2025 Edition 53 29.08.2025

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

RACQ Streets Ahead Program

This week, our school was visited by the RACQ Education Team, who delivered the Streets Ahead program to our students. The sessions focused on building essential road safety skills that children can use every day in the community.

Students learned important lessons such as how to cross the road safely, the correct way to wear a helmet, and how to be a safe and responsible passenger in a vehicle. These practical strategies are designed to help students stay safe as pedestrians, bike or scooter riders, and passengers.

The program was highly engaging, and our students thoroughly enjoyed participating in the activities. We thank the RACQ Education Team for supporting our students to be safe, confident, and responsible road users.

🚦 Tips for Being Careful on the Road

• Always stop, look, listen and think before crossing the road.
• Wear your helmet every time you ride your bike or scooter and make sure it’s clipped on properly.
• Use the footpath where you can, and walk on the inside away from the road.
• Keep your seatbelt on the whole time when travelling in a car.
• Be alert -put devices away so you can watch and listen for traffic.

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal (and Year 2)

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

Celebrating Student Success

At Ripley Central, we know that learning and growth don’t stop at the school gate. Many of our students are achieving incredible things outside of school, and we want to celebrate these moments together as a community.

Whether it’s competing at State or National sporting events, shining in musical achievements such as AEMB successes, excelling in academic challenges like coding, writing or mathematics competitions, or pursuing other unique passions, we want to hear about it!

These external achievements are a vital part of each child’s growth, and we proudly support them as part of our students’ passion projects.

So, what has your child achieved lately? Share their highlights with us so we can recognise, celebrate, and inspire others with their story.

Let’s celebrate the amazing talents, skills, and determination of our Ripley Central students together.

Building Learners for Life with Learning Dispositions

At Ripley Central State School, we believe learning is more than knowledge and skills. It’s also about the attitudes and habits that help our students grow into confident, resilient, lifelong learners.

Our five core learning dispositions are Curiosity, Resilience, Grit, Courage, and Ownership. These are woven into each phase of our Learning Pit. These dispositions inspire learners to take risks, persist through challenges, and develop agency over their thinking and growth. They encourage our students to ask questions, take risks, bounce back from mistakes, and show responsibility for their own learning. These are skills and mindsets that matter not just in the classroom, but in every aspect of life.

Our staff have been actively engaging in this space through ongoing Professional Development, building their capability and deepening their understanding of how these dispositions can be modelled, taught, and embedded in daily learning. By strengthening our shared language and practice around dispositions, we are equipping students with the tools to say, “I can’t do this… yet” and to see challenges as opportunities.

We know that when students develop strong learning dispositions, they are empowered to become EPIC learners who are prepared for the future with confidence, creativity, and resilience.

Premier’s Coding Challenge – Get Involved!

Year 3–6 students are invited to take part in the 2025 Premier’s Coding Challenge. This exciting competition runs until 12 September and encourages students to create an app, game or website that addresses a real-world problem using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration.

Every student who enters will receive a certificate signed by the Premier, and winners share in $15,000 worth of prizes plus an invitation to the awards ceremony in Brisbane.

It’s a fantastic chance to showcase creativity, problem-solving and coding skills. Find out more and get started at the below link:

Ms Petra Yager | Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Geeling

This week has been filled with engaging learning experiences for our Prep and Year 1 students.

Prep and Year 1 participated in the RACQ Road Safety presentations, learning valuable skills to help them stay safe. Year 1 also celebrated Weather Week as part of their English unit’s Big Idea. Students enjoyed wearing creative accessories to represent different types of weather and took part in a range of activities linked to weather conditions.

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of visiting the Kindergarten students and educators at Smartland Boutique Early Learning. Together, we read a story about starting school, tried on uniforms, and practised important skills such as opening and closing containers, water bottles, lunch boxes, and school bags. These experiences help to empower our future Prep learners to be confident and independent as they transition to school.

Looking ahead, next Wednesday, 3 September, we will host our Junior Athletics Carnival. The carnival will run from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, with Prep–Year 2 students participating in a variety of athletic rotations. Parents are warmly invited to attend. Please park in the Binnies Road carpark and enter via Gate 7. This gate will remain open during the event and will be locked once the carnival concludes.

Mr Alex Geeling |  Deputy Principal Year P-1

HOD Student Engagement - Ms Ashby

Helping Children with the Zones of Regulation at Ripley Central State School

At Ripley Central State School, we use the Zones of Regulation to help students recognise and manage their emotions. This framework supports children to build self-awareness and learn strategies to return to a calm, ready-to-learn state. It also connects strongly with our EPIC values- Empowered, Polite, Inclusive, and Careful- giving students a shared language to talk about feelings and behaviour.

What Are the Zones?

The Zones of Regulation use four colours to make emotions easier to understand:

🔵 Blue Zone – low energy: sad, sick, tired, bored.

🟢 Green Zone – calm, happy, ready to learn.

🟡 Yellow Zone – heightened emotions: worried, silly, excited, frustrated.

🔴 Red Zone – strong emotions: angry, panicked, out of control, overjoyed.

There is no “good” or “bad” zone- every zone is normal. The goal is to help children notice their feelings and then choose strategies to manage them. By doing this, students are Empowered to take charge of their emotions in a way that is Polite to others, Inclusive of different feelings, and Careful with their actions.

How You Can Use Zones at Home

💡 Here are some simple ways to support your child and strengthen the EPIC connection:

1. Name the Zones Together

• “I can see you’re in the yellow zone- you look frustrated.”
• Model it yourself: “I’m in the blue zone after work, so I’ll rest before cooking dinner.”

👉 This helps children feel Included and builds Empowerment through language.

1. Build a Family Toolbox

• Brainstorm calming strategies for each zone and keep them visible on the fridge.
  • Blue: listen to music, play outside.
  • Green: keep doing what you’re doing, celebrate.
  • Yellow: take deep breaths, draw, go for a walk.
  • Red: take space in a calm corner, count to 10, ask for help

👉 A toolbox helps children make Careful and Empowered choices.

1. Use Visuals

• Display a zones chart at home. Some families use magnets, pegs, or photos so everyone can show their “zone.”

👉 Makes emotions Inclusive and easy for all family members to share.

1. Practice in Calm Moments

• Role-play: “What could help if you were in the red zone after an argument?”

👉 This supports Careful planning and Empowered problem-solving.

1. Celebrate Success

• Acknowledge when your child notices their zone or uses a strategy: “You did a great job calming down in the yellow zone by taking deep breaths.”

👉 Celebrations show Politeness and reinforce Empowered actions.

Why It Matters

By using the same tool at school and home, children gain consistency and confidence. The Zones of Regulation, alongside our EPIC values, help students grow into resilient learners who understand and manage their emotions in ways that are Empowered, Polite, Inclusive, and Careful.

Together, we can support every child to be ready to learn, thrive, and succeed.

🎵 Join the Ripley Central Drum Corps!

Do you love music, rhythm, and being part of a team? Our Drum Corp is looking for new members!

At MADD Night, our Drum Corps lit up the stage with their glowing drumsticks and did a fantastic job performing for the crowd. It was an exciting showcase of teamwork, rhythm, and energy-and we’d love for more students to be part of it!

Drum Corps is more than just drumming-it’s about working together, building confidence, and having fun while making music. No prior music experience is needed-just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Why join Drum Corps?

• Be part of a supportive and energetic team
• Learn new musical skills
• Perform at school events
• Grow confidence through practice and performance

If your child is interested in joining, please encourage them to come along and give it a try. We’d love to see new faces join the rhythm! We rehearse 8am Monday mornings in the music room.

For more information, please contact Mrs Ashby on HODSE@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au

Know Grow Glow Interviews

We value strong partnerships between home and school, and our Know Grow Glow (parent/teacher) interviews are a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and learning goals.

📅 Date: Monday, 13^th October (Term 4, Week 2)

🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Location: School Hall- Entry via Binnies Road Gate 7

Bookings will open on Friday 29th August at 9:00 AM and will close on Monday 15^th September at 9:00 AM.

We encourage all parents and carers to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with teachers and support their child’s learning journey.

Please find the link to book an interview below

Any questions or queries please contact Kirsten Ashby on HODSE@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au 

Mrs Kirsten Ashby| HOD Student Engagement

Head of Department - Curriculum - Mrs Ward

FISAF Teams Shine

This year, our three FISAF teams have been training with dedication, energy, and teamwork as they prepared for their competitions. Their hard work has already seen them represent Ripley Central with pride at both the FISAF Super Series and the FISAF State Championships.

We are thrilled to share that two of our teams - the Ripley Razzles and the Ripley Allstars - have now earned a place on the national stage! On Saturday, 30th August, they will represent our school at the FISAF National Championship.

We are so proud of all three of our FISAF teams and the way they showcase our school’s values of passion and purpose. Best of luck to the Razzles and Allstars as they head to Nationals - you’ve already made us proud!

Stay tuned to find out when tryouts will be held for out 2026 teams!

Mrs Tammy Ward  | HOD - Curriculum 

Head of Inclusion - Mr Williamson

This term our Inclusion team has been working closely with staff and students to embed practices that support wellbeing and positive engagement across the school. Two key areas of focus have been the Zones of Regulation and Restorative Conversations.

The Zones of Regulation are helping our students build the language and strategies they need to recognise and manage their emotions. Staff have been modelling and teaching students how to identify which “zone” they are in, and how to use practical strategies to return to a calm and ready-to-learn state.

Alongside this, we have been strengthening our use of Restorative Conversations. These provide students with opportunities to reflect on their actions, repair relationships, and learn from challenges in a supportive way. Together, these approaches are fostering a culture of empathy, responsibility, and resilience across our school.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Inclusion team for their outstanding effort in completing the NCCD (Nationally Consistent Collection of Data) process this term. Their hard work and attention to detail ensures we are accurately representing the adjustments and support provided for our students, which in turn helps us continue to build an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

 Greg Williamson | HOD - Inclusion 

Business Manager - Ms Mitchell

Ms Karen Mitchell | Business Manager 

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. 

EPIC Lessons Week 6 & 7

EPIC Focus of the Week: Restorative Conversations

At Ripley Central State School, we are committed to supporting our students to become EPIC learners – Empowered, Polite, Inclusive, and Careful. This week, our focus is on Restorative Conversations.

Restorative conversations are an important part of how we help students reflect on their behaviour, understand the impact of their choices, and take steps to make things right. These conversations encourage students to take responsibility and build positive relationships with others.

When an incident occurs, our staff guide students through seven key questions to help them reflect:

1. What happened?
2. What were you thinking about at the time?
3. Who has been affected by what you have done?
4. How have they been affected?
5. What do you think you need to do to make things right?
6. Which zone are you in now? (Red, Green, Blue, or Yellow)
7. How can you be an EPIC learner moving forward?

By using these questions, students learn to think carefully about their actions, understand the feelings of others, and plan positive steps forward. This approach supports our school’s goal of fostering a careful, polite, and inclusive learning environment where every child can succeed.

Together, we are empowering our students to make thoughtful choices and build stronger connections with their peers – the EPIC way!

Music News

Last week students were treated to a fun-filled engaging performance by KABOOM! Percussion.

Throughout the show, they demonstrate multiple aspects of the science of sound production in fun and engaging ways, while showing students how they can recycle and reuse everyday items to craft their own unique musical creations. The students were at the heart of this interactive experience, as together they explored the captivating world of body percussion to create rhythms and grooves throughout the show.

The use of the squeaky pig toys was a huge hit!! Each rubber pig was tuned to the notes on the piano and they played a series of popular and familiar tunes for the students, including the theme song from the tv show Bluey!

It was great to see music being played through different objects and seeing all the students getting involved and enjoying the show.

Mrs Corinne McNeill
Music Teacher

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. 

Canteen News

What is on in September?

Upcoming School Events

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!

Community News

Ipswich Climate Action Group is participating in the Ipswich City Council’s Sustainable Living Festival, and one of our activities is a Trashion Parade to raise awareness of the need to reuse and repurpose clothing and reduce waste from fabrics.

The Parade is to be held in Ipswich on Saturday, 9th November,2025, and we would love to encourage students from your school to participate. We understand that sustainability is a cross curricular priority in education.

We therefore request that the attached flyer be published in your school newsletter, along with any explanations from this email that seem relevant. We also request that this email be forwarded to staff, in case they have educational activities which may fit into planning for the Trashion Parade.

The QR code on the flyer links with the Ipswich Climate Action Group’s website, where more information and a link to a registration form can be found. Information and links can also be found on the Discover Ipswich website.

Yours sincerely,

Jane Cochrane (Ipswich Climate Action Group)

Future Lions, are you ready to cheer? 📣🙌

We're calling all Year 6 students! Be part of Bremer’s undefeated Cheer Academy teams and experience a day of skills, training and fun this Term 4. Meet our talented coaches, train alongside our student ambassadors, and see what it’s like to be a Bremer Lion. 🦁✨

🔹Monday 13 October 2025 (Week 2)

🔹9:00am – 2:30pm

Year 6 students are invited to spend the day learning skills, training with our talented coaches, and meeting our skilled student ambassadors. It’s the perfect chance to see what it’s like to be part of our champion cheer community. 💙💛

Register today: https://tinyurl.com/5234v5xw

‼️Registrations close Wednesday 8 October (Week 1)

#BremerStateHighSchool 

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)