Principal Team Message

A THRILLING END TO 2024 AT RIPPONLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL

Many would have thought that as the year draws to a close, Ripponlea Primary School would slow down and ease into the holiday season. 

Well, that’s just not who we are as a community! 

In true Ripponlea style, these final weeks have been nothing short of dynamic, purposeful, and impactful, ensuring our Rippers benefit in every possible way.

As we wrap up 2024, the school is buzzing with energy. There's no slowing down, from exciting end-of-year events such as the Rippstock Carnival to meaningful reflections on all we’ve achieved. 

Students have been immersed in celebrations of learning, preparing for transitions, and embracing opportunities to lead. Whether it’s the final House Music competition, sporting activities such as round-robin matches, water activities, sustainability and unit of inquiry projects, every moment has been filled with pride and purpose.

RIPPSTOCK CARNIVAL: A RAINY DAY FILLED WITH JOY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Not even the rain could dampen the spirit of our incredible Rippstock Carnival! Despite the weather, our school grounds transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, brimming with mouthwatering food, lively entertainment, and the unwavering energy of our community.

From the heavenly pulled beef tacos to delightful grazing platters and eggplant parmigiana as authentic and delicious as those found in Italy, the food options were a true highlight. Our dedicated volunteers turned every corner into a feast for the senses, making it hard to choose just one favourite dish.

The grounds were alive with excitement as families explored book stalls, toys, cakes, and second-hand clothing treasures. The younger crowd revelled in face painting, games, and the thrill of the rides, while others marvelled at the array of silent auction items up for grabs. The dunk tank proved to be an undeniable hit, bringing laughter and cheer as brave participants took the plunge.

Adding to the magic of the day were the incredible performers—our very own students and families—who lit up the stage with their talent and enthusiasm. It was a true celebration of our community’s creativity and spirit.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Rippstock Planning Committee, whose countless hours of preparation and meetings made this event possible. To our amazing volunteers and the entire Ripper Family, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your efforts ensured the success of this major fundraiser, with every dollar raised going towards the redevelopment of our junior playground.

We can’t wait to share the final fundraising total with you soon. Together, we’ve shown once again that rain or shine, nothing can stop the Ripper spirit. Thank you for making this day unforgettable!

CELEBRATING MILESTONES: A YEAR OF GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT AT RPS

As we close out another remarkable year at Ripponlea Primary School, it’s time to reflect on the journeys our students have taken and the milestones they’ve achieved. This week, we celebrated the end of the school year with a mix of joy, pride, and heartfelt emotion as we said farewell to our graduating Year 6 students and marked a significant moment for our Foundation students—the completion of their first year of school.

For our Foundation students, this year has been nothing short of transformative. These young learners stepped into the world of school with wide-eyed wonder, eager to explore, create, and connect. Under the guidance of their dedicated teachers, they’ve built strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, fostered a love of learning, and embraced the values of curiosity and collaboration that define our school community.

A special part of their journey has been the support of their Year 5/6 buddies. These connections have been a beautiful example of mentorship, care, and leadership, with our senior students stepping up to nurture and guide their younger peers. From shared reading sessions to playground adventures, the bond between buddies has enriched the experience for both groups, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

On Wednesday, we gathered to celebrate the Foundation students’ graduation from their first year of school in a small but meaningful ceremony. It was a moment to honour their courage, growth, and achievements as they completed this important chapter and began their journey through primary school.

JUNIOR PLAYGROUND UPDATE 

Over the past two years, our school community has been dedicated to fundraising and realising a shared vision for the complete redevelopment of our junior playground space, productive gardens, and the seamless integration with the inclusive learning deck currently under construction by the VSBA. 

This vision reflects the collective aspirations of our students, staff, and families, aiming for a design that goes beyond traditional playground structures. Instead, we are pursuing a unique, nature-inspired playscape that incorporates natural materials, celebrates our connection to the land, and honours First Nations cultures.

To bring this vision to life, we sought a highly specialized landscape architect. This year, the School Council engaged Lindsay Fraser from Fraser Design and Cath Strachan to help us create a concept that reflects our community’s aspirations. We are thrilled to present the first set of drawings for this project.

The designs feature raised planting boxes for the productive garden, water elements, and a dry creek bed that leads to a spacious sandpit—a favourite among students of all ages. Unique seating options and a cobblestone pathway will connect the entire play area, fostering a sense of unity and exploration. Stone steppers throughout and an outdoor cubby house will also bring immense joy to our students.  

Students will have the option to sit on the deck and observe others at play or step directly into the playground. The toilet block at the back of the school will include chalkboards to encourage creative play.

We are currently awaiting further advice from Lindsay Fraser regarding specific play equipment to complement the semi-circular area. Additionally, plans include integrating elements of the Koor Garden along the back fence, featuring stick fencing and other culturally significant features.

The School Council received these initial drawings last week and is excited to share them with the broader school community. This progress is especially meaningful as we celebrate the success of our major fundraising efforts this year. While the project will need to be staged over 4–5 phases due to associated costs, we remain committed to bringing this vision to fruition.

Although our application for capital works funding was unsuccessful, we are determined to continue seeking government grants to reduce reliance on community-raised funds. 

We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our school community and look forward to seeing this project take shape. If you would like further information about the junior playground project, please do not hesitate to contact members of our School Council, particularly Colin Smith.

EXCITING UPDATES ON ACCESSIBILITY & CLASSROOM ENHANCEMENTS 

We are thrilled to share the latest updates on two major projects that will transform our school environment, making it more inclusive and conducive to learning for all students.

VSBA Accessibility Project

Our school continues to benefit from the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) accessibility project, with incredible improvements underway. Walking through our newly ramped corridor feels like stepping into a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! 

The design playfully narrows, creating a unique visual experience, and leads to a brand-new bike shed and ramps on the side of the school.

Additionally, work has begun on decking improvements for our Foundation classrooms, as well as the Performing Arts and Library spaces. These enhancements will create a more seamless and accessible experience for everyone in our community. We’re eagerly anticipating returning to school next year with these fantastic upgrades complete!

Flexible Learning Spaces: A New Approach

We are equally excited to announce a significant redevelopment project focused on our classroom environments. Recognising the importance of reducing cognitive load and supporting auditory processing, especially in open-plan classrooms, we’ve secured funding to install carefully constructed walls and new entrances in the following classrooms:

• 1/2A
• 1/2B
• 1/2C
• Foundation B

These improvements will restore a calmer and quieter learning environment while maintaining flexibility in teaching practices. Our investment in acoustic panels over a decade ago laid the groundwork for this transition, but the addition of walls will further enhance our ability to minimize distractions and support focused learning.

A Community Effort

While these projects bring exciting change, they also come with temporary inconveniences. With parts of our school, including the oval, toilets, and key access points currently unavailable, we are immensely grateful for the resilience and positivity shown by our students and staff. Everyone is making do with alternative facilities for a short time, and the reward will be well worth it.

We encourage you to visit and witness the incredible transformation happening at Ripponlea Primary School. These upgrades represent a shared success, made possible by the ongoing support and dedication of our school community.

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. We can’t wait to welcome you back in the new year to enjoy our revitalized school!

YEAR 6 GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS

This week, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our extraordinary Year 6 graduates. This group holds a particularly special place in the heart of Mrs Rose, as they began their journey at Ripponlea Primary School in the same year she began her principalship. Over the years, they have grown into remarkable individuals, deeply connected to our school community, their teachers, their buddies, and most importantly, each other.

Last week’s graduation celebrations were a joyous and emotional occasion. Together, we reminisced about unique memories, celebrated their incredible growth, and acknowledged the strong bonds they’ve formed—bonds that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. The entire audience got teary-eyed as the students sang their special graduation song, and their dedicated teachers—Brenton, Alicia, and Sarah—shared heartfelt reflections on their achievements throughout the year.

The graduates delighted us with anecdotes of their school journey, from peculiar classroom pets to unforgettable camp and sporting highlights. They even reflected on their time during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which, despite the challenges, brought some positive experiences like developing resilience, creativity, and a stronger sense of community. Their speeches were filled with humour, warmth, and gratitude, bringing laughter and tears in equal measure.

A highlight of the evening was the students’ entertaining video clips, showcasing their creativity and humour, and a touching photo montage of their journey from babies to Year 6 graduates.

Among this talented cohort, there are aspiring elite athletes, particularly basketball players, as well as future artists, actors, architects, judges, and police officers. While no budding politicians have emerged just yet, their ambitions are as diverse as they are inspiring.

This milestone event would not have been possible without the dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts of their incredible teachers and families. The students expressed their heartfelt thanks to their teachers and the school, acknowledging the lessons learned and the confidence they feel as they step into the next chapter of their education.

On Monday, the graduates celebrated with a memorable Big Day Out, and this Friday, the school community will come together to send them off with well wishes during a special assembly.

As they leave Ripponlea Primary School to embrace the opportunities ahead, we remind them that RPS will always be a home for them—a place to return to share their growth and achievements. These “Rippers” have left an indelible mark on our school, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible young people they have become.

We wish our Year 6 graduates every success and happiness as they venture into the big wide world. Congratulations, graduates—you will be missed!

FAREWELL RIPPER FAMILIES BUT NOT FOREVER!

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when our Year 6 students graduate and there are no younger siblings left at the school. For some families, this marks the end of a long and cherished relationship with our school and community. Deep connections and friendships have been formed for life—not only among students but also with their families.

We bid farewell to several families in this year’s graduating cohort and other families leaving the school and sincerely thank them for their incredible years of support and partnership. We hope you take away many cherished moments and fond memories of your child’s time at our school and remember us as fondly as we will remember you.

Please don’t feel like a stranger—we hope to see you at future events. Stay in touch and share your child’s journey as they move on to high school and other schools, states and countries.

Best wishes for 2025 and beyond!

2025 STAFFING PROFILE 

As we conclude the year, students had the valuable opportunity to connect with their new teachers and peers, looking forward to the upcoming changes in 2025. Change is a constant in life, and while it may not always align with our expectations, the unwavering support from parents ensures a smooth transition for our children.

We are delighted to introduce our dedicated workforce for 2025. Our committed educators are poised to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the new year, providing unwavering support to every student at RPS. Together, as a community, we look forward to a wonderful and enriching year ahead.

YEAR-LEVEL TEACHING TEAMS 2025

SPECIALIST TEAM 2025

EDUCATION SUPPORT TEAM 2025

REFLECTING ON OUR SUCCESS IN LEARNING & WELLBEING 

As the year draws to a close, we are thrilled to share some incredible highlights regarding our school’s overall performance in learning and wellbeing. Often, families ask, “How does a school measure its success in educating and supporting students?” While NAPLAN is a commonly referenced metric, it is just one of many tools the Department of Education uses to evaluate a school’s performance.

Last week, during our final School Council meeting, we shared the 2024 School Performance Report, which details how Ripponlea Primary School is performing across key domains of learning and wellbeing. Today, we’re excited to extend this information to our broader community, as it truly reflects the collective effort and dedication of our students, staff, and families.

Learning Domain: High-Performance Maintained

In the Learning Domain, Ripponlea Primary School has been identified as performing highly and maintaining with significant achievements in Mathematics—a key focus area over the past two years. 

Here are some highlights:

• Student Proficiency in Mathematics:
  • 96% of our Year 5 students achieved results within the Exceeding or Strong proficiency scales.
  • This compares to 82% in similar schools, representing an 11.6% advantage for Ripponlea students.
• Student Growth from Year 3 to Year 5:
  • 88% of our students demonstrated significant growth, compared to 76% in similar schools.
  • This marks an impressive 39.1% improvement overall, far exceeding comparable benchmarks.

These results underscore the success of our targeted initiatives in Mathematics, including the implementation of effective PLC inquiry cycles, teacher professional learning, and a strong focus on differentiated instruction.

Wellbeing Domain: Exceeding Expectations

In the Wellbeing Domain, Ripponlea Primary School continues to shine. All five wellbeing measures in the differentiated report were rated above or well above similar schools. These results affirm the strength of our student wellbeing programs, which include:

• The expansion of our student wellbeing team to include specialised roles such as an Occupational Therapist and Inclusion and Disability Coordinator.
• The creation of a new Social-Emotional Learning Scope and Sequence, ensuring consistency and focus across all year levels.
• Ongoing commitment to the PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) Framework, which fosters a safe and inclusive school culture.
• Introduction of the Zones of Regulation Curriculum and continued emphasis on Respectful Relationships. 

Here's a summary of the Wellbeing Measures:

1. Emotional Awareness and Regulation:
   • Current result: 80% positive endorsement (↑2.2%)
   • Similar schools: 72%
   • Performance: Well-above
2. Managing Bullying:
   • Current result: 81% positive endorsement (↑3.9%)
   • Similar schools: 74%
   • Performance: Above
3. School Connectedness:
   • Current result: 78% positive endorsement (↓1.7%)
   • Similar schools: 75%
   • Performance: Above
4. Stimulated Learning:
   • Current result: 87% positive endorsement (↓2.6%)
   • Similar schools: 75%
   • Performance: Well-above
5. Student Voice and Agency:
   • Current result: 71% positive endorsement (↑1.4%)
   • Similar schools: 62%
   • Performance: Well-above

Overall, Ripponlea Primary School continues to outperform similar schools in most wellbeing measures, demonstrating strong performance in Emotional Awareness, Managing Bullying, Stimulated Learning, and Student Voice and Agency.

These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our teachers, the resilience of our students, and the unwavering support of our families and wider community. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and remain committed to continuous improvement in both learning and wellbeing.

Together, we are building a thriving and supportive school community where every child can excel and grow.

END OF YEAR WRAP UP: CELEBRATING OUR 2024 JOURNEY TOGETHER

As the year comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the many achievements and growth that have defined 2024 at Ripponlea Primary School. From our students’ incredible accomplishments to the unwavering support of our community, this year has been a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication.

We are immensely proud of the growth our students have shown, both academically and personally. Their resilience, creativity, and enthusiasm have been at the heart of everything we do. It’s a joy to witness their development and to celebrate the successes that stem from the authentic and rich learning experiences we strive to provide.

Our staff have gone above and beyond this year, stepping up in countless ways to support not only their students but also each other. In a small school like ours, every team member wears many hats, and their hard work and commitment have been truly inspiring.

We are equally grateful to our families for working in partnership with us, strengthening the ties between home and school to ensure the best outcomes for our students. Your contributions, whether through volunteering, supporting programs, or simply being present, have made a world of difference.

A special thank you goes to our School Council members, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in everything from building projects to student wellbeing initiatives. Your guidance and commitment have been pivotal to our success this year.

As we celebrate the close of 2024, we’re also excitedly looking ahead to 2025. We’re laying the groundwork for an incredible year, with new programs, initiatives, and enhanced wellbeing supports already in the works. Together, we’ll continue to create opportunities that inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential.

Thank you, Rippers, for making 2024 such a memorable and impactful year. Enjoy the holiday season—stay safe, get festive, and cherish time with your loved ones.

Here’s to finishing the year strong and launching into 2025 with the same energy and determination that make Ripponlea Primary School such a special place.

Until next year!

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

      Principal                                         Assistant Principal