Great Ryrie Grapevine

  Principals' Page

Reconciliation Week

Over the past fortnight, it has been wonderful to see our students engaging so meaningfully in activities for Reconciliation Week. Across all year levels, students participated in thoughtful classroom discussions, creative work and learning that supports a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

 

The participation in Long Walk was a highlight, bringing our community together in a symbolic show of respect, reflection and commitment to reconciliation. 

 

These activities are powerful learning experiences and set a strong foundation as we begin to look ahead to NAIDOC Week, where we will continue to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. (please refer to newsletter page).

 

 

It was great this week to get my hands dirty with some of our students, helping out in the sensory garden. We planted new bamboo and did plenty of digging, messy work, but so rewarding to be part of. (please refer to the newsletter page)

 

There’s a great energy around the school at the moment, with each year level having lots to share, rich inquiry learning, sport, and creative projects are on full display. Make sure you check in with your child about what they’ve been learning; there’s plenty to celebrate.(please look to our class level pages)

 

 

 

I encourage all families to please take a moment to read the important Traffic and Road Safety update from Maroondah Council included in this newsletter. There are some serious safety concerns we all need to be aware of, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. The safety of our students depends on all of us making good, legal, and patient choices around our school

 

Indonesian Competition 

Indonesian Speaking Competition Finalists

Congratulations to the following students who will be representing Great Ryrie Primary School at the 2025 Indonesian Speaking Competition Final:

  • Clarence (1C)
  • May Sie  (2E)
  • Ela  (3C)
  • Leroy  (4A)
  • Sofia  (5B)
  • Raissa  (6B)

The final will take place on Saturday 14th June at Melbourne High School. These students have worked hard to prepare their speeches and practise their Indonesian, and we’re proud to see them taking part in this exciting opportunity.

 

Bu Sia has supported them throughout the process and has also been invited to join the judging panel for the competition which is  a great recognition of her expertise and contribution.

 

We wish our students all the best for the day and know they’ll do GRPS proud. 

Student Arrival Time Reminder  

A friendly reminder to families that students should not be at school before 8:45 AM, as staff are not on duty and there is no supervision available prior to this time.

 

If you require care for your child before school hours, TeamKids operates a supervised beforeschool program onsite. Please contact them directly if you would like to make a booking or find out more.

Traffic Safety Reminder -Great Ryrie Street

The safety of our students is always our highest priority, especially during the busy times before and after school. We continue to work closely with Maroondah Council to improve the safety of our school surrounds, and we thank the many families who have raised concerns and offered suggestions.

 

Maroondah City Council’s Traffic Engineers have recently reviewed the drop-off and pick-up behaviours around the frontage of Great Ryrie Primary School on Great Ryrie Street.

The review was conducted in response to ongoing concerns about student safety and traffic congestion. 

 

Council has confirmed several unsafe and illegal driving behaviours that are putting students at risk:

 

Unsafe Driving Behaviours Identified:

  • Illegal U-turns over the solid centre line to enter or exit parallel parking spaces.
  • Double parking and stopping on the painted island next to the parking bays.

These actions are against Victorian Road Safety Rules and create serious safety issues, including:

  • Reduced visibility and safe crossing access for children.
  • Increased congestion and delays during drop-off and pick-up.
  • Students needing to navigate between moving vehicles—often too small to be seen clearly.

Council’s Next Steps:

  • Installation of “No U-Turn” signs along Great Ryrie Street (expected this term).
  • Increased patrols by Council Parking Officers during school peak times.
  • Victoria Police may also patrol the area to enforce road rules.
  • Continued monitoring of traffic behaviour and consultation with the school.

What Parents Can Do:

  • Never perform a U-turn over a solid line near the school.
  • Do not park or stop on the painted island.It is not a legal or safe stopping zone.
  • Use nearby roundabouts or side streets to safely turn around if needed.
  • Be mindful that illegal or unsafe parking affects all families and puts children at risk.

Council recognises that Great Ryrie Primary is well-connected by surrounding streets, and there are safe alternatives for drop-off and pick-up if parking near the front is unavailable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, please contact Maroondah Council at:📞 1300 88 22 33 or (03) 9298 4598📧 maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au🌐www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/school-crossing-safety

 

Car Park Drop -Off Zone 

In line with this, we ask families using the Car Park Drop-off zone in the morning to:

  • Always Stay in your vehicle; staff are available to assist children if needed.
  • Ensure your child exits from the kerb side wherever possible and have bags with the children in the backseat.
  • Remain in the queue and do not overtake other vehicles as small children are difficult to see if they have no altenative then to exit road side. 
  • Please enter the carpark slowly 3-5kmh speed limit to avoid any pedestrians including Miss Roberts and I. 

We know mornings can be busy, but this system only works if everyone takes their turn and drives with care. It’s a short wait that helps keep children safe.

 

Visitors Carpark

As a school we are making improvements to our school grounds, including installing bollards and rubber wheel stoppers to make the area safer for pedestrians and reduce unsafe parking. There will also be new signage asking visitors to reverse park to ensure the safety of our students. 

Bike and Scooter Safety

We’ve also received reports from the Council and our wider community about unsafe riding behaviours in the streets around our school, and local police have been notified by community members.

 

 This applies to both primary and secondary students.

 

If your child rides to school, we ask that you please remind them of the following:

  • Helmets must be always worn.
  • Riders must dismount when entering and exiting the school grounds and walk their bike or scooter to the bike shed.
  • Bikes may be ridden across the oval, but students must walk their bike once they approach any footpaths or building entrances.

Riding to school is a great way to encourage independence and healthy habits, but it must be done safely and in line with local council rules.

 

Thank you for your support as we continue to work together to keep our school community safe.

 

Have a great weekend with your family and friends

 

Karen Rouda and Melissa Roberts