I would like extend a warm welcome our new Defence students and their families to the Ripley Valley SSC community for 2025. Our Defence students have come from various local primary schools and from interstate to join our student body.

Our interstate travellers have no doubt spent the last few weeks in a state of upheaval while making their move to the sunshine state.  That is no easy feat at the best of times, let alone during Christmas holidays.  I would like to acknowledge the impact big moves like this can have on Defence families as part of the military lifestyle and I sincerely hope that once you are settled, you will find yourselves involved in a welcoming community.

Ripley Valley SSC Defence School Mentor Program

Defence recognises that the Defence lifestyle has a unique effect on the families (comprising parents, partners, children, etc) whose lives are impacted by their relationship to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) member, despite they themselves not being part of the ADF. 

The Defence School Mentor Program, through the in-school work of the DSM, aims to provide practical assistance to Defence families and support the social and emotional wellbeing of Defence students who experience mobility and parental absence.

The Defence School Mentor 

- Supports Defence students to access school-based social and emotional supports in line with school policy and procedure

- Provide Defence students with age-appropriate, social and emotional support that enhances existing school supports

- Provide Defence families with information about the school environment and DMFS supports relevant to their student’s development

- Raise awareness and build capacity among school staff to respond to the social and emotional needs of students from Defence families.

2025

As the DSM of the College, I expect that this year will be a busy one, as along with supporting students, I will also be organising events and activities both within the college and in the community. 

Of note, this year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Students and I are working on a special exhibit of poppies that we hope to display for the commemoration.

     

Approximately 200 poppies have been crocheted so far, with an aim of 500 poppies to complete the project, so we still have a way to go.

All students, staff and families are most welcome to crochet poppies to contribute to the Waterfall of Poppies. Your help with this project would be greatly appreciated.

Identifying as a Defence Family at Ripley Valley SSC

If you are a Defence family with students attending RVSSC, but have not yet self-identified with the college and would like to, you can do so by contacting the College on 3819 5333

All Defence families are encouraged to contact Defence Member and Family Support for any information around support offered by Defence for its members families. 

Open Arms is also available to Defence personnel. Contact details are

Open Arms 1800 011 046

                 Email: OpenArms.gov.au

Reporting Defence Related Absences

If you are a Defence member who will be posting away or deploying for a significant time, could you please let me know.  This helps me and the college staff provide appropriate support for your child. 

Ripley Valley SSC Defence School Mentor: Tracey Cooper

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 0800 - 1430hrs

Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au

Phone : 3819 5333