’ll have the chance to see our new Phormes Phonics teaching in action — a fantastic way to support early reading success. Watch as our teachers explicitly teach essential reading and writing skills using the Gradual Release of Responsibility — our school’s Instructional Model. See firsthand how students are building strong reading routines that foster independence and confidence.

Following the classroom visits, we warmly invite you to join a Curriculum Information Session in the Barrbunin. Here, our teachers will outline the exciting curriculum for the year ahead. You'll also hear about:

• Home learning programs and how to best support learning at home
• Organisational skills and independence, we are focusing on with students
• Our approaches to wellbeing and how we foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture
• And much more!

There will be time to ask important questions and connect with your child’s teaching team.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible — these sessions are a great way to strengthen the partnership between home and school, and for you to gain valuable insight into your child’s learning journey.

We hope to see you there!

RIPPONLEA BIKE BUS - NEW PROJECT LAUNCHED BY NOEL HANSSENS

Hi Ripper cyclists!

My wife Emma and I (Noel) are enthusiastic cyclists and frequently cycle with our boys to school.  Starting next Friday (the14th), we will trial a "bike bus" cycle to school to socialise and encourage group cycling and have some fun.

Each Friday morning for Term 1 we will cycle with our Rippers Alex (3/4A) and Michael (Foundation) taking the below route, rain, hail or shine - other cyclists are welcome to join, meeting us along the route.

We will depart at 8.15am and take a slow ride into school with music.  For safety, we will ride on the footpath .  This is designed to be an inclusive ride - all cycling levels, bike types and speeds are welcome.

This idea was shamelessly stolen from the Bike Bus in Portland, Oregon.  You can see some fun videos of them here https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7O_R7fRcn8/?igsh=MWFvNHZ1dGRuYnlxZg== (there is even one where Justin Timberlake joins them).

ESTABLISHING OUR SCHOOL BAND/MUSICAL ENSEMBLE 

🎶 Calling All Talented Rippers! 🎶

Mr. Michael Redman is looking for skilled musicians to join the school band or a musical ensemble! If you’ve been playing a musical instrument for three or more years and are confident in your abilities, this is your chance to shine.

Requirements to join:

✅ At least three years of experience playing your instrument

✅ Commitment to weekly rehearsals on Fridays at 8:00 AM

✅ Willingness to perform at assemblies and special events

✅ Dedication to continue for at least one school term

If your child is interested in joining, families can contact Mr. Redman at rednotes@iinet.net.au. We hope to see a fantastic group of Rippers ready to make music together! 

🎵 Stay tuned for more details.