Principal Team Message

WELCOME BACK - 2024 HERE WE COME!

Welcome back to another exciting school year! We hope this message finds you all rejuvenated from the holiday break, filled with cherished moments spent with loved ones. 

As we embark on this new term, we extend a warm welcome to our new families and students, as well as to those who have been part of our school community for some time.

Last week marked a thrilling time for both students and teachers alike. The school was bustling with energy as everyone reunited, sharing stories of holiday adventures and unpacking stationery supplies. It was heartwarming to witness the connections being made between new peers and teachers and to see familiar faces coming together once again.

As we settled into the rhythm of the school year, we revisited and reinforced our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) expectations and embraced the new routines of school life. Mornings may have started with groggy wake-up calls, but by the end of the week, the atmosphere was filled with positivity, excitement, and happiness.

A special highlight of the week was welcoming our Foundation students on Thursday. It was a joy to see them ease into their spaces with confidence, not a tear in sight, but rather, many happy faces. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the Foundation families for preparing their children so well for this important milestone. The first day of school is indeed a memorable celebration of a child's educational journey.

As we look ahead, we wish all students and staff a most successful term. May this year be filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences that will shape our school community for years to come.

WELCOME NEW STAFF AT RPS 

Tye McGannon

Hi families of Ripponlea!

My name is Tye McGannon and I’m your new P.E. teacher for 2024. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet you all in your first few PE lessons and I hope you are as excited as I am for the year ahead. As I’m getting to learn so much about you and all of the different sports and activities you enjoy, I thought I better tell you a little about myself. 

Before I was lucky enough to join you at Ripponlea, I had been working for 6 years as a classroom teacher in the Mornington Peninsula. I have worked with many different year levels, but because I love sport so much I decided it was time to become a PE teacher, and I feel so lucky to be here teaching you all. 

Some of my favourite sports are AFL (Go Hawks), Basketball, Surfing, Swimming & Running. I really do love all sports though, so if you have any exciting news about your own sports when you see me around the school, make sure you come and share it with me!

Aside from sports, another one of my favourite things to do is travel. I like to go to lots of different places both in Australia and overseas. One of my favourite places to go is Wilson’s Prom. I grew up near there and love going to visit my family and friends, as well as going to my favourite beaches. If you’ve ever travelled somewhere cool before, I hope you can come and tell me all about it. 

Let’s all have an awesome 2024 together!

Thanks, 

Tye

YEAR 3-6 HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming House Swimming Event, on Tuesday 13th February, we are thrilled to share some exciting updates and reminders with our school community.

Firstly, we are delighted to announce that Susie Massey our previous staff member is eagerly looking forward to supporting this event. With her dedication to fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, Susie will undoubtedly infuse the RPS House Spirit into every aspect of the day. Additionally, we are pleased to introduce Tye McGannon, our current P.E. teacher who will be joining us to witness the undeniable RPS House Spirit and sportsmanship firsthand.

This event promises a day filled with excitement, competition, and camaraderie. All students from Year 3 to Year 6 are required to participate in this celebration of teamwork. While students have the option to compete in time trials and strokes or participate in the fun novelty events interspersed throughout the day, the true victory lies in the joy of participation and the bonds forged through shared experiences.

Who will take the first win of the year? Our House Captains are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to lead and inspire their Houses to victory. We extend a warm invitation to all families to join us at the pool to watch and cheer on our competitors. Your presence and support play a crucial role in creating an atmosphere of encouragement and celebration.

As a school with a small but dedicated staff, we rely on the invaluable support of parent volunteers to ensure the success of events like these. We kindly ask that parents who are available to volunteer on the day reach out to Casey in the school office to confirm their availability. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and vital to making this event a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

HOLIDAY WORKS & EXCITING BUILDING PROJECTS 

The holiday season is often associated with rest, relaxation, and quality time spent with loved ones. However, for a school like ours, it presents a valuable opportunity to undertake significant maintenance and development projects without the hustle and bustle of daily school activities. This holiday break, our school embarked on several endeavours aimed at improving our facilities and enhancing the learning environment for students and staff alike.

One of the most notable projects undertaken during the holidays was the completion of roof works on several school buildings. These essential repairs ensure the safety and structural integrity of our facilities.  With students and staff away, our dedicated maintenance man, Justin, diligently attended to all the necessary tasks, ensuring that our school meets all occupational health and safety standards.

In addition to the roof works, our school received a visit from building surveyors who conducted an assessment of our learning deck. This evaluation aimed to identify essential improvements and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The highlight of this assessment came with the exciting news delivered in the first week of January.

An architect from the VSBA (Victorian School Building Authority) visited our school and approved the Accessible Buildings grant. This grant will enable us to realise the vision of our learning deck, a project initially conceptualised by Bec Parker and Isabel Lasala as part of the Facilities and Environment committee of the School Council. The approval marks a significant milestone for our school, paving the way for the completion of this transformative project.

Looking ahead, we anticipate a series of building projects to unfold throughout the year, each designed to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of our school environment. We are delighted to share preliminary drawings that offer a glimpse into the exciting spaces that will soon become integral parts of our campus. These projects reflect our commitment to providing students with exceptional educational facilities both indoors and outdoors.

Moreover, the holiday season heralds a major celebration for our school and community, especially for our students, who will benefit from these incredible spaces. As we move forward, our school council will focus on the redevelopment of the junior playground. This endeavour will involve the appointment of a landscape architect tasked with translating our vision into a tangible design that fosters creativity, exploration, and active play.

As we embark on this journey of transformation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating an inclusive and inspiring environment where every student can thrive.

RIPPONLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL & RIPPONLEA KINDER WELCOME PICNIC 

As we embark upon a new year filled with promise and opportunity, it is with great excitement that Ripponlea Primary and Ripponlea Kinder come together to celebrate the importance of community. This event marks a significant moment for both past and current students, educators, and families who have had the privilege of being part of our cherished community.

For many, Ripponlea Kinder has been a nurturing environment where children have taken their first steps into the world of learning under the guidance of Mishel and her dedicated team. The transition from Ripponlea Kinder to Ripponlea Primary has been seamless for numerous students, who now find themselves immersed in a new chapter at our school. 

The merging of these two educational institutions signifies not only a coming together of students and families but also of educators committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment.

At Ripponlea Primary, we extend our warm embrace to the Kinder students, welcoming them to explore and utilise the facilities of our school. From playgrounds to gardens, ovals to libraries, our Kinder students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of learning experiences. Our Year 3/4 students eagerly take on the role of mentors, offering support and guidance to their younger peers as they navigate their early years of education.

The bond between Ripponlea Kinder and Ripponlea Primary extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Kinder students eagerly participate in school events and parades, adding their spirit to our celebrations, particularly during special occasions such as Book Week. It is this sense of shared enthusiasm and camaraderie that truly embodies the spirit of our community.

On Tuesday, 20th February, our two communities will unite as one on the school oval for a momentous celebration. We are honoured to welcome the Bunurong Land Council, who will grace us with a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by a Yidiki performance. The festivities will continue with an abundance of food, drinks, and entertainment for all to enjoy.

We extend a heartfelt invitation to all members of our community – past, present, and future – to join us as we celebrate the bonds that unite us and the promise of a brighter future ahead. 

In the spirit of unity and fellowship, let us come together to celebrate our community and the invaluable connections that bind us all. 

Welcome to Ripponlea – where community thrives, and hearts unite.

YOU TELL US PARENTS/CARERS & TEACHER MEETINGS  

In the intricate web of a child's educational journey, the connection between families and teachers stands as a cornerstone for success. The meetings between families and their child's teacher serve as pivotal moments where valuable insights are exchanged, aspirations are shared, and partnerships are forged. These interactions lay the groundwork for a collaborative effort aimed at nurturing the holistic development of each student.

At the heart of these meetings lies the mutual desire to support the child's growth, both academically and personally. Parents and carers bring a wealth of knowledge about their children, including learning styles, social dynamics, and individual goals. This firsthand understanding provides teachers with invaluable context, enabling them to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each student.

Conversely, teachers offer insights into the academic curriculum, learning objectives, and strategies for enhancing student engagement. By aligning their efforts with the aspirations of the family, educators can create a cohesive support system that empowers the child to thrive in their educational pursuits.

One of the primary objectives of these meetings is to establish a positive and collaborative working relationship between families and teachers. Recognising that effective communication is key to fostering this partnership, educators are eager to create open channels for dialogue and feedback. Through transparent and regular communication, both parties can stay informed about the child's progress, address any concerns promptly, and celebrate achievements together.

As the academic year unfolds, opportunities for parental involvement extend beyond the confines of the meeting room. Families are welcomed into the classroom environment, where they can witness firsthand the learning experiences of their child and actively participate in school activities. These interactions not only deepen the sense of community but also reinforce the shared commitment to the child's educational journey.

In addition to individual meetings, schools often organize curriculum information sessions to provide families with insights into the educational framework and upcoming milestones. These sessions serve as forums for dialogue, where parents and carers can gain clarity on academic expectations, explore enrichment opportunities, and contribute to the collective vision for their child's education.

Furthermore, the establishment of communication channels, whether through digital platforms, newsletters, or parent-teacher associations, ensures that information flows seamlessly between home and school. By fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency, educators lay the groundwork for a supportive ecosystem where the child's well-being and academic success are paramount.

Ultimately, the essence of family-teacher meetings transcends the exchange of information; it embodies a shared commitment to the growth and flourishing of each student. By embracing the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the educational community, teachers and families can harness their collective strengths to create a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Through meaningful interactions, shared aspirations, and unwavering support, we can pave the way for a transformative educational experience that empowers each student to reach their fullest potential.

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

      Principal                                         Assistant Principal