Principal Team Message

YEAR 1/2 BIG NIGHT IN & SLEEPOVER: A NIGHT OF LAUGHTER, ADVENTURE AND LIFELONG MEMORIES

The Year 1 Big Night In and Sleepover at Ripponlea Primary was a night to remember, packed with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. As the evening began, the students embarked on an adventure filled with ninja courses and inflatable games, bringing out their inner adventurers and creating a strong sense of camaraderie. The basketball courts and mini-pitch were filled with excitement and laughter, and not even a little rain could dampen the atmosphere.

To keep their energy up, students enjoyed a feast of Domino's pizza, drinks, and icy poles, fueling them up for more fun. As 8:00 p.m. approached, the Year 1 students were reluctant to leave, wishing the evening could go on forever.

For those staying overnight, the adventure continued as they changed into pyjamas, brushed their teeth, and gathered for a movie before settling in for a night’s rest in their classroom-turned-campsite. The following morning, students woke up right in their classroom, ready to start another day—a unique camping experience that offered a taste of independence and community right at school.

A huge thank you goes to the dedicated Year 1/2 teachers, Mrs. Nield, Ms. D, and Dave, along with our amazing integration aides, Mark Soroczynski and Natalie Pfaller, who stayed overnight to make this event possible. Their commitment to creating memorable experiences like this for our students is truly commendable.

This event was not only a fun adventure but also a great stepping stone for Year 2 students as they look forward to next year’s camp experience, building resilience, friendships, and a sense of independence. We deeply appreciate the dedication of our staff for going above and beyond to make this event a success for our students.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JON WOOD & EMELINE

We’re thrilled to announce the wonderful news of the safe arrival of Millie, a precious baby for our Year 3/4 teacher Jon Wood and his partner Emeline! 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jon and Emeline as they step into this exciting new chapter of parenthood. May this journey be filled with joy, love, and countless cherished moments.

From our school community, we wish the happy family all the very best in the days, months, and years ahead. Enjoy every precious moment with your little one!

HALLOWEEN AT RIPPONLEA: A SPOOKTACULAR SUCCESS!

Last week was filled with excitement and creativity as Rippers of all ages showed their love for dressing up, making this Halloween an event to remember. Led by our very own Mr. Leech as the master of ceremonies, students and teachers alike paraded through the basketball courts in costume, greeted by cheers and applause from a crowd of enthusiastic parents. Even the little ones from Ripponlea Kinder joined in the fun, adding to the festive spirit of the day.

These special occasions at Ripponlea Primary School are cherished not only by our students but also by families and community members. We’re grateful to all the parents and caregivers who came out to celebrate with us, bringing joy and energy to our Halloween festivities. It’s this kind of community support that makes these days so memorable.

In speaking with some parents who work as teachers in other schools, we’re reminded how fortunate we are to keep these traditions alive. While many schools feel pressured to eliminate such activities to meet an increasingly packed curriculum, Ripponlea believes in the value of events like these. They not only engage students but also foster a sense of connectedness and belonging that enhances their learning experience.

We hope our students and families had a fantastic time and continued the celebration into the evening with trick-or-treating around the neighbourhood. Thanks once again to everyone for making Halloween at Ripponlea Primary School truly spooktacular!

EXCITING NEWS: ANOTHER RIPPER BABY ON THE WAY! 

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that Ms. Alicia Oliver Cook and her husband Rowan are expecting a new addition to their family! 

Come March 2025, we’ll be eagerly awaiting the arrival of another “Ripper” baby to join our community. 

We couldn’t be more delighted for Alicia and Rowan, and we wish them all the joy and excitement this new chapter brings. 

Congratulations from our entire school community!

RPS WHOLE SCHOOL STEPPING UP PROGRAM - PREPARING FOR A BRIGHT 2025 AHEAD!

At Ripponlea Primary School, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Whole School Stepping Up Program! This initiative is designed to help every student transition smoothly into their next year level by giving them early exposure to the peers, programs, and possibilities that await them in 2025.

While our youngest learners in the Foundation 2025 Stepping Up Program have already begun their orientation journey, with families returning for their third visit this week, we’re excited to extend this experience to all year levels at RPS. 

Starting this Thursday, November 14th, all students will participate in a series of Stepping Up sessions, designed to foster confidence, build connections, and spark curiosity about what lies ahead.

This unique program includes:

• Session 1 on Thursday, November 14th: Students will begin to engage with peers they’ll be learning alongside next year, building bonds and a sense of familiarity.
• Session 2 on Friday, November 22nd: More opportunities to interact, learn about year-level-specific opportunities, and participate in fun, year-level-focused activities.
• Final Session on Thursday, December 19th: Students will meet their 2025 teachers, closing the program with a warm welcome from the educators who will guide them through their next school year.

Throughout these sessions, students won’t be limited to simply meeting teachers; they’ll also explore the new programs, responsibilities, and engaging projects that make each year level unique at RPS.

 Although they won’t meet specific year-level teachers right away, this experience will help them feel at home with their new peers and give them a glimpse of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Our Stepping Up Program is part of RPS’s commitment to supporting each child’s transition and fostering a learning community where every student feels prepared, connected, and enthusiastic about the coming school year. We’re eager to watch our students take these steps together and grow through this shared journey.

Let’s step confidently into 2025!

RPS 2025 STUDENT LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS - A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS 

At Ripponlea Primary School, we are dedicated to fostering leadership and empowering our students to make a positive impact in their school community. As we start the exciting process of electing our 2025 Student Leadership team, we remain mindful of the incredible work our current leaders have done and the exciting events they will still lead over the last six weeks of the school year.

Our 2024 Student Leadership team has led numerous impactful initiatives and events throughout the year. Their projects have strengthened our school community and enhanced students' experiences, from well-being and sustainability projects to school-wide events and community outreach. With a few weeks left in their term, our current leaders are wrapping up the year with a final burst of energy, leaving a legacy for future leaders to follow.

Looking ahead, Ripponlea offers students in Year 4 and Year 5 the opportunity to apply for key leadership roles, including School Captain, House Captain, Student Council and committee leaders in areas like Student Wellbeing, the Student Representative Council (SRC), and the Student Sustainability Team. Each position is designed to empower students to shape our community and contribute to school culture in meaningful ways.

The leadership journey begins with a formal written application, allowing each candidate to share their vision, goals, and characteristics. Candidates for the role of School Captain also go through an impromptu interview with current School Captains and Mrs. Rose and Sarah Coughlin providing an opportunity to showcase their ideas and enthusiasm for representing their peers.

Ripponlea is committed to modelling democratic principles in our selection process. After applications are reviewed and interviews are completed, we hold a preferential voting event. Inspired by Australia’s government election system, the preferential voting model allows students to rank candidates in order of preference. This method ensures that elected leaders have broad support from their peers and emphasises the importance of each student’s voice in shaping the future leadership team.

Our student leadership program at Ripponlea Primary School goes beyond titles; it is a foundational experience in civic engagement, community responsibility, and personal growth. 

As our 2024 leaders complete their impactful journey, our 2025 candidates prepare to take the torch, carrying forward our values of creativity, respect, open-mindedness, community, integrity and resilience.

At Ripponlea, we are proud to provide a platform where young leaders are empowered to make a difference, leaving a lasting impact on our school and beyond.

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

      Principal                                         Assistant Principal