As we approach the holidays, a number of year levels across both the junior and senior school have already started working on Unit 2 work. We encourage students ensure they attend as many lessons as possible as the holidays approach.

Year 12 General English students have started their new unit where we they are exploring the classic novel Frankenstein and all of the questions it raises around ambition and morality. “Our students had a hands-on introduction to Frankenstein by crafting their own playdough monsters! As they shaped their creatures, they considered the emotions and responsibilities that come with creation—just like Victor Frankenstein. Afterwards, they reflected on the experience, discussing how it felt to bring something to life, what it means to be a "creator”, and what they owed to their creation. A fun and thought-provoking start to our study of Frankenstein!”

8F English have participated in an interactive “Speed Dating” peer feedback session activity to share and refine their assessment draft. They rotated between peers, providing constructive feedback based on clear criteria. Each round lasted a few minutes, allowing students to give targeted feedback on specific aspects of the ‘Branch Narrative’ assessment task. This format encouraged active engagement, quick thinking, and varied perspectives, helping students improve their work through multiple viewpoints. By the end of the session, students had gathered valuable insights to enhance their final product.

There are number of extra-curricular opportunities on the horizon for Ripley students including writing competitions and the Reader’s Cup.

Students are encouraged to put their English skills to the test in the first of the writing competitions.  The Literary Competition invites Queensland and Northern Territory students and teachers to share their literary prowess by submitting either poetry, short stories or non-fiction prose.

It is Queensland’s longest running literary competition.

The competition is open to entrants from students (years 5-12) and teachers in Queensland state and independent schools and Northern Territory independent schools.

Competition categories:

• Years 5-6
• Years 7-8
• Years 9-10
• Years 11-12
• Open (Teachers and School Support Staff)

The competition closes on Friday 13 June 2025 with the presentation of awards being held on Wednesday6 August 2025 at 6.30pm at the Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point. You can view the centre at www.qmc.org.au)

Entries must be submitted online by 5pm on Friday 13 June 2025 at www.ieuqnt.org.au/competitions.

Students can contact Ms Diesing at school or via email for more information.

I would like to thank Ms Brown and Mrs Easdale for their contributions to this edition of the newsletter.