THINGS TO KNOW 

STUDENT-FREE DAY FRIDAY 10 JUNE

School Council has approved Friday 10 June to be a student-free day to allow for staff to engage in a Professional Practice Day. Professional practice days do not normally impact the whole-school organisation, however, the Department of Education and Training has permitted schools to call for a student-free day due to the severe shortage of casual relief teachers in Melbourne and regional areas. 

The day was chosen for its proximity to the Queen's Birthday public holiday (on Monday 13 June), hoping this will support families who would like to make a head start on the long weekend. Meanwhile, our staff will spend the day engaged in planning for Term 3 and preparing to report back to parents via the written semester report and parent-student-teacher conferences. 

ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATION TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY

School Council members, Natalie Rose, Julie Nield, Braden Leech and Jess Grey had the privilege to present the 2021 Annual Report last Tuesday evening. School Council wished to acknowledge the many successes of our students and school last year as shown in the report. Given the difficulties faced by the Victorian community in 2021, it is great to share in the many achievements that we had. Please see our full annual report and our highlights in the following slideshow. The Annual Report will also appear on the school's website. 

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING UPDATES 

We will continue to distribute RATs for remainder of this term. 

From Monday 23 May, it is recommended RATs are used by students and staff when symptomatic. RATs are also required to be used for 5 days if a student or staff member is a close contact of a confirmed case and they are attending or working at a school. The staff member and any child over 8 years of age must wear a mask for the five days. 

It will therefore no longer be recommended that non-symptomatic students or staff conduct RATs twice a week in mainstream schools.

Students and staff must continue to notify the Department of Health and our school if they return a positive RAT result.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect students and staff in school settings and your ongoing support in encouraging children aged 5 to 11 to get vaccinated.

Face masks also can continue to be used by any staff or students who wish to do so, including those who are medically at-risk.

ENROLMENTS OPEN FOR 2023

Let’s spread the good word and let our neighbours know 'why our little school is such a big hit'. We welcome prospective families to peruse our website and book a school tour. 

Our tour schedule is available for the entire year, whether booking a group tour or a private tour with the principal.

To our existing families who have children starting school next year, please collect your enrolment form from Jac in the office or alternatively download one off the website.  

CYBERSAFETY - EVERY STUDENT EVERY TERM 

Every Term, Every Student cyber safety program started once again this term. 

Included in this correspondence is a link to the following webinar, so please register as soon as possible. Even if you are unable to watch the presentation, they will send you a recording only if you have registered. 

READING HELPERS PROGRAM - SEEKING PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Research has shown that parents who take an active role in their child’s school life increase their child’s ability to learn and have a positive effect on their social and emotional wellbeing as well as academic achievement. 

At Ripponlea Primary School we encourage parents and carers to actively support student learning by becoming involved in a range of school and classroom based activities and greatly appreciate all community members who volunteer and support our programs, now that this is a possibility once again without restrictions.

Come along and learn basic skills and strategies in effectively helping small groups and individual children as they begin their literacy journey. While the knowledge and skills gained are valuable for supporting students in the classroom, it also provides insight into helping your own children at home.

STEP 1: All volunteers must have a WWC - Working with Children’s Check. 

Your WWC must be on record at the office. 

STEP 2: All volunteers must be triple vaccinated to come onsite to work with the children.

STEP 3: Register for training in the Reading Helpers program at RPS. 

NB: It is a requirement to complete this course so that parents and carers can effectively support the classroom program from Foundation to Year 2. 

NB: Registration for only one session is required. 

Term 2 & Term 3 Dates:

• Friday 17 June 2:00-3:00pm 
• Monday 20 June 9:30 - 10:30am 
• Friday 15 July 9:30 -10:30am

Please register via the following google form: