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Dear Ripley Valley Families,
Welcome back to all our students and families for the start of Semester 2! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead. A special welcome to the new families who have joined our school community this term — we’re thrilled to have you with us and look forward to getting to know you.
As always, our focus remains on creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for every student. Semester 2 brings new opportunities for growth, achievement, and connection, and we’re excited to support our students in reaching their goals.
I’d also like to provide an update on our school building works. The next stage of our build is progressing well and is expected to be completed in early 2026. As part of this development, work will begin on a second drop-off area to help improve traffic flow and safety during peak times.
Important Notice: From 15 August, half of the front car park and the whole drop-off zone will be fenced off to allow construction to begin. This area will be unavailable for the remainder of the term, with the new drop-off zone scheduled to open at the start of next term.
We encourage all parents and carers to begin discussing and planning alternative pick-up and drop-off arrangements for the second half of the term. Your cooperation and flexibility during this time are greatly appreciated as we work to enhance our facilities for the future.
An image showing the fenced-off area (marked in blue) has been provided to assist with planning.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s make this term a great one!
Yours Sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
Welcome back to Semester 2! I hope you all enjoyed a restful and enjoyable holiday break and are feeling energised for the term ahead.
As I reflected on the Semester 1 Report Cards, I was delighted by the collective efforts and achievements of our students - particularly in the areas of Effort and Behaviour. In Years 7 and 8, these results were some of the strongest our school has ever recorded, with over 95% of students achieving an A to C grade in these categories. This is a fantastic reflection of both our students’ dedication and the support of our staff and families.
Looking forward, the next six months are set to be busy and exciting, with a range of key events and opportunities for our students and the wider community. Some of these include:
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia each July, recognising and honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” inspired a range of vibrant activities and events at the College in Week 1 of the Term.
Our celebrations commenced with a special NAIDOC Assembly, featuring a traditional Smoking Ceremony and the recognition of our QATSIF scholarship recipients. Throughout the week, students participated in Indigenous Art Workshops, Artefact Creation sessions, and Indigenous Games, deepening their understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures.
It was wonderful to share these experiences with our students, staff, Elders, and the wider community, fostering connection, learning, and respect.
School Opinion Survey
The School Opinion Surveys (SOS) is undertaken each year to obtain opinions from parents, caregivers, students and school staff around what we are doing well and find areas which may need improvement. This year the SOS will open on Monday 28th July and will close on Friday 22nd August.
The survey will be distributed directly to students and parents/caregivers using OneSchool emails. All invitations will contain a link with a unique user ID and password as part of that link. The survey can be accessed by simply clicking on the link. Respondents will only be able to complete the survey once. The SOS continues to be an anonymous survey. Personal information such as email address is used for distribution purposes only. These are separated from a person’s responses and deleted, prior to the responses being loaded into a database.
Further information about the SOS can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/schoolopinionsurvey.
Excellence Morning Tea
On Thursday 7th August we will be hosting our second Excellence Morning Teas for the year. This event is focussed on celebrating those students who have achieved the highest possible grades for their Effort and Behaviour across Semester 1. Invitations will be sent out in the coming weeks to those students who have attained this impressive result.
Awards Evening:
Planning has commenced for the Annual Awards Evening, which will take place in Week 3 of Term 4 on Wednesday 22nd of October. This special event provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the academic, sporting and cultural achievements of our students. In preparation for this event, students will be given the opportunity later this Term to apply for several special awards, including:
- P&C Citizenship Award (Senior and Junior)
- College Culture Award (Senior and Junior)
- Leadership Award (Senior and Junior)
- Innovation Award (Junior)
- College Wellbeing Award (Senior and Junior)
- Long Tan Award (Year 10 and Year 12)
- Ampol Best All Rounder Award (Year 12)
- Excellence in Sports Award
Further information around the criteria for these awards will be made available later in the Term.
Raptor Awards:
Another important aspect of the Awards Evening is the presentation of our Gold Raptor Awards. In order to be eligible for this award, students must accrue 18 – 20 points based on the criteria featured below. Students who receive a Silver or Bronze Raptor Award will be acknowledged on Year Level Assemblies later in Term 4.
Student Leadership Nominations:
Student Leadership nominations for 2026 will open in Week 3 of this Term. This will include nominations for the following roles:
- School Captain (Year 12)
- School Vice-Captain (Year 12)
- House Captains (Year 12)
- Junior Captains (Year 9)
- Student Representative Council (Years 7 – 12)
Again, further information around this nomination process will be made available later in the Term.
I wish all students an enjoyable Term ahead and look forward to celebrating their successes throughout the Semester.
Regards,
Welcome back to all students and families for term 3.
QCE Reviews
At the end of last term QCE reviews were held for our year 11 students. These meetings provided a great opportunity for students and parents/carers to meet with a member of our school leadership and discuss student progress. These meetings were able to focus primarily on congratulating students on their success in Unit 1 and provide some strategies for small areas of improvement.
From these meetings students were able to reflect on their progress and begin to immediately put their action plan to work as they started Unit 2. I wish students all the best as they continue their senior schooling pathway and look forward to celebrating their continued success.
Assessment reminders
As part of the school assessment policy, it is imperative that students are adhering to assessment due dates. As per QCAA guidelines, the school is only able to use evidence that is submitted by the student on or before the due date (submitted drafts or final tasks).
If a student does not submit any work for an assessment or do not attend an exam on the due date, they will receive a not rated (NR) and not receive a subject result for that unit of work. This will impact on a student’s academic progress and their QCE eligibility.
For these reasons it is important that students and parents do not plan any absences during the school term and are aware of when all assessment items are due. If a student is unable to complete their assessment task or an exam due to an illness or emergent issue, they are required to complete the AARA (illness and misadventure) request and attached the QCAA confidential medical report form.
Student Drivers and Passengers
During the senior years of schooling many of our students become drivers and start driving themselves to school. Whilst this is a significant and exciting time for our young people it is critical that we know who they are.
Therefore, we request that if you have a student driver that you access the Student Driver Permission form and complete with your student and submit as soon as possible. This is to ensure the safety of your student.
It is also important that as parents/guardians you understand that we have a duty of care for all our students and that your son or daughter does not drive other students in their car without the prior appropriate permissions. Once again this is to protect the wellbeing of all our students. If your child will be transporting other students, it is important that the Permission to be Transported by a Student Driver form is completed by all passengers and their parents/carers.
We would also like to remind all parents that students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without written permission from parents provided to the administration. It is not acceptable for students to leave the school grounds at any time during the day to get 'things' from their cars.
As a school we appreciate any support and reinforcement of these expectations from parents/guardians. Thank you for your ongoing support in this area.
If you have any questions about students driving, please contact Mr Todd Robson - Deputy Principal.
Kind regards,
Todd Robson
Deputy Principal - Year 11 & Year 12 - Pathways & Partnerships
Year 10 Updates
Work Experience
Congratulations to all Year 10 students who represented our college with such pride during their recent Work Experience placements. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback about how well our students conducted themselves in various workplace settings. We hope these opportunities provided your child with valuable insight into their chosen industry.
If your child missed out on Work Experience or would like to explore a different industry, opportunities remain available during Year 10. Please encourage your child to speak with Ms George in the Library or connect with their Head of Year for more information.
Subject Changes
Today is the final day to submit any subject change requests for Semester 2. If your child wishes to change subjects, please ensure they email their Head of Year with their specific request by the end of the day.
Please note that subject changes may affect ATAR eligibility or prerequisites for Year 11 courses. If you’re unsure of the implications, we encourage you to contact your child’s Head of Year or reach out to me directly.
Essential Mathematics
All Year 10 subject changes for Semester 2 must be finalised by the end of this week. It’s been fantastic to see so many students making thoughtful decisions about their learning pathway.
Bus Protocols
A timely reminder that all students using bus services must have a valid bus pass or tap on using smart ticketing (e.g., Go Card or Tap & Go). This helps bus providers collect accurate service data and make informed decisions about routes and scheduling.
Students are reminded to follow the school’s bus queuing procedures:
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Students catching the early 6275 or 6265 should go straight to the bus stop after school.
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Students catching other bus routes should queue in the designated area near Foundation Park.
As student numbers grow, these routines are essential for maintaining safety and order.
Primary school staff will supervise younger students at the bus stop. Secondary students do not need to wait with their siblings but will be given priority boarding if they wish to sit together.
Please note: the area between the college and the back gate of the primary school—near the bike shed and staff car park—is out of bounds. Students collecting younger siblings must wait at the top gate or arrange an alternate meeting point.
Pedagogy – Engaging with Feedback
This semester, our teaching staff continue their professional learning journey, focusing on strategies to help students engage with effective feedback. As part of this, we regularly ask students the following five critical learning questions:
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What am I learning?
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Why am I learning it?
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How am I going?
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How do I know?
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What are my next steps?
We encourage you to ask your child these same questions at home. Engaging with your child in this way fosters independent, reflective learners with a strong aptitude for success.
Tess Reeves
A fair few exciting things happening in the Junior Secondary world this Term, please make sure to read the following events below.
Year 9 PPP:
This interview booking process will be completed via Daymap. If you have successfully booked a Parent Teacher Interview previously, you will not need to set up a Daymap Account. If you have not previously been a part of Parent Teacher Interviews, you will need to do the following:
- https://ripleyvalleyssc.eq.daymap.net/daymapconnect
- Click ‘forgot password’ and enter the email you are currently using to receive school communication
- Follow the prompts to activate your account. Once you have gained access, you will be able to see your student’s Daymap Profile.
Excellence Academies:
We are hosting our third and FINAL round of trials for the Excellence Academies. Parents, please make sure to complete the following steps to ensure your child is approved as a trialist for one of the Excellence Academies.
- Scan QR Code to open EOI Application or click link here: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/1036
- Complete 2026 Enrolment Process here: https://ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au/enrolments
- EOI applications will close Monday 8th September (Week 9, Term 3)
ESport:
Esports and School Community Updates
- FUSE Cup – Rocket League
The FUSE Cup is back this round with Rocket League as the featured game! Our Esports Academy teams are already hard at work preparing their strategies, teamwork, and mechanics to compete in this fast-paced 3v3 competition. We’re excited to see our students demonstrate the RVSSC values of Respect, Responsibility, and Perseverance as they take on schools from across the region.
We wish our players the very best of luck — keep an eye on our social media and next newsletter for results and highlights!
- Yagera Esports – Coming Soon
We are thrilled to announce that Yagera Esports will be launching soon! This exciting new initiative will bring additional opportunities for students to get involved in competitive and social esports within our community.
Details about how students can participate, event dates, and registration information will be advertised shortly — stay tuned!
- Year 9 PPP Meetings
We also invite all Year 9 families to book a time for the upcoming PPP Meetings, where students, parents, and staff will come together to discuss pathways and future directions for each student.
These conversations are a great opportunity to:
- Reflect on progress so far this year.
- Explore pathway options for senior school and beyond.
- Set meaningful goals aligned to each student’s interests and strengths.
In Term 2, our Football Academy Students (and staff) did an outstanding job in relevant competitions, but also members competing at Winter Fest and FQ State Champs! A massive congratulations to Individuals and Teams who placed amongst various competitions they were involved in!
- Junior Girls = 7-0 win
- Junior Boys = 11-0 win
- Intermediate Boys = 4-1 win
- Senior Boys = 4-2 loss
- Senior Girls – 3-0 win
A special mention to our sponsors and partners who proudly support our Football Academy
@QLDFSL
@sammutbulow
@DanielNGURealEstate
@vetosports
@springfieldunitedfootballclub
Head of Department - Junior Secondary - Year 7A to 7E
2025 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) - 2nd instalment date Friday 16th May
Thank you to those families who have already made payments or set up payment plans.
Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9
For those families who are paying the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) in instalments, the 2nd instalment ($230) is now overdue.
The remaining payment due date is:
- 3rd instalment ($230) due Friday 15th August
Statements have been emailed, please note that if you have already made a payment or set up a payment plan through direct debit or Centrepay these statements are for your information only. Statements will be sent again prior to the final instalment due date.
Following are the SRS parent information letters for each year level which outline the inclusions and cost of the 2025 SRS.
Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12
If you have opted to pay the SRS by term instalments, electives are all due by the end of term 1 then instalments of $300 will be due on:
- Electives due by Friday 4th April 2025
- 2nd Instalment ($300) due by Friday 16th May
- 3rd Instalment ($300) due by Friday 15th August
Payment Options
BPOINT – Use the link in the box at the bottom left corner of your invoice, this will take you directly to the payment screen to enter your details.
Phone payments using Credit/Debit card – Call 1300 631 073 Option 2. You will need your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and Invoice Number from the bottom left corner of your invoice.
In person at the office– The payment window will be open for EFTPOS, cash or cheque payments Monday to Friday 8am – 12pm (other times by appointment).
Individualised payment plans by Direct Debit - Set and forget. If you would like to set up a direct debit payment using your bank account or credit card, email PaymentPlan@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au with the date you want the payments to start and how often you would like the payments made e.g. weekly ($27.60 over 25 weeks) or fortnightly ($57.50 over 12 fortnights).
Centrepay Deduction - Payment by Centrepay deduction can also be arranged through Administration.
Michelle Mills
Business Manager
ITEM / DESCRIPTION COST
- Insurance Excess - 1st damage in 12 months $50
- Insurance Excess - 2nd Damage in 12 months $100
- Insurance Excess - 3rd Damage in 12 months Cost of full repair (Quote will be provided)
- Damage to school bank laptop (Hot Swap) Cost of parts + $50 labour fee
- Laptop Skin $15
- Laptop Case $45
- Replacement Charger $37
Please advise us at tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au if you know that your child will not be at school when their year level is completing their health checks so alternate arrangements can be made. Similarly, if you know of issues with your child’s laptop that has not been reported please advise our team so we can ensure issues are rectified.
School Laptop Expectations - Being prepared for learning
We are seeing an increased number of students coming to school with laptops that have not been charged. Please ensure you have a system at home to help remind your child to put their laptops on charge each night so that they are prepared for learning each day.
Chargers are NOT allowed at school as they are a safety hazard. Student laptop batteries are made to last all day - and if they are not lasting a school day, they need to visit Tech Support.
Students are also required to bring their laptop case to school each day and have the Ripley Valley sticker on their laptops at all times as it provides extra protection for their device. Cases are $45 to replace, and stickers are $15 to replace. If you have any questions, please email:
tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Todd Robson
Deputy Principal - Year 11 & Year 12 - Pathways & Partnerships
Welcome back to term 3. I hope you all had a relaxing time with your family and friends. This term, we are excited to welcome Mr Christie, Mr Turnbull and Mr James to the mathematics faculty.
Year 9 students and parents/carers will be involved in PPP interviews later this term. Maths department is offering Specialist Mathematics (must be done in conjunction with Maths Methods), Maths Methods, General Maths and Essential Maths in year 10. Please see PPP booklet sent out by Mr Dunn for the pre-requisites to select these subjects.
Year 10 students and parents/carers will also be involved in the SET-P process to choose subjects for year 11. Maths department is offering all the senior maths subjects i.e. Specialist Mathematics (must be done in conjunction with Maths Methods), Maths Methods, General Maths and Essential Maths. Please check the SET-P booklet for pre-requisites.
Students in all year levels have been provided with term planners for this term that outlines the teaching and learning plan for this term.
We look forward to another exciting term and wish all our students the best as they get back into the learning routines within all their classes.
Australian Mathematics Competition:
Students are invited to nominate themselves to participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition. This competition is a 75 minutes online, exam style challenge that will challenge their critical thinking skills against general numeracy components. If your child wishes to be involved, they need to register their interest by seeing Mr Goraya at the College by Wednesday, 23 July 2025.
General notices:
- All students MUST bring a scientific calculator to class every lesson and will require this for the exam.
- Mathematics tutoring is on every Tuesday (1st break) and Thursday (2nd break) in C01. All students are encouraged and welcome to attend.
Haranoop Singh Goraya
Head of Department - Mathematics - Year 11
Welcome back to Term 3! We have another busy term of learning in Science over the next 10 weeks. Our Year 7 students are studying Physics and will have an indigenous STEM investigation assignment to show their understanding of forces.
Year 8 students will begin their Biology unit studying cells and body systems. This unit includes a heart dissection and microscope use, culminating in an examination.
Year 9 students have started a psychology unit with a focussing on the nervous system, influence of social media and sleep hygiene. This will give students a taster of the senior psychology subject prior selecting Yr10 subjects in PPP meetings. If students have any questions regarding the science subjects on offer prior to PPP meetings, please encourage them to speak to myself or their current science teacher.
Our Year 10 students are preparing for SET Plans to select Year 11 subjects – I strongly encourage them to talk to their teachers about their preparedness for the senior science subjects. I am always happy to provide advice to students on science subjects; please email me any questions you have.
All our Year 12 science students have begun their last internal assessment: IA3 Research Investigation. They all have access to writing guides on Daymap. My pro-tip for IA3 is to make a fast start, ensuring to stay on track with the lessons your teacher is conducting. Falling behind has a snowballing effect that is difficult to overcome as the due date closes in.
Assessment calendars will be sent home in the coming weeks for students to plan their study routines for the term. A reminder that if you require an extension for a task or are absent for exams due to illness to complete an Extension Request Form for your Head of Year to process. Links to these are on your students SharePoint home page and repeated in their student diary.
We are looking forward to another term of learning science!
Kevin Campbell
Head of Department - Science & Year 10 D,E,F
Welcome Back to Humanities – Semester 2
As we dive into Semester 2, we extend a warm welcome back to all our students and staff across the Humanities faculty. Whether you're returning from a well-earned break or diving back in after some time away, we’re so glad to have you with us for another exciting chapter.
This semester promises rich learning experiences across our Humanities subjects – including History, Geography, Legal Studies, Business, Tourism, and Social & Community Studies. Students will explore diverse cultures, analyse real-world issues, and critically engage with the past and present to better understand the future.
Our dedicated team of teachers is looking forward to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and respectful discussion in every classroom. With new assessment opportunities, excursions, competitions, and hands-on learning ahead, Semester 2 is shaping up to be a vibrant and rewarding journey.
As always, we encourage students to stay organised, ask questions, and make the most of the support around them. The Humanities are all about people – their stories, choices, and impact – and we are proud to guide students through these important explorations.
Let’s make this semester thoughtful, courageous, and full of growth.
Welcome back – let’s make it count.
Cecilia Hall
Head of Humanities and Languages (Year 8)
Japanese
Year 7 are Ready for a Delicious and Cultural Adventure!
This term, students will embark on a fun and flavourful journey into the world of Japanese food and dining culture! They’ll discover the art of food presentation and learn about traditional Japanese table manners and etiquette. Through engaging manga stories, students will explore common Japanese phrases and gestures used at the table, comparing the dining customs of Australia and Japan.
They’ll also dive into delicious Japanese and Australian dishes before designing their very own menu—a creative reflection of what they’ve learned!
✨ Key Highlights This Term:
✨Week 4 – Obento Box Cooking Experience
Students will step into the kitchen to prepare their own beautifully presented obento box as part of their assessment.
✨Japan Foundation Video Matsuri
Students are invited to participate in this Japan Foundation’s exciting national competition, creating a 1–3 minute short film. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show off their creativity and cultural understanding!
Find out more here: Video Matsuri Details
Year 8 Japanese
This term, students have begun their new unit “Festivals and Celebrations”, exploring the customs and significance of various Japanese cultural events. They are reflecting on how special occasions are celebrated in Japan and how they compare with traditions in Australia. Later in the term, students will demonstrate their learning by creating and performing a roleplay based on a chosen celebration.
We’re also looking forward to an exciting excursion to Brisbane City, where students will experience elements of a modern Japanese birthday celebration. This includes enjoying karaoke, dining at a Japanese restaurant, and practising real-world language use in a culturally immersive context.
Several students have expressed eagerness to create a skit for the nationwide Video Matsuri competition, intermixing creativity and language skills. Students are also encouraged to take part in the upcoming Languages Speech Contest at Griffith University. Both offer valuable opportunities to build confidence and extend their communication skills.
See Miss Stevens or Mrs Wellwood for more information. Ganbatte kudasai! (You can do it!)
Georgina Wellwood Emmalene Stevens
Japanese Teacher Japanese Teacher
Welcome Back to Term 3!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for what promises to be a vibrant and creative Term 3 in the Performing Arts!
The term kicks off with Performing Arts Week in Week 2, featuring a range of lunchtime activities and live performances in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible talent across our school and celebrate the energy and diversity of the arts.
Also in Week 2, we invite families, students, and staff to join us for Music Night on Friday 25 July. This special evening will feature performances from our music students across all year levels. Doors open at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start — don’t miss this wonderful community event.
Looking ahead, our Certificate III in Community Dance Theatre and Events students will present their event night on Friday of Week 7, highlighting their work in both performance and production as part of their qualification. They will also be donating any funds made to the ANIMAL WELFARE
Musical rehearsals for Legally Blonde continue throughout the term as we prepare for our first whole-school musical production in Term 4. The cast and crew are working hard, and the excitement is building!
Our Dancers are heading off to their first of two eisteddfods this term. We wish our Dance Squad, Dance Academy and Certificate II Dance students the best of luck at the Ipswich Performers Dance Festival in August.
Finally, with elective rotations now complete for Years 7–9, we’re thrilled to welcome new students into our Performing Arts classes. We look forward to getting to know you and seeing your creativity shine.
Here’s to an inspiring and action-packed Term 3 in the Performing Arts!
Jessica Starkey
Head of Department - Performing Arts - Year 9A - 9E
Welcome to semester 2 of 2025, this year we have some exciting, fun projects to push students creative and critical thinking, we are excited to share the journey with students, parents and careers.
We also would like to welcome Mr Turnbull to our Design Technologies Teaching team. He will be teaching our Year 9 Design Engineering class, he has a passion in sports such as cricket and football and F1 cars.
Year 7 and 9 students who are new to our elective classes this term, will be required to sign an activity consent form. In our subject students have the opportunities to learn new skills using a wide range of tools and equipment. Including 3D Printers, Laser Cutter, CAD Software, CNC Router, CNC Plasma Cutter and much more. All of this wonderful equipment can have an element of risk when learning how to use them. It is a requirement that we have parent consent for a number of our classes this is so that as parents you understand the risk associated with the class
Below is a link to our Design Technologies Parent Consent form - All students in year 7,9,10 & 11 studying Design Technologies, Design Engineering, Design, Engineering Pathways or Construction are required to have this completed before beginning practical activities. If your child is studying more than one of these subjects, they are only required to complete the form once.
DAT Parent Permission Form - 2025 - https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/886
Head of Department - Design Technologies - Year 8F to 8J
- 18th July | RSA Training
- 6th August | Year 10 SETP Meetings (Bookings now open via Daymap)
- 25th August | Year 12 Next Step Strategy Discussions Begin
- 26th August | Ripley Police Station Site Tour
- 15th-19th September | Year 12 Mock Exam Block
- 18th September | Try a Trade Day
We look forward to an exciting term ahead! Please reach out to myself or the pathways team with any queries you may have via pathways@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
James Gerchow
Head of Department - Senior Schooling - Year 12
QTAC Presentation, Next Steps Interviews & University Open Days
Next week, I will be delivering a QTAC presentation to our Year 12 ATAR students to guide them through the university application process. This presentation will cover how to apply through QTAC, how to order preferences strategically, and key dates to be aware of.
Following the presentation, all ATAR students will be scheduled for individual Next Steps interviews with a member of the senior schooling team. These sessions are designed to ensure students have selected and ordered their QTAC preferences in a way that maximises their chances of receiving a suitable offer.
Several students have also enquired about QTAC vouchers to waive the standard $70 application fee. I can confirm that the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) will be offering QTAC vouchers at their Open Day on Friday, 9 August, for students who list UniSQ as their first preference on their QTAC application.
Attending Open Days is a wonderful opportunity to visit campuses with your high school-aged student, ask questions, and support a smooth transition between school and university. These events can help students refine their preferences and feel more confident about post-school options.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's post-school pathway, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer - Years 10, 11, 12
Welcome back to a new school term. We trust that you have all had a great break and are rested and ready for what term 3 bring us. There is a number of things happening this term so stay tuned to our social media, newsletters and daymap notices for more information.
A school chaplains' role is to provide emotional, spiritual and social support to the students and wider school community. One of the ways to provide support is with one-on-one pastoral care conversations. If you would like this support for your child, please email chaplaincy@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
If you also want to know more about chaplaincy, please use the latest snapshot to find out more about who we are and what we do:
https://suchaplaincy.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Chaplaincy-Snapshot-A4-v5-web.pdf
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club, one of the school's extra-curricular programs, Breakfast Club has started up for the term and it runs every day from 8:15-8:45 am. This is an excellent way for the students to engage with one another over food or milo and doesn't cost them anything. If you want to volunteer for this, please email us; we will appreciate your help.
Chaplaincy Support Team
The Chaplaincy Support Team (Formally known as Local Chaplaincy Committee) is the supporting and guiding body behind the Chaplaincy Service, helping to shape it to meet the well-being of the school community here at the College. If this sounds like something you would like to attend, our next meeting is on Thursday the 21st of August. Please get in touch if you'd like additional information.
Programs
As the Chaplain one of my responsibilities is to run programs to help support students in various ways. This can be programs focussed on healthy relationships, resilience, wellbeing support and others. This term I am running RAP, Strength and Seasons for Growth alongside Jacob one of the College’s YSC. If any programs interest you for your child to participate in, please contact us.
SU Camps
Scripture Union Australia, the organisation that employs the chaplains here in Ripley Valley and hundreds of schools across the country, is also a camping organisation. If you want something for your child to do over the holidays, please follow the following link.
https://su.org.au/events/?category=Camp
Chappy Pantry
Chappy Pantry is being used daily, and we thank those who donated. Chappy Pantry was designed to provide essential food assistance to students who may come to school without lunch, have insufficient lunch, or experience hunger during the school day.
The Chappy Pantry has already made an incredible impact, and we are excited to continue to grow this initiative. If you want to help and donate food for this, please get in touch with us. We will love your support.
SU Schoolies
Scripture Union Australia also runs drug & alcohol-free schoolies events for all those in year 12 wanting to celebrate finishing their schooling. A few options exist, such as Sunshine Coast, Hawaii & Vanuatu. If this interests you or your child, please follow the link below for more information.
Looking forward to the term ahead
Kristian Atkins Alicia Pickerill Jacob Millerick
Chaplain YSC YSC
Hi and welcome back to Term 3!
I hope you had a chance to relax and enjoy some quality time with family and friends over the winter break.
Let me introduce myself - my name is Louise Armstrong and I’m delighted to be joining RVSSC as the new Defence School Mentor (DSM). While I’m not a member of the Australian Defence Force, I’ve spent many years working in schools and the community, supporting a diversity of students and people, especially the more vulnerable.
I’ll be working at RVSSC from Monday to Wednesday each week. On Thursdays, I work as a Project Officer – Community Engagement at a local community centre and Fridays are my special day with my 3-year-old granddaughter. We were also blessed with the arrival of my second granddaughter over the school holidays, a joyful addition to our family!
I’m genuinely excited to be part of the RVSSC community. In just a few days here, I’ve already been impressed by the welcoming and supportive staff and the respectful, responsible students. I’m looking forward to connecting with students and parents and am here to support our Defence students in any way I can both personally and in partnership with the wider school community.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all!
Ipswich 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles
31st Battalion Association in conjunction with Ipswich RSL Sub Branch invite you to attend the commemoration of the 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles.
This year the focus is on 2nd LT William McLean DCM.
This service marks 109 years since the Battle of Fromelles, one of the most tragic and defining moments for Australian forces during the First World War. Fought on 19 July 1916, it was the first major engagement involving Australian troops on the Western Front — and one that resulted in heavy losses, with over 5,500 Australian casualties in just one night.
The commemorative service honours the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who fought and fell at Fromelles. It serves not only as a solemn remembrance of their courage and suffering, but also as a reminder of the profound cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Your presence at this event will help ensure that their stories are not forgotten and that future generations continue to reflect on the importance of peace, service, and remembrance.
Details
When: Saturday 19 July 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Honour Stone Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall 63 Nicholas Street, Ipswich
Long Tan School Awards https://www.adflongtanawards.gov.au
The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards started in 2006 to recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community. At the same time, they recognise those who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship”, characteristics that are integral to Australian society.
The awards are an important initiative by the Australian Government in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force designed to encourage senior students – tomorrow’s leaders – to actively participate in the life of their schools and local communities.
Students are selected by their school principal based on selection criteria. Each school may select one student from each of Years 10 and 12. Recipients of a Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award will receive a certificate and a financial reward - $250 for a Year 10 student and $550 awarded to a Year 12 student.
If the ADF Long Tan Award piques your interest, feel free to contact me.
Defence Club
Defence Club is held at first break in the Defence Hub (J Block, next to Student Services) every Wednesday.
Defence Club is a chill out zone for ADF students. It is a place where Defence students can make connections with other ADF students in the school, form friendship groups and seek support during times of distress (particularly during parental absences of postings).
RVSSC Defence Parents Coffee & Chat
In week 4 of each term a Coffee & Chat session is held at a local café for RVSSC Defence Parents to come together and connect with each other, the DSM and Executive Staff. This term’s Coffee & Chat is…
DATE: Tuesday 5th August
TIME: 09:30-11:30am
LOCATION: Little Piggie Cafe
We look forward to meeting with those of you who can attend.
Defence School Mentor (DSM)
I will be emailing all of our ADF families in the very near future with an introduction and to provide further information about the Defence School Mentor Program at RVSSC, but should you have any queries or concerns, or would just like to say Hi, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Louise Armstrong - larms102@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333.
Please see the attached flyer for details of extended trading hours and days – including appointment only days to beat the rush!
