Principal Team Message

WELCOME BACK - TERM 3 

Lovely to see our students and staff return relaxed and re-energised for the start of this term. Last Monday morning we all gathered for an assembly and welcomed new students and staff to our little school.   

We again extend a warm welcome to the families of our new students and encourage you all to reach out and seek support when required. We are all here to help out and no questions are too small or too silly to ask.  We acknowledge our teachers and a large number of students who are so welcoming and supportive of students transitioning to RPS. 

We still have many students and families abroad at the start of this term and we wish you all a safe return back to Victoria in the coming weeks. We hope the opportunity to finally connect with families and friends overseas has been a joyous experience for all.  

WORKING BEE - THIS SUNDAY

Who would believe that the last time we held a 'working bee' was back in 2019? The school grounds are in need of some tender love and care and we are hopeful to see many families and students lend a helping hand this Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

Colin Smith and the team are looking for some volunteers. No experience is required, but any help is appreciated. In the past, we have refilled the sandpit, sanded the benches, cleaned the drinking troughs, repainted the cubby house, weeded the gardens and so much more. 

We love to see our students and families come down to the school and spend a morning helping out where possible. This builds great connections for our families and students and is a great way to meet families across the school. 

Please join us this weekend, whether an hour or less we would love to see you help make our school look great for our students. Don't forget to stay for a sausage sizzle and a special treat for all student volunteers, to round off a day of hard work. 

Date: Sunday 24 July (this weekend!)

Time: 10:00 am start 

WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS!!

Marta Campbell - Our New Assistant Principal

Hello everyone! I am so pleased to have joined the wonderful Ripponlea Primary School community as the Acting Assistant Principal. 

Thank you so much for the warm welcome, I am enjoying getting to know our students, parents and staff.

I have until recently been working just around the corner at Caulfield Primary School as a Learning Specialist and an Acting Assistant Principal. 

I am really passionate about teaching and learning, and student wellbeing. 

I also love learning languages and have previously worked as a German teacher. I speak Polish at home, as well as some French and Italian.

I don’t often have spare time these days as I’m usually chasing my 18-month-old boy around, but when I do, I love rock-climbing, baking or curling up on the couch with a good book. 

If you see me around the school, please introduce yourself – I’m very keen to learn everyone’s name!

Michelle Roszbach - Foundation B Classroom Teacher 

Hi everyone! My name is Michelle Roszbach and I am teaching Foundation B until the end of the year. I am also a parent of Gigi in foundation A – so have both my teacher and parent boots on ! I’ve always loved the school and Ripponlea community, having taught here in the past.

The last few years, I have been working part time as a classroom teacher in Foundation and Year 3/4 and spending time with Gigi. I have many years of teaching experience working full time before that:)

You may see me around walking my 3 chihuahuas  or on my roller skates- come say hi, I also love a chat !!!!

 DEEPEST GRATITUDE - JESS GREY 

This week marks the start of a new journey for our previous AP Jess Grey. On behalf of the whole school community, we would like to acknowledge the extensive, hard work, commitment and achievements of Jess over the last five years.

Jess has been an incredible school leader and advocate for inclusive education. She has managed a large portfolio of responsibilities which have been operational, financial and educational. Most importantly her work with students and families in the areas of disability and inclusion has been extensive and has resulted in a large number of students receiving additional funding and support through various programs. 

Additionally, she has mentored and established a high-performing team of integration aides who support all students across our school. Jess has been a significant member of the school's leadership team and a contributing member of our School Council. Jess was integral to the success of the school over the last Strategic Plan and could proudly attest to the significant changes she has led to ensure the school's success.

We know our staff have all been touched by her genuine care, respect and consideration in all delicate and confidential matters. Jess' organisational skills are exceptional and this has ensured that all daily organisation ran smoothly every single day, meeting all staffing needs. Jess has and will continue to manage our school library as she continues to consult with staff and students on their favourite titles and resources. 

As an educator, Jess is very knowledgeable and has a passion for Mathematics. We know that her commitment will continue to extend beyond the classroom in years to come as well as to her students and families. 

      EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES        

As the term progresses, we have a large number of special events and activities that our staff have been planning and preparing for in order to maximise student engagement and participation in a range of authentic learning experiences. 

Due to changes in voluntary parent contributions, the school is no longer receiving adequate funds to be able to pay for these activities through the school's cash budget, as in previous years. Contributions have been decreasing over the last few years, which now makes these opportunities no longer affordable by the school with costs being passed onto families for individual events being considered as incursions and other activities. 

These events will be published and consented to through COMPASS, whilst payments will need to be made via QKR. 

These activities will include:

1. Whole School Athletics Carnival 
2. Italian Cultural Day - Performance, Pizza Making Master Classes & Gelati Tasting 
3. Book Week Celebrations & Performance

COMPASS alerts will be coming out shortly for these events and activities. We thank all families who have already paid for the upcoming Athletics Carnival at Duncan MacKinnon Reserve and hope others will make this payment to ensure the event can proceed. We are also looking for many parent volunteers to ensure the success of this day. Please contact Susie if you can assist. 

NATIONAL PYJAMA DAY - THIS FRIDAY

Families are kindly reminded that this Friday our Student Wellbeing leaders are hosting a special Pyjama Day for all students at RPS. This is in support of National Pyjama Day and raising awareness of how foster care supports many children across the country. 

We encourage all students, families and staff to be involved and what a great day to come dressed in your cosiest PJs to school and donate to such a worthy cause. Please remind children to bring a warmer jacket for outside play and appropriate footwear. We can't wait to see everyone on Friday in their PJ's! 

Until next fortnight!

Natalie Rose Principal

Marta Orzlowska- Phengnammachack Acting Assistant Principal