It’s hard to believe how quickly the weeks have flown by! As we approach the Easter break, I wanted to encourage all students to finish the Term strongly by continuing to work diligently on any upcoming assessment tasks and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained this term. We encourage all students to embrace our school’s core values, by showing Respect for their learning, taking Responsibility for their efforts, and demonstrating Perseverance in the face of challenges. I am proud of their collective commitment thus far, and look forward to celebrating their achievements as we conclude the Term.

As we near the break, there are a range of important events in the school calendar. These include:

College ANZAC Service

On Thursday the 24^th April (Week 1, Term2) the College will hold our annual ANZAC Service in the RaptorDome from 8:30am. This is an important event our school calendar, and an opportunity for our community to gather to pay our respects and commemorate those who have given so much for our Nation. As always, we are pleased to be able to share this service with a range of special invited guests, including: Political representatives, Council members, personnel from the Australian Defence Force, as well as our parents, carers and friends of the College.

As in the past, there will also be a dawn service at ANZAC Place at the front of the College at 5am on Friday the 25^th April. All community members are welcome to attend this special event.

Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey

In keeping with our continued focus on student wellbeing, early next Term all students will be invited to complete the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey.  The purpose of this survey is to measure how students view their wellbeing and engagement so that we can better meet their needs and support them in the best way possible. 

The survey measures many aspects of students’ wellbeing, engagement, and experience at school. These includes: resilience, school climate, relationships, sense of belonging, motivation and perseverance, academic self-concept, personal social capabilities, future outlook and aspirations, general life satisfaction and general health.

The information collected through the survey will be kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of the Queensland Department of Education. Student’s answers will be de-identified and will be reported back to the school as part of a collated cohort response.   

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will not affect your child’s education in any way. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the QEW Survey, please contact the school.

More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: https://alt-qed.qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey

The QLD Engagement and Wellbeing Survey FAQs page for parents and carers can also be accessed here: https://alt-qed.qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey/faqs-for-parents-and-carers

School Immunisation Program (SIP):

Early next Term information will be sent to parent/carers of all students in Years 7 and 10 regarding the Queensland School Immunisation Program. The first Clinic visit to the school is planned for Thursday 29^th May. Consent forms will be due back by the 15^th May. Only students with a completed and signed consent form on the day of the school immunisation clinic will be vaccinated. If you do not return a consent form or the form is incomplete, you may be contacted by the immunisation provider to check if you consent to have your child vaccinated.

Further information around this program can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/adolescents#sip

End of Term Rewards Trip:

Invitations have now been sent to those students who qualify for the End of Term Reward Day Trip on Friday 4^th April. Students who have met the criteria to attend will have the opportunity to participate in the Rewards Trip to Orion, Springfield and Event Cinemas. In order to qualify students must have:

• Completed a Ripley Rewards Application Form
• Maintained 95% attendance
• Had no suspensions and no more than 2 Administrative Detentions
• Completed all assessment to date

If you have any questions or concerns around this excursion, or your child’s eligibility, please contact the Year Level Coordinator Team at YCO@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

I wish all students and their families an enjoyable Easter break, and look forward to seeing you again for the start of Term 2 on Tuesday 22^nd April.

Regards,