Dear Parent/Carer, 

The school term is rapidly drawing to a close, and like many things in 2020, this year has been full of many challenges and opportunities.   Staff and students alike have been engaged in assignments and exams, while at a school level, planning is well underway for 2021 and the addition of year 9, more students, staff, teaching resources and buildings. Over the past few weeks I have been working with the P & C Association and other community groups on a range of college priority projects.  We are currently in the final planning stages of the ANZAC memorial to be established at the front of the school.  The final design for the ANZAC cenotaph is being developed with local companies and we hope to have this new memorial installed for its dedication on the 11th November for Remembrance Day, 2020.

In other building news, people would also be aware of our successful Stage 2 building works which will commence in 2021 and take around 12 months to complete.  These works, currently out for tender, represent an investment of around $39 million to increase our building capacity for the start of 2022 when our first cohort of year 10 (senior) students commence.  The stage 2 works will incorporate a purpose built library and resource centre, four senior science labs, two lecture theatres, multiple music and drama teaching spaces, purpose built student services hub, specialist canteen, IT service centre and additional general learning areas.  All these spaces combine to allow our school to cater for up to 880 students in 2022.  Once the contract has been awarded I look forward to sharing the proposed architectural drawings and plans with you. 

In other construction news, the P & C has been assisting the college in the re-development of Foundation Park as we look to install the foundation pavers, time capsule and additional garden borders and seating.  This re-development will significantly enhance the visual and functional usability of this space and serve as a historical memento of our first year of schooling.  I look forward to sharing some progress photos with you and inviting parents to its re-opening in Term 4 later this year.  

Over the last month, I have also had the privilege of speaking to and welcoming a number of new students and their families who will be starting their schooling with us in 2021.  It is always great to meet the families of new or prospective students and share with them our vision of "Achieving Excellence Together".  Parents are reminded that if you have a child who has not yet enrolled for 2021 I encourage you to do so as soon as possible to assist us in our planning and preparation for next year.    

Next year our school will nearly double in enrolment size and with this rapid growth comes necessary planning, and at times changes, to make sure that we continue to provide the best possible support for you and your children.  To ensure that we continue to provide great levels of support and communication, parents are reminded of two key contacts for you and your child throughout their schooling at Ripley Valley SSC.  Each child is placed into a sport house upon enrolment and each sport house has an associated House Head of Department (HOD) and House Coordinator (a list is provided below for your reference).  Parents and students are encouraged to speak with their House HOD if they are having issues with learning, behaviour and assessment.  Parents and families are encouraged to speak to a House Coordinator if they are having issues with student well-being, welfare, attendance or friendship/social issues.  Deputy Principals work closely with both House HODs and House Coordinators to ensure that each and every child is supported to achieve their best potential.  As with any student or school concerns we are always willing to listen and appreciate your support in this matter.

Once again, I want to thank our College community for your valuable input and support.  I am a firm believer that only by working together can we achieve great things and I encourage you to continue your support and suggestions to make our school even better.

Yours sincerely, 

Brendan Krueger

Foundation Principal