2023 Edition 14 (25-08-2023)

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

This past fortnight has been a productive time as we have accessed our new areas. 

Our OSHC team and students have loved their new space based in the hall. They have been able to provide fun activities for our students who start early and finish late. It has been lovely to see them settling in as EPIC Learners in their new space for OSHC. Thanks to our families for their understanding about car parking, which will soon be closer access to drop off and pick up.

We opened our Curiosity Centre this week during our Book Week festivities. Our EPIC Learners loved exploring this new space on Tuesday and learning our expectations for using the space. We will commence borrowing books in Term 4, please have a suitable library bag ready. This can be our uniform store purchased bag, or any other suitable library bag to protect our books. 

We have loved our play spaces and soon we will add scooters to our scooter track in our Sunrise Playground. These will be available for use for our Prep to Year 2 students. Our year 3-6 students can continue to use the hover boards at the other end of the Sunrise Playground. 

Thank you to all of our students and staff for their amazing Book Week character costumes. It was enjoyable to watch the parade and see the creativity from our families and staff. Book Week will continue to be a yearly event for us and we already have some more ideas for next year!

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

What an exhilarating fortnight we've just had! Last week, we celebrated Science Week – a time dedicated to igniting the passions of our budding scientists and stoking the curiosities of every student. On Friday, we were thrilled to witness classrooms bubbling with energy, discussion, and of course, a touch of scientific madness. 

Our enthusiastic learners from every class engaged in science experiments throughout the day. There was a marvelous mix of colors as students made their own rainbows, took part in fizzing explosions and concocted their own brand of disgusting putty. 

At Ripley Central State School, we understand that the real essence of learning lies in doing, in experiencing, and in questioning. Science Week, with its rich array of activities, provided our students with just that - a platform to do, experience, and question.

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Mrs Ward

My name is Tammy Ward and I am excited to be the new Deputy Principal at Ripley Central State School. I thrive on creating learning experiences that empower each individual learner to grow and flourish academically, socially and emotionally – nurturing curious minds and building a foundation for lifelong learning. I am committed to collaborating with the Ripley community to ensure a quality education for our students. Together, we will nurture the growth of EPIC learners.

On Thursday our Prep students went on an EPIC adventure alongside their beloved teddy bears. From story time sessions where teddy bears listened intently to tales of wonder, to thrilling bear hunts that had everyone giggling with excitement, the day brought so much joy. Our little creative minds crafted fairy bread bears and bear finger puppets. Our Preps then finished off their adventure with a picnic on the grass. Thanks to our Prep team for organising and providing an authentic learning experience for our students. These experiences have woven memories into our little one’s journey of learning and discovery, proving that even the smallest of adventures can leave big impressions.

Mrs Tammy Ward |  Deputy Principal

Business Manager's Message - Mrs Van Der Zee

HR News

Defence School’s Mentor - Kylie Pendergast commenced with us this week in the capacity of Defence Schools Mentor. 

School’s Officer – We are seeking a casual School’s Officer to assist with the maintenance of the school in times when our permanent SO is on leave.  A Blue Card is essential for this role.  If you are interested, please forward your resume to bsm@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au 

Finance

Year 4/5/6 Camp - Final payment has now closed.  We will now finalise attendance list and staffing. Thank you to all families who made payments by due dates. 

A reminder that payments made at Administration will only be accepted on Tuesdays & Thursdays from Term 4.  Exact cash will only be accepted on Thursdays.

Mrs Danielle Van Der Zee |  Business Manager

2024 Prep Enrolments

Prep 2024 Enrolments are now open!

Finalise your enrolment, including birth certificate sighting and residential documents as soon as possible. Invitations for Koala Joeys will open soon and we would love you to be part of our Prep transition program. 

EPIC Postcards

This fortnight,  Mrs Meyrick delivered our first EPIC Postcard! This little prep learner demonstrates our value of Polite. Mrs Meyrick cannot wait to deliver more to our EPIC Learners. 

Kiss and Go

This week we started using the 'Kiss and Go' facility on Sunrise Street. Families who are using this space  have very prompt drop off and pick up routines. Thank you for driving all the way forward so cars who follow you in have space too.

Lone Pine Excursion

Our first-ever whole school excursion to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was a roaring success! Students were enthralled by the Sheep dog and Raptor shows, took delight in feeding kangaroos and emus, and deepened their connection with our school mascot – the koala.

A massive thank you to the 40+ parent volunteers, and our dedicated teachers and teacher aides who made this day seamless and memorable.

These outings spark curiosity and foster a bond with nature. Here's to many more such adventures in the future!

We are Recruiting!

We are recruiting for a  Part-time Prep Teacher  (Part-time contract - 2 days per week) to start ASAP until end of year. Days negotiable with suitable applicant.

One of our prep teachers will be undertaking other roles within our school community and we are seeking a passionate prep teacher (experienced or graduate) to temporarily join our team. The position is for two days per week, which can be negotiated with the successful applicant. This position is ready to start ASAP.

The class currently has 20 EPIC students, teacher aide support, fantastic facilities and resourcing as a new school and an amazing prep teaching team. We have a supportive Inclusion Support team. There are three prep classes in our new school that opened this year.

The prep teacher who you will partner with is a kind, caring and experienced prep teacher who has had previous experience as a part-time teacher, knowing what it takes to successfully communicate, plan and work together.

Please send CV and details to principal@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

Introducing our Inclusion Support Team

Our Inclusion support team is growing and it is a great time to introduce them all to you.

Mrs Day and Ms Browning are our Inclusion Support Teacher Aides and enjoy supporting children in small groups and individually both in the classroom and during lunch breaks. Mrs Day works Monday to Friday and Ms Browning supports the team on Wednesday to Friday (also working in our Prep classrooms on Monday and Tuesday). Both of these ladies bring a beautiful warmth to our team, unconditional positive regard and a sense of care to support our students in their learning, social and emotional wellbeing and their sense of belonging at our school.

Mrs Garrick and Ms Hayes are our Inclusion Support Teachers. You will have already seen and met Mrs Garrick, who works full time, however you may not have yet met Ms Hayes who has just joined our team in the last few weeks. Ms Hayes works on Monday – Thursday. Both of these teachers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our team. They are passionate about supporting students to thrive and are highly regarded amongst our teaching team for ideas and strategies.

Our Inclusion support team is an EPIC team and we are so glad to have them in our teaching staff. When you see them around our school, be sure to say hello.

Introducing Our Defence Mentor

My name is Kylie Pendergast and I have commenced in the role of Defence School Mentor with RCSS this week. 

I have already introduced myself to the majority of your children and I look forward to getting to know them better as I establish and settle into my role.

To give you an overview, my role as Defence School Mentor has four main areas of fucus, those being:

1. Connection with Defence families to provide information about the school environment and available support relevant to your child's development
2. Supporting Defence students to access school-based social and emotional supports
3. Facilitating opportunities for Defence students to build relationships and connections
4. Raising awareness among school staff and the wider school community about the unique Defence lifestyle

I will be available every Monday and Wednesday between 9am - 1pm and I encourage our Defence families to contact me should you require any information or assistance to support the social and emotional wellbeing of your children, particularly in times where service challenges are present. 

I value effective communication and will be sending through relevant information via email on a regular basis as it is received. If you would like to connect in person, I am always happy to have a cuppa and chat in office or while showing you the beautiful and growing grounds here at Ripley Central.

I hope to speak with you all soon and I look forward to assisting your children to enjoy their time at Ripley Central State School as EPIC learners.

Free Dress Day!

On Friday, 15^th September (the last day of term 3) the Student Council are organising a free dress day where students are invited to wear blue or denim. Please bring a gold coin donation as we are saving for some extra sporting equipment like balls and goals. Please wear your normal school shoes. Please note, your school hat and your blue or denim clothes need to be SunSmart.

Normal learning will be occurring in class on this day and holidays do not start until 2.45pm so attendance is still required (unless you are sick).  As a student council we thought we would make it fun for the last day of term by holding this themed free dress. We would love to see you join in.

Term 3 Passion Project Fair

We will be hosting our Term 3 Passion Project Fair on Thursday 14th September from 2pm. You are invited to attend and we look forward to sharing this moment with you!

Student Free Day

Our school will be closed on Friday 1st September for a Student Free Day (all Qld State Schools). Please make alternative arrangements for your children.

HPE News

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 in Springfield where the pool is indoors and heated. The program is an extensive 2 week program offering students a 30 min lesson each day. 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.

Swimming starts Monday 28^th August and students are reminded to bring:

-A swimming bag (essential as students will be changing at the hall and not taking their school bag. As the hall is now open we can use the facilities to get changed before and after swimming.)

-Togs/swimmers (plastic bag to put wet items in when finished)

-Towel

-Googles (recommended)

-Swim cap (optional)

Please make sure all items are named including underwear and socks.

Students will be transported via bus, with seat belts, from school to the venue and return.

Please make sure you have returned your permission note and if you have any questions or concerns, please email me at mmars183@eq.edu.au

The Arts News

The Arts Team are excited to announce the below events. These shows will allow our students to showcase their creativity amd talent!

Music

The year Prep to 3 students have been busy learning the lyrics and helping to create the choreography for their musicals they are preparing to perform.

The year 4 to 6 students have continued to explore different genres of music. They have explored Pop music, Big Brass Bands, and Independent music. In the upcoming weeks they will look at Funk, Rock n Roll and Contemporary RNB. They have also been exploring composing music on MuseScore on the laptops.

Arts

Our lessons have moved into the new Dance/Drama studio in the hall. The back wall is full of mirrors and the students have been able to observe their movements.

Preps: Have been making dance movements like monkeys, hippos, eagles and cheetahs. They have been exploring different shapes, speeds in movements, dynamics of movements.

Year 1: Have been exploring different elements of drama including movement, characterisation and learning the script for their musical.

Year 2: Have been looking at different elements of media arts including angles and perspective, body language and gaze, colour, framing and positioning. This week we started building lego for the students to focus their photos and videos on.

Year 2/3: Have been looking at different styles of puppetry for drama. They have looked at full body puppets, stick puppets, finger puppets and marrionette. They are also applying the English narrative skill and media art skills.

Year 4-6: Have continued to investigate different cultures through dance. For Hawaii they looked at the Hula and fire twirling, which they used pool noodles to represent. For America they learned the Boot Scoot for line dancing. For Mexico they had to modernise the Mexican Hat Dance. In the coming weeks, they are going to be looking at Irish, Scottish, German and Greek dancing.

Bookclub

Just a reminder all bookclub orders are due by Monday 28th August. All purchases contribute to our school credits to purchase useful resources for our students to use.

P&C News

Father's Day Stall – 30 August

On Wednesday 30th August the P&C will be running a Father’s Day stall. Students will have an opportunity to buy a gift for their Father 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.

We have some amazing vendors including The Laser Craft Shop, Josephine’s Little Shop, RP Stitch and Embroidery Creations and Tigers Treasure. The P&C will also be running a stall on the day with donations from Josephines Little Shop, Kmart, Bargain Mania and the Ganzer Family.

Tigers Treasure are doing a pre-order on personalised merchandise for delivery on Stall day. Email Jason at tigerstreasure12@gmail.com for more information or shop on the website. A special online sale 5% discount coupon code is ripley.  Valid to 27-8-2023 with $1 per item ordered donated directly to the P&C. Pick up items at the fathers day stall.

The Entertainment App

The Entertainment App is an easy-to-use platform packed with incredible savings of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers, so you can save on takeaway, dining, shopping, groceries, gift cards, activities and more! 20% of all sales go directly to our P&C fundraising goal of a purchasing a school mascot. To find out more click the link below to be taken to our schools fundraising page and follow the prompts for purchasing. You can even share the link with family and friends! Some of our families have already saved over $200 using the App!

P&C Conference

Our P&C Executive Members attended the P&C State Conference 11 August on the Gold Coast. A great opportunity for them to learn more about new initiatives to help support our school. It was also amazing for them to find our uniforms showcased by Uniform Management Services and a proud moment to hear the comments made by all those who adored them.

Calling for Volunteers and Donations

We need your help with upcoming fundraising events and donations. If you’re interested or know someone else who might like to assist with any events throughout the year, please register via this link Ripley Central P&C Volunteer Registration or the below QR code. Once registered, we can email you with more details regarding upcoming events so you can choose which activities will suit you best.

New Secretary

We are delighted to announce Rebecca Ganzer was elected as the new Secretary in the executive P&C team last night at our August meeting. Rebecca has been a member of the P&C from the beginning and has volunteered her time on many occasions throughout 2023. Please join us in congratulating Rebecca on her appointment. we look forward to continuing to work with you, Rebecca to reach our goals for the school.

Events

Father’s Day stall        30 August                    Accepting donations and Volunteers

Bunnings BBQ            19 November              Save the Date

Our next meeting

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday 24th October commencing at 5pm and concluding by 6pm.

You can come from 4.30pm for a casual catch up, meet the P&C interim executive members and meet other family members.

All families and community members are welcome and new memberships are encouraged. New membership applications are accepted at the end of the meeting, so all existing members are encouraged to attend so motions can be seconded and carried as needed for the above agenda items.

Children are welcome, parents please bring something quiet for them to do during the time.

If you require any further information on any an P&C information or if you would like to donate items, please contact us at pandc@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting many more of you throughout the year.

Thank you for your support.

Community News

Ripley Valley State Secondary College

2023 Ipswich Film Festival for Youth

The 2023 Ipswich Film Festival for Youth (IFFY) is here!

Youth aged from 7 to 25 years are encouraged to create and submit their short films to be in the running for some awesome prizes ($3k+ worth!).

Here's your important dates:

 Submissions close: Friday 15 September 2023

 The IFFYs (Screening & Award Ceremony): Saturday 14 October 2023

 2023 Criteria: Entries will be judged on the following criteria - storyline, editing techniques, use of effects and the incorporation of the IFFY Camera logo

Helping Injured Koalas

If you do encounter a koala on the road, use your wildlife rescue car kit to keep them safe until help arrives or to aid in transporting them to the nearest wildlife rescue centre. Find your closest wildlife hospital or veterinarian here. 

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   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 -  please delete it from your contacts in your phone.