Principal Team Message
Term 4 - Edition no: 16, 2023
CAMPING EXPERIENCES AT RPS
The term is progressing exceptionally well, and we are thrilled to report that our students are actively engaged in a range of enriching experiences. We kicked off the term with a fantastic Year 3/4 Camp, where our students had the opportunity to bond with their peers and teachers and interact with unique wildlife. We're sure those memories will be cherished for a lifetime.
Building on this, we want to emphasise the importance of the journey that leads our students to such memorable experiences. We start preparing our students in Years 1/2 with a Big Night In and Sleepover. This is a significant step in their growth where they begin to build confidence, and independence and prepare for the full camping experience they'll encounter in Years 3 to 6.
CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
Our Cultural Day was a vibrant celebration of diversity, where students from various backgrounds came together to showcase their unique cultures, customs, and traditions. It was heartwarming to see our school community come together in celebration. Thank you to Ms. Merlino who organised a French-inspired Cultural day. Please see her report in the specialist section.
We are also looking for parents in our community who can help us authentically celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in November which stands as a shining example of how a traditional festival can be a unifying force in a diverse and dynamic society. It is a celebration of collective humanity, a reminder that the light of goodness and love can dispel the darkness of hatred and ignorance.
HALLOWEEN DRESS UP DAY AND DISCO EVENING - THIS FRIDAY
Halloween is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited! It's that time of the year when you get to let your creativity run wild and transform into your favorite characters, creatures, or whatever your heart desires.
Whether you're a fan of spine-chilling monsters, whimsical witches, or super-heroic saviors, Halloween is your chance to shine and showcase your unique style. That's right, it's time to dust off those costumes, or perhaps even create a new one, and join us in celebrating this spooky season in style with a free dress-up day this Friday.
Our students are also eagerly awaiting the Halloween Disco, a night of fun, costumes, and spooky delights. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Friday 27 October
Foundation - Year 2: 5.00PM - 6.30PM
Year 3 - Year 6: 7.00PM - 8.30PM
RIPPER RUN FEST
Against the backdrop of these engaging school activities, our Ripper families have an incredible event on the horizon - the Ripper Run Fest. We are thrilled to encourage our entire community to get involved in sponsorship and to spread the word amongst family and friends. This event holds great significance, as it is an important step toward raising the crucial funds needed for the upgrade of our junior playground.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the families who have contributed to this endeavor by submitting their ideas, photos, and votes for the concepts they would like to see incorporated into the junior playground. Your active involvement and creative input are invaluable to us, and we look forward to making this playground a wonderful space for our students to play and learn.
Here is a slideshow of the RPS Junior Playground Vision Board
Please keep sharing any ideas or photos you might have!
HAPPY WORLD TEACHER'S DAY
Tomorrow we join millions of people around the world in celebrating World Teacher's Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the incredible contributions of our educators. We would like to begin by acknowledging all the wonderful staff at Ripponlea Primary School. Regardless of the roles they hold within the school, they are all incredible teachers.
Our staff are more than just educators; they are mentors, role models, and dedicated professionals who inspire and guide our students toward a brighter future. In every classroom, they create an environment that fosters learning, growth, and personal development. Their dedication goes far beyond the classroom, as they invest their time, energy, and passion into shaping well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with essential life skills.
What makes our staff exceptional is their unwavering commitment to their students. They take the time to understand each child's unique needs, learning styles, and potential. They build trusting relationships, providing a safe space for students to express themselves, ask questions, and explore their interests. Our teachers are not just instructors; they are partners in the educational journey, guiding our students to become confident, critical thinkers and responsible citizens.
One remarkable aspect of Ripponlea Primary School is the collaborative spirit among our staff. With a small but dedicated team of 20 members, many in part-time roles, our teachers embody the true meaning of teamwork. They work together to ensure that each child receives the best possible care and education. This collaborative effort showcases their dedication to the school's success and their commitment to providing quality education for every student.
Our teachers' responsibilities are vast, from planning engaging lessons to supporting extracurricular activities and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment. They wear many hats, and they do it with grace, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence. They show us that education is not just a job but a calling, a vocation that demands heart, soul, and endless patience.
On this World Teacher's Day, let us express our gratitude to the exceptional staff at Ripponlea Primary School. They deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their tireless efforts, dedication, and the impact they have on the lives of our children. Their work is an investment in our future, and it is our collective responsibility to support and celebrate them.
Please take a moment to thank them, not just with words, but with actions that show your appreciation. Small gestures can go a long way in making our educators feel valued and motivated to continue their vital work. Together, as a school community, we can create an atmosphere of mutual respect and admiration that will inspire our teachers to reach new heights in their mission to educate and empower our students.
Happy World Teacher's Day to our incredible staff at Ripponlea Primary School!
SMILE SQUAD DENTAL VAN COMING SOON
The Smile Squad team from BHN Group will be visiting our school soon as part of the Victorian Government's free school dental program. This means that all students at Ripponlea Primary School can receive free dental check-ups, preventive services, and treatment right here at school.
Accessing this valuable opportunity is easy, but we require your consent before we can provide these services to your child. As a parent or guardian, your permission is essential to ensure your child's participation in the Smile Squad program.
By granting consent, you enable your child to receive high-quality dental care without any financial barriers. This program not only promotes excellent oral health but also contributes to your child's overall well-being and success in school.
We understand that your child's health and happiness are a top priority, and the Smile Squad program is a fantastic way to support their dental health.
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure your child's smile remains bright and healthy. Your consent is the key to unlocking the benefits of this program for your child and our entire school community.
Sign up to Smile Squad at: https://bit.ly/smilesquadvic OR use the below QR code:
FOUNDATION 2024 'STEPPING UP' PROGRAM
Next week we are thrilled to meet our newest Rippers and their families as we begin a program that promises to make the transition from Kindergarten to Primary School an exciting and smooth experience for our youngest students. The Foundation 2024 Stepping Up Program is specifically designed to provide a seamless transition for our students, and it's packed with opportunities for children to meet their future teachers and spend time in their new classrooms.
This program aims to ensure that every child is well-prepared not just academically but also emotionally and socially for the exciting journey ahead in Primary School. We understand the importance of making this transition as smooth as possible, and we are dedicated to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for both students and their parents and carers.
Here's how our program will help children prepare for Primary School:
Meet the Teachers: Children will have the opportunity to meet and get to know their new teachers in advance. This will help establish a sense of familiarity and comfort, making the first day of school an exciting experience.
Classroom Experience: Spending time in their future classrooms will allow children to explore and become accustomed to the new learning environment. They can get a taste of what to expect, making the transition less intimidating.
Social Interaction: Encouraging interactions with peers and classmates-to-be will help build new friendships and create a sense of belonging, fostering a positive and inclusive school community.
Connection to our School: Children have already received their Seesaw accounts, viewing videos of their teachers, our school captains, our specialist teachers and much more interactive fun.
Parents and carers will also have the chance to learn more about the school, our community, our learning programs, educational goals, and classroom expectations. This knowledge will empower them to support their child's transition to school.
We believe that building a strong foundation for education starts with ensuring that children feel safe and welcomed in their new learning environment. The Foundation 2024 'Stepping Up Program' is dedicated to this objective.
COMMUNITY HEALTH MESSAGE
We would like to share an important matter that concerns the well-being of our school community. At present, we find ourselves in the midst of a challenging time with various viruses on the loose. To ensure the safety and health of all, we must stand together as a community and be vigilant when it comes to illness.
In recent weeks, our school has seen a noticeable increase in the number of students and staff falling ill. While we understand that many of these illnesses are not necessarily serious, we want to take a proactive approach to protect our community. We strongly urge parents and guardians to keep children home if they are unwell.
The need for vigilance in the face of illness cannot be overstated. By doing so, we not only protect the vulnerable members of our community but also help contain the spread of various illnesses that are currently affecting our students and staff.
Here are some reasons why it's crucial for all of us to remain vigilant during this time:
Protecting the Vulnerable: Some individuals in our community may have compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, which make them more susceptible to severe illness. By keeping unwell children at home, we reduce the risk of them unknowingly passing on illnesses to others.
Reducing the Spread: Illnesses, especially those caused by viruses, can spread rapidly within a school environment. By keeping unwell children at home, we can limit the chances of these illnesses circulating throughout our school.
Minimizing Classroom Disruption: When students attend school while unwell, they often find it difficult to concentrate and participate fully in their lessons. By staying home, they can recover more quickly and return to school in better condition.
Supporting Our Staff: Our dedicated teachers and support staff are crucial to the success of our school. When they fall ill, it can lead to a shortage of resources and disrupt the learning environment. Let's help protect them by reducing the risk of illness spreading.
In the spirit of community, we kindly request that parents and guardians adhere to the following guidelines:
If your child is exhibiting any signs of illness, such as a fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms, please keep them home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Communicate with the school as soon as possible to report your child's absence due to illness. This helps us track and monitor the health of our community.
Encourage good hygiene practices at home, such as regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers, to minimize the risk of illness.
By taking these simple steps, we can collectively work towards a healthier, safer, and more resilient school community. Let us stand together and demonstrate our commitment to the well-being of our students and staff.
We understand that every child's education is important, but the health and safety of our community must always come first. Your cooperation and vigilance are greatly appreciated.
Until next fortnight........
Natalie Rose & Marta Campbell
Principal Assistant Principal
