Things To 

Know

As the final assembly concludes, we ask all members of our school community to form a special Arc of Celebration so that our graduating students, filled with memories and gratitude, run through symbolising their transition to new beginnings. It is a poignant moment that encapsulates the essence of community, support, and celebration. 

The tradition of forming an 'Arc of Celebration' at Ripponlea Primary School is a beautiful testament to the school's commitment to nurturing a strong sense of community and connection.

CURRICULUM DAYS 2025 - SCHOOL COUNCIL APPROVED

AS WE FAREWELL 2024 & LOOK FORWARD TO 2025 - CHECK OUT ALL THE KEY DATES ON THE COMPASS CALENDAR, SCHOOL NEWSLETTER & SCHOOL WEBSITE

2025 PARENT PAYMENTS &  CONTRIBUTIONS 

Ripponlea Primary School is excited to embark on another enriching year of teaching and learning in 2025. As we plan for the year ahead, we’d like to inform you about our school’s voluntary financial contributions, aligned with the Department of Education and Training’s (DET) Parent Payments Policy.

Our School Council has diligently reviewed the proposed contributions for 2025 to ensure full transparency. These contributions are designed to provide rich curricula, high-quality resources, engaging learning experiences, and a positive education for all students. We have released detailed information for each year level via COMPASS, and for your convenience, this information is also attached to this newsletter and available on our website.

The Impact of Your Contributions

Schools provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard curriculum requirements, and we want to remind you that all contributions are voluntary. However, your ongoing financial support plays a vital role in helping us provide the best possible educational experience for every student.

Thanks to your generous contributions in 2024, we have been able to:

• Enhance classroom resources for general and specialist subjects, enriching learning experiences across the curriculum.
• Expand well-being programs, including School Wide Positive Behaviour Support, Resilience Rights and Respectful Relationships, Zones of Regulation, and more.
• Provide diverse learning opportunities, such as Inquiry-Based Projects, Sports Carnivals, excursions, and camps.
• Improve literacy resources, with expanded classroom libraries, home reading materials, and library books.
• Maintain and upgrade school facilities, ensuring a safe and inspiring learning environment.

Exciting Plans for 2025

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share our plans to further enhance our school:

• Upgrade classroom furniture for Years 3–6.
• Expand sustainability initiatives, including our Indigenous and Italian Gardens, Food Pods, and Nature-Play Junior Playground.
• Introduce a new Language Program (Japanese) and additional cultural experiences.
• Increase support for student learning, including phonics and reading intervention programs such as MiniLit Sage and the Phormes Phonics program.
• Hire new Disability and Inclusion support staff, as well as additional learning support staff for classrooms.
• Beautify the school environment, with student-designed murals, PBS-themed signage, and improved outdoor play equipment.

How to Contribute

All contributions can be made via the QKR app, B-Pay, or alternative arrangements. We thank our finance committee, including Kate Crawford (Business Manager), Tarryn Holland (School Council President), and Lee Wallace (Treasurer), for overseeing this process. Their diligence and the endorsement of our School Council members have been invaluable in ensuring a clear and transparent approach.

Additionally, we encourage families to order their child’s book packs directly from our recommended supplier, Maxim Office Group, by Friday, December 13, 2024. These packs include all necessary stationery and will be delivered directly to the school. Classroom consumables will continue to be purchased in bulk for shared use, ensuring cost efficiency.

On behalf of the School Council, our staff, and the school leadership team we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your contributions—whether through parent payments, fundraising, volunteering, or other means. Your dedication significantly impacts our students, enriching their learning environment and enabling exceptional educational opportunities.

We look forward to your continued support in 2025 and beyond as we work together to foster growth, learning, and success for every student.

2025 Voluntary Financial Contributions: 

Foundation

Year 1/2 

Year 3/4

Year 5/6

YEAR 3-6 HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Important Notice: House Tops Update

Next year, all students will be required to wear the new house tops as shown below. The old house system has been completely phased out, and these are now the only tops permitted under the school uniform policy, as approved by our School Council.

If you require support to purchase the new house tops, please speak with Mrs. Rose. Alternatively, you may use your $400 school savings bonus for this purchase.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

As we eagerly dive into the new school year, we are thrilled to announce the first major event that will set the tone for an exciting year ahead—the RPS 2025 House Swimming Carnival! 

This annual tradition promises a day filled with aquatic excitement, friendly competition, and the unbridled spirit of our Houses.

Date and Time: Wednesday 5 February 2025

Venue: Harold Holt Swim Centre (1409-1413 High St, Glen Iris VIC 3146)

Please approve on COMPASS and pay via QKR

Events will include all strokes: 

• Freestyle: The classic race that showcases speed and endurance.
• Backstroke: A test of skill and technique as swimmers navigate the pool on their backs.
• Breaststroke: The graceful and challenging stroke that demands strength and precision.
• Butterfly: The most dynamic and visually stunning event that highlights swimmers' agility.

There will be relay races and get ready for some unexpected and entertaining twists with our novelty events which add an extra layer of fun to the competition.

Each house will be adorned in their vibrant colours, bringing the poolside to life with a sea of enthusiasm. Students, deck yourselves out in your house colours and showcase your pride as you cheer on your fellow teammates. 

Points earned in each event will contribute to the overall House Championship. The house with the highest tally at the end of the carnival will claim the coveted title and bragging rights for the year.

EXCITING NEWS FOR 2025 - OUR SECOND-HAND UNIFORM SHOP HAS A NEW HOME 

As we kick off the 2025 school year, our second-hand uniform shop will be relocating to a new space! The shop will now be housed in the spare Foundation room, also known as the Learning Tutor room. To make the most of this space, the classroom will be divided into two areas, with access provided via the new deck and external doorway.

We’re looking for some enthusiastic volunteers to help set up the shop and prepare for the busy sales period at the start of the school year.

If you’re available to lend a hand, please contact Natalie Rose as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support in creating this exciting new space for our school community!