2024 Edition 34 09.08.2024

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

This week our school learnt about the EPIC Routine of ‘Emergency Responses’. This included us having a drill (practice) of an evacuation and also a lock down. Students and staff are to be commended for their attention to being a Careful Learner this week, especially during the drills.

As the Ipswich geographic area continues to have high numbers of cases of the illness we are also seeing in our school community, all families are asked to be especially vigilant in hygiene practices and also keeping your child at home if they are unwell. Students have all been reminded about the importance of handwashing after bathroom trips and we also have hand sanitiser to support before eating.

There is a state wide Student Free Day on Friday 30^th August. This is for all Queensland State Schools. Our school is closed on that day and staff will not be attending to phones or emails. Families are to arrange alternative care for their children on that day.

In English, we empower our students through the use of the third teacher, our walls. Learning walls provide access to the learning journey, they also are accessible to all learners, and available as a way of self-help. Our students are learning to help make them, use them and then refine their learning and work to achieve in English. Our teachers are learning how to co-create them, make them accessible to all learners in their rooms through universal designs for learning and also learning from each other.

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

In 2025, our school will be fully embracing the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program across Years 2 – 6. As we reach the halfway point of this year, it's time for parents of students in Year 1 and Year 4 to start preparing for this exciting transition.

What is BYOD?

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device, a program that allows students to bring their own digital devices to school. In 2025, students in Years 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be part of this innovative program.

Why BYOD?

BYOD opens up a world of opportunities for our students. Here are just a few benefits:

• Personalised Learning: Students can learn at their own pace, access a wide range of resources, and engage with interactive educational apps.
• Enhanced Engagement: Digital devices can make learning more exciting and engaging. Students can participate in interactive lessons and collaborate with classmates on projects.
• Real-World Skills: Using technology in the classroom helps students develop important skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Flexibility and Convenience: With their own devices, students can continue their learning at home, when they need to take time off school etc.

We understand that choosing the right device and getting everything set up can be a big task. To support you in this process, we will be holding information sessions in Term 3 and Term 4. These sessions will provide all the details you need, including device specifications, purchasing options, and how to ensure your child is ready for the BYOD program. Our first session will be held on Monday 2^nd September at 4.30pm in classroom A1.104 (5A classroom).

We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible and are here to support you every step of the way. More information can be found on our school website. Visit https://ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au/curriculum/bring-your-own-device

You can also email byod@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au for further information or support.

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Pearen

Koala Joey's Prep Transition 

Our Prep Transition program is an active process that fosters familiarity and continuity as children move into their first year of school.  

Koala Joey’s is part of our Prep Transition Program, where enrolled Pre-Prep children and their parents participate in activities at our school.  We are busy planning these activities and this will commence in Term 4. This program benefits children, and families in multiple ways.  Parents will take part in an information session to give them some useful information to prepare for school, while your children take part in a range of activities.

This is a great way to make connections with other parents prior to school commencing and for your children to also meet some of their peers.

You must have completed the enrolment process in full, prior to participating in Koala Joey’s program.  Enrolments are now open via our website or forms can be collected from administration.

Dates and further details of the program will be sent to those families who have enrolled their Pre-Prep children in the near future.

Mr Craig Pearen |  Deputy Principal Prep - Year 2

Business Manager Message - Ms Mitchell

Thank you to the wonderful staff, students and community at Ripley Central State School for your warm welcome.  I am looking forward to working with you all and sharing in all the achievements of our EPIC Learners here at our school.

SAVE THE DATE

Monday 30 September 2024

Know-Grow-Glow Interviews

Time: 3:00-6:00pm

Bookings will be open on Monday 2 September until Wednesday 11 September 2024. 

During these dates bookings for the Interviews can be made online

https://ripleypschool.schoolzineplus.com

Select: 2024 Semester 2 Know-Grow-Glow Interviews.

Cheer @RCSS

Our Cheer team train every week to prepare for performance opportunities in our school and across the community. This term they will be representing our school with pride as their entertain early childhood centres and nursing homes to bring smiles to their faces. Our Cheer team are EMPOWERED as they connect with our community. 

Employment Opportunities

Teachers seeking employment as casual, contract and permanent teaching staff at our school should send their resume to our Principal via email principal@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au  We are seeking teachers to join our team this year and next year.

Current vacancies include

• part time (Fridays) for a wonderful Prep class until the end of the year, 
• Local Relieving Teacher (LRT) immediate start, until end of the year, advertised on Smart Jobs
• Inclusion teacher - full time until end of the year
• EALD teacher - part time until end of the year

If you are keen to join our team, please email our principal for further information. We would love to welcome you to our EPIC Learning community. 

No Ekka Holiday

Just a reminder to families that we do not have the Ekka public holiday as we are in the Ipswich City Council. We had our show holiday earlier in the year. 

Date Claimer - RCSS turns One! Birthday Celebration

On Friday 18th October, our school will turn one! This day marks the one year anniversary of our official opening. We will have a special assembly from 1.45-2.45pm with live performances and special celebrations. We will also have some party games and food during second break (1.15-1.45pm). All families are invited to attend. 

Student Free Day 30th August

Friday 30th August is a Student Free Day and our school will be closed for the day. Please make alternative care arrangements for your children on that day. 

Second Hand Uniforms

As children grow, or families move from the area, families have the opportunity to sell their second hand uniforms via a Facebook page created by our P&C. You can join via Facebook on this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/1177504619930168   You are also welcome to donate any uniform items to our school and we support families who are in need.

Year 7 2025 enrolments

All year 6 families should be actively involved in enrolling their child for year 7 in 2025 at high school. Important information sessions, enrolment interviews and tours are all talking place at our local high schools and you don't want your child to be disadvantaged in their transition. 

Student Departure

If your family is leaving our school, please email admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au with departure date and new destination school. This allows our administration staff to commence processes to support your departure. This includes ensuring books and musical instruments are returned, checking your family’s financial status with the school and also updating your child’s class teacher so they can prepare to send home their books and belongings. While we are sorry to see you go, we also want to help make the process smooth for you.

EPIC Routines Focus Lessons

Book Week Parade

On Monday 19th August, students are invited to dress as their favourite book character to celebrate Book Week. We will have a parade starting at 9.05am in the hall. Families are invited to attend.

We will have a range of Book Week activities happening during the week in our classrooms, in the Curiosity Centre and at lunch breaks. 

Reporting Student Absences

Please be reminded that the way to report student absences is 
* by phone 3819 5777 (you can do this before office hours and leave a message).
* via QParents (if you have not yet registered for QParents, please contact administration).
* in person at administration (especially if you know a date in advance). 
Please do not email absence notifications. Our school receives a large volume of emails and your message may be missed as we process absences each morning. 

Colour Fun Run

Thank you to our P&C, staff, students and families for a successful and fun Colour Fun Run. There were many colourful, smiley faces on our oval last Friday. 

P&C News

Father’s Day Stall

On Wednesday 28^th August the P&C will hold our annual Father’s Day Stall to celebrate all of our incredible dads 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 labelled 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.

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the stall whether it be for an hour or the whole day please contact the P&C using one of the options down below.

Grants

 The Gambling Community Benefit Fund has added over $1 billion to not for profit groups in the past 27 years by allocating grants that enhance the capacity to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities. Recently our P&C was awarded one of these grants to purchase some much needed startup equipment ranging from a custom printed marquee, tables and printed tablecloths, a printer and our favourite slush machine! This much needed equipment will help the P&C establish our services and achieve our objective to support the school and collaborate with the wider community.

Meetings

Our next monthly meeting will take place on Tuesday 27^th August 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 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.

Defence School Mentor Program

Defence student drop-in sessions are currently available to our Defence students requiring more individual support each Monday and Wednesday during first break playtime (11.15am-11.45am). Defence students wishing to attend are welcome to drop into the DSM office space at anytime during this timeframe. Donations of any unwanted games and craft supplies are always welcome and appreciated. So far this term attending students have been involved in making 'about me' paper chains, bead bracelets, paper puzzles, monkey craft, peg pirates and adding paint fingerprints to our Defence student family tree. A good selection of colouring in activities are always available along with various games. Jenga has so far proven to be a student favourite! 

The next DMFS Amberley Coffee Connections is set to take place on Thursday 15th August 9.30am - 11am at Moselles Cafe & Restaurant, Springfield Lakes. These events are child friendly and provide a wonderful opportunity to make social connections in a relaxed and casual environment. Tickets can be found on the Eventbrite website. 

Amberley ADF Coffee Connections Tickets, Thu, Aug 15, 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. 

The Defence Member and Family Helpline is available 24/7 and is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community. Contact can be made by calling 1800 624 608. 

A range of services and support for ADF members and their families can also be accessed at https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services

I am available each Monday and Wednesday between 9am-1pm. Emails are sent regularly to our Defence community, please see your DSM emails to keep up to date with upcoming events and other information.  

2025 Enrolments

 2025 enrolments are open now. We will only be accepting in-catchment enrolments as we do not have the capacity to cater for children residing outside of our catchment at this time. You can check your address at EdMap  https://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/maps/edmap/

Parents enrolling their child in a state school for the first time (enrolling in prep, moving interstate or moving from private school) please ensure you have a birth certificate ready to complete your child's enrolment. You can apply for a birth certificate https://www.qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces/certificates/birth/applying-for-a-birth-certificate

Children aged 5 years by 30^th June 2025 are eligible for Prep in 2025. If your child is eligible for prep next year, please enrol early. This assists us with planning and staffing.

You can also start preparing your proof of residency documents. You will need your rates or tenancy agreement. You will also need a utility bill (eg gas, water or electricity).

Visit our website https://ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au/enrolments for enrolment information. 

Community News

Ripley Town Centre hosts fortnightly Wonder Workshops that are perfect for littlies under 5 🎨✨ 🎶 They'll develop early learning skills including early language, socialisation, and motor skills every second Wednesday at Minka Place.

When: Fortnightly on Wednesdays

Times: 9am - 10am

Where: Minka Place, Ripley Town Centre

Cost: $5 per child

Book now: https://bit.ly/3W4KPHU

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.