2023 Edition 18 (3-11-2023)

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

This fortnight we have enjoyed having the School Review Team onsite. They spent time in classrooms, talking with staff, students and families. They contacted people and schools who we partner with and they enjoyed connecting with our school community. They have captured some affirmations and some next steps for our school as we prepare to develop a strategic plan (for 4 years) for our school. I look forward to sharing the report with you once it is published. We should all be very proud of what we have achieved this year, the affirmations capture that very nicely for us to celebrate. I am excited to share these with you when they are released.

Enrolments for 2024 continue to flow in for us. If you know of anyone wishing to join our school community next year, please encourage them to complete their enrolment ASAP. This helps us to plan staffing, classes and rooms. Our school will grow quickly over the next few years and early and planned enrolments help us significantly.

We have may events this term that you may like to join us for. Take a look at our calendar and keep an eye out for emails with more details. We understand you might not be able to make it to all of them, and hope you can make arrangements to attend where possible.

Passion Projects continue this term, with our Passion Project Fair on the last Thursday of the term. Has your child started their Passion Project? We will soon be uploading some additional resources to our website about Passion Projects after some thoughtful feedback from some of our parents, staff and students. This will include a planning sheet, for those who like to capture their planning and thoughts before they commit and get started. It will also include a Passion Project Fair preparation sheet that helps children prepare responses to the most frequently asked questions by adults who visit our fair. These resources are optional, however may suit your child. Thanks for the feedback!

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

At Ripley Central State School our curriculum priority is English. Each term we look for ways to empower our students through Passion and Purpose. We look for ways to give our students voice and provide our students with an authentic audience.

In Term 3, our Year 5 and 6 students enjoyed crafting fantasy narratives that included either a ‘Flashback’ (A temporal shift occurs where your story moves from present to past as your character remembers a past event or scene before the story returns to the present moment) or an ‘Ethical Dilemma’ (The character must make a difficult decision that involves choosing between two conflicting options, both of which have significant consequences).

We are excited to announce the release of our Fantastical Fantasy Hardcover book. This EPIC book is an anthology of Fantasy stories, where whimsical worlds await...written by our Year 5 and 6 students.

Journey through enchanted realms filled with mythical beasts, valiant heroes, and hidden magics. Explore haunted mansions that whisper secrets and mysterious portals leading to worlds beyond our own. Every story is a doorway, every page an adventure. Let these young voices transport you to places you've never dreamed of, and remind you of the pure magic of storytelling. Discover the future of fantasy, crafted by the hands of tomorrow's master storytellers.

Pre-order your very own copy of this magical book for $50 and treasure your child’s writing forever. Email DP@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au to express your interest and how many copies you would like to purchase, and an invoice will be sent to you for payment. The cut off date for EOI’s and payments is Friday November 17 (Week 7).

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Mrs Ward

This Term our Prep-Year 6 classes are immersed in captivating English units centred around poetry, where students are delving into the art of expression through verse and creatively sharing their ideas.

Prep

Our Prep students are empowered to become "Poet Detectives," giving them the tools to explore and decode the world of rhyme and poetry in relation to disgusting, dangerous, and dazzling themes. They will create and showcase their own rhyming sentences, culminating in a feature film presented at Limelight Cinemas in Week 9. By blending literacy skills with creative expression and technology, we're turning students into confident, multi-talented communicators who can captivate an audience. 

Year 1

Our Year 1 students are designing their own authentic trading cards complete with rhyming character descriptions. These student-crafted cards will become part of a living display in the school's Curiosity Centre. Alongside this, students also embrace their roles as Poetry Detectives, diving into the world of rhyming literature to analyse and decode its elements. The unit invites students to be both creators and investigators, grounding their educational experience in real-world applications and meaningful displays of their own work. 

Year 2

Our Year 2 students are creating personalised, self-designed 'Perfectly Imperfect Pets' and diving deep into language, rhythm, and digital animation to bring their visions and poems to life. This magical blend of literature, technology, and personal creativity sets the stage for young learners to become not merely consumers, but imaginative creators in a vivid and ever-expanding world. 

Year 3

Year 3 students are empowered to foster a deep connection to their local surroundings and cultures. By integrating photography, poetry, and multimedia presentations, students will not only cultivate language and technology skills but also gain a valuable sense of agency and civic responsibility. This multidisciplinary approach allows them to express their personal perspectives and creativity in a tangible way, as they produce work that will be shared and celebrated within the broader community. Through this process, students learn that their voices matter, and that language can serve as a powerful tool for engagement, awareness, and change. 

Year 4

Year 4 students are engaging in authentic learning opportunities that fuse the joys of creativity with practical language skills. By exploring various forms of poetry and engaging in meaningful discussions, students will develop a personal connection with language. The Open Mic Night serves as a real-world application of their skills, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts in a public setting, thereby bolstering their confidence and communication prowess. This multi-faceted approach ensures that learning is not just confined to the classroom, but extends into a lifelong appreciation for the written and spoken word. 

Year 5

Our Year 5 students are empowered to create their own anthems. It underlines the transformative experience that comes with understanding, interpreting, and eventually crafting anthems—a process that allows students to invoke a sense of hope, pride, and unity among their student community. By engaging with and deconstructing existing works, students will be equipped with the tools and inspiration to amplify their own voices and messages, thereby contributing to a greater sense of shared identity and belonging. 

Year 6

Our Year 6 students are empowered to explore, understand, and express themselves through different poetic forms. By offering students the choice between the traditional form of ballads and the modern art of Slam Poetry for their final task, the unit emphasises the power and versatility of the poetic voice as a means of storytelling, advocacy, and personal expression. It encourages students to take ownership of their learning and their narrative, offering them a platform to amplify their voices on topics that interest or concern them. Through this unit, students are not only learning the technical aspects of poetry but also understanding the emotional and social implications of using one's voice effectively—making it a truly empowering educational experience. 

Mrs Tammy Ward |  Deputy Principal

Business Manager's Message - Mrs Van Der Zee

Payment Due Dates

As we approach the end of the term, we want to ensure your child doesn't miss out on upcoming activities/ excursions.

Please see below for important payment due dates coming up:

• Year 3 Queen's Park Excursion: November 17th
• Prep Limelight Cinema Excursion: November 16th

Please mark these dates on your calendar and ensure all necessary forms and permissions are submitted on time.

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. 

We are EPIC Learners!

We are EPIC Learners!
I am EPIC! We are EPIC Learners! View some of our students talking about our school. Our students are Empowered, Polite, Inclusive and Careful at Ripley Central and we are super proud of them! Click on the link below to watch a video that showcases our EPIC Students. 

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.

Be prepared for 2024. Check out the school term calendar so you can plan your holidays or get-a-ways.

Athletics Carnival - Save the Date 

We are excited to invite you to our Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 29th of November. 

Years 3-6 : 9:00-10:45 

Prep-Year 2 : 12:00-1:15 

The Arts

On Friday the 20^th October, Prep A, B and C presented their musical called Best Pet Show Ever by John Jacobson.

On Friday 27^th Octover, 1A presented their Cookies Musical by John Jacobson.

Together the students discovered that they had a voice that was valued and part of a much bigger picture. They discovered confidence both musically and personally. They discovered that hard work pays off. They discovered how to manage their nerves and the sheer joy of making music with others.

To focus on our school value of ‘Empowered – I connect with my community’, the students were also learning about being good hosts through creating afternoon tea for their guests. They focused on hygenie and being considerate to connect with their community for Health and Well-Being. Movement of the knives while spreading the icing for their Science. They helped construct the procedure for English and they were making patterns for Maths.

During music lessons, the students have been using drum sticks to focus on playing different rhythms and keeping the beat. They also used different dynamics and different tempos. They also used the parachute to practice these skills too.

The year 4-6 students have been challenged to collaborate, cooperate and compromise to create dances to represent different cultures from around the world. They were taught the main aspects of the dance styles and then challenged to create their own interpretation of the dances. They are also incorporating media arts and making videos with the plan to make an interactive map of dances from around the world.

Health and PE

Olympian Visit

Last week the students in years 4 – 6 attended a very special presentation by Brooke Hanson, an Olympian swimmer, as part of the Olympics unleashed program. The program is developed to inspire and motivate young Australians. Brooke shared with us her Olympic story and taught us all how to set goals and overcome any challenges.

District Trials

12-14 Years Baseball Trials

Does your child play club Baseball?

Details:

If your child plays at club level for Baseball and would like to be considered for the 12 – 14 years Central Comets District trials in 2024 please see the below information and contact Mrs Tolhurst for further information.

Only students who are 12, 13 or 14 years by 31 December 2024 and be currently enrolled in an affiliated Met West School Sport School (Ripley Central State School) can trial.

Prior to trialling, students must see Mrs Tolhurst for a district form and hand the completed district forms to the convenor at the trials, including:

• Parent consent form
• Principal approval form
• Student details/medical history form

No Forms = No Participation at the regional trial

Please note: students can only nominate to attend these trials through their school sports coordinator (Mrs Tolhurst). Nominations outside of this process will not be accepted.

There is no charge for participation at this regional trial in 2024.

Trials will be held Tuesday 30/1/2024 and nominations are due Friday 17^th November.

Defence School Mentor News

We had the opportunity to attend a Meet the Mentor event this past fortnight that enabled our year 6 students to meet their upcoming high school Defence School Mentor. Introductions were made, questions were asked and answered and peer groups participated in activities to help to make the transition to high school that little bit smoother. 

Our Remembrance Day assembly will be held next Monday on 6/11 commencing at 9.05am on the school oval. All families are welcome to attend and participate as we remember the courage and sacrifice made by those who fought for our freedom. 

We will have poppies available for sale before school in the school entry area outside of the admin building on Monday 6/11 and Wednesday 8/11.  A single red poppy sells for $0.50c  or a red or purple poppy badge will sell for $5 each. Cash only sales available. If you wish to purchase a poppy but are unable to make it to the school on the dates above, please let us know and subject to availability I will be happy to hold one for you until Monday 13/11. All funds raised will go to the RSL Sub Branch welfare program. 

Our Koala Club activity on Monday 6/11 will see our students participating in a Draw to Remember activity that will allow the students to be involved in creating a chalk artwork that signifies what Remembrance Day means to them. This is a great opportunity for students to have some fun whilst reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day. 

Koala Club is open to all RCSS students and provides students with an opportunity to engage in various activities during first break on a Monday. Children will be made aware of the activity and the location before first break. 

​**Any unwanted games, craft items or books that you would like to donate would be gratefully received** 

Postings are now underway. If your family is preparing for an upcoming move, please inform our Admin team and let me know so that I can provide additional information to assist with the process. 

I can be contacted at RCSS each Monday and Wednesday between 9am-1pm and on email DSM@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au. 

The Defence Member and Family Helpline is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community and can be contacted on 1800 624 608.

P&C News

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.

Tickets are now for sale via the Flexischools App. 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.

Please note parental supervision will be required. Younger siblings are permitted but must remain with a parent at all times. Older siblings who have completed primary school will not be allowed into the disco.

Bunnings BBQ

The P&C will be running a community sausage sizzle at Bunnings West Ipswich on Saturday the 18^th November from 8am to 3pm. This is an opportunity to generate substantial funds for our 2023 fundraising goals for the school. Please spread the word amongst family, friends and the community, and stop by to purchase a sausage to show your support.

Donations and Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering at the disco or the Bunnings BBQ events please sign up using the online form by clicking this link Ripley Central State School P&C Volunteer Register or contact us directly by email at pandc@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au.

If you are unable to volunteer your time we are calling for donations of the following items: Oil, Tomato Sauce, BBQ Sauce, American Mustard, Long Life Milk, Paper Towel, Napkins, Foil Trays, Bottles of Water, Poppers and Lollies.

Events

School Disco 9^th November (6:00pm to 7:30pm)

Bunnings BBQ 18^th November Save the Date

Sports Day 29^th November Save the Date

Christmas Concert 1^st December Save the Date.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 21^st November commencing at 5pm and concluding by 6pm.

All families and community members are welcome and new memberships are encouraged.

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

Stay up to date with P&C messages, celebrations and reminders, by liking our newly created Facebook page by clicking this link: Ripley Central State School P&C.

If you require any further information about the P&C 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.

Community News

Ripley Valley State Secondary College

On Friday 1st December, we look forwarding to welcoming all 2024 Year 7 enrolments at our upcoming Orientation Day and providing an opportunity to experience elements of high school at Ripley Valley SSC. It is important that for your child to attend the Year 7 Orientation Day, the following must be completed:

✅All enrolment paperwork must be completed and submitted to administration@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au by Tuesday 28th November (Week 9)

✅Future students and parents/guardians must have attended an enrolment information session prior to Tuesday 28th November

✅Next enrolment information session: Tuesday 31st October 5:00 – 6:00pm, Thursday 16th November 3:30 – 4:30pm & 5:30-6:30pm  

For further information, please contact administration@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

Does your child start school or Kindy in 2024.

Does your child start school or Kindy in 2024. If school, please enrol now. Visit our office or our website https://ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au/enrolments

If your child starts Kindy, connect with your choice of kindy now. 

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.