Principal Team Message

THE WORLD OF MOVIES - NOW THAT'S A WRAP! -2023 SCHOOL PRODUCTION

We are all still basking in the afterglow of our recent School Production and shared with our community the remarkable success that unfolded on the Cripps Theatre stage. It is with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect upon the captivating performances, the spirited energy, and the unwavering dedication that made this event a true masterpiece.

Our talented students, ranging from the youngest sparks in Foundation to the confident leaders of Year 6, have left us all spellbound with their exceptional performances. The stage came alive with their passion, creativity, and unrelenting enthusiasm, reminding us once again of the boundless potential that resides within each of them.

A special round of applause goes to our Year 5/6 lead actors whose presence and emotive portrayals added depth and humour to the production. Your commitment to your roles was truly awe-inspiring, and your performances will remain etched in our memories for years to come.

Beyond the lead actors, the captivating dances that graced our stage across all year levels were a testament to the hard work, discipline, and collaboration that our students have poured into their rehearsals. 

Our deepest appreciation is extended to the main production team: Fiona Harris, Mr G, Rebecca Valk, Frances Murphy, Kylie Murray, Tabitha, and Rebecca Parker. Thank you to the backstage crew for supporting both the matinee and evening performances. 

Thank you, each and every one of you, for contributing to the success of this spectacular production. Your support, enthusiasm, and love are what make RPS a place where dreams come alive, and where the arts flourish.

Let us also look forward with anticipation to the day when our current Foundation students step on stage, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of their role models.

HOUSE ATHLETICS RESULTS

And the winner is..........................

Congratulations to the following students who are representing RPS at the Balaclava District Athletics Carnival today. 

2023 RIPPONLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETICS TEAM - GOOD LUCK RIPPERS!

BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS 

Books have the unique ability to transport us to different worlds, allowing our minds to soar beyond the boundaries of reality. Through the act of reading, our students embark on journeys of discovery. We firmly believe that nurturing a love for reading at a young age is one of the greatest gifts we can bestow upon our students, equipping them with valuable skills and perspectives that will serve them throughout their lives.

We are delighted to share that every award-winning title featured during Book Week has been thoughtfully added to our school's library collection. Our dedicated staff members have embraced the opportunity to read these books aloud to students, sparking lively discussions and igniting the flames of curiosity and imagination.

The pinnacle of our Book Week celebrations was undoubtedly the Book Week Parade, where both students and staff adorned themselves as beloved characters from literature.

In fostering a love for reading and celebrating the joy of books, we recognize the crucial role that authors like Gus Gordon play in shaping the literary landscape for young readers. His works have the power to cultivate empathy, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

As educators and parents, we share the responsibility of nurturing a generation of avid readers and imaginative thinkers. Your support, encouragement, and engagement are instrumental in cultivating a literary culture that will shape the future of our students. Let us continue to celebrate the magic of books and encourage our children to explore the limitless horizons that the world of literature has to offer.

CELEBRATING  CREATIVITY & CONNECTION YEAR 3/4  MOSAIC PROJECT

We are thrilled to share the exciting journey our Year 3 and 4 students have embarked upon with the remarkable guidance of the talented artist and ceramist Kimberley Mannix. This project has ignited the spark of imagination within our students, as they skillfully weave together art and our school motto: Care, Create, Connect

Our students have been delving into the concept of care and what it truly means to care for oneself, others, and the environment. Drawing inspiration from the simple yet profound aspects of daily life, they have beautifully captured the essence of care through their mosaic creations. 

The second phase of the project allowed our budding artists to stretch their creative muscles even further. Students explored the idea of creation, contemplating what they would bring into existence if given the chance. They also explored ways they demonstrate their creativity.

In the final phase of the project, our students will embark on a journey of connection. Whether human-to-human or human-to-environment, the idea of forging meaningful connections resonated deeply with each young artist. 

Their mosaics will serve as a visual representation of their interpretations, dreams, and aspirations, showcasing their remarkable ability to blend artistic expression with meaningful themes. We cannot wait to see their mosaic installation at the front of the school. 

2023NAPLAN RESULTS 

We are pleased to present a comprehensive analysis of our school's NAPLAN results in comparison to 'similar schools' - schools serving students from statistically similar backgrounds to our school and 'network schools' - schools within the current LGA - SaGe Network, utilising the new proficiency standards. 

Student achievement in NAPLAN is reported using proficiency standards for each assessment area at each year level. The standards are set at a challenging but reasonable expectation of what students know and can do at the time of testing. There are 4 proficiency levels: 

• Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing. 
• Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing. 
• Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
• Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes that are expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.

YEAR 3 NAPLAN RESULTS - % of students in the top two proficiency scales - Exceeding & Strong 

YEAR 5 NAPLAN RESULTS - % of students in the top two proficiency scales - Exceeding & Strong 

This year's NAPLAN results reflect the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and support staff. The proficiency standards have shed light on areas where our students have excelled and where there is room for growth. These domains have been a focus at Ripponlea over the current Strategic Plan. o

QUACK HUNT AT SCHOOL 

An extraordinary and quacktastic adventure has taken over our beloved school, leaving everyone in awe and excitement. The school grounds have been overrun by a wave of tiny ducks.

It all began as a whimsical mystery, with the discovery of a few strategically placed tiny ducks throughout the school. These adorable creatures have sparked a delightful frenzy of imagination and investigation. From hallways to classrooms, and in every nook and cranny of the school, these tiny ducklings have popped up in the most unexpected places, turning Ripponlea Primary School into an enchanting duck-hunting ground.

Teachers and students alike have joined in the adventure, transforming various corners of the school into creative duck ponds. Miniature habitats have sprung up, complete with make-shift ponds, pebble paths, and even tiny bridges, where our little quacking friends can rest and play. 

As the excitement continues to grow, so do the theories surrounding the origin of these tiny ducks. Speculation about who might be the mastermind behind this charming spectacle has ignited the imaginations of our school community. Was it the mischievous elves from a hidden realm? Or perhaps a secret club of duck enthusiasts? The speculation has brought a sense of camaraderie and shared wonder, as students and staff bond over their creative theories.

Quack on, Ripponlea Primary School!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF 

Casey Trotter - Administration/Enrolment Officer 

Hi everyone! I’m Casey and I am super excited to be the new face you see behind the desk in the front office. I am originally from a country in Africa, called Botswana, and I have lived in Melbourne for almost two years now. It has been a big change going from elephants and lions to kangaroos and koalas, but I am loving exploring Australia. 

I have been a teacher for the past six years and recently completed my master’s degree in special needs education. I am looking forward to the new challenge of being involved in the administrative side of education. 

Outside of work, I am a dog-mum to the cutest, albeit naughtiest dappled dachshund in the world, horse rider, lover of all food, and anything outdoors. 

Thank you to everyone I have met so far for making me feel so welcome. I can’t wait to get to know everyone better!

Corey Posner - P.E Teacher 

Hello Everyone! 

Corey here, the new P.E. teacher at Ripponlea Primary. It’s been awesome to finish my studies and immediately be able to work in an amazing environment like RPS. Being a young and active individual myself, I’ve loved working with the students, helping them to become more active in their school life. 

My sports of choice are basketball and footy, (GO BLUES) and I have a reputation in my family for being unbeatable when I have a ping pong paddle in my hand. 

It’s been so nice to be welcomed into the Ripponlea community over the past term and I am excited to keep bringing fun and engaging P.E lessons to the students at RPS." 

2024 CLASS PLACEMENTS PROCESS

As we make preparations for the upcoming school year, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with insight into our class placement process. At RPS, our commitment to delivering an exceptional learning experience for each student is paramount, and our class placement process plays a pivotal role in achieving this objective.

The allocation of students to their respective classes is a meticulous and comprehensive process that takes into account a multitude of factors contributing to a positive and productive learning environment. Our team of educators, leadership team and support staff work collaboratively to make well-informed decisions, guided by the following principles:

Academic Growth and Needs: We diligently assess each student's academic journey, strengths, and areas for development. Our primary aim is to position students in classrooms that offer an optimal balance of challenge and support, fostering their ability to reach their full potential.

Social and Emotional Dynamics: We are dedicated to cultivating classroom environments that facilitate positive social interactions and emotional well-being. Our team places significance on factors such as peer relationships, individual personalities, and specific needs when crafting class groups.

Teaching and Learning Styles: The diversity of teaching styles and methodologies, alongside students' varied learning preferences, guides our decision-making. This ensures that our teaching approaches resonate with the diverse learning methods employed by our students.

Special Considerations: We value the unique qualities of each student. Should your child possess specific learning needs, talents, or interests, we encourage you to communicate this information with us. Although we cannot guarantee exact classroom placements, your insights will undoubtedly be taken into account during the placement process.

Balanced Class Composition: Striving for well-rounded classes that encompass a mix of abilities, personalities, and backgrounds is instrumental in nurturing a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all students.

We acknowledge the significance of class placement within the context of your family's perspective and aspirations. Please rest assured that the decisions we make are guided by our unwavering commitment to nurturing your child's academic and personal growth. 

Should you have insights, concerns, or pertinent information to share, please email Mrs Rose by Friday 13th October - Week 2 Term 4.  Further information is detailed in our COMPASS post. 

Until next fortnight .........

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

             Principal                                     Assistant Principal