Principal Team Message

WELCOME BACK TO TERM 3 

Welcome back, Ripponlea Primary School community, to what promises to be an exciting and fulfilling second half of the school year! We hope everyone had a fantastic break, filled with relaxation and quality time with loved ones. 

As we return to school, refreshed and rejuvenated, it's a pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all our students, families, and staff, both familiar faces and those joining our community for the first time.

To our new families: we're thrilled to have you with us, and we trust that the Ripponlea spirit will warmly embrace your children. Our community is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your journey with us is filled with positivity and growth.

As we dive into Term 3, we've introduced our soft start routines, allowing students to head directly to their classrooms. This adjustment has been well-received, especially during these chilly winter mornings. We've heard students' comments about the cold weather, so we remind everyone to dress warmly for outdoor activities to stay comfortable.

We anticipate a term filled with learning, development, and numerous highlights yet to unfold. From educational milestones to community events, there's plenty to look forward to at Ripponlea Primary School.

Here's to a fantastic term ahead, where each day brings new opportunities for our students to thrive and succeed. Together, let's make Term 3 a memorable chapter in their educational journey!

ENSURING OUR STUDENTS WEAR THEIR UNIFORMS WITH PRIDE 

As we strive to create a strong sense of belonging and pride among our students, we kindly remind you of the importance of adhering to our School Uniform Policy. The uniform ensures safety and comfort during school activities and helps minimise peer pressure related to clothing choices.

Key Points to Remember:

• All students are expected to wear the school uniform every day.
• The uniform must be clean, neat, and in good condition.
• Non-uniform items are not permitted during school hours.

Uniform Details:

• Dark navy blue items such as leggings, tracksuit pants, shorts, and skorts.
• Set sports uniforms, house tops, and specialty sports tops are to be worn on designated sports days and classes.
• Boots and black clothing items are not permitted.

We understand that sometimes uniforms may be in the wash or unavailable for other reasons. In such cases, please provide your child with a quick note to explain the circumstances or inform their teacher directly. This helps us maintain our uniform standards while accommodating occasional issues.

For our older students, we kindly ask parents and carers to check what they leave home in to ensure they comply with the uniform policy. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated and contributes significantly to fostering a cohesive and supportive learning environment.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Mrs. Rose if you need any support in securing some new uniform items. The second-hand uniform shop is open on most Friday mornings.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping our students wear their uniform with pride.

ZONES OF REGULATION FESTIVAL

At the end of last term, we had a most rewarding and enjoyable celebration for students as we acknowledged the successful delivery of the Zones of Regulation curriculum. Students learned the emotions associated with each zone, but most importantly, they understood that no zone is a bad zone to operate within—even the red zone, contrary to popular belief. 

While we often find more success in the green zone, the red zone can also be very effective when applied in certain situations.

BENEFITS OF EACH ZONE:

Blue Zone: This zone is associated with feelings of sadness, tiredness, or boredom. Recognising when we're in the blue zone allows us to understand the need for rest, reflection, or calm activities to rejuvenate ourselves.

Green Zone: Often seen as the optimal state, the green zone is where we feel happy, focused, and ready to learn. It's the zone where we can engage most effectively in school work and social interactions.

Yellow Zone: This zone includes feelings of excitement, frustration, or anxiety. Understanding the yellow zone helps us prepare for and manage heightened emotions and energy, enabling us to stay alert and responsive.

Red Zone: Though it involves intense emotions such as anger or elation, the red zone is not inherently negative. It can drive us to take bold actions, stand up for ourselves, or channel our energy into passionate pursuits when managed correctly.

Students enjoyed a dance party at morning tea, followed by a sausage sizzle and the movie "Inside Out," which reminds us about the complexity and importance of our emotions. 

Our students have done a remarkable job in learning all the zones and the emotions linked to them. As we begin this term, we will go deeper into identifying strategies and skills required to regulate within each zone.

The Impact of Covid on Self-Regulation Skills in Children and Young People (teamteach.co.uk)

LEARNING DECK & CENTENARY PAVERS PROJECT UPDATE

We are thrilled to announce that stage one of our Learning Deck project is now complete, and our students are overjoyed to have full access to this wonderful new space. The deck has quickly become a favourite spot for students to sit and chat with friends, enjoy their lunches, and participate in our special 'Structured Play' activities. It's a win-win on all levels, providing a versatile area that enhances both social interactions and learning experiences.

In addition to the Learning Deck, we are excited to share that the Centenary Pavers Project is also complete. As you take a lovely walk along the front of the school, you can see the beautifully laid pavers, each one commemorating past families, students, and even some of our current members. It's a touching tribute that connects our community across generations.

We would love to continue adding more pavers to this meaningful path. If you would like to get a special paver for your family and child, please read the information below. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a memento immortalised in time at Ripponlea Primary School. The path, now free from puddles, is a beautiful addition to our school, and we invite everyone to come and see it for themselves.

How to Order Your Commemorative Paver:

• Step 1: Visit the school office to obtain an order form.
• Step 2: Fill out the form with your family's details and any special message or name you would like on the paver.
• Step 3: Submit the completed form along with payment of $60 on QKR by 30th October 2024.

We look forward to seeing many more names and messages added to our Centenary Path, creating a lasting legacy for future generations of Ripponlea Primary School students and families.

NEW LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY   PLAYGROUND PALS 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new leadership opportunity for students in Years 3-6: the Playground Pals program. This initiative is designed to empower our students with essential skills and create a positive playground environment for everyone.

In the Playground Pals program, selected students will receive training from Stride Education facilitators. They will learn how to identify issues amongst peers, resolve low-level conflicts, and assist fellow students who need support in making friends. Additionally, Playground Pals will encourage our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) playground expectations by awarding tokens to students exhibiting positive behaviours.

Students will develop leadership skills by taking on this important role, learning to mediate conflicts, and support their peers. The program will enhance their ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Playground Pals will improve their problem-solving skills by learning to address and resolve conflicts. By assisting peers and supporting those who feel left out, students will develop greater empathy and social awareness. This role teaches responsibility and the importance of being a role model. Successfully helping peers and receiving positive feedback will boost their self-confidence.

How will this benefit all students:

• Younger or more introverted students will have accessible support, making the playground a more inclusive environment. 
• PBS tokens awarded by Playground Pals will encourage and reinforce positive behaviours among all students. With trained students on the lookout, low-level conflicts can be resolved quickly and effectively, reducing overall playground disputes. 
• The chat stop and buddy benches provide dedicated spaces for students to make new friends and find companions during recess and lunch. 
• The visible presence of the student wellbeing team ensures that students know where to seek help, improving overall student wellbeing.
• The program fosters an inclusive and supportive playground atmosphere, promoting a sense of belonging among all students.

The Student Wellbeing Team will be an integral part of the Playground Pals program. They will wear special vests to ensure they are easily visible to our students and staff. Additionally, we will establish a special chat stop and buddy benches under the verandah of the LOTE and OSHC room. These spaces are designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for students to connect and receive assistance. 

If your child is interested in becoming a Playground Pal, please see Mrs. Rose.

We are confident that the Playground Pals program will create a positive and supportive playground environment, benefiting our entire school community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our students and their daily school experience.

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose             &                        Marta Campbell 

      Principal                                         Assistant Principal