Welcome to term 3!

My name is Cora Newton and I am the new Acting HOD Science and Year 9 for semester 2 2024. I have started at Ripley Valley at the beginning of last year in the science department after transferring from the Redlands area. Since then, I have been coordinating psychology across years 10-12 and mentoring early career teachers before moving into this role. I am looking forward to developing new skills as I work with the science and year 9 teams in a greater capacity this semester.

I would also like to welcome two new teachers to our team this term. Mr McDonnell has started with us as a junior science and psychology teacher as well as Ms Coles as a biology teacher. Both Mr McDonnell and Ms Coles have completed teaching placements with us so are already familiar with some of the students and our school values.

In preparation for PPP meetings in week 3, our year 9 students have started a psychology unit with a strong focus on the nervous system, influence of social media and sleep hygiene. This will give students a taster of what is to come for psychology in years 10-12. 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.

Year 11 science in practice started the term off with a bang with a cheese making incursion. Students spent the day creating camembert, using their knowledge about the role of microorganisms in food production. Students were engaged during the day and were thorough in their safe food handling practices. Thank you to Mr Meredith for running this day.