2024 Edition 35 23.08.2024

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

Families are invited to our Term 3 Passion Project Fair on Thursday 12th September commencing at 2.15pm (please note new start time). We look forward to seeing our staff and students showcase their passions for their friends, classes and our community. 

End of term is fast approaching. It is a good time to consider if we have your most up to date information. Do you have a new email or mobile number you need to update with us? Have your emergency contacts changed and need updating? Have you moved residence and need to give us your new address? Any updates ... please see administration or email admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au 

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

A Magical Celebration of Reading!

Our school was buzzing with excitement on Monday last week, as students from Prep to Year 6 brought their favourite book characters to life during our annual Book Week parade. The theme for this year, 'Reading is Magic,' truly came alive as our students proudly paraded in their creative and colourful costumes. From wizards to superheroes, every character showcased the enchanting power of books to transport us to new worlds, spark our imaginations, and evoke a sense of wonder.

It was wonderful to see so many families joining us to cheer on the students, adding to the festive atmosphere. Your support and efforts in helping your children bring their characters to life made this event truly special. Thank you for being part of the magic and for helping to foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Pearen

Science Week

Science Week at Ripley Central State School was an absolute blast! Our students were treated to an exciting line-up of activities, thanks to the amazing support from the science staff of both Bremer State High School and Ripley Valley State Secondary School. During break times, our students were lucky enough to witness a captivating Science Show and take part in a hands-on Science Workshop that brought learning to life in the most fun and engaging ways.

The excitement on the students' faces was undeniable as they explored the wonders of science through experiments, demonstrations, and interactive activities. These sessions not only entertained but also sparked curiosity and inspired many future scientists among our young learners.

We extend a huge thank you to our local Secondary Schools for their time, effort, and enthusiasm in making Science Week such a memorable experience.

Mr Craig Pearen |  Deputy Principal Prep - Year 2

Business Manager's Message - Ms Mitchell

SCHOOL CANTEEN

Our School Canteen is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 

All orders are completed on-line with Flexischools.  

Set up your account and download the app onto your smart device and start ordering.

For more information please contact Carmela at CamsCanteen99@outlook.com

Q PARENTS

QParents is a communication portal between you and the school, it allows families to input students absences, view and receive report cards, update contact details, pay invoices and so much more. You can access QParents online vIa a laptop or computer, or on any mobile device via the QParents app.

QParents account holders will also receive permission forms for excursions and will be able to give permission from any device. (Coming Soon)

We encourage all families to sign up for QParents. If you require any assistance with the sign in process, or have any questions please don’t hesitate to email our admin team at admin@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

Looking forward to working with you and your family.

Ms Karen Mitchell |  Business Manager  

Head of Inclusion's Message - Ms Walas

At the beginning of week 6 the Prep- Year 2 classes begun introducing 10 minutes Mindfulness Transition Time, as a part of the transition into classrooms after first break play. Mindfulness time enables students the chance to calm, focus and engage their minds in a peaceful way. It can have a positive impact on student’s wellbeing, cognitive function, ability to self-regulate and remain attentive during learning.

During Mindfulness Transition Time students are participating in activities such as yoga poses, stretching, listening to calming music, intentional breathing, and guided meditation. The best part about Mindfulness is that you can practice some of these activities to with your child at home, below are some links to great online guided meditation of kids, apps you could download, and visuals to practice breathing.

Happy being mindful with your child 😊

Ms Kylie Walas |  Head of Inclusion 

EPIC Values

At Ripley Central State School one of our EPIC values is EMPOWERED. We are committed to empowering our students to take charge of their learning journey. Through a supportive environment and a focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills, we encourage our students to explore their passions and build confidence in their abilities. By providing opportunities for student voice and choice, we aim to cultivate a generation of independent, resilient, and motivated learners who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

This week during EPIC lessons the students have worked with Mrs Ashby on what it means to be empowered and how we can empower not only ourselves but others as well. Each class created an empowerment tree, by focusing on the quote “just like when a tree grows more leaves, we grow stronger when we empower ourselves and each other.”

What's happening in our classroom?

Gala Day 1:

Senior B went undefeated, winning all three of their matches.

Junior B won 2 out of 3 games and played awesome together.

Wonderful day had by all. The students represented themselves and their school respectfully.

HPE News

Gross Motor

Last week the Prep students were able to test out the new scooters during their Gross Motor program. We have 2 wheeled and 3 wheeled scooters and the 3 wheeled seemed tricky to use but with abit of practise they were all able to use them. The use of scooters contributes to the development of gross and fine motor skills, refining and developing muscular strength in their upper and lower bodies. It also helps develop their balance. We look forward to using them more during our program.

Gala Day

Last week our Gala Day teams participated in their first round of games. We have Junior and Senior teams playing in Touch Football and AFL competitions. All teams came away with some wins. We look forward to see how they go in their next 2 rounds.  

AFL program

This week was our final week for the year 3 - 6 students working with the Brisbane Lions Women’s AFL players. The students have been working with the players to build their knowledge, skills and awareness around AFL. Over the next 3 weeks the players will work with the Prep – 2 classes during their PE lessons with Mrs Tolhurst and Mrs Porta.

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. 

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. 

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 the below link.

  You are also welcome to donate any uniform items to our school and we support families who are in need.

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.

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. 

P&C News

Volunteers

We need your help with upcoming fundraising events including a Bunnings BBQ on Sunday 6^th October and a disco on Thursday 17^th October. If you’re interested or know someone else who may like to assist with any of these events please contact the Ripley Central P&C using one of the options below. Your participation, no matter how big or small, will help us to achieve the best outcomes for our students.

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.

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.

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 at the below link for Births, deaths, marriages and divorces.

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 school website below for more enrolment information. 

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 taking place at our local high schools, and you don't want your child to be disadvantaged in their transition. 

Community News

Bremer State High School - Get ready for an out-of-this-world opportunity with our Project Leo: Academic Excellence Experience Day! 🚀🌟

Later this term, we invite Year 6 students to join us for a thrilling day dedicated to Science and Engineering, all focused on the exciting world of ROCKETS!

Here’s what’s in store:

🔬 Science Exploration: Dive into Physics, learn about Newton’s laws of motion, and test your knowledge by designing and launching rockets!

🛠️ Engineering Immersion: Use problem-solving skills to design, build, and test rockets. Plus, there are fantastic prizes to be won!

Our experienced teaching staff will guide students through engaging practical activities and introduce them to our state-of-the-art facilities.

📅 Date: Friday, 6 September 2024 (Week 9)

✉️ RSVP by: Friday, 30 August 2024 (Week 8)

Register with the link below

Don’t miss this chance to ignite your child's passion for STEM with Project Leo! 🙌

#BremerStateHighSchool #BremerPRIDE

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.