2025 Edition 55 10.10.2025

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

Is your child starting Prep next year?

We are currently processing enrolments for 2026 for all year levels, but in particular need our Prep students enrolled as soon as possible. This allows us to plan for staffing and resourcing and also allows families to attend our Koala Joeys prep transition program. 

Current families who have a prep student starting next year can send your current school child to administration to collect an enrolment form to help make the process even easier for you.

Mrs Twiner and Mr Geeling visited some local early childhood centres recently to introduce themselves and talk about starting prep at Ripley Central. I thank these two staff and the local providers for their support.

Thank you for supporting our Student Council Free Dress day earlier in the year. The student council used funds to purchase extra resources for our Curiosity Centre. We are busy shopping with the money just raised from the last Go Casual Free Dress Day. We are focusing on the Koala Kitchen this time. 

Recently I met with Josh and Sam from VIRB about the recruitment of our new Student Wellbeing Officer. We are excited to partner with them to provide student support. Our aim is to have our new team member start within the month. You can view the job ad here

https://www.facebook.com/virbaustralia 

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal (and Year 2)

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

Welcome Back to Term 4!

We’re excited to welcome our Ripley Central families back for the final term of 2025! Term 4 is always a busy and exciting time filled with opportunities for our students to learn, celebrate and shine.

This term, we look forward to a number of key events including Year 6 Graduation, Year 5 and 6 Business Development in preparation for the Ripley Christmas Markets, Swimming Lessons for Years 2 and 3, our Christmas Concert, High School Transition Programs, the Koala Joey’s Program, Auskick, and of course, our special celebration night - The Night of the EPIC Learners.

As we move through the final term of the school year, we are incredibly proud of the growth our students continue to make both academically and socially. We can’t wait to see them finish the year with pride, passion, and purpose and that unmistakable EPIC spirit!

Ms Petra Yager | Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Geeling

Welcome back to the start of Term 4. I hope all families enjoyed a safe and restful holiday break and are ready for the final term of learning for the 2025 school year.

This week, I have enjoyed visiting classrooms across the school. I particularly enjoyed speaking with our Prep students about the countdown to Year 1. We discussed the excitement and a few nerves that come with having only ten weeks remaining as Prep students. Many shared their enthusiasm about reaching this important milestone in their schooling journey.

It was also wonderful to see so many students at the school disco on Wednesday evening. I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the hall and seeing students dancing, laughing, and having a great time. A huge thank you to our P&C Association and staff volunteers for their time and effort in organising and running such a great event.

Wishing everyone an EPIC Term 4 ahead!

Mr Alex Geeling |  Deputy Principal Year P-1

HOD Student Engagement - Ms Ashby

Finishing the Year Strong – Every Day Counts!

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, it is more important than ever for students to be at school each and every day. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected, maintain routines, and finish the year feeling confident and ready for the next step in their learning journey.

Every school day matters. Every lesson, every friendship, every opportunity to grow. When students attend regularly, they not only keep up with their learning but also strengthen their sense of belonging and achievement.

In Term 4, teachers are wrapping up key learning units, celebrating progress, and preparing students for a smooth transition into their next year level. Missing even a few days can make it harder for students to feel settled and confident heading into the holidays and beyond.

We understand that illnesses and family emergencies can happen, but where possible, please aim for full attendance and ensure absences are communicated promptly You can do this by:

- phoning 3819 5777 

- using QParents (set up your account for access)

Hats On!

As the weather warms up and we head towards summer, it’s a great time to remind our students and families about the importance of bringing a school hat each day.

Wearing a school hat is a vital part of our uniform. Not only does it show pride in being part of our school community, but it also helps protect students from the harsh Australian sun.

Students without a hat during playtimes will need to stay in the designated shaded areas — the undercover area near the Canteen for Years 1–6, and the Terrace for Prep students. Hats are also required for HPE lessons and any outdoor events or activities, such as excursions and sports carnivals, to ensure everyone can participate safely.

Please take a moment to check that your child’s hat is clearly labelled with their name and brought to school each day. Replacement hats can be purchased from the uniform shop if needed.

Let’s all work together to stay sun safe and ready for learning this summer! 🌞

Any questions or queries please contact Kirsten Ashby on HODSE@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au 

Mrs Kirsten Ashby| HOD Student Engagement

Head of Department - Curriculum - Mrs Ward

English Learning Spotlight - Term 4

This term, every learner at Ripley Central is stepping into the shoes of a poet!
Our classrooms will be buzzing with rhythm, rhyme and creativity as students discover how words can paint pictures, spark laughter and move hearts. From Prep to Year 6, our young poets will be crafting, performing and sharing their work in ways that celebrate imagination, voice and expression.

Prep - Disgusting, Dangerous and Dazzling Ideas

Have you ever seen a slimy slug wearing sparkly sunglasses or a dangerous dragon afraid of the dark? Prep students are dreaming up wild, wacky and wonderful ideas to turn into rhyming poems.

Year 1 -  Pocket Poets

Our Year 1 “Trading Card Experts” are designing animal-themed trading cards, each featuring a poem that captures their creature’s quirks and powers.

Year 2 - Perfectly Imperfect Pets

Inspired by The Barnabus Project, our Year 2 Poetry Detectives are exploring what makes something “perfectly imperfect.” Using the thinking routine I See, I Think, I Wonder, they’ll write poems about their own quirky creatures.

Year 3 - Postcards in Poetry

Year 3 poets are hitting the road (literally!) to explore our local wonders. After soaking up the sights, sounds and smells, they’ll transform their adventures into sensory poems - complete with music and expressive readings.

Year 4 - Attention Future Poets!

Future poets and comedians unite! Year 4 students are writing and performing clever, witty and powerful performance poems filled with puns, rhythm and personality.

Year 5 - Anthems Unplugged

This term, our Year 5 learners are lyricists on a mission - crafting School House Anthems that will echo through future carnivals and celebrations. Their challenge: to write words that unite, inspire and capture the spirit of Ripley Central.

Year 6 - Ballads of a Graduate

Year 6 students are galloping into the world of Banjo Paterson and classic Australian poetry. They’ll explore how rhythm, rhyme and vivid imagery bring stories to life - then use these timeless techniques to craft their own Ballad of a Primary School Graduate. Each poem will celebrate memories, friendships and adventures from their years at school, capturing the spirit of courage, mateship and Aussie pride that runs through Paterson’s work.

It’s a term filled with rhythm, rhyme and Ripley Central magic. We can’t wait to see our poets publish and shine!

Mrs Tammy Ward  | HOD - Curriculum 

Business Manager - Ms Mitchell

Sick Bay Procedures – Keeping Our School Community Healthy

We would like to remind families of our school’s procedure regarding the use of the sick bay.

The sick bay is not a rest area—it is designated for students who are genuinely unwell and need to go home. If your child presents to sick bay reporting that they feel unwell, our staff will contact you to arrange for them to be collected promptly.

This procedure helps us:

• Minimise the spread of illness among students and staff
• Ensure students are properly cared for in a suitable environment
• Maintain a calm and efficient flow of care during the school day

We thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to prioritise the wellbeing of our school community. Your cooperation enables us to provide a safe and supportive environment for all.

Supporting a Calm and Safe End to the School Day

To ensure the wellbeing of both students and staff, we kindly ask for your support in following our end-of-day procedures.

Where possible, please try to arrange any afterschool appointments for after 3:00pm, allowing your child to complete their school day without disruption.

While the school corridors open at 2:40pm for your convenience, school does not finish until 2:45pm. Teachers are actively engaged with students during this time and are unable to release children from class early unless prior arrangements have been made.

To minimise disruptions and maintain a calm learning environment:

• From 2:20pm onwards, students will not be released from class for non-urgent reasons. This allows teachers to finalise learning activities, mark rolls, and prepare students for home time.
• If you do need to collect your child early for an unavoidable reason, please email both the classroom teacher and school admin by 7:30am on the day to arrange this. Without prior notice, we cannot guarantee that your child can be released promptly from class.

To help us maintain a safe and respectful school environment:

• Please do not enter classrooms before the bell rings 
• No access to upstairs classroom areas or corridors is permitted until 2.40pm

These procedures are in place to ensure that all students have a settled end to their school day and that staff can carry out their duties without unnecessary disruption.

We appreciate your ongoing cooperation and understanding.

No Tuckshop Service – Term 4, 2025

We wish to advise our school community that there will be no tuckshop in operation for Term 4, 2025. 

We are actively working towards securing a new provider to deliver tuckshop services from 2026 onwards.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this transition period.

Payment Days – Tuesdays and Thursdays

As we move through Term 4, we kindly remind families to finalise any outstanding invoices promptly to support a smooth end-of-year financial process.

Payments can be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:20 am and 3:15 pm at the school office via EFTPOS, or online through BPoint. Payment instructions can be found on the bottom left-hand corner of your invoice. Correct cash payments can be made on Thursdays only, please note we do not have change facilities. 

If you require a copy of your invoice or need assistance, please contact us at
📧 admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au.

We appreciate your cooperation and timely payments.

📢 Reminder: Swimming Days – Term 4 (Years 2 & 3)

Swimming lessons will begin in Week 2 on Thursday 16th October and continue every Thursday until 6th November.

Please ensure your child wears their swimmers under their school uniform each Thursday to make changing quicker and easier.

Items to bring on Swimming Thursdays:

• 🛍️ Plastic bag for wet items
• 🏊 Towel
• 🥽 Goggles
• Swim cap (optional)

To help lost items find their way back, please clearly label all clothing and swimming accessories with your child’s name.

Thank you for your support in helping swimming days run smoothly!

Ms Karen Mitchell | Business Manager 

Know Grow Glow interviews

Thank you to our parents and carers who recently met with teachers to connect and support their child’s learning journey. We also show gratitude to our teaching staff and leaders who extended their work day to attend. 

EPIC Lessons

Understanding Body Language in the Zones

This week’s EPIC lesson focused on how body language helps us recognise emotions - both in ourselves and in others. Students explored how our bodies give clues about what “Zone” we’re in. For example, clenched fists or crossed arms might show we’re in the Red Zone and feeling angry or frustrated, while drooped shoulders or a tired face might show we’re in the Blue Zone and feeling sad or flat.

Across the school, students practised noticing and naming these clues so they can respond in an EPIC way - by Empowering themselves to make positive choices, staying Polite and kind, being Inclusive of others’ feelings, and showing Careful thinking before reacting.

Students also learned four helpful steps for what to do when someone nearby is in the Yellow or Red Zone:

1. Step back and give space.
2. Quietly move to another area.
3. Go sit near a safe peer or adult.
4. Use calm body language yourself.

By following these steps, students can help keep everyone safe and calm while showing empathy and understanding.

Students created comic strips showing safe and caring responses when someone else is in the Red or Yellow Zone. These activities help students strengthen their awareness, empathy, and ability to stay in the Green Zone, ready for learning.

Families can keep the learning going at home by asking:

• “What body clues can you see when someone’s in the Red Zone?”
• “What helps you get back to the Green Zone when you notice those clues?”

Together, we’re helping our EPIC learners become more aware, respectful, and ready to learn every day.

HPE News

Gala Day

Last term marked the conclusion of our Gala Days for the year, and what a fantastic way to finish! A huge congratulations to our Senior B Boys Basketball team, who were crowned Premiers after winning their division. Our Junior Mixed AFL team also achieved an outstanding result, finishing as runners-up. Well done to all the students who represented our school with pride, teamwork, and great sportsmanship.

Swimming

This term, as part of our Australian Curriculum for Health and Physical Education (HPE), students in year 2 and 3 will be provided with the opportunity to engage in an appropriate water safety and learn to swim program. This program will be run by qualified swim teachers at The Swim Factory Australia - Ripley. The program is a 4 week program offering students a 30 minute lesson each Thursday. The aim of the excursion is to develop student’s knowledge and skills to prioritise personal safety in, on and around water, including in survival and rescue situations. As this is a school funded, curriculum program we encourage full participation.

Lessons begin on Thursday 16^th October, week 2. Please make sure you have returned your child’s permission form ASAP.

Music & Arts News

Exciting Opportunity: Join the 2026 Instrumental Music Program! 
Is your child in Year 2, 3 or 4 in 2025? Are they ready to discover a hidden 
talent, build confidence and be part of something truly special? We're 
looking for beginner students to join our vibrant Instrumental Music Program in 
2026 - no experience needed! 
Students will learn to play real orchestral instruments like the violin, viola, cello, 
flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or percussion and be guided 
by passionate music teachers in a fun and supportive environment. Testing 
will take place throughout Term 4 and spots are limited, so don’t miss out! 
To get started, simply return the Expression of Interest form by Friday 24th 
October 2025. This was  given to students at the Instrumental Music ‘Show & 
Share’ Concert scheduled for Thursday 9th October.

What is on in October?

Upcoming School Events

Day for Daniel

On Friday 31st October students are invited to wear a red shirt or a red hair accessory in memory of Daniel Morcombe and to raise child safety awareness.

There is no cost. This is not a free dress day. School shorts/skirts should still be worn and students not participating should be in full school uniform. 

We’re excited to announce that Photo Day at Ripley Central State School has been confirmed for:

Monday, 20th October 2025

Please mark this date in your calendars! 

We appreciate your support in ensuring all students are present and prepared for this special day.

If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact the school office.

Year 6 Graduation Dinner – Save the Date!

We are excited to announce the details for our Year 6 Graduation Dinner, a special evening to celebrate the incredible journey of our graduating Class of 2025.

The event will be held on Thursday 11th December 2025 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich, located on Wildey Street, Raceview.

Students are asked to dress in smart attire and can look forward to an evening filled with celebration, laughter, and memories. There will be photo opportunities with an open-air photo booth to capture the night.

Tickets for our Year 6 students will be available to purchase this term at approximately $45 per head. Invoices will be sent to Year 6 families shortly. Please note that only students will require a ticket.

Parents and carers are invited to attend from 6.30pm – 7.00pm for the formal component of the evening. Please note this will be standing room only, and we kindly ask that parents depart at 7.00pm to allow the students to enjoy their dinner and celebration. This adjustment has been made due to the large growth in student numbers and limited venue capacity. Families may like to consider booking a table at Brothers for dinner while they wait for the evening to finish. 

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our Year 6 students as they get ready to take their next big step into high school!

Community News

Enrol now for Prep 2026

Second Hand Uniforms

As children grow, or families move from the area, families have the opportunity to sell their second-hand uniforms via a Facebook page created by our P&C. You can join via Facebook on the below link.

You are also welcome to donate any uniform items to our school, and we support families who are in need.

Student Departure

If your family is leaving our school, please email admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au with departure date and new destination school. This allows our administration staff to commence processes to support your departure. This includes ensuring books and musical instruments are returned, checking your family’s financial status with the school and also updating your child’s class teacher so they can prepare to send home their books and belongings. While we are sorry to see you go, we also want to help make the process smooth for you.

Reporting Student Absences

Please be reminded that the way to report student absences is 
* by phone 3819 5777 (you can do this before office hours and leave a message).
* via QParents (if you have not yet registered for QParents, please contact administration). This is our school's preferred method of reporting absences. 
* in person at administration (especially if you know a date in advance). 
Please do not email absence notifications. Our school receives a large volume of emails and your message may be missed as we process absences each morning. You may then receive a text message that you will need to respond to. This inconveniences you, and also increases our staff workload.  

Contacting our School

You can call us on 07 3819 5777   if you need to contact us. Please save the number to your mobile so you know if we are calling you. 

Email – admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

OR for all enrolment matters please email enrolments@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au 

Phone - 07 3819 5777  (between 8.20am-3.15pm Monday to Friday - or school days)