RIPPONLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL

School Council President's Message

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

School Council President’s Report

 

I remember sitting down this time last year to write this report thinking that next year could only be better… yet again though, 2021 has definitely been a year that has tested our resilience, patience and overall well-being. Even though there were many tricky times, when we seemed to be in endless lockdowns, and school council once again met mostly over ZOOM, I would like to take this moment to acknowledge some of the many positives that came out of another tough year.

 

These include:

  • Supporting the school through its school review
  • Overseeing another strong budget outcome for the year
  • Ratifying a host of school policies
  • Supporting with the school production
  • Approving the installation of a new phone and intercom system
  • Updated air conditioning in classrooms

 

As noted above, this year was a review year for RPS and I was delighted to be a panel member in this process. A highlight for me was having the opportunity to listen to many of the teachers articulate their practices in regard to teaching and learning at RPS. We are so lucky to have such a knowledgeable and passionate teaching team supporting our children’s education. Thanks to those who shared their knowledge during the process, you really did RPS proud.

 

I must say however, that during the review it was the children of RPS who stole the show! Part of the review process is interviewing groups of children and I can honestly say I was absolutely blown away at how confident, articulate and capable the children were in answering questions around instructional teaching models and their individual learning goals. From Foundation through to Year 6s, the children of Ripponlea really showed that they are in control of their learning and have a good grasp of what it takes to be a successful learner. Thank you to all of the children involved – you were absolute superstars!

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow School Council members for their continued commitment this year, even though we did not have an ordinary year and were juggling remote learning and work for a lot of the year, everyone still showed up and supported the school the best way we could. I was again so lucky to be supported by both parent and staff representatives who made my role as president exceptionally easy – Simone Kaplan (Vice President), Lee Wallace (Treasurer), Robyn Cooney (Ripper Families), Jac Paltos (Publicity & Marketing), Colin Smith (Facilities & Environment), Isabel Lasala (Facilities & Environment), Bridget Hast (Sustainability), Braden Leech (Governance), Julie Nield (Governance), Jess Grey (Governance) & Natalie Rose (Executive Officer). Thanks to all of you for the roles you have played this year.

 

I also need to thank our wonderful Business Manager, Rachel Helyer, for keeping track of all of meeting minutes and looking after the school’s financial affairs. I must note here that it is with great sadness we say goodbye to Rachel next year as she moves on to another role. I have been privileged to work closely with Rachel during my time on school council and her moving on is a great loss to RPS. Not only is Rachel a whiz with our finances she is also a kind and warm person to be around. I wish her all the best in her new role. 

 

I would like to also thank the lovely Meagan who is the face and voice of RPS when you enter the admin office. I have no doubt navigating another year of COVID and what this has meant from an admin perspective has been extremely tough. So thank you Meagan for all of your hard work. 

 

I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge one of our community members, Irene Shiferson. Irene has taught piano lessons at RPS for 25 years this year. That is a massive achievement and we thank you for supporting the music education of many students over the years here at RPS. 

 

To our all of our outgoing students, families and staff members, we wish you all the best for 2022 and hope you all know that you will always be a part of our Ripponlea Primary School family. 

 

Last, but certainly not least, I can not get through this without acknowledging the amazing work of Natalie Rose, Jess Grey, the entire teaching team and the learning support team. Your dedication and commitment to the children of Ripponlea is unwavering and we are lucky to have you in the lives of our children. Thank you for all you do, and enjoy your well deserved break. 

 

Next year our little school turns 100. For those of you returning, let’s hope we can come together as a community and celebrate RPS in style. 

 

I wish everyone safe, healthy and happy holidays. 

 

Tarryn Holland

President, Ripponlea Primary School Council