At the outset of the term, we had intended to adopt a "slow and steady" approach, focusing on the core curriculum and allowing students to deepen their understanding of essential subjects. However, it is truly remarkable how, even with the best intentions for a measured pace, everything in our school community seems to become busy and exciting.

This vibrancy and enthusiasm are a testament to the dedication and energy of our remarkable staff, and families and the eagerness of our students to seize every opportunity for growth and learning. As we approach the end point of the academic year, it is evident that the term is progressing exceptionally well, and our students are once again benefiting from enriching experiences that are contributing to their holistic development.

BIG NIGHT IN & SLEEPOVER

The "Big Night In and Sleepover" was a magical experience that brought students together for an evening of fun and friendship. The event was meticulously planned with the aim of providing our students with a safe and enjoyable opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. One of the highlights of the night was the circus skills workshops.

Events like the "Big Night In and Sleepover" serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering social bonds and providing opportunities for our students to grow, both academically and personally. It is our hope that these experiences will help shape them into confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals.

We owe this success to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and of course, our incredible students who approached the evening with a positive attitude and an open heart.

LEARNING GROWTH

We are currently in the process of preparing to evaluate the learning growth and progress of each student. This assessment will involve students taking online reading and math assessments, as well as participating in writing and reading assessments conducted by their classroom teachers.

The valuable learning data obtained from these assessments will be combined with evidence from tasks completed throughout the semester. This triangulation of data will help us to accurately pinpoint each student’s progression in relation to the Victorian Curriculum standards and provide a report to each family.

CELEBRATING DIWALI

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among the Indian diaspora around the world. This festival, often referred to as the "Festival of Lights," holds immense cultural and religious significance, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is a time for joy, unity, and reflection, as families come together to celebrate and share the spirit of this vibrant and meaningful occasion.

Diwali is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and families prepare special meals and sweets for the occasion. The exchange of gifts and sweets among friends and relatives is a common practice, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy.

Diwali, with its rich history and vibrant celebrations, is more than just a festival; it is a symbol of hope, positivity, and the triumph of good over evil. The Festival of Lights transcends religious and cultural boundaries, uniting people in a collective celebration of joy and renewal. As we light our lamps and share in the festivities, let us also reflect on the deeper meaning of Diwali – a celebration that radiates light, dispels darkness, and brings communities together in the spirit of love and unity.

We wanted to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to families celebrating Diwali. May this Diwali bring abundant joy, prosperity, and light into your lives.

WHOLE SCHOOL STEPPING UP SESSIONS

Last week the entire school united in a collective effort to facilitate a seamless transition for our students as they moved to the next year's level.

The stepping-up process is a crucial and anticipated event on the calendar, marking not only a change in grade but also a milestone in each student's educational journey. We are pleased to report that the session was executed with precision and care, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, and students.

Throughout the stepping-up sessions, our focus was on providing a positive and supportive environment for all students. We aimed to address any concerns they may have had and ensure a smooth adjustment to the new challenges and expectations. Teachers and support staff played a pivotal role in guiding our students through this transition, offering valuable insights and reassurance.

We have two more dates on the calendar until all students meet their class peers and teachers for 2024.

MENTAL HEALTH FUND

The Victorian Government has made a substantial investment of $217.8 million over four years to enhance student mental health and well-being, with approximately $200 million allocated over the same period and an additional $86 million on an ongoing basis to establish the Schools Mental Health Fund (the Fund). This initiative is built upon the evidence-based Schools Mental Health Menu (the Menu).

In the year 2024, our school has been granted monies to support mental health initiatives for our students. At Ripponlea, we adopt a comprehensive array of evidence-based frameworks that cater to various needs. These frameworks are categorized into three tiers:

Tier 1: Positive Mental Health Promotion
Tier 2: Early Intervention, cohort-specific support
Tier 3: Targeted support

Our programs encompass a diverse range of offerings, including Social Stencil, School-Wide Positive Behaviour, Respectful Relationships, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, and Mindful Munchkins, all of which are designed to foster the mental well-being of our students.

In 2024, we have plans to further enhance our support services by engaging the services of Occupational Therapists (OTs). The aim is to provide targeted support for areas such as emotional regulation and social skills. Additionally, we are excited to introduce more student-led initiatives, including peer mediation and outdoor buddy programs. These initiatives are geared towards promoting a supportive and inclusive environment where students can learn and grow in various aspects of their social and emotional development.

PLANNING & PREPARATION FOR 2024

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the families who took the time to provide feedback on their children's class placements and for their understanding of our school's practices. The input you have shared has been valuable in helping us refine our processes.

Our dedicated teachers are now gearing up to initiate the process of assigning students to their respective classes for the upcoming year. This undertaking involves extensive time and collaboration within each year-level team, across different teams, and in consultation with the school's leadership team.

As we've communicated in previous correspondence, our primary objective is to establish classroom learning communities that are not only well-structured but also considerate of the diverse needs of all our students. Our teachers possess comprehensive knowledge of each student, making them the best-suited individuals to make these critical decisions.

We hold a firm belief that our students will exhibit resilience in any class they are placed in and will have opportunities to expand their friendships and connections with both peers and teachers. We are committed to reducing class sizes, even in the face of potential financial implications. It's important to note that we rely on families to inform us if they are leaving Ripponlea, as this significantly impacts our ability to employ additional teachers and manage class sizes.

Here is the breakdown of the classroom structures for 2024:

Year Level	Number of classes	Average class size
Foundation	2	18
Year 1/2	3	22
Year 3/4	4	22
Year 5/6	3	22

Our total enrolment for 2024 is expected to reach 270 students.

FOUNDATION STUDENTS VISIT WERRIBEE ZOO

On Monday the 13th of November the Foundation students went on their first school excursion to Werribee Zoo. With bags packed for the day, students excitedly boarded the bus and anticipated the animal adventure that awaited them.

On arrival, we were greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable zookeepers who welcomed us to the zoo. After a quick morning tea, students had time to freely explore the zoo in small groups. We then met with the zoo teachers who ran a fun and educational program for us about animal habitats. Students were immersed in a natural Australian habitat and were encouraged to explore using their senses to uncover how living things grow, change and survive in nature.

Shortly after our habitat experience, students boarded the Werribee Zoo safari bus and were transported through arid landscapes and savannah grasslands to explore the open plains and learn about some of the world’s most endangered species. From the near-threatened southern white rhino to the majestic giraffes, students enjoyed a 40-minute safari tour that took them up close and personal with some of Werribee’s most prominent residents.

After lunch, students had more time to explore the zoo in small groups. Students enthusiastically made decisions about which animals they wanted to see and with maps in hand, set off to discover their favourite creatures. Some highlights included the Australian animal trial, the giant gorillas and witnessing the baby lion cubs being fed. A huge thank you to all our wonderful parent helpers who dedicated their own time to join us on our excursion and made the day trip possible.

Until next fortnight........

Natalie Rose & Marta Campbell

Principal Assistant Principal

Mental Health & Wellbeing Student/Parent Support

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