Principal Team Message
Term 4 - Edition no: 18, 2025
2025 END OF YEAR FUNRAISER - RIPPERS ON THE RUN! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
We’re calling all Ripper students to get moving for a great cause! Whether you walk, run, skip or sprint, this event promises colour, fun, and plenty of community spirit, all while raising funds for our new Nudel Kart and junior playground upgrade.
This isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of our Ripper community! Students will be showered with bright-coloured powder as they make their way around the school grounds.
Gather your friends and family to sponsor them — every step helps us reach our goal!
💚 Fundraising and Prizes
We’re adding some extra motivation this year!
- The highest-fundraising student in each year level will win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes.
- For every family that signs up by this Friday, you’ll go into the draw for an overall prize!
- The winning house will receive 1,000 bonus house points, extra playtime at recess and lunch, and icy poles for all house members!
💻 How to Sign Up
We’ve partnered with Go Raise It for easy online fundraising — no cash handling or door-knocking needed!
Simply visit: https://ripponlearippersontherun.goraiseit.com.au/Click
SETUP A FUNDRAISING PAGE and get started today. Multiple children? No problem — you can manage them all under the same email account.
If you need help, email help@raiseitfundraising.com for direct support.
🎉 Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, 21st November
🕒 Time: Fun Run starts at 2.45 pm
📍 Where: Ripponlea Primary School Oval
After the colour run, stay and celebrate with us! Enjoy a relaxed BBQ, bar, and live music on the oval. It’s the perfect way to finish the week, great food, great company, and a great cause.
Please check COMPASS correspondence, WhatsApp and the Ripper Families section of this newsletter for further details.
THE YEAR 1/2 BIG NIGHT IN & SLEEPOVER A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE STAFF
We don’t know how they do it, but we are truly blessed to have such incredible staff who never say “no” to creating experiences and opportunities for our students. Time and again, they commit to working well beyond their hours of duty and classroom teaching, simply because they care deeply about our children and want them to have the most memorable experiences.
In fairness, teachers don’t have to give up their personal time to go on camps, organise sleepovers or “Big Nights In,” or support after-hours and before-school activities. But they do. because they know how much these moments mean to our Rippers.
Last Thursday was no exception, as 70 excited Year 1 and 2 students returned to school in the evening for our much-anticipated Big Night In. For our Year 2s, it was their first-ever overnight experience, and they proudly set up their sleeping gear for their school sleepover. We heard so many stories of fun, laughter, and courage as students overcame their nerves about being away from family for the first time.
We’re not certain if the adults managed much sleep, but they powered through the next morning with smiles, welcoming their classes back for our school’s Halloween celebrations!
This unforgettable event would not have been possible without the dedication and care of Mr Braden Leech, Ms Emma Davidson, Ms Lauren Karas, Mark Sorocynski, Kate Crawford, Caroline Robertshaw, and Lee Brennan, who organised lunches and snacks for all the Year 2 students the following day.
From all of us, thank you for going above and beyond to make Ripponlea Primary such a special place for our students to learn, grow, and belong.
WHAT A WAY TO END A THREE-DAY WEEK!
After a short week following the Cup Day long weekend, our school community was treated to an uplifting performance by the Prahran High School bands on Friday. The most heart-warming moment was seeing our very own past Rippers, Charlotte and Dia, shining on stage with their amazing vocals, and Lily showcasing her talent on the drums.
Our students were in awe, cheering proudly for their former classmates. Families and staff joined in the fun, singing along to ABBA classics and Radiohead hits. Congratulations to all the talented performers and their band educator, Theresa Haddon, for a truly memorable performance!
STEPPING UP TO SCHOOL - WELCOMING OUR 2026 FOUNDATION FAMILIES
It’s that special time of the year again when our school begins to buzz with excitement as we welcome our 2026 Foundation families to Ripponlea Primary School for our “Stepping Up to School” transition program.
This program marks the beginning of an exciting journey for our youngest learners as they take their first steps into school life. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with our community and for children to begin feeling the warmth and care that make Ripponlea such a special place to learn and grow.
Last Friday, we were thrilled to meet so many new families and equally delighted to see familiar faces returning with younger siblings. The sense of connection and community spirit was truly heartwarming, and we know our existing families will continue to support and guide our newest members as they settle in.
We were also delighted to introduce our 2026 Foundation teachers, Mr Matthew Blake and Mrs Emma Davidson , who will be leading our youngest students next year. Both teachers were filled with excitement as they spent the first session getting to know the children and were so impressed by their enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence.
This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey ahead. Over the coming weeks, our Foundation students will continue to build friendships, explore their new learning spaces, and discover what it means to be a proud “Ripper.”
We can’t wait to watch our 2026 Foundation students continue to step up to school with confidence and joy!
WHOLE SCHOOL 'STEPPING UP' OPPORTUNITIES
As we welcome our newest members of the Ripponlea community through our Stepping Up to School program, it’s important to remember that every student in our school is also preparing for their own transition. Change is an exciting part of learning, and every child not just our incoming Foundation students, will soon experience a step forward in their educational journey.
Across the school, our current students will be moving into new year levels, meeting new teachers, and forming new peer groupings. For some, this might mean moving upstairs into the middle school, a big milestone for our Year 2 students as they begin their Year 3 adventure. For others, it may mean adapting to greater independence, higher learning expectations, and extra classroom routines. These changes are part of what makes school such a dynamic and rewarding environment.
To help ensure a smooth and positive transition for all, we offer whole-school Stepping Up sessions. These sessions give students a taste of what next year will look and feel like, meeting their 2026 teachers, spending time in new learning spaces, and connecting with classmates in preparation for the year ahead.
Stepping Up Dates for 2025–2026 Transition:
- Friday 21st November at 11:30 am
- Friday 28th December at 11:30 pm
- Friday 12th December at 12:30 pm — Meet Your 2026 Teacher
These sessions are designed to build confidence, excitement, and a sense of belonging as students prepare to step into their new year levels. We look forward to seeing our students grow, adapt, and take these next steps together with courage and enthusiasm.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AT RPS INSPIRING VOICES AND SHAPING OUR FUTURE.
At Ripponlea Primary School, leadership is more than a badge or a title; it’s about character, service, and the courage to make a difference. Our Student Leadership Program has always been a cornerstone of our school culture, empowering students to use their voices, share their ideas, and actively contribute to the life and direction of our school.
Each year, our student leaders play a vital role in shaping the environment and experiences of their peers. They help us, as educators, reflect on our practice, strengthen our teaching, and improve how we support every learner. Through their feedback and initiatives, our leaders influence everything from the resources we provide in classrooms, to the design of playgrounds, the culture of inclusion, and even the projects that beautify and enrich our grounds.
Over the years, our student leaders have left lasting legacies, from sustainability initiatives and art installations to buddy benches, new furniture, and even shaping our school expectations. Their voices have helped make Ripponlea the vibrant, caring, and community-focused school it is today.
Now, it’s time to begin the exciting process of selecting our 2026 Student Leadership Team. This journey is rigorous and a wonderful learning opportunity. Students in Year 5 are invited to apply for leadership roles that best suit their passions and strengths. The process includes written applications, interviews, presentations, and speeches, all culminating in a preferential vote by the wider school community.
It’s important to note that the vote itself does not determine the outcome. The final decision is based on a combination of all components, the quality of the application, the strength of the interview and presentation, and the student’s ability to demonstrate our school values throughout the process. This ensures that each leadership role is awarded thoughtfully and fairly, recognising genuine commitment and capability.
The process takes several weeks to complete, and we are incredibly proud of the thought, reflection, and commitment our students show throughout. It’s a true testament to their understanding that leadership is not about popularity, but about responsibility, service, and vision.
As we look ahead to welcoming our next generation of leaders, we also take this moment to acknowledge and thank our 2025 Student Leadership Team, who continue to lead our school.
CELEBRATING MR G's INCREDIBLE LEGACY AT RIPPONLEA
It is with both joy and heartfelt emotion that we announce the upcoming retirement of our much-loved Mr G, whose association with Ripponlea Primary School has spanned 23 wonderful years.
Throughout his time at Ripponlea, Mr G has worn many hats, classroom teacher, mentor, musician, performer, and friend. He began as a dedicated Year 5/6 teacher, inspiring our senior students with his creativity and care. Later, he brought his infectious enthusiasm to the Year 3/4 classrooms, before finding his true calling in the Performing Arts program, where his passion for music and performance has shaped generations of “Rippers.”
Mr G’s impact extends far beyond the classroom walls. He is the talented writer behind our school song, which our community sings with pride at every assembly and special event. His performances, from legendary Lip Sync Battles to dazzling school productions, have brought joy, laughter, and unity to our entire community.
Whether strumming his guitar, teaching choreography, or composing original songs for students, Mr G has left an indelible mark on the spirit and culture of Ripponlea Primary School.
We warmly invite all members of our school community, past and present, to join us in celebrating Mr G’s remarkable contribution and wishing him all the best in his next chapter.
📅 Save the Date: Tuesday 2 December, 10:30 am
📍 Ripponlea Primary School (Barrbunin) School Hall
📅 Save the Date: Friday 5 December, 2:30 pm (special assembly - Rippoffs Playing)
📍 Ripponlea Primary School (Barrbunin) School Hall
Come along to share stories, memories, and music as we honour the legacy of a teacher who has truly shaped the heart of our school.
RSVP arrangements via this link to support catering.
A HEARTFELT THANKS FOR A GENEROUS GIFT TO OUR RIPPERS
Every morning, the energy on our basketball courts is contagious, the sound of bouncing balls, the cheers of teammates, and the determination of our Rippers practising their basketball skills before the school day begins. Recently, one very kind member of our community noticed something important. While our older students were confidently shooting goals, our younger players were trying their best to make baskets on hoops that were simply too high for their stature.
Without hesitation, this generous individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, decided to make a lasting difference. They personally purchased and arranged for the installation of a brand-new adjustable basketball backboard, allowing the height of the hoop to be lowered for younger players and raised for our older students and teams.
This incredible act of generosity was no small gesture. The installation and equipment come at a significant cost, yet this community member’s only motivation was to ensure that every child, regardless of age or size, can play, train, and develop their skills with confidence and joy.
We are deeply touched by this thoughtful contribution. The new adjustable basketball board is already being enjoyed by students of all ages, from lunchtime games to morning practice sessions. It’s a perfect reminder of how the kindness and generosity within our Ripponlea community continue to make our school such a special place.
From all of us, thank you for making a difference to our Rippers.
CONTINUING TO CELEBRATE THE JOY & SUCCESS OF OUR PRODUCTION
We continue to celebrate the joy and success of our incredible school production! A heartfelt thank you goes to Kate Perkins, the proud grandmother of one of our Rippers and mother of Leah Perkins, our talented production choreographer.
Kate, a retired primary school principal who is now studying photography, captured some truly stunning photographs of our students during their performances.
These beautiful images are currently on display in the school corridor, and we invite families to take a moment to enjoy them. If you would like a copy of a particular photo, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Rose; she will be more than happy to assist.
Until next fortnight!
Natalie Rose & Marta Campbell
Principal Assistant Principal
