2023 Edition 7 - 05-05-23

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

Another fortnight has quickly passed us by. In our classrooms our English units are unfolding and students are helping their teachers build their English Learning Wall. 

The Learning Wall is a usable wall that captures what we are learning in English, is a helpful place to support students and is interactive. It includes the Learning Intention for the unit, the Success Criteria unpacking how students are successful in this unit. It shows modelled samples of what an A, B, C may look like and is annotated to support students to see how and why. It includes important help for aspects like grammar and spelling. Ask your child what is on their English Learning Wall so far and how they use it. 

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Foundation  Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

Expression of Interest -  Esports Team for Rocket League

We are excited to announce that our school is forming a new Esports team for the popular game Rocket League. This is a fantastic opportunity for interested students to engage in competitive gaming, develop teamwork skills, and represent our school in an exciting and growing field.

Rocket League is a free-to-download game that combines soccer with high-powered, acrobatic vehicles. It is both fun and challenging, requiring skill and strategy to master.

We are seeking expressions of interest from students who:

1. Are in Years 4-6
2. Have access to a device at home to practice the game, as it is free to download.
3. Are available to compete in person on the 9th of September 2023 in Ipswich.
4. Have the support of their parents or guardians to provide transport to and from the event.

Please note that there are only four spots available on the team, and a participation fee of $70.80 will be required for each successful student. Selection will be based on student commitment, skill level, and the potential for teamwork.

To express your interest in joining the Rocket League Esports team, please follow the link below and complete the online form: https://forms.office.com/r/RyhrvfvV9h

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is Monday 15^th May. After this date, we will review all submissions and notify successful applicants by Monday 22^nd May.

Ms Petra Yager | Foundation Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Swadling

Year 4/5/6 Camp 

EOI's have now closed, and we are in the process of finalising the costing for our interested families.  These families who returned a 'yes' for their Expression of Interest are invited to attend a Camp Information Session on Tuesday, 16^th May, at 2:45pm, where you will be given the information needed to pay and prepare for this exciting experience for your children (and their teachers). If you are unable to attend, we will have the information sent to you.

Water Safety Program for Health and Physical Education (HPE) 2023

As part of the HPE curriculum, "from 2019, schools are required to provide a water safety and swimming program in Prep to Year 6. Students' participation in these programs is not compulsory and parents can choose for their children not to participate."

At our school, we will have Surf Lifesaving Queensland providing a water safety program to all students in Prep to Year 6. This will occur on the 12^th of September, Term 3.

Year 2 and 3 will take part in a water safety swimming program running two weeks in Term 3 on Monday, 28^th August - Thursday, 31^st August and Monday, 4^th Sept - Thursday, 7^th Sept. (more information to come)

During the Year 4/5/6 camp, participating students will partake in additional various water safety programs also, for the different water activities that they will participate in.

We look forward to providing active water safety programs this year for our students.

Ms Fiona Swadling | Foundation Deputy Principal

Business Manager's Message - Mrs Van Der Zee

The Smith Family Saver Plus Program

The Saver Plus Program is a free financial education program for families which will match your savings up to $500. 

Saver Plus is a 10 month savings program which helps ease the costs of education. Whether you have children in school, or studying yourself, Saver Plus can help you get ahead of your educational expenses. This program provides free, online financial education workshops and gives you up to $500 to use towards educational expenses.

The $500 can be used to contribute to items such as:

• Laptops and tablets
• Uniforms and shoes
• Books and supplies
• Sports fees and gear
• Instrumental lessons and activities
• Camps and excursions

Eligibility criteria applies.

Please click on the following link to register your interest.

https://www.bsl.org.au/services/saving-and-managing-money/saver-plus/saver-plus-enquiry-form/

Cashless School

A reminder that we are a cashless school.  Where possible our preferred method of payment is via BPoint.  EFT payments can be made at reception before 3.00 pm.

If, in exceptional circumstances cash is your only form of payment, the school will accept this (in the correct amount) on Thursdays only.

Mrs Danielle Van Der Zee | Foundation Business Manager

QParents

QParents was launched at Ripley Central State School earlier this term!

QParents is a secure, online portal accessible via a free, user-friendly app or web browser created for Queensland state schools by the Department of Education. QParents enables schools to offer parents secure access to information about their child.

QParents can be used to directly communicate with the school and access the following

• View students information and report cards
• Update student details and information
• Submit reasons for absence
• Pay invoices

Parents should have recieved a letter home that included their child/s EQ ID number and an email inviting them to register for QParents. Parents are required to submit 100 point of ID to the school for approval and access to student details (see below).

If you have any queries or concerns registering for QParents, please do not hesitate to contact our Executive Services and Marketing Officer, Ryley Wilson on 3819 5777 or email admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au.

Ripley Central Cheerettes

On Sunday the 23^rd of April, the Ripley Central Cheerettes had their first performance at Hilliard State School to qualify through to the next round of the TFT 100% Cheer competition. There was a minimum score that the team had to achieve to progress to the next round and the team met the requirements and is now advancing through to the State Finals on the 17^th & 18^th of June at Buderim. The team has been working really hard to learn the routine and it had changed many times, but the best part is watching the comradery between the Cheerettes and seeing them rehearse in the playground. Since the competition, they have been learning a new routine to take on the judges feedback. The coaches are very proud of how the team is developing and how they represented their school at the competition. We wish them well for the State competition. 

In term 3 we are going to launch a fun cheer team and have it run alongside the competitive team, so students from years 2-6 who are interested in learning cheer can start learning the skills too.  

The Ripley Rockers

We are thrilled to announce the formation of ‘The Ripley Rockers!’ This exciting initiative brings together students from years 3 to 6, providing them with a platform to explore their passion for music while honing their skills in writing, composing, and performing as a rock band.

The Ripley Rockers have already begun practicing and rehearsing in our new (temporary) instrumental room. This new facility comes fully equipped with a rock band setup, allowing our students to experience the joy of making music in a professional environment.

We have already witnessed the sheer delight and enthusiasm of our young musicians as they immerse themselves in this new musical adventure. The club's inclusive and supportive atmosphere encourages students of all skill levels to come together, share their love for music, and learn from one another.

Looking ahead, The Ripley Rockers are eager to showcase their talents to our school community. They have set their sights on performing at future school events, entertaining parents, and engaging the broader community with their infectious energy and passion for music.

Does your child already play an instrument and would like to join the Ripley Rockers? Send an email to dp@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

Fuse Cup 2023

On Wednesday the year 4 eSports team attended Ripley Valley Secondary College to take part in the Fuse Cup. Primary and Secondary schools from all over Ipswich and Brisbane were taking part in a Mario Kart Challenge. Our great team; Bella, Alexi, Macy and Cailee drove really well, with Cailee coming within only two points of a place in the top 16 against a team from a Brisbane High School. They showed great sportsmanship by staying to the end and cheering on the winner. Unfortunately we didn’t win this year but the team are keen to get back into training for next year’s competition as well as having the opportunity to play against other local schools on an online tournament.

Science experiments in Year 2

Students in 2A have been immersed in some exciting learning experiences in science over the past 2 weeks. 

Our budding scientists worked collaboratively in their first experiment. Each student was assigned a specific role within their group, such as communicator, material handler, scribe, timekeeper, or event planner. This ensured smooth set-up, understanding, focus, completion, and clean-up throughout the experiment. Students were instructed to mix various solutions and substances, keenly observing and discussing their interactions.

In our second experiment, students became real world scientists as they explored the mixing and unmixing of substances. By simulating a real-life scenario, students faced the challenge of removing Skittles as contaminants from a construction site mixture. This activity not only sparked their curiosity but also taught them valuable problem-solving skills.

These lessons fostered the use of scientific language, effective communication of observations, and the development of strong teamwork skills. 

We can't wait to see what new discoveries our 2A students will make as they continue their exciting journey in science!

Winter Warmers

As the weather begins to get cooler, a reminder that we have school uniform options to keep your child warm. Please visit the uniform shop to purchase.

Monday 7:30am- 9:30am

Wednesday 2:30pm- 5:30pm

The knitted jumper can be worn with all uniforms and if parents are only wishing ot purchase one jumper, this one is for you. The track jacket and hoodie can be worn together for layering, however can only be worn with the House polo or school polo.

National Simultaneous Story Time

On Wednesday 24th May our school will participate in the National Simultaneous Story Time. At 11am all around our country, thousands of classrooms all read the same book at the same time. This year's book is The Speedy Sloth and we look forward to having some special guest readers who will join some of our classrooms.

2024 Enrolments Prep to Year 6 opening soon

We are preparing to open 2024 enrolments soon. Please keep an eye on our school facebook page and website. When open, we will be accepting 'in catchment' enrolments only, unless children meet the criteria groups outlined in our Enrolment Management Plan. Our website will be updated if our circumstances change and we consider accepting 'out of catchment' enrolments. 

To prepare for enrolling for next year, please arrange your proof of residency documents (rates notice or tenancy agreement and a utilities bill). Please do not use the current enrolment form on our website, we will upload a new 2024 package soon (we anticipate in the next few weeks). 

Prep eligibility 2024

If your child is born between 1st July 2018 and 30th June 2019 your child is ready to start Prep in 2024. 

Enrolments will open soon! Make sure you have your birth certificate ready, and if you cannot locate it, please order a new one. 

https://www.qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces/birth-death-and-marriage-certificates/birth-certificates/applying-for-a-birth-certificate

Additional Staffing

We are still awaiting the outcome of our application for additional staffing, however in the interim, we are working closely with our teachers to provide support for our over-size classes. We appreciate your patience as we maintain our flexibility during this increased enrolment growth. This is our new normal, and will be for this year and likely next. If you have any questions, please email principal@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

What is BYOD?

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a term used to describe a digital device ownership model where students use their privately-owned devices to access the departmental networks and information management systems in an educational setting.

Devices are used in the classroom to enhance students' learning experiences in accordance with the Department of Education's 21st Century learning guide. The purpose of BYOD is to create and maintain a highly engaging learning environment that equips students with the capacity to think, solve problems, respond to and thrive within a changing society. A blend of traditional and digital learning approaches will be integrated to maximise the learning potential of every child. The use of technology as a tool, extends learning opportunities for all students combined with normal books, pencil, pen and paper to form the basis of the daily class routine.

Consultation with prospective families at our community meeting held in September 2022, saw an overwhelming support for BYOD implementation from Year 2 to Year 6; with iPads as the preferred device for Years 2 to 4 and laptops for Years 5 and 6. To support families with the outlay of costs, a phased implementation approach will be taken by our school – refer to the table below. In 2023, students will not need to purchase their own device as we acknowledge the start-up costs associated with all of our families commencing at a new school. Any box shaded in grey indicates the students in that year level will have class access to devices and are not required to outlay BYOD costs. While this may not be on a one-to-one ratio, it will provide opportunities to increase digital skills, create and engage at a high level and align to our teaching practices for all year levels.  We have done this to ensure that when families do have the financial outlay, the device will last several years. This phased implementation shows that by 2025 we are full BYOD for Year 2 to Year 6. 

We understand that parents and the community will have many questions about BYOD and during Term 4 we will hold ‘BYOD Information Sessions’ and ‘Parent Onboarding Workshops’ to help us dive deeper into the device specifications, share the ways devices will be used to leverage digital, and help parents with the information they need to purchase and set up the devices. 

Families of children currently in Year 1, 2 and 4 will need to provide BYOD next year. Special information sessions will be held with you to support you with the specifications of devices needed. These devices will not be purchased by our school, families will need to purchase these ready for the commencement of 2024. Keep an eye in our newsletter for dates of the information sessions.

What to bring to school each day

We have seen an increase in items that should not be brought to school arriving with students. Could you please talk with your child about what can be brought to school (and everything else is a 'no').

• school bag
• winter warmers from our student dress code (if needed due to weather) 
• school hat
• lunch box
• drink bottle
• munch & crunch (healthy, non-messy snack)
• anything the teacher asks for (and usually your child's teacher will email this request to families so you are aware) 
• cash for special events (eg Mother's Day Stall) - you will always be advised via email in these circumstances
• mobile phone (if needed for transport reasons) - this is handed in at the office each day

Please do not let your child bring anything to school that is not on this list. Thank you for your support in this matter. 

'Kiss n Go'

Please be advised that the works on the 'Kiss n Go' have commenced. A section of the footpath along Sunrise Street is closed until the end of June.

See below the traffic management plan for this area. Any families or students who walk along Sunrise Street will need to cross the road and walk on the other side, therefore supervision from an adult may be needed. Please develop a plan as a family for safe travel to school

Ipswich Show Public Holiday

Just a reminder that Ripley Central State School will be closed on 19th May 2023 for the Ipswich Show Holiday.

P&C News

On Wednesday 10th May the P&C will be running a Mother's Day stall. Students will have an opportunity to buy a gift for their mother or special person during the school day. Each class will have a scheduled time to visit. 

We have items ranging from $5 to $20. We will only be accepting cash, so please be prepared for the day. If you have more than one child, please have them set up with their own money.

Our stalls will also be open after school until 3.30pm for students and parents to purchase additional items. We will be located in the Bee Eater Gallery upstairs.

Thank you for supporting our P&C.

Social Media Guidelines

As our school community grows, social media becomes a positive way for parents and carers to connect together. There are guidelines about how parent administered facebook groups are to be set up, managed and used. Please see these images for important information that protects the safety and security of our students, staff and families. These apply to the administrators of the page, but also to those who interact and use them. If you have any concerns or questions about social media, please see Mrs Meyrick.

Community News

Bremer Expo

Visit "Bremer Expo"  on Wednesday 17th May from 4:00pm to discover all that our school has to offer, including our outstanding excellence programs! At the Bremer Expo, you will get the opportunity to explore our campus, meet our teachers and staff, and learn about our commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to see firsthand what makes Bremer State High School one of the best schools in the area.

Register now 

https;//bit.ly/BremerExpoRegistration and we look forward to seeing you at the Bremer Expo.

2024 Excellence Academies at Ripley Valley State Secondary College

Family Fun Day at Ripley Valley State Secondary College

Show your talent at the Ripley Family Fun Day talent contest - May 6th, Ripley Valley State Secondary College 18 Parkway Avenue South Ripley. Complete the entry form via the QR code pictured.

Local Fire Ant Treatment

Fire ants are one of the world’s most invasive pests and they have the potential to devastate our environment, economy and the outdoor way of life we know and love. To stop the spread of fire ants, the Department of Education is collaborating with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to manage fire ants across schools within South East Queensland. This important work will help protect our schools and community from the dangers posed by fire ants. 

An initial pilot program has treated 46 schools across the Logan, Ipswich, Somerset and Gold Coast City local government areas (Metropolitan and South East education regions). This will expand over the coming years to include additional schools. The treatment consists of applying two rounds of an insect growth regulator which sterilises the fire ant queen and prevents new ants from maturing into adults. These types of products are widely used in mosquito control programs, cockroach treatment and pet flea collars and when used according to instructions, are not harmful to humans, pets or wildlife.   

The first round of treatment occurred in early 2023 and round two is being completed during April and May. The fire ant bait is being applied by experienced pest management technicians.

The school treatment program supports efforts to eradicate fire ants within South East Queensland by suppressing the fire ant population in areas until eradication treatment takes place. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 all Queenslanders have an obligation to manage biosecurity risks. The Department of Education is meeting its obligations by managing fire ants on land it owns or manages.  

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is also running a range of community projects to provide residents in selected suburbs with free fire ant bait to treat their yards to support eradication goals. For the latest information on community projects or for more information about fire ants visit: https://www.fireants.org.au 

Contacting our School

Our school phoneline for outgoing calls will come up on your phone as No caller ID, or Private number. We are unable to change this at this point as our phone lines are being diverted until telstra connection occurs for our standard landline. You can call us on 07 3819 5777  phof if you need to contact us.

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) 

Please no longer use the mobile number that we used to use so please delete it from your contacts in your phone.