2025 Edition 48 23.05.2025

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

Our Student Council are planning a Free Dress Day to fundraise money for purchasing extra books, board games and Lego for our Curiosity Centre. On Tuesday 24th June (week 10), our students are invited to wear casual clothes that are sun smart and appropriate for school. They still need to wear enclosed shoes please. Our student council members will be at gates and OSHC welcoming students to school to collect a gold coin donation. We would really appreciate your support for our student council. They have showed initiative in surveying all classes to seek ideas for input to improving our school and this was a highly noted area they would like to see funds invested into. There is no theme, just casual clothes, and a day free from uniform. If students do not wish to participate, they can wear their uniform. 

Our gates open at 8.20am for supervision before school. Please do not arrive before this time unless you are enrolled in our OSHC program (Camp Australia outside of school hours care). While Binnies Road carpark gate 7 is open earlier, this is for families accessing OSHC. If you chose to drop your children off earlier than this, they will need to wait in seated areas outside of our school grounds and you do this by your own decision to leave them unsupervised. I do not recommend this and ask you to seek alternative arrangements for the care of your children. 

Skit Squad is recruiting students who like to be dramatic, like to perform and are confident in the way they interact with others. If you child is interested, please email principal@ripleycentralss.eq.edu.au and I will connect with your child. Rehearsals will be during one lunch break per week, so no permission is required. Skit Squad will perform on assembly, pop up lunch performances and may appear at special events too. 

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal (and Year 2)

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

Staying Safe on the Bus

At Ripley Central, we know that the school day begins and ends with a safe journey. Bus travel is a privilege, and it's important that all students follow expectations to keep themselves and others safe.

Students are reminded to:

• Stay seated while the bus is moving
• Use polite language and follow the driver’s instructions
• Keep hands, feet and belongings to themselves
• Show our EPIC values — Empowered, Polite, Inclusive and Careful — even on the bus

 Any concerns about incidents or behaviour on the bus should be reported directly to the bus company.

We appreciate families taking the time to remind their children of these expectations, helping to reinforce EPIC behaviour while travelling to and from school.

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Geeling

Adopt-A-Cop Visit
This week, our Year 1 students had a special visit from our Adopt-a-Cop, Sergeant Jesse!

Sergeant Jesse spoke to the students about the importance of respecting each other’s belongings and taking care of property at school. Through engaging stories and real-life examples, he helped our young learners understand what it means to be Empowered, Polite, Inclusive, and Careful- showing our EPIC values in everyday actions.

The visit was a great opportunity to reinforce positive behaviour and remind students of how we can all help create a safe and respectful school community.

Thank you, Sergeant Jesse!

Mr Alex Geeling |  Deputy Principal Year P-1

HOD Curriculum - Mrs Ward

2025 FISAF Super Series 

A huge congratulations to our three FISAF dance teams - the Ripley Razzles, Allstars, and Comets - who took to the stage at the Super Series over the weekend! With over 40 schools competing, our teams proudly represented Ripley Central, showcasing incredible talent, determination, and our EPIC values of being Empowered, Polite, Inclusive, and Careful. Their sportsmanship shone just as brightly as their routines!

This event provided a valuable opportunity for our athletes to perform in front of judges and receive feedback ahead of the upcoming State competition in just four weeks.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our families for your ongoing support, encouragement, and help on the day - your energy and dedication mean the world to our teams.

Well done to all our EPIC athletes - we are so proud of you!

Mrs Tammy Ward | HOD Curriculum

HOD Student Engagement - Mrs Ashby

The Impact of Consistent Attendance
Regular school attendance is an essential part of being an EPIC learner. Each day at school is an opportunity to grow academically, socially, and personally. Here’s why consistent attendance matters:

1. Academic Achievement
   Students who attend regularly are Empowered to take charge of their learning. Being present means they can keep up with lessons, ask questions, and actively participate in class discussions-all of which contribute to stronger academic outcomes.
2. Social Skills
   School is where students learn to be Polite and Inclusive, working with peers, building friendships, and developing respect for others. Regular attendance ensures students stay connected and involved in the social fabric of their classroom.
3. Building Habits
   Showing up every day helps students develop responsibility and self-discipline. Being on time and ready to learn reflects how Careful and committed they are to their goals-important qualities that lay the foundation for future success.
4. School Community
   Each student plays a role in our school’s positive culture. By attending consistently, students help create a classroom environment that is Inclusive and supportive. Their presence shows respect for others and builds a sense of connection between peers and teachers.

In short, being at school every day helps students grow as Empowered, Polite, Inclusive, and Careful learners-ready to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Drum Corp Has Kicked Off!
Our Ripley Central Drum Corp had their very first rehearsal this week, and what a fantastic start it was! The students showed great enthusiasm and energy as they began learning the foundations of rhythm and teamwork.

Rehearsals take place Monday mornings at 8:00am in the Drama/Dance room. The cost to participate is $27.

If your child is interested in joining, please contact Mrs Ashby at kxall7@eq.edu.au. There’s still time to be part of the beat! 🥁

Olympics Unleashed: Bree Walker Inspires Ripley Central!

We’re thrilled to announce that Bree Walker, Australian Winter Olympian, will be visiting Ripley Central State School on Wednesday, 5th June 2025, as part of the Olympics Unleashed program!

Bree will be connecting with our Year 4–6 students, sharing her inspiring journey to the Olympic stage. From the highs and lows of elite sport to the lessons she’s learned about resilience, goal setting and finding your passion, Bree’s story will motivate students to be their best-whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or in everyday life.

This unique opportunity allows students to hear firsthand what it takes to chase a dream, overcome challenges, and achieve personal goals. Bree’s visit is sure to leave a lasting impression on our students as they learn how the mindset of an Olympian can be applied to their own lives.

Olympics Unleashed connects Olympians with schools across Australia to inspire the next generation-and we’re proud to be a part of it! For more information on this incredible initiative, visit www.olympicsunleashed.com.au.

We can’t wait to welcome Bree to Ripley Central and hear all about what it takes to go for gold!

Mrs Kirsten Ashby | HOD Student Engagement

EPIC Lessons Week 4 & 5

Week 5 Careful Learners

This week the students have been working on being CAREFUL learners. Our main focus was looking at making careful and considered choices. Students investigated how they can make careful choices in the playground. We looked at how we can be sun safe in the playground. We talked about where we can play if we don’t have a hat.

Students worked on Sun Safe posters in the classroom and demonstrated some great behaviours in the playground. Well done to those classes who earned $100 Koala Dollars for bringing their hats in!

Week 6 Epic Focus – Using Our Eating Areas

This week students will be focusing on eating area routines. Students will look at where we eat, how we look after our eating area and when and who can use the canteen.

Arts News

Week 4

The students were looking at using paper craft to tell a story. They were adding extra paper to make it pop.

Week 5

The student are painting what they see, creating what they see and making what they see.

HPE news

School Events

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 can keep as a keepsake or destroy. 

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

Canteen Menu

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. You may then receive a text message that you will need to respond to. 

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)