Principal's Message

LAST DAY OF TERM

Can you believe that tomorrow is the last day of the school year and what a year it has been! 

Reports are now live on Compass, we remind all Year 6 families and all departing families to download all their previous reports as well as their Seesaw digital portfolios prior to December 31st. 

How to download a PDF copy of your report:

Running order for tomorrow: 

• Assembly at 12.30pm - Only Year 6 parents and carers are able to be a part of the audience masked and double vaccinated. All other families will be invited to watch online.
• Guard of Honour at 1.20pm - We ask our Year 5 and 6 parents to help our students run through the guard of honour and out the gates for their final time.
• School Finishes at 1.30pm - Students who are unable to be collected at this time will need to attend TheirCare Book Here. 

SCHOOL PRODUCTION – ALBERT’S AMAZING SUCCESS!

We have been very fortunate to experience a large number of school events over the last five weeks, but nothing could compare to the feelings of pride and awe as our students performed on stage at the Cripps Theatre last Thursday. The emotion and excitement was palpable among our our audience members and the joy and adulation felt across the auditorium was electric! We heard remarks made by parents such as “The children were amazing!” to “This was so needed by our whole community!” 

As mentioned, this production, Albert’s Amazing Time Travelling Gizmatron, was cleverly scripted by Jess Asz, mother of Ernie and Hattie. Whilst preparations started earlier in the year with Erin Juers (mum of Rueben and Emmy) taking on the lead role of rehearsing the children, the endless lockdowns and Victorian restrictions made everyone doubt that this was ever going to hit the real stage. 

But to everyone’s delight, Mr G and Fiona Harris turned it all around (in little over three weeks) to ensure our students shined and were the ultimate stars of the stage. So many other parents (current and former) made this happen, alongside the thoroughly dedicated staff of RPS. What an incredible way to cap off the year – we can’t thank everyone enough for such a memorable experience.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

At Ripponlea Primary School, our Year 6 Graduation is an event that celebrates the pride, strength, and courage of our graduating students, who have been supported, educated, and inspired so that they can become ready to take on the next chapter of their lives. 

On Tuesday evening we celebrated the determination and resilience of these young people, especially overcoming the extraordinary challenges of the last few years. There was laughter and joy as they recollected some of their experiences over the last 7 years. Parents, teachers, and families alike were very impressed with their speeches and extremely proud of their achievements. 

We thank Sarah and Braden for organising the special event and all the parents who helped organise the ‘after party’ and a special shout-out to Ben Shewry for some Attica catering – yum! The evening helped us reflect on the enduring impact that Ripper families and our many Ripper staff over the years have made on the lives and futures of these bright young stars.

On Friday afternoon we will all gather to celebrate their last assembly and form a guard of honour as they leave the gates of Ripponlea Primary School for the very last time. We sincerely hope that they return to share in their future successes with us. 

FAREWELL LONGSTANDING FAMILIES OF RPS – BEST WISHES FOR THE FUTURE

Whilst we say farewell to our graduates, we will also witness many families leaving RPS at the end of this year. Some of these families have been with us for many years and now their youngest child will be finally graduating. 

These families have made significant contributions to our school and whatever their involvement we have appreciated all that they have done not only for their child but for all children at our school. 

Goodbye and good luck! 

We wish all other departing families all the very best in the new year and beyond. 

CONGRATULATIONS – GLEN EIRA GO FOR GOLD COMPETITIONS

Over the last lockdown period we set a challenge for all students to decorate their bikes in celebration of Glen Eira’s Active Schools Competition. 

The overall winner of the Fitbit was Odessa – well done! – and the following students also received prizes for their entries. 

Foundation: Hattie 

Special Mention: Tommy 

Year 1/2: George 

Special Mention: Matej

Year 3/4: Indi

Special Mention: Flynn

Year 5/6: Ruby P

Special Mention: Peter

WHOLE SCHOOL STEPPING UP – TRANSITION

Last week our new Foundation students completed their final face-to-face session with Ms. Jane and Ms. D. There were so many excited faces as well as a little natural apprehension. We feel very lucky that we could organise some onsite visits for our newest members of RPS. Thank you so much to the Foundation team for facilitating this successful program that will help for a smooth transition to 2022.

Transition to next year hasn’t just occurred for our new Foundies, but for all students across the school. It’s not easy to step up to a new year level, adapt to new expectations, change learning spaces and build new routines. As human beings, we are creatures of comfort and stability; no doubt we will need to support our children with positivity and care for their individual needs. 

Parents will play a critical role for these transitions in life. We know that once children meet their teachers and peers, there will be many smiles but perhaps some disappointment. This is all part of learning and building resilience. We appreciate parent support to help children understand that there are sometimes setbacks when it comes to our desires but if we remain optimistic, it will help us to fully embrace the new and exciting opportunities that await in 2022! 

STAFFING PROFILE – 2022

We’re sure you will agree that at RPS we have fantastic staff members who are dedicated, highly professional, approachable and supportive. Each demonstrates a strong commitment to the school and the individualised care for all students, even if they are not a student’s immediate classroom teacher. 

The school’s leadership team makes strategic decisions to maximise the school’s human and financial resources to ensure the best possible outcomes for students. 

In 2022, Ripponlea will see many of its existing staff continue to work at the school, some in new roles. We also have some new staff joining us next year! 

STAFF LEAVING RIPPONLEA

With deep sadness but also happiness for her, we say farewell to Rachel Helyer our Business Manager. Rachel has been an absolute asset to the school and has worked with two School Council treasurers to ensure the financial stability of the school and its resources.

Rachel has been at the school for the last three years and has decided to seek more of a part-time position that provides additional time to look after her wonderful family. Rachel understands the demands and accountabilities that come with the role of a Business Manager and has decided to work in an administration role at one of our SAGE network schools. 

Rachel begins her new role at Bentleigh West Primary School and we wish her the very best in the coming year and beyond. We will all miss her and look forward to many catch-ups in the near future. 

We see our wonderful Learning Tutor Kay Conser return to her retired lifestyle and wonderful family. A dear friend and colleague, Kay was very keen to support students who encountered difficulty during the tumultuous times of 2020. She reached out and become our Learning Tutor throughout 2021. 

She never anticipated that half her teachings would be in remote and in front of the screen and certainly our students preferred to work with Kay in person. We are grateful to Kay for coming out of retirement to share her wealth of experience as an educator and intervention specialist. All staff and students will miss Kay, but we hope she returns as one of our regular casual relief teachers. 

Bronwyn Howell leaves Ripponlea next year but with many fond memories of us and we enjoy the enduring legacy she last left at our school. Bronwyn and her husband recently found Lady Luck shining upon them as they secured the purchase of a house down the coast. With this came the difficult decision for Bronwyn to accept a position as a Year 1/2 teacher at Ballam Park Primary, considerably closer to her new home. 

Bronwyn joined the team at RPS in 2014 and quickly earned herself high praise within our community. She has spent much of her time teaching in Years 1/2 and 5/6. This year, of course, she became the beloved teacher of 3/4A. Bronwyn has been one of those staff members whose many contributions might go unnoticed because she just gets things done! Next year we will likely learn (the hard way) about the many things that Bronwyn can always be trusted to look after, such as school council responsibilities, camp organisation (including inter-state!), and student leadership activities. A lasting legacy Bronwyn has implemented at RPS has been the VCOP and Big Write programs which have brought a rigorous approach to the assessment and moderation of student writing. We will miss Bron’s great laugh and sense of humour and we wish her and her family all the best in their new adventures!

WELCOME TO NEW STAFF

Joining our wonderful administration officer Meagan Brake will be Business Manager, Kate Crawford. Kate has worked in a range of settings and currently works at the Oakwood Schools, schools that support students for whom a traditional school setting can be challenging. 

Fiona Clarke is joining our ES team as one of our many integration aides across the school. Fiona is an experienced aide who joins us from Malvern Primary School. With over 8 years of experience working and supporting children with additional needs, Fiona will be a welcome addition in supporting all students at RPS. 

Kate Ries makes a welcome return to RPS having spent some years on family leave and supporting the school with casual relief teaching. Kate will be joining Lucy Clover who returns to the classroom and the pair will be teaching 1/2C in 2022. 

DAME JEAN MACNAMARA AWARD 

Dame Jean MacNamara was a ground-breaking doctor and scientist, one of the first female doctors to work at the Royal Children’s Hospital and was instrumental in the development of the 

polio vaccine.

As a tribute to her legacy, Maya D in 5/6B has been nominated to receive this award from MP Josh Burns for demonstrated resilience in the face of a particularly challenging year and her efforts across STEM subjects. 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP - ELECTIONS

Diversity in Leadership

“Equal opportunity" is a state of fairness in which individuals are treated similarly, unhampered by artificial barriers or prejudices or preferences, except when particular distinctions can be explicitly justified.” Source: Wikipedia

In 2017, Ripponlea took a progressive step towards equal opportunity in student leadership when the staff, in consultation with stakeholders, agreed to take gender off the table when it came to the election of student leaders.

It was a bold move and it’s true to say that it was not universally supported and questions were asked about gender diversity. Yet, some three years down the track it is really heartening to know that our students readily elect who they believe is the best person for a position of responsibility. Embedding gender equality in our community where we live, learn, work and socialise is integral to supporting respect for diversity among our students now and into the future. 

So it gives us much pride to share with the community the names of the amazing leaders for 2022 elected by our school community.

Of course the above student leaders follow in the footsteps of our 2021 Student Leaders:

We thank all of the above student leaders among other students who have stepped up to the plate and shown undeniable commitment throughout what has been a challenging year. 

It is often said that the true test of leaders is how they function in a crisis. Ours have been highly resourceful, creative, supportive and resilient. Perhaps some world leaders could have taken a few cues from our Ripper leaders this year!

FOUNDATION GRADUATION

Today we celebrated our Foundation students who have faced a tough year and excelled. With their buddies by their side, Foundation students were presented with their graduation certificate and threw their handmade mortarboards into the air. Families looked on with immense pride and joy. Thank you to the incredible Foundation team of teachers and the Year 5/6 buddies.

THANK YOU EVELLIN & MARLENE

The unsung heroes of Ripponlea have been our amazing cleaning duo, Evellin and Marlene. Everyday they meticulously clean every corner of our classrooms. This has been particularly important due to COVID-19 contamination. The level of cleaning has continued through many lockdowns over the last two years and everyday without fail our touch points are cleaned, our tables are sanitised, our floors are mopped and vacuumed and our toilet facilities are left smelling with pleasant odours the very next day. Evellin and Marlene were nominated as Spotless Cleaners of the Year. Here they are below receiving their award from their employer during the last lockdown before all students returned. 

THANK YOU & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

As we wind up what was again another extraordinary year, we must reflect and acknowledge how much has changed in our world and in the lives of our students, staff and families. Despite all we have experienced and endured, we have remained united and strong as a community. 

A community is more than just a group of individuals who are connected and feel a sense of belonging. A community such as RPS has always had a common purpose and goals – we stay strong and focused for the benefit of our children. We commit to showing deep levels of care and respect for one another and demonstrating gratitude for the things we have rather than what we don’t have. 

Although not everyone’s values will always be fully aligned with the core values of RPS, we have strived to ensure that our shared values were deeply embedded in our teachings, conversations and our actions. We cared, connected and created more than just opportunities and relationships.  It is the unspoken feeling we all share when we come together. 

Our students are to be commended for their open-mindedness and resilience.

Our staff are to be commended for their passion and creativity.

Our families are to be commended for their patience and support.

So many of us are feeling near exhaustion after the last two years and we hope that our students, staff and families truly unwind and relax with loved ones and finally have the opportunity to celebrate the festive season on our doorsteps. 

Happy holiday, Merry X-Mas, Happy Hanukkah and a very Happy New Year to all. Stay well, COVID free and always be grateful! 

Until 2022!

Natalie Rose Principal

Jess Grey Assistant Principal