2023 Edition 16 (06-10-2023)

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

Over the holidays we had our 'Share the Dignity' vending machine installed. This means that our students have access to period products when they need them. This might be because it is their first period, or because their family cannot afford the products. 

Over the coming weeks, our Year 5 and 6 students will undertake an education program (targeted at Years 5-8) called Period Talk developed by Talk Revolution. This program is designed to ensure that the current generation of children and young people are informed and at ease talking about periods.  You can learn more about Share the Dignity vending machines on their website. 

Our vending machine is located in the toilet in the student side of administration. It is freely accessible to any student who requires the vending machine at any time of the school day. 

https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/end-period-poverty/dignity-vending-machines 

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

As we embark on our final term of the year, we are thrilled to begin a new innovative educational journey with the introduction of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Commencing in 2024 for students in Years 2, 3, and 5, BYOD refers to a model where students use their privately-owned devices to access our departmental networks and educational resources.

Understanding BYOD & Its Purpose at Ripley Central State School

Central to the BYOD philosophy is the idea of fostering a dynamic, responsive, and enriched learning environment. This program isn't just about technology; it's about leveraging these tools to further educational outcomes, stimulate creativity, and nurture efficient communication. It integrates these devices seamlessly with our existing curriculum, reinforcing our dedication to 21st-century learning. Students will continue to engage with traditional learning tools such as books, pens, and papers, but now they will also have a world of digital resources at their fingertips, enhancing both their learning experiences and preparedness for the future.

Key Points to Note:

• After thorough consultation during our September 2022 community meeting, it was decided that students in Years 2 to 4 will incorporate iPads into their learning, while students in Year 5 and 6 will employ Windows laptops.
• These devices are not mere replacements; they will be used to complement our traditional teaching methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience for every student.

BYOD Information Session: An Invitation

We understand the introduction of such a program may generate questions. Therefore, we are hosting a BYOD Information Session on Tuesday, 24th October, at 4pm in classroom A1-1.08. We encourage all parents and guardians to attend, offering a prime opportunity to delve deeper into the program and unpack our BYOD Handbook.

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Mrs Ward

Koala Joey’s Prep Transition

Our Koala Joey’s Prep Transition program kicked off this week and it was heart-warming to witness the vibrant energy and enthusiasm of our Joey’s as they joined us at Ripley Central State School.

Our first session saw our Koala Joey’s delve into the magic of story time, showing off their creative flair during a koala craft activity. They then went on to participate in a variety of interactive hands-on activities, all whilst making some delightful new friends. By participating in varied activities, our Joey’s are empowered, and learn to believe in their capabilities and to approach learning with curiosity, confidence and kindness.

Secure Your Spot!

If you haven't enrolled your child for Prep 2024 yet, now's the time! We'd love to send an invitation for your child to join our Koala Joey’s Prep transition sessions. Simply ensure your child's enrolment application for Prep 2024 is complete. Places are limited and, given the buzz around this program, they're filling up swiftly! RSVP to admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

The Koala Joey’s Prep Transition Program is where the foundational blocks of learning, friendship, and values are laid, setting the stage for a successful and enriching journey at Ripley Central. So, let your little one join in on the fun and excitement!

Mrs Tammy Ward |  Deputy Principal

Business Manager's Message - Mrs Van Der Zee

Money Days

Tuesdays and Thursday are the days payments can be accepted at Reception. Tuesdays is eftpos only and Thursdays we can accept cash (exact amount) as well.

Invoices can be paid at any time via Bpoint or QParents. We strongly encourage payments be made via these two options.

BPoint Payments

Please be aware that Bpoint links and Reference Codes relate to the student on that particular invoice only. It is not possible to pay for two students against one invoice. Please be mindful of this when making payments via Bpoint. If you have misplaced an invoice, please contact the office and an invoice copy can be arranged.

Student Accounts

As we approach the end of the year, please ensure your child/ren’s account is paid in full. If you require a statement, please contact the office for a copy.

QParents

QParents is one of the easier ways to make payments to the school. If you haven’t already done so, please ensure you sign up for the QParents asap.

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 have been sent to all families with a confirmed enrolment and we would love you to be part of our Prep transition program. 

Term 4 School Calendar

Term 4 is set to be an EPIC term. Each week we will publish our calendar so you can keep an eye on what is coming up. More details about events will be emailed home to families (or on our website/Facebook if community related) as the dates approach. Extra calendar items may be added as the term progresses.

Passion Project Fair Success!

At the end of each term, we hold our Passion Project Fair. We do homework differently at RCSS, and we are proud of it!Learn more about our Homework Policy on our school website, but for an even easier overview, watch this short video that captures our Term 3 Passion Project Fair.

Narrative Fair

Our Narrative Fair was a chance for our students from 2/3B, 4A and year 4s from 4/5B to showcase their learning in English this term. Our visitors enjoyed listening to narrative pieces written by our students, some of whom dressed in the costume of their main character. Our students were Empowered as they demonstrated connection to their community and had voice and agency in the planning for the Narrative Fair. Thank you to families and visitors who were able to join them today in our Curiosity Centre. This learning had purpose and allowed our students to shine!

Year 5 & 6 Budding Entrepreneurs

On Friday, our Year 5 and 6 students had an enriching morning with Vicki Martin from the local Springfield, Orion, and Ripley Markets. Vicki shared insights into the intricacies of small business, spanning from product presentation to audience engagement.

This hands-on session not only complemented our HASS unit on Economic and Business but also paved the way for our budding entrepreneurs' upcoming venture. In Week 6, these students will transition from theory to practice, setting up their own stalls at the Ripley Markets. They'll be combining creativity, analytics, and ethics to bring their classroom learning to the forefront.

We invite our school community to support our young business minds by visiting Ripley Markets on this special day.

A huge thanks to Vicki Martin for her inspiration.

QLD Surf Lifesavers Visit

At the end of last term, as part of our water safety education (as part of HPE) Mrs Tolhurst organised a visit from Qld Surf Lifesavers. All students P-6 learnt about safety at the beach. We learnt about the different flags and signs and that you must always swim between the flags. Thank you Mrs Tolhurst.

House Tokens Term 3 Winners - Galahs

Galahs take the win for Term 3 House Tokens. They collected 1514 tokens last term and on Wednesday they enjoyed 30mins of extra playtime. They particularly enjoyed having the playgrounds all to themselves and a special visit to Cube Land.We have started again for a fresh term, with the winning House having their celebration booked for Wednesday week 10. 

The Arts News

Ripley Central Cheerettes
The 2023 Competition Cheerettes have been practicing to join the Ripley Valley State Secondary College Showcase on Friday the 13^th October. They are also going to visiting on Friday the 20^th October to collaborate with the high school cheer team in a workshop. The whole Cheerettes team is then going to be preparing a new routine for the Ripley Central Christmas Concert on Friday 1^st December. Chookas Cheerettes!!!

P&C News

Flexischools

Flexischools is Australia’s number one online canteen ordering, payments and communications app for parents, schools and suppliers.

Future P&C events, including our school disco in November, will be utilising the Flexischools App.

If you haven’t created an account already please follow the link below to ensure you don’t miss out on upcoming events.

Disco

Are you ready to dance?! Our very first school disco for current students only, will be taking place on Thursday the 9^th November from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Buy a single entry ticket for $5 or upgrade to include a meal deal (sausage in bread and a popper) for $10.

The P&C and the Student Council will have additional items for sale on the night.

Tickets will be available soon via the Flexischool App.

Please note parental supervision will be required.

If you or someone you know would like to help the P&C by volunteering on the night please ensure you register your interest via the Ripley Central P&C Volunteer Registration. 

Grant Funding

Our P&C was recently awarded grant money to put towards our establishment program. This program has been assisted by the Ipswich City Council’s Quick Response Funding Program. 

With these funds we will be able to secure a laptop for P&C record management as well as a BBQ and equipment. This will enable us to serve food at upcoming events, so please stay tuned for further event announcements.

A big thank you to the Ipswich City Council for their support and assistance.

Events

School Disco - 9th November (6.00pm-7.30pm) - Save the date - more details to follow 

Bunnings BBQ -  19^th November - Save the Date

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 24^th October commencing at 5pm and concluding by 6pm. Meetings are held in the classroom at the end of the coridoor upstairs above administration. 

You can come from 4.45pm for a casual catch up, meet the P&C interim executive members and meet other families and  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.

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

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.

If you require any further information about the P&C or 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 continued support and we hope you enjoy the school holidays.

Book Fair starts 19th October

Dive into the World of Stories at our upcoming Book Fair from October 19th to 24th in the Curiosity Centre. Open from 8:20 - 9:00 am daily, the Book Fair promises a diverse range of books catering to every reading interest. Students will get the chance to tour with their classes and jot down a wish list of their favourite titles. Parents are warmly invited to join their children of a morning, providing a delightful opportunity to bond over books and make selections together. We believe in the magic of stories and the power they hold to inspire and educate. We hope to see you and your young readers there, ready to discover their next favourite book.

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

Swanbank Clean Energy Hub

You may be aware that CleanCo (a Government Owned Corporation) is transforming the Swanbank Power Station precinct in Ipswich into a Clean Energy Hub. As well as clean energy technologies, CleanCo is also seeking to develop community infrastructure so the site can become a valuable space for local residents.

CleanCo has been working with the local community to develop a draft masterplan for the community infrastructure that could be built at the site. Options in the masterplan include a nature-based playground and an active transport route around Swanbank Lake.  

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) 

Please no longer use the mobile number -  please delete it from your contacts in your phone.