Principal Team Message

SCHOOL PRODUCTION 'THE TOYS' - A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY, TALENT & COMMUNITY 

This year’s school production was a dazzling showcase of originality, student excellence and the unstoppable spirit of the Ripponlea community. Unlike many school productions that use commercial scripts and mass-produced music, Ripponlea once again delivered an entirely original show, from the script and music to the choreography and staging, created specifically for our students and our school.

Our Year 5/6 students were exceptional, performing with extraordinary confidence, expression and teamwork. Each student embraced their role with pride, proving that when young people are given an opportunity to shine, they rise to the occasion with brilliance and heart. Their passion on stage reflected months of rehearsals, collaboration and commitment.

At the centre of this success was the clever and imaginative scriptwriting of Jess Asz, whose original story captivated audiences with its humour, emotional depth and creativity. Jess wrote every scene with our students in mind, allowing each character to be unique and meaningful. Her vision transformed the stage into a magical world and reminded us of the profound power of storytelling.

Supporting this creative journey was Kylie Murray, who brought the production to life through exceptional staging, direction and guidance. Kylie supported every student to be their best on stage, nurturing their confidence and refining their performances with care and expertise.

The production was also a visual and musical triumph. Original choreography, outstanding costuming, and vibrant sets transformed the CRIPPS Theatre into a night of celebration and lasting memories. Every song, dance and costume was crafted to enhance the story, delight our audience and ensure that each student felt like a star. It was not just a school performance; it was an artistic masterpiece and a celebration of what a passionate community can achieve together.

This production was more than entertainment, it was an affirmation of our values: creativity, inclusion, collaboration and community pride. It demonstrated that when schools, families and volunteers come together with purpose, extraordinary things are possible.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible individuals who made this production possible:

Creative Leadership

• Jess Asz – for writing and directing another original production that showcased the voices and talents of our students.
• Kylie Murray – for your dedication in staging, directing and supporting every actor to shine on stage.

Choreography

• Leah Perkins – for your inspiring original choreography that brought movement, energy and confidence to every scene.

Costumes

• Mindy Brake and Lynn Hendrix – for sourcing every costume with passion and determination (even travelling interstate to find the perfect pieces!). Your creativity and resourcefulness ensured every character came to life.

Sets, Props & Makeup

• Juliette Hansen – for your imaginative set designs.
• Eleanor Voterakis – for managing props with precision and flair.
• Julie Pearce – for your artistry in makeup, transforming our students into their characters so beautifully.

Music & Performance Support

• Mr James Martin & Mr G – for original music, musical direction and choir leadership, enriching the production with incredible sound and emotion.

Staff & Volunteers

To all Ripponlea staff who supported rehearsals, backstage coordination, supervision and student wellbeing, your collective efforts ensured the success and smooth running of every performance.

Our Amazing Families

To our Ripponlea families, thank you for sewing, glueing, transporting, cheering and believing in this creative journey. Your encouragement and support are what make our productions unique and meaningful.

What a night. What a community. What an extraordinary group of Rippers!

YEAR 3/4 CAMP A WONDERFUL SUCCESS AT LADY NORTHCOTE GLENMORE

After the excitement of our school production, there was little time to rest as our Year 3/4 students eagerly packed their bags and set off for an unforgettable three-day, two-night adventure at Lady Northcote Camp in Glenmore. For many students, this was their very first time away from home and siblings, providing a unique opportunity to build independence, resilience, and confidence in a supportive and encouraging environment.

From the moment we arrived, students were immersed in a program packed with thrilling outdoor activities. Canoeing on the lake, braving the giant swing, tackling survivor-style obstacle courses, and learning bush cooking skills were just some of the highlights. With every challenge came a chance for students to step outside their comfort zones, support their peers, and develop new skills, all while having an amazing time. There was barely a moment to feel homesick with such an action-filled schedule!

What made this camp truly special was the personal growth we witnessed. Students showed incredible bravery, teamwork, and determination. They returned home not only tired and happy, but also proud of their achievements and excited to share stories of adventure with their families.

Camps like this are only possible due to the dedication and care of our exceptional Ripponlea staff, who volunteered their time away from their own families to ensure our students had a safe, fun, and enriching experience. 

A heartfelt thank you goes to Miss I, Mrs Nield, Casey, Mr Rambaran, Mark, Lewis, and Perrine for their tireless support, supervision, encouragement, and enthusiasm, often late into the night!

We also extend our sincere thanks to our families for supporting this important experience. Preparing children for camp, encouraging them to embrace new challenges, and trusting us with their care are all vital parts of making these opportunities a reality.

Lady Northcote did not disappoint, and our Year 3/4 students made memories that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to all the students for embracing camp with such positivity and courage. You have made Ripponlea proud!

CELEBRATING THE STAFF OF RIPPONLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL 

On Thursday, 6th November, Ripponlea Primary School will proudly celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a special occasion dedicated to honouring the incredible work of all our staff and the profound impact they have on shaping the lives of our learners, families, and communities.

World Teachers’ Day (celebrated on 31st October) is not just a date on the calendar; it is a global recognition of the dedication, passion, and expertise that teachers bring to their classrooms every day. It reminds us that our staff do far more than deliver lessons; they inspire creativity, nurture wellbeing, encourage resilience, and empower every child to realise their potential.

They are innovators, mentors, problem-solvers, and advocates. They adapt to the diverse needs of learners, celebrate their strengths, and walk beside them through challenges. 

World Teachers’ Day allows us to pause and express gratitude for their unwavering commitment to student growth and success.

Our celebration will be a chance for students and families to say thank you. We encourage families to take a moment to express appreciation, whether through a message, a card, or a simple word of gratitude.

On World Teachers’ Day, we honour their dedication, celebrate their achievements, and acknowledge the powerful difference they make every single day.

DIGITAL LEARNING POLICY UPDATE - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES  

This policy has been updated to reflect the announcement made by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education on 16 October 2025 regarding Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs and digital device usage in primary schools.

From 2027, all Victorian government schools with primary-aged students must follow new guidelines to ensure devices are used in ways that support learning, wellbeing, and equity for all students.

These updates are part of the government’s commitment to reducing unnecessary screen time for younger students, ensuring equal access to technology, and promoting healthy digital habits in line with current research.

Key Changes for Primary Schools (F-6) From 2027 

1. No BYOD Programs

• Schools must not invite or allow families to purchase or bring their own digital devices (such as iPads or laptops) for students to use at school in Years F–6.

   

2. Guidelines for Student Device Use

Schools are recommended to design teaching and learning programs based on the following limits:

3. Exemptions

• Students with disability who require a device as a reasonable adjustment for their learning will be supported to continue using digital devices as needed.

CURRICULUM DAY NOTICE - MONDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 

We wish to remind our community that Monday 3 November is a Curriculum Day. This date directly backs onto the Melbourne Cup public holiday on Tuesday 4 November, creating an extended long weekend for students and families.

On this day, students are not required to attend school, as staff will be participating in professional learning aligned with our 2025 school improvement priorities.

To support families who may require care, TheirCare will be operating a full-day program on Monday 3 November. Bookings are essential, and we encourage families to secure their place early.

Key information:

• Curriculum Day: Monday 3 November (no school for students)
• Public Holiday: Tuesday 4 November – Melbourne Cup Day
• TheirCare: Open and available for bookings on the Curriculum Day

We thank you for your cooperation and ongoing support as we continue to invest in high-quality teaching and learning at Ripponlea Primary School.

OUR SCHOOL REVIEW CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND SHAPING OUR FUTURE 

We are delighted to share with our community the excellent results of our recent School Review, a process conducted every four years that celebrates our achievements and sets our strategic direction for the next chapter of our school’s journey. 

This comprehensive review involved an independent reviewer, the Senior Education Improvement Leader - Kevin Murphy, two primary Principals, School Council members, students, staff and parents, all contributing their voices to reflect on our progress and shape an ambitious and exciting future for Ripponlea Primary School.

The review confirmed that Ripponlea Primary School is a high-performing, community-driven school with strong academic outcomes, exceptional wellbeing practices, and a clear vision for continuous growth.

Highlights in Academic Achievement

Our Year 5 student results were consistently above similar schools and the state average, demonstrating the impact of high-quality teaching and targeted learning programs:

• Reading: 91% of students achieved strong or exceeding proficiency (above similar schools at 89%)
• Writing: 82% achieved strong or exceeding proficiency

• Numeracy: 93% achieved strong or exceeding proficiency (significantly above similar schools at 84%)

   

High Growth in Learning

• Between Years 3 and 5, 86% of students demonstrated high or medium growth in numeracy, compared with 75% in similar schools.

• Low learning growth in mathematics has dropped significantly from 50% in 2023 to only 14% in 2025, showing remarkable improvement.

   

Consistency in Teacher Judgements

There was strong alignment between teacher judgements and NAPLAN data, demonstrating accuracy, reliability and deep understanding of student learning needs

Positive Wellbeing and Engagement

Ripponlea Primary was rated High in four out of five wellbeing measures in the Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS), and achieved an overall High rating for wellbeing outcomes.

Highlights include:

• Self-regulation and goal setting: 85% positive responses (above similar schools at 81%)
• Managing bullying: 80% (above similar schools at 75%)
• Sense of connectedness: 80% (above similar schools at 76%)
• Student voice and agency: 72% (well above similar schools at 64%)

Our student attendance rate of 90.8% and strong parent feedback highlight a community that values education and feels connected to the school.

Highlights in School Practices

Strong Vision and Leadership

• Our values of community, creativity, integrity, open-mindedness, resilience and respect are clearly embedded across the school.
• Leadership is collaborative and strategic, with coaching and mentoring supporting teacher excellence.

Effective Teaching and Learning

• The Instructional Model (I Do, We Do, You Do) is consistently implemented across the school, aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0).
• Teachers are using evidence-based practices and formative assessments to drive learning growth.

Calm, Orderly and Inclusive Learning Environments

• Classrooms and playgrounds are calm, orderly and inclusive, reflecting the strong impact of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework.
• A multi-tiered system of supports ensures students receive the right help at the right time through targeted interventions and wellbeing services.

Collaborative, Reflective Teaching Culture

• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) were recognised as a strength, enabling teachers to analyse data and plan for all learners.

Our Next Strategic Plan (2026–2030): Focus Areas

To continue our high performance and ensure every student is stretched, engaged and supported, our strategic priorities will be:

1. Evidence-Based Instructional Practices

To ensure consistency, challenge and excellence across Literacy and Numeracy.

2. Assessment to Challenge and Extend

Using data to identify student growth needs and provide targeted extension and support.

3. Student Agency

Empowering students to set goals, reflect on their learning and take greater ownership of their progress.

4. Wellbeing Practices

Continuing our strong holistic approach to wellbeing as the foundation for learning success.

5. Effective Learning Environments

Ensuring calm, orderly, high-expectation classrooms where every learner can thrive.

6. Instructional Leadership

Building teacher capacity through coaching, peer observation and shared expertise.

Thank You to Our Community

These outstanding results are a reflection of our strong partnerships, between students, staff and families. Ripponlea Primary School is a place where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their best.

We look forward to the next exciting chapter as we work together to ensure every student continues to grow, excel and shine.

Ripponlea Primary School – where every child is known, challenged and inspired to succeed.

EXCITING UPDATES FROM THEIRCARE 

Our OSHC providers, Nadia (Area Manager) and Sonia (Founding Member), have been collaborating with our School Council to further enrich the Before and After School Care experience at Ripponlea Primary School. 

To ensure the program reflects the needs and interests of our families, we invite you to share your feedback through the TheirCare OSHC Family Survey, which has been sent via COMPASS. Your ideas will help shape the programs, menus and routines offered to our students.

Best Lunchtime Event – Tuesday 28 October, 1:30pm

Students are invited to join in the fun at the Best Lunchtime Party! There will be games, activities and opportunities to explore what OSHC has to offer while meeting the wonderful TheirCare educators.

Introducing TC Titans – New Sports Program!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of TC Titans, a structured 5-week sports program held during after school care:

• Mondays – Basketball
• Wednesdays – Soccer
• Commencing: Monday 27 October
• Cost: No additional cost (included in the standard OSHC session fee, with rebates applicable)
• Includes afternoon tea and a full afternoon of activities
• Students will build their skills each week and receive a certificate upon completion

This program has been developed in response to student interest and is a fantastic way for children to stay active, build confidence and have fun with friends.

📞 Bookings are essential: Visit TheirCare | Where Kids Love To Be or call 1300 072 410.

We look forward to hearing your feedback and seeing our students engage in these exciting new opportunities!

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

      Principal                                         Assistant Principal