Principal's Message

COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE – ANZAC DAY 

We hope everyone had a lovely weekend and took the opportunity to watch the live telecast of the Anzac Parade. Two of Australia’s most recognised commemorative dates are Anzac Day on 25 April and Remembrance Day on 11 November. On these days, Australians pause to remember the men, women and animals who have served in Australia’s Defence Forces in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Last Friday, our student leaders held a commemorative service for Anzac Day. 

Despite over a century passing since the landings at Gallipoli, there is still much to be commemorated and learnt from the experiences of our service men and women during times of conflict and instability. Common threads woven through their many shared experiences tell of valour and virtue, giving us opportunity to appreciate the personal and collective sacrifices made in pursuit of peace and prosperity. 

Thank you to Ms Sarah Coughlin and our Year 6 students who led the assembly. We also thank Ms Andria Arendze and all the students who created some beautifully poignant artwork to commemorate this day. 

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR STAFF AT RIPPONLEA

At the end of last term, all staff participated in a professional learning opportunity with Professor Misty Adoniou. Misty questioned us as educators about what has happened to the so-called “Magic of Writing” and how we can bring back the engagement of our writers with the thrill, will and skills of writing by examining quality pieces of literature.

Misty reminded us to stop teaching writing in isolation and remember the purpose of writing: to engage the hearts and minds of readers. She taught us how to fill student reservoirs of language with rich vocabulary, follow the emotional journey of characters, develop written literary structures in a more authentic way, and investigate and help our students build complexity in their writing. Our teachers are brimming with excitement to share these tools to integrate reading, writing and spelling in a more holistic pedagogical framework.

AND SOME FURTHER LEARNING

The Leadership team at Ripponlea spent a day with Tracey Ezard last week to delve further into her learnings around “Ferocious Warmth”. Tracey, who earlier this year led the whole staff on a day of building a culture of collaboration and learning, met with us along with Jane De Lorenzo, Braden Leech, Julie Nield, Jo Ritson and Vicki Smith. Together we explored how to find balance in the tensions created by the two opposite spheres we must inhabit: ferocious commitment to the moral purpose and warmth in developing authentic relationships.

Challenging our thinking and practices, Tracey helped us to formulate practical ways to transform and inspire. We examined the importance of minimising time spent on informing and consulting in favour of deciding and exploring; we also investigated conversational frameworks that build rich, supportive dialogue. As a team we are applying this learning through our practice as we share this with our staff over the coming weeks.

HIGH ABILITY PROGRAM - CONGRATULATIONS 

This term, we congratulate Rita K and Ruby P who will participate in a 10-week extension course in the Victorian High Ability Program. They will meet with like-minded peers at neighbouring Victorian government schools through weekly virtual lessons.  The weekly virtual lessons will occur during the school day and will be taught by expert Virtual School Victorian educators.  The Department of Education and Training is centrally managing the selection process for the program based on student academic performance.

PARENT WORKSHOPS - HEIDI ROGERS 

The school is in the process of working with psychotherapist Heidi Rogers on facilitating a face to face evening parent presentation. Heidi’s expertise and practical strategies were highly valuable to many members of our school community throughout last year. Heidi has a range of themes she can explore with our families. To assist with the process we would like to consult with our families and select the workshop that most interests our community. Please complete the following google form to nominate your preferred workshop. 

Save the date: Thursday 27th May @7pm in the Barrbunin

https://forms.gle/t78ADEF4L6x422zz7

OFF TO CAMP

Year 5/6 students will be busy packing their bags this weekend as they head off to camp at Cave Hill, Beaufort next Monday 3 May. They will be stopping off at Sovereign Hill on the way and we can’t wait to hear about their travels. Along with the Year 5/6 teachers, Sarah Coughlin and Braden Leech, Dave Bremner and Natalie Rose will join the students. 

It’s very exciting to be able to deliver an away-from-school experience such as this camp and we are grateful to all the teachers who volunteer their time to make this happen.

Until next fortnight!

                                                Natalie Rose                              Jess Grey

                                                   Principal                         Assistant Principal