2025 Edition 45 28.03.2025

Principal's Message - Mrs Meyrick

As we hit the end of Term 1 we take the opportunity to reflect on all we have accomplished this term. It has been a very productive and positive term with many highlights across our school. 

We look forward to the last day of this term, Friday 4th April where we celebrate our Passion Project Fair, our P&C BBQ, and our Easter Hat Parade. 

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the Easter Hat parade, please contact your child's class teacher. 

We will then head off for 2 weeks of holidays and return to school on Tuesday 22nd April (Monday is a public holiday for Easter Monday). 

We have a new P&C for 2025. Thank you to everyone who attended the P&C AGM. We welcome our new executive committee: President - Stephanie, Secretary - Leah, Treasurer - Rebecca. We look forward to their first fundraiser on Friday where they will be hosting a BBQ (see info in last day of term section). Thank you also to families who have donated to our Easter raffle. This prizes will be drawn at our Easter Hat parade (this is a free raffle, every child that is at school has the chance to win). 

On Friday we farewell Ms Walas, our Head of Inclusion as her contract is coming to an end. We all thank Ms Walas for being part of our team. We will welcome our new permanent Head of Inclusion, Mr Greg Williamson, who will start on the first day of term. 

I wish all families a happy and safe holidays and look forward to term 2 with you all. 

Mrs Wuanita Meyrick| Principal (and Year 2)

Deputy Principal's Message - Ms Yager

Attention Year 5 and 6!

We are excited to announce that our school is forming our Esports teams for both Just Dance and Rocket League. This is a fantastic opportunity for interested students in Years 5 and 6 to engage in competitive gaming, develop teamwork skills, and represent our school in an exciting and growing field.

Just Dance 2025 Edition is a rhythm game where players must mimic the on-screen coach's choreography to a chosen song. Rocket League is a free-to-download game that combines soccer with high-powered, acrobatic vehicles. Students will use the Nintendo Switch to play the game and will get familiar with using 1 Joy-con to control their games.

By expression your child’s interest, you acknowledge and understand:

• your child’s financial account and SRS items must be up to date (this is an extra-curricular opportunity)
• that the costs are non-refundable
• you are available to transport your child to compete in person on the 1st May (Just Dance Team) and/or 14th October (Rocket League Team).
• that your child must uphold our school values and commit to weekly lunch time training (Monday 1st break)

Please note that there are only four spots available on each team, and a non-refundable participation fee of $75 will be required for each successful student. Selection will be based on student commitment, skill level, and the potential for teamwork. Payment and consent forms must be returned before students are able to start training as a part of their team.

To express your interest in joining on of our Esports team, please follow the link below and complete the online form.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is Wednesday 31st March 3pm. After this date, we will review all submissions and successful applicants will be invoiced and consent note sent home.

Ms Petra Yager |  Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Deputy Principal's Message - Mr Geeling

Celebrating Harmony Week

Last Friday, our school came alive with vibrant colours and cultural pride as we celebrated Harmony Week. It was fantastic see so many students dressed in their traditional attire, proudly showcasing their heritage and embracing the rich diversity within our school community.

A particular highlight of the my day was the opportunity to visit the 1C classroom, where we were treated to a special dance performance by one of our talented students, Jazmine. She had been practising a traditional dance from her culture, and it was a great to watch her performance. The rest of the class demonstrated their ability to be polite learners, showing respect and appreciation as an audience. They further displayed the work they have been doing on kindness, offering positive feedback, complimenting Jazmine’s beautiful outfit, her courage, and her impressive dance skills. Well done!

Health Incursions Next Week

A reminder to students attending the health incursion next week, that the Life Education team will be visiting our school to conduct health lessons. These sessions will be incorporated into students’ regular health classes and will provide valuable learning experiences. Please ensure you are prepared and ready to engage in these lessons.

Final Two Weeks of Term 1

With only two weeks remaining in Term 1, students and staff are working hard to complete their learning goals. We encourage all students to continue being EPIC learners and finish the term on a strong note. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Mr Alex Geeling |  Deputy Principal Year P-1

HOD Curriculum - Mrs Ward

Classic Dish with a Modern Twist – A Tasty Celebration of Culture and Innovation!

Year 3 students at Ripley Central have truly brought the English Big Idea to life this term through an engaging, creative, and delicious challenge: Classic Dish with a Modern Twist.

In this exciting unit, students explored the powerful connection between food, culture, and storytelling. Their task? To create a new recipe inspired by a beloved classic dish from their family’s heritage – with a modern twist!

From brainstorming ingredients and writing procedural texts, to reflecting on the importance of cultural traditions, our students wore their chef’s hats with pride. They showcased not only their growing literacy skills but also their creativity, courage, and connection to family stories.

The learning journey culminated in a fabulous family celebration afternoon, where students shared their innovative dishes with friends and loved ones. Our Koala Kitchen was filled with the aroma of reimagined classics – pavlovas with a punchy twist, zesty chicken salads, gourmet sandwiches, colourful frogs in ponds, and even a modern take on butter chicken!

Each dish told a story, and each student stood tall as they shared their learning, inspiration, and of course – their delicious creations. The joy and pride on their faces (and the clean plates around the room!) said it all.

Well done to our Year 3 students – you are truly EPIC learners!

Mrs Tammy Ward | HOD Curriculum

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!

Thank you for your continuing support of our school.  I would like to wish all our families a relaxing break and a wonderful Easter.

Ms Karen Mitchell | Business Manager

HOD Student Engagement - Mrs Ashby

Understanding Absenteeism: Why Every Day Counts

At Ripley Central State School we believe that every school day is an important opportunity for students to learn, grow, and engage with their peers and teachers. However, absenteeism remains a challenge that can affect a child’s academic progress and social development. Here’s why it’s important to ensure your child is at school, and how we can all work together to reduce absenteeism.

The Impact of Absenteeism

When students miss school regularly, they miss out on important lessons, activities, and opportunities to build their social and emotional skills. Chronic absenteeism can lead to:

• Falling behind in academics: Missed lessons make it harder for students to catch up, which can affect their understanding of the material and overall grades.
• Loss of social connections: Students who are absent often miss valuable time spent with their peers, which can affect friendships and teamwork.
• Increased stress: Falling behind can make students feel overwhelmed when trying to catch up with missed work.

How Parents Can Help
Here are a few simple steps parents and caregivers can take to support regular attendance:

1. Make school a priority: Encourage your child to attend school every day, unless they are unwell. Regular attendance sets a positive example.
2. Establish a routine: Set consistent bedtimes and morning routines to help your child feel ready for the day ahead.
3. Communicate with us: If your child needs to miss school due to illness or another reason, please inform the school as soon as possible. We are here to support your child’s learning.

We’re Here to Support You
If your child is struggling with attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our staff is committed to supporting students and families to overcome any challenges. Together, we can help every child succeed and make the most of their time at school.

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring our students attend school regularly. Let’s work together to help every student achieve their full potential!

Know Grow Glow Interviews

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

📅 Date: Monday, 28th April (Term 2, Week 2)
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: School Hall

Bookings are now open via the link below and will close on Wednesday, 2nd April at 8:30 AM. We encourage all parents and carers to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with teachers and support their child’s learning journey.

Mrs Kirsten Ashby | HOD Student Engagement

ARTS

Week 7: Mexican hat dance

The students were creating their own choreography for the spins to mix cultures and bring in their own styles. Working in groups builds confidences and allows the students to learn from each other. They were experimenting with use of space and levels.

The students have been beginning the lessons with yoga warm ups to create different shapes and to strengthen their bodies.

Week 8 Philippines: Tinikling is a traditional Philippine folk dance which originated prior to the Spanish colonialism in the area. The students tried different ways of going over the pool noodles. Traditionally people jump over bamboo.

Week 9 Heel and Toe Polka The 'Heel and Toe Polka' is a classic Australian bush dance. 

EPIC Routines - Week 8 & 9

Newsletter Article – EPIC routine of the week 8 & 9

Our week 8 EPIC routine focused on “Moving Around the School”. Students investigated CAREFUL and POLITE ways to move around the school as a class. They decided that good role models move around the school in;

1. Two straight lines
2. Facing the front
3. Walking quietly
4. Walking carefully

Prep C demonstrated this really well and have earned ten minutes extra playtime. Well done Prep C!

This week students are focusing being EMPOWERED and CAREFUL learners by following the before and after school routines. Here’s how we can all be EPIC learners by following these routines:

Before School Routine:

• 8:20 AM: The school gates open. Students and parents walk through the gates and sit quietly in the canteen area.
• Mobile Phones/Uniforms: We hand our mobile phones in at the office and make arrangements if we need to change our uniform.
• Bikes and Scooters: These are parked in the cages next to the gates. These cages will be locked at 8.45am and reopened at 2.45pm.
• Devices: Students can talk quietly to friends while keeping iPads and laptops in their bags.
• Breakfast Club: Opens at 8:20 AM. Be polite to the serving staff and eat your breakfast at the tables next to the canteen. Make sure you keep the eating area tidy.

After School Routine:

• 2:45 PM: When the bell goes, our school day has finished.
• Mobile Phones: If you are going on the bus you can leave class at 2.40pm to get your mobile phone.
• Bus Stop: Wait at the gate until the bus has stopped and the adult on duty tells you it’s OK to get on the bus.
• Kiss and Go: If you’re getting picked up, wait for your parents to stop their car before getting in. An adult on duty will help you there.
• After School Care: Walk over to the hall and put your bag on the bag rack outside the afterschool room.
• Bikes and Scooters: The gates are reopened at 2.45pm. We can start riding our bikes and scooters when we leave the school grounds.

On Monday, Year 6 had great fun dressing up and role-playing being Mrs Kurtz on bus duty and Mrs Smith at the Kiss and Go zone. They were showing everyone how EMPOWERED they were by demonstrating what good role models do before and after school.

By following these routines, we ensure a smooth and EPIC start and end to our school day. 

Harmony Week

Our celebrations for Harmony Week filled every lunch break, but also was celebrated in classrooms. Some classes made a world map and identified where children were born. Check out our Facebook page for the celebrations that occurred across each lunch break during Harmony Week.  

Last Day of Term - Friday 4th April

Canteen Menu

Dear parents/carers,

Could you please make sure that you update the class details within the Flexischool tuckshop app. If your child was in 1A could you please update the details on the app with their new class. This will help us when we distribute the tuckshop at breaktimes.

Thank you.

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. 

Community News

ABC’s Play School are looking for video submissions featuring children from every state in Australia to appear in our “Through the Windows” segment as part of our upcoming Play School series themed “My Place, My Home”.

The series showcases the amazing variety of places Australian children call home!  Whether you live in a city, coastal town, the outback, an island or the country; we’d love to feature it!

If your child (or a child you know) would be perfect please click the below link for more information!

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)