Things To 

Know

Traffic Monitoring Camera on Carrington Grove

Recently, the school received an enquiry regarding the camera installed above the Kiss and Go zone on Carrington Grove. We contacted the local council to seek clarification and can now provide the following information to our community.

The camera has been installed as part of a partnership between the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and local councils to monitor traffic and pedestrian movements at selected locations across Victoria. The purpose of this project is to gather data that helps identify potential road safety issues and improve traffic management around schools and other busy community areas.

Importantly, the technology being used is designed to detect movement and count objects such as vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. It does not capture or record the identity of drivers, passengers, pedestrians or vehicle registration details. The system is focused solely on collecting anonymous traffic and movement data to better understand how roads and footpaths are being used.

The information gathered will assist transport planners and councils in making informed decisions about future road safety improvements, traffic flow management and pedestrian safety initiatives.

We appreciate community members who take the time to raise questions and seek clarification. Keeping our students, families and community safe remains a priority, and we will continue to share relevant information as it becomes available.

FOOD, BODIES & LUNCHTIMES AT RPS PARENT/CARERS WEBINAR

Ripponlea Primary School families are warmly invited to attend an upcoming online parent webinar presented in partnership with Better Health Network.

This important session will explore how families can help foster positive, respectful and healthy relationships with food, bodies and mealtimes at home. The webinar will also provide practical strategies and takeaways to support children in developing confidence, wellbeing and healthy attitudes around eating and body image.

Families will also gain insight into the work Ripponlea Primary School has undertaken to create positive food and learning environments that support all students across the school community.

Topics will include:

• Supporting healthy and respectful conversations about food and bodies
• Encouraging positive lunchtime experiences
• Building children’s confidence and wellbeing
• Understanding how school environments can influence lifelong habits
• Practical strategies families can use at home

We encourage all families to attend this valuable session as we continue to strengthen our partnership between home and school in supporting student wellbeing.

Date: Thursday 11 June 2026

Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Location: Online via Microsoft Teams once you register

Registration:

Register via Eventbrite

We thank Better Health Network for partnering with Ripponlea Primary School to deliver this important parent learning opportunity.

Supporting Our School Community – Pay-It-Forward Fund

At Ripponlea Primary School, we know that every family’s circumstances are different, and that the rising cost of living continues to place pressure on many households.

Earlier this year, we introduced the Ripponlea Primary School Pay-It-Forward Fund as part of our Parent Payments and Contributions model. This voluntary fund allows families who can do so to contribute towards supporting other students within our school community.

We would also like families to know that this support is available to access.

The Pay-It-Forward Fund can assist with costs related to:

• camps and excursions
• incursions and special activities
• school events
• curriculum-related experiences and opportunities

Our goal is simple: we want all students to be able to participate in and enjoy the opportunities offered at school, regardless of temporary financial challenges.

Support is provided confidentially and respectfully through the school. If your family is experiencing financial hardship and would benefit from assistance, please contact the office or speak with Natalie confidentially.

Sometimes families can give support, and sometimes families need support, both are a normal part of being a caring community.

We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity shown by our Ripponlea families.

📚Premier's Reading Challenge📚

The Premiers' Reading challenge is back for 2026! This year’s theme is ‘Stories to discover. Stories to tell’. 

The challenge runs until 4th September 2026. It’s all about discovering new books, and a love of reading. The Challenge isn’t a competition. Everyone is on their own reading adventure. Students who complete their reading goal will get a certificate signed by Jacinta Allan and past Premiers of our state. 

Once you have signed up, you will be able to access the challenge book list. Most of the books that students read during the Challenge should be taken from the list. It is important that students read books appropriate for their year or reading level. During the Challenge, a student will read a certain number of books that are suitable for them. While the number of books can be varied for a student, the general guidance is:

• Prep to Year 2: Read a total of 15 books, with 10 or more of those books from the Challenge book list
• Year 3 to Year 6: Read a total of 30 books, with 20 or more of those books from the Challenge book list

If you would like to register to take part in the challenge, please email Izzy (isabelle.garcia@education.vic.gov.au) to request your username and password.

 More information can be found here.

Supporting Learning Through Curriculum Contributions

At Ripponlea Primary School, we are incredibly proud of the rich, engaging and high-quality learning experiences we provide for every student, every day. A key part of making this possible is the voluntary Curriculum Contributions made by our families.

Curriculum Contributions go directly towards classroom budgets, empowering our teachers to purchase high-quality, purposeful materials that support daily teaching and learning. These are the resources that bring lessons to life supporting hands-on exploration, creativity, collaboration and deep thinking across all areas of the curriculum.

In classrooms, these contributions help fund:

• Literacy resources such as mentor texts, class novels and guided reading materials
• Mathematics equipment including hands-on manipulatives, games and problem-solving tools
• Inquiry learning resources that support investigations, experiments and project-based learning
• Printing, consumables and classroom organisation materials that ensure smooth daily operations

Our specialist programs particularly benefit from these contributions. They enable us to provide:

• Visual Arts: a wide range of quality art materials including paints, canvases, clay, textiles and craft supplies
• Physical Education: updated and diverse sports equipment to support skill development and active participation
• Performing Arts: props, instruments and resources that allow students to express themselves creatively
• Japanese: cultural materials and engaging resources that deepen language learning and intercultural understanding

Curriculum Contributions also support:

• Digital learning tools and classroom technology
• Science and STEM materials for experimentation and design
• Replacement and replenishment of shared resources across the school
• Additional classroom texts and resources that align with our whole-school instructional approach

While many families will be familiar with the individual book packs from Maxim, it is important to understand that Curriculum Contributions go well beyond these items. They fund the shared resources that all students access daily the materials that often sit behind the scenes but are essential to delivering a high-quality education.

At times, these contributions may not always be immediately visible, but their impact is felt in every classroom, every lesson and every learning experience.

We are deeply grateful to all families who have made voluntary contributions. Your support makes a tangible difference to the opportunities we can provide and ensures our teachers are well-equipped to deliver engaging, inclusive and high-quality learning programs.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning.

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) - DON'T MISS OUT!

Did you know eligible families can receive $400 per child to help cover school activities in 2026?

The Victorian Government’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps reduce the cost of things like:

• 🏕️ School camps and trips 
• 🏊 Swimming and sports programs 
• 🌿 Outdoor education 
• 🚌 Excursions and incursions 
• 🎓 Graduation/valedictory events 
•  

💰 What’s changed? From 2026, funding has increased to $400 per student (previously much lower), making a real difference for families.

✅ Who can apply?

Families holding a valid:

• Health Care Card 
• Pensioner Concession Card 
• Or eligible under special consideration 

📅 Key Dates

• Applications open: 28 January 2026 
• Applications close: 26 June 2026 

📝 How to apply

• Complete the application form (available from the school office or attached here) 
• Submit it to the school as soon as possible 

👉 Families can include multiple children on one form if they attend the same school.

📄 You can also access the official application form here: https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund

💬 Why apply?

If you’re eligible, this funding goes directly toward your child’s school costs — camps, excursions, sports — the things that make school memorable.

Even if you’re unsure, we strongly encourage you to apply — we can check eligibility for you.

If you’d like help with the form or have questions, please contact the office — we’re always happy to help 💛