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Form of workLocated in the heart of East St Kilda, just 10 kilometers southeast of the Melbourne City Centre, Ripponlea Primary School (RPS) has a rich history dating back to its establishment on 3 July 1922. Over the years, we have remained steadfast in our dedication to serving families and students in the local area.
Our centenary celebrations in 2022 marked a significant milestone in our journey, reinforcing our deep connections to the Bunurong people and the land on which we teach, learn, play, and gather and our unwavering commitment to reconciliation. In 2023, we continued to honour our past while embracing the future.
At the heart of Ripponlea Primary School lies our vision: to empower students to be global and creative thinkers who are equipped with the skills and empathy to engage with an ever-changing world. Our students care, they create, and they connect, embodying our core values of Community, Creativity, Integrity, Open-mindedness, Resilience, and Respect in all aspects of their lives.
In 2023, our school had a total student population of 283, supported by a dedicated team of 13 full-time classroom teachers, 7 part-time teachers, and 10 Education Support staff members. Our deliberate multi-age structure fosters a holistic approach to learning, promoting collaboration, adaptability, and independence among our students.
Throughout the year, our students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that places a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, personal and social development, and inquiry-based learning. We actively promote student voice and agency, allowing our students to play an active role in shaping their learning journey and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. At the heart of this commitment also lies the school's innovative and effective student leadership model, which empowers students to take on responsibilities, demonstrate initiative, and contribute to the broader school community.
Our staff are dedicated, professional and take pride in their work. They work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), collaboratively linking teacher practice to improving student outcomes. Our students benefit from having teachers with a range of different experiences and skills working together in teams to support the learning of every student.
Indeed, while some may perceive us as small in size, at Ripponlea Primary School, we take immense pride in our big offerings and the richness of experiences we provide for our students. We believe in the power of experiential learning, where students are actively engaged in hands-on activities, real-world experiences, and meaningful interactions that foster deep understanding and growth.
Our size allows us to maintain a close-knit community where every student is known, valued, and supported. It enables us to personalise learning experiences, cater to individual needs, and cultivate strong relationships between students, teachers, and families. Our school community is privileged to enjoy high levels of parental involvement and support, with families valuing the academic and social-emotional provision provided by the school.
Despite our small size, we offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, specialist subjects, and opportunities for enrichment. From performing arts to visual arts, from sports to technology, and from language learning to community service, there is something for every student to explore and excel in.
At Ripponlea Primary School, we believe that greatness is not measured by numbers but by the impact we make on the lives of our students. We may be small, but our dedication, passion, and commitment to providing the best possible education for every child shine brightly in everything we do.
