Things To 

Know

SUNSMART - WIDE BRIMMED HATS 

We are extremely concerned witnessing the number of students who do not bring a hat to school. The risks are too high to simply let this continue. Please remind your child to pack their hats each day. Not only will they miss out on playing with their peers because they have to be under shade, but they can't participate in Physical Education, SEPEP, Perceptual Motor Program and much more. 

From the 1st September, ALL students and staff started wearing a school-approved wide-brimmed hat. We also encourage the application of sunscreen before school and the use of a roll on sunscreen bottle. We do not supply sunscreen to our students as there are too many allergies to specific brands. Our teacher will remind students to re-apply before going outside.  

UV damage during childhood and adolescence significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Our school plays a vital role in helping children and adolescents establish good sun protection habits and clearly, we need to do more to help protect the next generation.

Sun protection is recommended when UV levels are 3 or higher. SunSmart recommends people:

• Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible
• Slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck
• Seek shade
• Slide on sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection 

VICKI SMITH'S RETIREMENT

The end of 2022, marks the final year of Vicki's teaching career. Vicki started teaching at Ripponlea in 1981.  In her time, she has taught many students who are now adults with their own children. Ripponlea Primary School holds a significant connection for Vicki and her family. Vicki's mother and both her children attended the school.  

Vicki has been a member of the school leadership team and has instilled her passion for literacy in many of her colleagues and students. She has been a mentor to our graduate teachers as well as student teachers from a range of universities. 

Vicki leaves a long legacy of outstanding teaching and educational leadership. The school will hold a special assembly on the 9th of December. 

As a form of thanks to Vicki and her amazing contributions to RPS over the years, we are looking to raise money for a retirement gift. If your family would like to contribute, please pay via QKR! under 'Vicki's Retirement Gift'.

EDUTHREADS POP-UP STORE 

EMERALD HILL MISSION 

Emerald Hill Mission in the City of Port Phillip is running an education program to support Year 6 students on their journey to secondary school. As a program, they give financial support to students for their school books and uniforms from years 7- 12. 

In order to qualify families do have to meet certain criteria with the student also having a minimum 80% attendance rate at school. 

If you are interested please see the attached flyer for further information.