2025 Edition 50 20.06.2025

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

We are excited to announce we have a special calendar event occurring this year. We invite you all to our MADD night on Wednesday 13th August. We will be showcasing our Music, Arts, Dance and Drama on this evening. With the support of our student council and P&C this evening will also be a fundraiser (gold coin donation, refreshments for sale and art auction) and we would love your support. This fundraiser will allow us to put back into our MADD programs and enhance the resources to support these programs.

Our school holidays commence at 2.45pm on Friday this week (27th June) and we return to school on Monday 14th July for term 3. I wish all of our families a happy and healthy winter vacation. Thank you all for your contributions to our school this term and we look forward to partnering with you again next term. 

Enrolments for 2026 are now open for all year levels. Please get your enrolments in early to help us with planning and staff recruitment. Visit our website for details  https://ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au/enrolments

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal (and Year 2)

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

BYOD Program Update – Supporting Student Success

At Ripley Central State School, our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is designed to empower students in Years 2 - 6 to thrive in a modern, technology-rich learning environment. By combining traditional learning with digital tools, we aim to create classrooms that reflect the world our students are growing into - collaborative, creative, and connected.

To align with our Student Code of Conduct and the BYOD Handbook, we remind all families of the following:

• Communication apps and features must be disabled on student devices. This includes (but is not limited to) iMessage, Facetime, Messenger, Facebook Kids, and all social media platforms. These features are not part of our educational program and can disrupt learning or compromise student wellbeing. Students who access these features during school hours may face Disciplinary Consequences in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.
• Learning-focused use only: Devices are powerful tools when used with purpose. At Ripley Central, our focus is on digital citizenship and safe, appropriate device use aligned to curriculum goals.
• Seesaw in Years 2–6: We’re excited to be using Seesaw as a student learning tool in classrooms. However, please note that at this stage, student portfolios are not active and parent access has not been granted.

We appreciate your continued support in ensuring that your child’s device is used as a tool for learning - not distraction. If you haven’t yet reviewed the full BYOD Handbook, we strongly encourage you to do so, and reach out to us if you have any questions.

For further support, please contact: BYOD@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

Together, we’re creating a safe, future-focused learning environment for all our EPIC learners.

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Geeling

Over the past fortnight, it has been a pleasure to see Prep and Year 1 students engaging meaningfully with the wide range of technology available at our school. In particular, students in Prep E and 1C had the opportunity to explore a variety of places and scenarios, as well as access their curriculum, through virtual reality experiences. These sessions provided rich opportunities for curiosity and wonder. Thank you to Mr Adam for sharing his expertise and supporting digital learning across our school.

Our Year 1 classes have also been participating in combined singing sessions each Tuesday afternoon. These sessions help our students build relationships beyond their individual classrooms while enjoying a variety of songs and nursery rhymes. It is wonderful to see our students connecting with peers through music.

NAIDOC Week falls during the school holidays this year, so our school will celebrate this important event in Week 2 of Term 3. Students will participate in a range of activities that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions. I invite any family or community members who would be interested in showcasing aspects of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture through a performance at our Week 2 assembly, to please get in contact with me. If you are interested in being involved, please contact me via email at DP@ripleycenrtalss.eq.edu.au.

Mr Alex Geeling |  Deputy Principal Year P-1

HOD Student Engagement - Mrs Ashby

The Importance of Attendance

At our school, we truly believe that every school day counts. When students attend regularly, they are more likely to feel connected, confident, and capable in their learning. They have stronger peer relationships, experience fewer gaps in knowledge, and are more likely to succeed academically and socially.

We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable-due to illness, family emergencies, or other unexpected events. However, frequent or unexplained absences can make it difficult for students to keep up with learning and can affect their sense of belonging in the classroom.

Here’s why consistent attendance matters—through our EPIC lens:

• Empowered learners build routines - Daily attendance helps children feel confident and capable, ready to take ownership of their learning.
• Polite participation creates connection - Being present each day supports respectful relationships and builds positive interactions with peers and teachers.
• Inclusive classrooms thrive on consistency - Regular attendance helps every student feel like they belong and ensures no one is left behind in learning.
• Careful habits lead to success -Showing up each day demonstrates responsibility and care for learning, laying strong foundations for future growth.

Our team is here to help. If your child is experiencing challenges coming to school-whether that’s separation anxiety, social issues, or something else-please reach out. We can work with you to develop strategies, connect with support services, or ease your child back into the school routine through a gentle, planned approach.

We also want to celebrate and acknowledge students who are making strong efforts to attend regularly. Each term, we highlight positive attendance through classroom rewards, school shout-outs, and community recognition.

Together, we can create a school environment where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to be part of each day’s learning adventure.

If you child is absent from school, please contact our school to advise of the date and reason. 

You can do this by

- phoning 3819 5777 

- using QParents (set up your account for access)

While you may inform your child's class teacher, to ensure roll marking accuracy, please also always inform our administration. 

If your child requires more than 10 school days absent, for any reason, please contact our administration for an Application for Exemption from Schooling. 

Our school attendance target is 92%. Help us to reach our target by having your children at school everyday unless they are unwell.

Mrs Kirsten Ashby | HOD Student Engagement

Year 5 & 6 Camp

Year 5/6 Camp at Cricklewood Wednesday 25^th June-Friday 27^th June- Adventure Awaits!

Our Year 5 and 6 students are counting down the days to their exciting camp at Cricklewood, located in the beautiful Numinbah Valley. This 50-acre site offers a student-centered, base camp-style experience designed to encourage independence, confidence, and teamwork.

Throughout the week, students will take part in a range of adventurous outdoor activities including mountain bike riding, archery, and more! It promises to be three days full of challenge, fun, and unforgettable memories.

Important Reminder:
If your child requires medication during camp, please ensure:

• The Medication Form (previously emailed) is completed and returned.
• All medication is clearly labelled by a doctor or pharmacist with your child’s name and dosage instructions.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Kirsten Ashby at kxall7@eq.edu.au.

Let the adventure begin!

EPIC Lessons Week 9 & 10

Emergency Responses at Breaktime

This week we are looking at being CAREFUL learners and we have been investigating Emergency Responses during breaktime. At Ripley Central State School, student safety is our top priority. From time to time, we conduct emergency drills to ensure our students and staff know exactly what to do during situations like lockdowns and evacuations - even during breaktimes.

When an evacuation is required at break, students calmly move to the designated assembly area, the oval, under staff guidance. Teachers and support staff in yellow high-vis vests are positioned around the school to assist and direct students to safety. When students arrive at the oval they will line up in their classes and a roll will be taken. Students will be able to return to play when instructed by an adult.

In the event of a lockdown during break, students are trained to follow instructions and move quickly to the nearest safe area or classroom. Staff ensure all children are accounted for and secure. Students are expected to remain calm and quiet in the room until the ‘all clear’ signal is given.

We regularly practise these procedures so that in a real emergency, everyone knows how to respond calmly and safely. Thank you for continuing to support our efforts to keep Ripley Central student’s CAREFUL learners.

Music News

We have an exciting incursion occurring on Monday 11 August. Families have been invoiced, please make prompt payment. No permission form is required; payment equals permission. 

HPE News

Save the date

Junior Athletics Carnival (Prep to 2)

Term 3 – Wednesday 3^rd September

Soccer Gala Day Match Report - Friday 13^th June 2025

Our final Gala Day for the term, was a fantastic celebration of sport, teamwork, and school spirit. Students represented their school with pride across a variety of sports, showing great enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and resilience throughout the day. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, cheering teams, and moments of achievement, both big and small. A big thank you to all the staff, parent helpers, and organisers who made the day run smoothly. We are proud of all our students for giving their best and finishing the Gala Day on a high! Here are the final results.

What a fantastic day of soccer action at the Gala Sports Day! Our students represented Ripley Central State School with pride, skill, and teamwork across all age groups. Here’s how each of our teams performed:

Junior Girls Team

• Quarter Final: Won 2 - 1 vs Spring Mountain
  A strong start from the girls with determination and great passing saw them edge ahead with a 2- 1 win.
• Semi Final:  Lost 5 - 0 vs Fernbrooke
  Despite a tough match against a strong Fernbrooke side, the girls never gave up and continued to show great team spirit.
• Play-Off for 3rd Place: Lost 4 - 0 vs Springfield Lakes
  Another challenging game, but the girls gave it their all right to the final whistle.
• Final Standing: 4th Place Overall
  A great effort from the Junior Girls! Well done on reaching the semi-finals and showing you are EMPOWERED throughout the day.

Senior Boys Team

• Friendly: Lost 4 - 2 vs Springfield Lakes
  Hudson impressed with two fantastic goals, giving the team momentum heading into the finals.
• Quarter Final: Won 2 - 0 vs St Augustine
  A clinical and composed performance secured a confident victory.
• Semi Final: Drew 0 – 0 vs Fernbrooke
  A tense and evenly matched game, but unfortunately Fernbrooke progressed based on table points.
• 3rd Place Play-Off: Won 5 - 0 vs Spring Mountain
  A dominant display in their final match, showcasing teamwork and determination.
• Final Standing: 3rd Place Overall
  A fantastic result from the Senior Boys - well done on a strong finish!

Junior Boys Team

• Friendly: Drew vs Augusta
  A solid warm-up match that prepared the team well for the finals ahead.
• Quarter Final: Won 2 -1 vs Augusta
  The boys stepped up under pressure with a determined win.
• Semi Final: Won 2 - 0 vs Westside
  A great team effort secured their place in the Grand Final.
• Grand Final: Lost 3 - 1 vs Springfield Lakes
  A strong performance with a late goal from Mikael, but the team just fell short.
• Final Standing: 2nd Place Overall - Runners-Up!
  An amazing achievement! Congratulations to the Junior Boys on making the Grand Final!

A huge congratulations to all Ripley Central teams for their sportsmanship, effort, and positive attitude throughout the day. You’ve made the school proud!

Thank you to Ms Browning, Mrs Beekhuyzen and Mrs Smith for their great support and coaching with the teams over the last three weeks. See you next year!

3 – 6 Athletics Carnival

The Senior Athletics Carnival was a brilliant display of energy, determination, and school spirit. Students gave their all-in track and field events, with plenty of cheering from the sidelines and some outstanding individual performances. It was fantastic to see such high levels of participation and encouragement across all year levels. Congratulations to all students for their effort and enthusiasm—and a special congratulations to Cockatoo House, who took out the win this year! Thank you to all staff, volunteers, and families who helped make the day such a success.

The Arts

In Visual Arts the students have been exploring and producing the elements of visual arts in their learning. They have been finding the different shapes, colours, lines, patterns in their environments and then representing them using a range of materials. The year 3-6 students were representing different cultures through art and were challenged to create their own totem to represent themselves and share their story.

On Monday 26^th May, Bremer State High School came and shared performances from their First Nations group doing a fishing and cockatoo dance, the Kapa Haka group did the Haka, the Samoan/Tongan group did a Samoan dance, and the African group performed a dance presenting the Congo for the whole school. Then the year 4-6 students, and our students of Indigenous backgrounds did workshops to learn parts of the culture through dances, songs and games.

The Cheer team entered two routines into the Ipswich Dance Eisteddfod. The team has been challenged to work collaboratively to create parts of their group choreography. It was set to encourage student voice and buy-in with their routines. The teamwork and collaboration that has occurred during the development of the routines and then the performances has allowed the students to take ownership of their routines and to bring in the Ripley Central Way of learning. After their Cheer and their storytelling routine, they went to the Ipswich Art Gallery and did a clay workshop. The next step for the team is to look at their performances, give feedback and suggestions for improvement for their two routines and then learn two more routines in semester 2.

In term 3, Ripley Central will be looking at Drama skills and performing cultural stories from Around the World.

Thankyou YMCA

Thank you YMCA for donating 20 food hampers who may need a little bit of help. If you would be interested in collecting a food hamper from our administration before the holidays, please contact our Head of Department- Student Engagement, Mrs Ashby via email kxall7@eq.edu.au 

We have 20 available on a first in first served basis. 

Lost & Found

These keyrings have been handed to our office. If they belong to your child, please have them collect from administration. 

Please ensure all jumpers, hats, lunchboxes and drink bottles are clearly labelled with your child's name. All items that are named are returned to your child through our communication boxes. 

Headspace - supporting a young person's mental health

Need help supporting a young person’s mental health? headspace has a range of expert resources and services that can help. 

💚 Partners in Parenting e-learning 

💚 Adults Supporting Young People text-based group chat 

💚 eheadspace 

💚 Self-help resources 

You’re not alone. Sign up today to support your young person’s mental health.

Upcoming School Events

Student Council Free Dress Day

Help our student council raise funds to purchase more books, games and puzzles for our Curiosity Centre. Students can bring a Gold coin donation on Tuesday 24/06/25 for a free dress day (make sure clothes are sun safe and appropriate for school and wear normal school shoes).

Passion Project Fair will be held on Thursday 26th June at 2pm in our Curiosity Centre. Please park in the Binnies Rd carpark or street network and enter via gate 7.

Enjoy a highlight video from our Term 1 Passion Project Fair. We look forward to seeing our student's projects from this term. 

Students attending camp that would still like to have their Passion Project on display should drop it to their teacher on Tuesday.

Get ready to shine, Ripley Central!
We’re celebrating 100 Days of Glowing and everyone’s invited to join the fun! Dress up as a 100-year-old legend or come in your brightest, most glowing outfit.

Let’s light up the school as we celebrate 100 days of learning, laughter, and being EPIC together!

When: Thursday 24^th July

Student ID Cards

Last year we trialled the use of student ID cards to support purchasing at the canteen. We will not be continuing them this year as they cost our school $5 per child, many parents don't use them as they don't have the need and many children were trying to use them but parents hadn't attached them to their Flexischool account. Students who still have one from last year can keep as a keepsake or destroy. 

Parents not wishing to send their child with cash, can purchase via Flexischool app or website. 

Community News

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). This is our school's preferred method of reporting absences. 
* 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. You may then receive a text message that you will need to respond to. This inconveniences you, and also increases our staff workload.  

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)