2024 Edition 28 03-05-2024

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

Increasingly we have students in primary school accessing social media platforms while not at school, however these trends or communications may then impact their interactions with their peers at school. 

Want to learn more about how to keeping your kids safe on popular social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram?

Register now for the of eSafety Commissioner upcoming webinars.  

Their webinars are suitable for parents and carers of young people in primary and early secondary school. Don’t miss out!

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

At Ripley Central State School English is everyone’s Business. As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance educational outcomes and foster an empowering learning environment, our students and staff work together to develop English Learning Walls. This initiative is blossoming across every classroom, engaging both students and teachers in a collaborative and reflective learning process.

The concept of Learning Walls is designed to provide a visual and interactive canvas where students' learning journeys in English are both displayed and celebrated. From vocabulary lists and grammar tips to students' writing samples and query corners, these walls are becoming a central hub of learning engagement.

Lyn Sharratt's powerful assertion that “Clarity precedes competence” perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind our Learning Walls. By making learning visible, we are clarifying the objectives, processes, and success criteria for our students. This transparency not only demystifies the path to mastery but also boosts our students' confidence and competence in their own learning processes.

Each classroom has tailored their Learning Wall to reflect the unique dynamics and educational needs of their students. This customisation ensures that every child, regardless of their starting point, finds a connection and a clear pathway to advance their skills. Through these walls, students can see the steps ahead and also look back to appreciate how far they have come, reinforcing their learning journey.

We're creating a culture where teachers and students reflect on their learning openly, ask questions, and feel empowered to reach for their best. These walls are not just about tracking progress—they're about inspiring a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to refine and expand this vital educational tool!

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Pearen

Hello Ripley Central State School Community,

My name is Craig Pearen and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Deputy Principal (P-2) at Ripley Central State School. Throughout my career I have worked in Primary and Secondary schools from the Torres Straits in the north, west to Thargomindah and more recently the Lockyer Valley and Ipswich areas. It is an absolute pleasure to join the team at Ripley Central to support our students be as successful as possible in their schooling.

I am looking forward to meeting as many of our school community as possible as I embark on my EPIC journey at Ripley Central.

Mr Craig Pearen |  Deputy Principal

Business Manager's Message - Mrs Van Der Zee

When informing our school about your child's absence, please use one of the two options below. 

These are the preferred methods rather than using the admin email address.

You can do this by

- phoning 3819 5777 

- using QParents (set up your account for access)

Mrs Van Der Zee |  Business Manager 

What's happening in our classrooms?

This week in 3B, our focus has been on practicing our school value: POLITE - being compassionate, considerate, and courteous. The students engaged in a meaningful discussion about the qualities of a good friend and how to embody kindness daily. One of the highlights was the creation of the Kindness Tree, a vivid and creative project that now adorns the classroom entrance. Each leaf on the tree features a student’s pledge to act kindly, serving as a daily reminder of our commitment to positive behaviour and empathy. Our Kindness Tree stands as a testament to the values we cherish and the lessons we strive to instill in our young learners. 

Transition to High School

This week we welcomed one of our catchment secondary schools, Ripley Valley State Secondary College, to talk to our year 6 students about the wonderful opportunities at their College. Our students learnt about the pathways of the Excellence Academies and the upcoming trial days.

HPE News

Last week we had 12 students represent Ripley Central State School at the District Cross Country trials where they competed against other schools in our district. Well done to Lil C who came 11^th and to Harry C who came 5^th.  Harry will now compete at the Regional Cross Country trials later on in May.  Good luck and all the best at these trials Harry.

Congratulations to Laekyn E who made the Central Comets District team for Touch Football at the end of last term. He was invited to play at the Regional Trials to try out for a spot on the Met West team. Well done Laekyn!

Mrs Madonna Tolhurst |  HPE teacher 

P&C News

Mothers Day Stall

On Wednesday 8^th May the P&C will hold our annual Mother’s Day Stall to celebrate all of our incredible mums and special people in our student’s lives.

Students will have the opportunity to purchase a gift during the school day with items ranging from $5 to $20.

This is a CASH ONLY stall.

We recommended sending money in a labeled snap lock bag or envelope and handing it to your child’s teacher. If you have more than one child please ensure they each have their own money as classes will visit at different times.

Cookie Dough Fundraiser

We are excited to announce that our major fundraiser for this term is a Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough drive. There are 9 dough-licious flavours to choose from including the most popular Choc Chunk and Raspberry White Chocolate. This fundraiser will begin next Thursday so keep an eye out in your child’s bag for all of the information required to start ordering!

Meetings

The P&C currently has a vacant position on the executive committee for Treasurer.  If this is a role you are interested in please feel free to contact the P&C via email or come along to our next meeting.

Our next monthly meeting will take place on Tuesday 28^th May in classroom 6A 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. Parking will be available in the Gazania Street carpark.

Stay up to date with P&C messages, celebrations and reminders, by liking our Facebook page by clicking the below link.

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.

Defence School Mentor Program

Our Anzac assembly was held on Monday of week 2 with all students, staff and guests in attendance commemorating the contribution of all those that have served Australia in times of war and conflict. Well done and thank you to all who contributed, our students who took on an active role and thank you to all who were able to attend.  

A big thank you to all students that returned their completed Postcards of Honour. The Ipswich RSL Sub Branch received the wonderful drawings and messages in time for distribution on Anzac Day where they were gratefully received and appreciated. 

The next Coffee Connections is scheduled for Thursday 23^rd May and will be held locally in Ripley. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to make social connections in a relaxed and casual environment. Tickets can be found on the Eventbrite website.

Amberley Coffee Connections Tickets, Thu, May 23, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

If you are a Defence family (full-time service or full-time continuous service reservist) enrolled at RCSS that has not been identified as such at the time of enrolment, please contact DSM@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au to register your interest in the Defence School Mentor Program.

Mrs Kylie Pendergast |  Defence School Mentor 

OSCH - Camp Australia

We are so excited to introduce our new School Coordinator, Miss Summer. 

Miss Summer has already made an impression on our students, families and staff. Welcome to our team Miss Summer. We are excited to have you.

Community News

On Friday 7th June, we will host our second round of Trials for the Excellence Academies. Please make sure to complete the following steps to ensure your child is approved as a trialist for one of the Excellence Academies

✅EOI applications will close Friday 31st May (Week 7)

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.