Specialist News 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Farewell Ripper Families!

As the year draws to a close, I’d like to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had in Physical Education this term. It’s been an action-packed finish to the year, with students giving their all, embracing new challenges, and revisiting some of their favourite activities from the past.

Our Foundation students had a blast exploring soccer and basketball, focusing on the basics of kicking, dribbling, passing, and shooting. They’ve built their confidence with the ball through engaging activities and fun mini-games, showing great progress in their coordination and teamwork. It’s been such a joy to see their excitement as they celebrated their first goals and baskets!

For our Year 1/2 students, we stepped things up in soccer and basketball, adding games that required them to make quick decisions and work closely with teammates. From scoring against others on the basketball court to creating space and scoring goals on the soccer field, they’ve shown growing confidence and connection as team players. Their enthusiasm and energy have been contagious throughout every session!

In Years 3-6, students rounded off the year with an exciting variety of sports: Rounders, Cricket, and Spikeball. These activities challenged them to refine their skills and explore strategies in striking, fielding, and rallying games. While our younger students worked on developing fundamental techniques, our older students delved into tactical gameplay, teamwork, and decision-making, with some impressive rallies and game strategies on display. It’s been wonderful to watch their skills grow and their understanding of these sports deepen.

Of course, no term would be complete without revisiting some of the students’ favourite warm-up games from across the year! Classics like Mystery Tag, Chicken Run, Dodgeball, and Rock, Paper, Scissors, Snake had everyone laughing, moving, and enjoying the pure fun of play (although the Year 6s may have needed more practice after losing to the undermanned teachers this week). These moments have been a perfect way to celebrate a year of movement, growth, and togetherness.

Sadly, this term also marks my final one in the Ripper family, as I’ll be moving to a new school next year. It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of this amazing community, and I’ve loved every moment of teaching in such a wonderful school. Watching students' confidence and skills grow, seeing their smiles on the field, and being part of their journey has brought me immense joy.

Thank you to all the students, families, and staff for your support and kindness over the year. I’ll miss you all deeply, but I leave with so many fond memories and a heart full of gratitude.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season—and keep moving, playing, and having fun!

Merry Christmas,

Tye

LOTE

Bonjour Ripponlea Community, 

I hope everyone is well. The students have been working "tres bien" and it's wonderful to see their learning and enthusiasm. 

Foundation- In French, we have been learning about food, fruit and animals. We have been engaging with interactive tasks, games and small group activities.

Year 1/2- In the story “ The Very Greedy Dog” we have focused on basic grammar in the context of food, identifying quantities in making polite requests and choosing the correct article when talking about food we like or dislike.

Year 3/4 - We have explored what sort of amenities and features we might find in a French town compared to students locality. How we think French towns might be similar and different. 

Year 5/6 - The students have been looking at the direction between cities using compass points, landmarks of Paris and things that can be done when visiting Paris.

We have also been looking at various cultural practises within our community and engaged in activities to learn more about these.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your kindness and support over the last 4 years at Ripponlea Primary School. I have loved teaching Italian and French and it has been a privilege to teach Ripponlea students. Whilst I'm going to miss you all, I will visit the school regularly and continue to be part of this wonderful community.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025. May the year ahead be full of new adventures, great times and good health. 

Merci

Signora Merlino

PERFORMING ARTS 

What a fantastic year of Performing Arts! 

We’ve played drums, made movies, sang up a storm and danced the day away. And what a way to finish off the year but with the annual Lip Sync Battles. Students spent weeks etting ready for the big day. Creating their own choreography, designing a background and practising for the big day. For one whole week we filmed all the students performing in front of our giant green screen and after a bit of editing the videos are ready to watch. 

Again. A big thank you for everyone who got so involved in performing this year and I look forward to more next year. 

And of course next year we will be having the bi-annual School Production. So keep an eye for that! We always need parents to get involved so if you have skills that can help (from stage experience to costumes and make up) please let us know.

Mr G