2024 Edition 36 06.09.2024

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal and P-2 Deputy Principal 

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

We are excited to invite you to our Term 3 Passion Project Fair. Gates open at 2.15pm (front brown gates and Gate 7 on Binnies Road). Come and see the wonders of our students, their development of their passions and have a talk to them about the journey they took to develop their passion. 

This term, the entrance near administration will have a live performance by our very own Rock Band! We hope to see you all here and we cannot wait to see what our students and staff have been passionate about this term. 

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Business Manager's Message - Ms Mitchell

Our parent teacher interview bookings are now open.

Bookings can be made by using the link below: https://ripleypschool.schoolzineplus.com/2024_Semester_2_Know-Grow-Glow_Interviews

If your child/s teacher no longer has availability, please email admin_@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au  to arrange an alternative time.

How to book a parent teacher interviews:

Navigate to https://ripleypschool.schoolzineplus.com/2024_Semester_2_Know-Grow-Glow_Interviews  

1.         Select the student for whom you wish to schedule an interview, or choose 'Add new student' if it's your first time booking an interview.

2.         Click on 'Save and continue.'

3.         Select the teacher/s you wish to schedule an interview with. (If you wish to meet with specialist teachers, make sure to select them also)

4.         Click on 'Next.'

5.         Select an available time slot for each teacher in which you wish to meet with. (Please note only available time slots will be displayed)

6.         Click on 'Next.'

7.         Review the selected times that have been selected.

8.         Click on 'Next' to confirm and finalise the booking.

If you require assistance booking an interview, please contact Administration on 07 3819 5777.

Ms Karen Mitchell |  Business Manager  

Head of Inclusion's Message - Ms Walas

In all of our learning areas we have Calm Spots. We have indoor and outdoor calm spots for students to use to take a break, regulate or coregulate. The indoor calm spot is supported by this card below. You might like to talk this through with your child and talk about times when it might be suitable to access the calm spot. 

Ms Kylie Walas |  Head of Inclusion 

HOD Curriculum - Mrs Ward

I am thrilled to share that I have joined the vibrant team at Ripley Central State School as the Head of Curriculum. It is an absolute pleasure to return and be part of such a dedicated and dynamic group of educators, all committed to delivering quality curriculum and pedagogy in our EPIC classrooms.

Over the last two weeks, it was wonderful to see all of our EPIC learners, full of enthusiasm and curiosity towards learning. At Ripley, we believe in fostering an environment where every student is Empowered, Polite, Inclusive, and Careful, and I am excited to lead our staff in continuing to bring these values to life.

I am particularly excited to see how the big ideas in our year level English units are coming to life in the classroom. It’s inspiring to witness our students engage deeply with the curriculum, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to their learning. Seeing these concepts translate into real understanding and skill development is a testament to the hard work of our teams and the curiosity of our learners.

I look forward to working closely with our teachers, students, and families to ensure that Ripley Central remains a place where every learner can thrive.

Tammy Ward | HOD Curriculum

EPIC Values

We are POLITE. We are proud of the way our students consistently demonstrate respect and kindness toward one another. From greeting teachers and peers with a smile to using polite language and practicing good manners to respecting others' rights to learn and play, our students create a positive and welcoming atmosphere. By fostering these habits, we help our students develop strong social skills and a sense of empathy that will serve them well both in and out of school.

We are INCLUSIVE. Being inclusive is at the heart of our school’s values, and we are proud of how our students embrace and celebrate diversity. By creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, our students actively practice empathy, kindness, and understanding. Whether it's inviting others to join a group, respecting different perspectives, or supporting classmates in need, our students work together to ensure that every member of our school community feels a sense of belonging.

HPE News

Fill The Hill - Brisbane Lions AFLW Schools Offer

This year, we're bringing six thrilling games to Brighton Homes Arena, right in your backyard. We’d love for you and your family to join us in cheering on the Brisbane Lions.

To celebrate our partnership with schools in the Springfield area, we're offering a special challenge—the school brings the most fans to ‘Fill The Hill’ will win an exclusive Brisbane Lions experience. With tickets at just $10 for adults and free for kids, there's no better time to immerse your family in the excitement of AFLW. Make sure to register your ticket on the day so it can be counted towards our schools total.

Plus, the first 400 kids through the gates will receive a special Brisbane Lions prize, redeemable at the AFL Play tent.

Our next game is Friday September 13 —we can't wait to see you there!

Defence Support Mentor News

Defence student drop-in sessions are currently available to our Defence students requiring 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. 

The next DMFS Amberley Coffee Connections is set to take place on Thursday 26th September 9.30am - 11am at Cafe 63, Yamanto. 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 below.

I have registered RCSS to again participate in the RSL Draw to Remember initiative in term 4. Students will be invited to voluntarily contribute a chalk drawing reflecting on the meaning of Remembrance Day. Drawings can be completed individually or in a group. More details will be provided as dates are set.

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 the below family programs services link.

As we head towards the end of term 3, I'd like to wish all families a safe and happy term break and wish all students a successful completion to the 2024 schooling year. I am available each Monday and Wednesday between 9am-1pm for the remainder of the term.

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

Father’s Day Stall

On Wednesday 28^th August the P&C held our Father’s Day Stall to celebrate all of our incredible dads and special people in our student’s lives. The excitement and manners shown by all students was greatly appreciated by all volunteers. We hope you all enjoyed the handpicked and well thought-out gifts our students chose. If you have any feedback or would like to recommend products for future events please don’t hesitate to email the P&C. We thank our entire school community for getting behind this event and hope you had a Happy Father’s Day.

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. A huge thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers for donating their time to make our Fathers Day stall such a successful day. Without your help these events would not be possible.

The Entertainment App

Looking to save money while still having fun these school holidays, then maybe the entertainment app is for you!

The Entertainment App is an easy-to-use platform packed with incredible savings of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers, so you can save on takeaway, dining, shopping, groceries, gift cards, activities and more! 20% of all sales go directly to our P&C.

To find out more click the link below to be taken to our schools fundraising page and follow the prompts for purchasing. You can even share the link with family and friends!

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. 

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. 

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.