2025 Edition 52 01.08.2025

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

We are excited to invite you to our Community Cultural Hui (social gathering) next Friday, 8^th August at 2.15pm. Please park in Binnies Road Carpark and enter via Gate 7. We will open this gate earlier for you. The community hub is near the canteen under covered area. Walk into the canteen undercover and walk to the right through the brown gates. We will be in there ready to meet you with some light refreshments. We hope you can make it, however if you cannot, we will send out a survey after the event that you can still have your input.

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal (and Year 2)

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Geeling

Last week, our school celebrated NAIDOC Week with a variety of activities. Students participated in cultural games and art-based experiences that encouraged learning and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Students viewed a video showing how damper was made traditionally and had the opportunity to taste damper which was prepared using modern techniques. Many students expressed interest in recreating the experience at home. The recipe we used is included below for families who may wish to try it together:

Damper Recipe

• 4 cups self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup water

We are also currently seeking expressions of interest from any parents or carers who are experienced in playing chess and may be willing to volunteer some time to support students in learning and competing in the game. If this is something you would be interested in, please contact me via email at DP@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au.

Finally, I would like to remind families that students remain engaged in learning right up until the 2:45pm bell. We have noticed an increase in the number of parents entering corridors and standing outside classroom windows prior to 2:40pm. While we value your involvement in your child’s education, we ask that all parents please wait outside the buildings until 2:40pm to minimise disruptions and support students to finish their day as focused, EPIC learners.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr Alex Geeling |  Deputy Principal Year P-1

Business Manager - Ms Mitchell

Register for QParents Today and Stay Connected!

Attention Parents! Have you registered for QParents yet? If not, now is the perfect time to do so! QParents is a secure, user-friendly online portal that allows you to stay informed and engaged in your child’s schooling journey.

Why Register for QParents? QParents provides a convenient way to access important information about your child’s education anytime, anywhere. By signing up, you can:

• View your child’s academic reports and progress
• Access attendance records
• Update student details easily
• Make payments for school activities and fees
• Receive important school communications instantly

How to Register Registering is simple! You will need to use the invitation code provided by the school. If you haven’t received one, please contact the school office. Once you have your code, follow the step-by-step instructions on the QParents website to set up your account.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic tool that keeps you connected with your child’s education. Register for QParents today and experience the benefits of streamlined communication and easy access to essential school information!

Casual Cleaner positions available

We have some upcoming vacancies for Mornings and Afternoon relief cleaning.  If you enjoy working in a great team, if you have a sense of pride in how you do your work.  If you are reliable and want flexibility to your day.  This may be for you. 

Shifts are:

Mornings 5.00-8.00am

Afternoons 3.00-6.00pm

Please email bsm@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au with your expression of interest and your Resume.

SRS INFORMATION

All families would have received a statement for their students account earlier this week.  Thank you to our families who have paid or have organised to pay through a payment plan, their Student Resource Scheme.

It is important for you to know that if you want your child to participate in any extra-curricular activities (including Graduation) you will need to have paid your SRS first.

This scheme assists us to allocate resources to each year level for their EPIC learning.

If you are experiencing any financial hardship a payment plan is a way you can pay off your SRS over a 10 week period.

If you would like to set up a payment plan or a centrepay plan please do not hesitate to contact admin_@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au for information on how to do this.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ms Karen Mitchell | Business Manager

Job Opportunity

Student Free Day

Our school will be closed on Friday 5th September for the statewide, state school, student free day. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children for that day. 

Community News

EPIC Lessons Week 2 & 3

EPIC VALUE OF THE WEEK

Understanding the Blue Zone at Ripley Central

This week, students at Ripley Central have been exploring the Blue Zone as part of our EPIC values learning focus. The Blue Zone includes feelings such as being tired, sad, sick, or bored - times when our bodies move more slowly and we may feel low in energy.

Students have been learning to recognise the signs that they might be in the Blue Zone by paying attention to how their body looks and feels. For example, they might notice they are slouching, feeling heavy, speaking quietly, or not wanting to join in.

We’ve also been practising helpful strategies to manage these feelings and support a return to the Green Zone. These include:

• Taking deep breaths
• Stretching or going for a walk
• Listening to calming music
• Talking to a trusted adult or friend
• Taking a short break in a calm space

It’s been wonderful to see students using these tools to understand and manage their emotions.

Next week, we’ll be investigating the Yellow Zone, which includes feelings like nervousness, excitement, or silliness - and how to stay in control when our energy is a bit higher than usual.

Zones of Regulation Focus:

From Yellow Zone to Inner Voice Awareness

Last week at Ripley Central, students explored the Yellow Zone - a space where we might feel frustrated, silly, nervous, worried, or overly excited.

These feelings aren’t "bad," but they can make it harder to stay on task or interact positively with others. Students learned how to recognise these feelings in themselves and others, and practised strategies to return to the Green Zone, such as deep breathing, movement breaks, or taking a moment to pause and reset.

This week, we’re building on that learning by turning our attention inward, focusing on the “inner critic” and “inner coach”.

HPE News

AFL visit:

This week the AFL have come to promote AFL in HPE lessons. They have a program starting this Sunday called Super kick. Please see flyer for details.

District Athletics:

Good luck to those students competing this week at District Athletics. I will share results in the next newsletter.

Gala Day:

Just a reminder that payment is due if your child is participating in Gala Day for AFL, Girls Touch or Boys Basketball. Gala days run on 3 consecutive Fridays starting Friday 15^th August. Students who are playing AFL need a mouthguard to play. Boots are optional for both Touch and AFL. Parents may come and watch.

Bremer Basketball Academy Experience Day:

This is for year 6 students who are interested in enrolling at Bremer for the Basketball Excellence Program. The day will be jam packed with on court and off court experiences for the kids to learn what a day looks like for a Bremer State High School Basketball Excellence student. As Bremer is now classed as a Basketball Excellence school by the department we can take out of catchment enrolments for basketball. Please see information below about the experience day.

When: Tuesday 5^th August – 9:00am-2:30pm
Where: Bremer State High School

Scan the code to register:

Ipswich State High School – Girls Rugby League

On Thursday the 21st of August, Ipswich State High School will be holding trials for all year 6 girls wanting to join the Girls rugby league program in 2026.

We would like to invite all students wanting to trial and experience a day in the life of a girls rugby league program student. The day will consist of a variety of rugby league training, testing, and team building activities.

We encourage you to sign up for the day using the QR code on the attached graphic.

Music News

The Year 1 and 2 students have been learning about sound in Music lessons.

This week we did an experiment and made a Glass Xylophone. The students learnt how vibrating air columns affect the pitch of sound.

What's happening in our classroom

 5/6C made some houses with balloons inspired by the movie UP. They displayed fantastic collaboration and problem solving skills! 

3A enjoying their plushy day, which we celebrated as part of their Koala Dollar achievement. The students had a wonderful time bringing their favourite plush toys and dressing comfortably.

Passion Projects

Our Term 3 Passion Project Fair will be held on Thursday 18^th September at 2pm in our Curiosity Centre. All students are invited to participate, by creating their Passion Project to share and have on display. You can learn more about Passion Projects on our school website. 

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.

Canteen News

Upcoming School Events

MADD Night – Celebrating the Arts at Ripley Central!

This term we will be hosting our very first MADD Night (Music, Arts, Dance, Drama) and we invite the whole community to come along and celebrate the amazing talent of our students.

Join us on Wednesday 13th August, 2025 in the Ripley Central State School Hall for an evening of entertainment, creativity, and fun. The performance begins at 6.30pm, with entry by gold coin donation. The amazing P&C and marvellous Maria (our canteen convenor) will have light refreshments for sale from 6pm, and again at intermission. 

The event will showcase performances from:

• Cheer
• Choir
• Rock Band
• FISAF teams: Razzles, Allstars & Comets
• Drum Corp
• Drama Skit Squad
• String Ensemble
• And more!

There will also be contributions from our Photography Club, an exciting Art Auction, and special guest performers.

We can’t wait to see you there as we shine a spotlight on the passion and purpose of our Ripley Central performers and artists!

Year 6 Graduation Dinner – Save the Date!

We are excited to announce the details for our Year 6 Graduation Dinner, a special evening to celebrate the incredible journey of our graduating Class of 2025.

The event will be held on Thursday 11th December 2025 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich, located on Wildey Street, Raceview.

Students are asked to dress in smart attire and can look forward to an evening filled with celebration, laughter, and memories. There will be photo opportunities with an open-air photo booth to capture the night.

Tickets for our Year 6 students will be available to purchase this term at approximately $45 per head. Invoices will be sent to Year 6 families shortly. Please note that only students will require a ticket.

Parents and carers are invited to attend from 6.30pm – 7.00pm for the formal component of the evening. Please note this will be standing room only, and we kindly ask that parents depart at 7.00pm to allow the students to enjoy their dinner and celebration. This adjustment has been made due to the large growth in student numbers and limited venue capacity. Families may like to consider booking a table at Brothers for dinner while they wait for the evening to finish. 

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our Year 6 students as they get ready to take their next big step into high school!

Enrol now for Prep 2026

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)