Dear Parent/Carer, 

Despite the uncertainty of life at times, especially in our current circumstances, it is always reassuring to reflect on some of the small things that make a big difference in our lives.  It was with great honour last week that we witnessed the swearing in of our new student House Captains, and Student Representative Council.  While these students were appointed in Term 2, it was such a pleasure to officially welcome them into these important roles as they seek to promote a positive, caring and productive school environment.  It was also a pleasure to see so many parents and invited guests attend to witness this historic occasion.

Following this inaugural event was our Semester 1 Parent/Teacher interviews and I thank both the staff and students for their flexibility in changing from a face-to-face  to phone format at short notice to ensure that these valuable conversations and feedback can occur.  If for some reason you were unable to speak to your child's teacher or you were unable to book an interview I would encourage you to make contact with your child's teacher via email or phone to discuss your child's progress.  Once again, it is great to see so many parents invested in the wellbeing and development of their child and parent teacher interviews provide a great opportunity to obtain this type of feedback.

Unfortunately, due to recent COVID-19 developments I have had to regretfully postpone the planned School Tour which was to occur next Tuesday the 11th of August.  Instead, we have opened up another student/parent enrolment information session at the same day/time.  Two identical Enrolment Information sessions will occur on Tuesday the 11th August at 3.30pm and 5pm in the M block Sports Hall.  Parents are encouraged to park in the undercover carpark off Botany Drive for this event and to pre-register by completing a 2021 Enrolment Expression of Interest (EOI) form.   Strict social distancing and hygiene requirements will be followed for this event, however I am looking forward to meeting future students and parents face to face on this important occasion.   Further enrolment information sessions will be held later this term but we encourage all future students both in and out of catchment to lodge their EOI form ASAP to prevent disappointment.

This term we welcomed Chappy Kristian to our school community and he currently works in our school every Tuesday.  Chappy is looking to hold some lunchtime activities and breakfast club and is available to help and support students as desired.  Currently Kristian's hours are funded through grants, donations and sponsors.  If you would like to support our chaplaincy initiative through volunteering you can contact Kristian at katki121@eq.edu.au or financially by the link: https://www.suqld.org.au/donate/ripley-valley-state-secondary-college-tax-deductible/

In other news, it is also worth noting that the deadline for the students/parents/businesses to purchase a Foundation Paver as part of our inaugural year and celebrations is closing fast.  Paver orders must be submitted and paid by Friday the 14th August.  Orders and payment can be made through the uniform shop during normal uniform shop hours or alternatively online through the order form at: https://ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au/our-community/pandc

Alternatively, parents can contact the P and C Association directly via email at PandC@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

Students across the school have been busily designing patterns and images for the school's time capsule which will also be incorporated within the Foundation Park paved area and re-development due to occur later this term and unveiled in October.

With so many events, activities and deadlines approaching, time seems to be flying by and I am sure it won't be long until we are celebrating the end of our first year of schooling.  Once again, I want to thank you for your contribution and support in making our school the great school it is and making sure it gets even better with age.

Yours sincerely, 

Brendan Krueger

Foundation Principal