Careers and SET plan preparation in Year 10

This term, our Year 10 students have been engaging in important conversations about their future learning and career pathways in preparation for their upcoming Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan interviews. As part of this process, I recently delivered a presentation on parade to help students understand the purpose and value of the SET Plan.

The SET Plan is a vital step in your teen’s educational journey. It encourages students to reflect on their strengths, interests, and aspirations, and to select subjects and learning options that support their goals for life after school. Whether your child is aiming for university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, or employment, the SET Plan helps ensure they are on the right path to achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and are well-prepared for their post-school destination.

During the parade presentation, students were encouraged to:

• Reflect on what they enjoy and do well,
• Consider undertaking a Certificate III qualification if they are unsure about university, as it can provide an ATAR equivalent of 68 down the track
• Research university prerequisites and begin preparing now,
• Explore resources such as the MyFuture website, QTAC, and the Careers Board on Daymap for industry highlights (recent examples include mining and medicine),
• Talk with family members, teachers, and trusted adults about their options and reflect on their interests and preferences,
• Ensure they access career information that is current, Australian, and credible (for example, by using government websites rather than private providers, which may present biased information).

Students were reminded that this is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every learner is unique, and the goal of the SET Plan is to personalise each student’s pathway to success.

As parents and carers, your support is crucial. You know your child best, and your encouragement and guidance can make a powerful difference. We invite you to be active participants in your teen’s SET Plan interview and to continue the conversation at home. Ask them what they’ve been considering, which subjects they’re curious about, and how they envision their future.

Together, we can help every student make confident, informed choices that reflect who they are and who they aspire to become.

Supporting Student Wellbeing: Updates to Our Timeout Card Policy

At Ripley Valley SSC, we are committed to supporting every student’s wellbeing and engagement in learning. One of the strategies we use to assist students who may become overwhelmed or dysregulated in the classroom is the Timeout Card. This allows students a brief, structured break to help them regulate their emotions and return to learning calmly and safely.

As part of our commitment to ensuring fair and sustainable support for all students, we have recently reviewed and updated our Timeout Card Policy. These updates aim to clarify how the timeout system works, who it is for, and how we can continue to use it effectively within our school’s wellbeing framework.

Key Information and Changes to the Timeout Card Policy

• Timeout cards are a Tier 2 support within our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), meaning they are intended for students who need additional help beyond everyday classroom strategies.
  • Parental consent is required before a card is issued. In cases where consent cannot be obtained, the card must be approved by the Principal or their delegate.
  • Time out is limited to 10 minutes, with clear guidelines on follow-up support if a student remains escalated.
  • Reviews will occur each semester to assess ongoing need and ensure support is matched to each student’s progress.
  • From 2026, students using timeout cards for more than six months will require a supporting letter from a GP or psychologist.
  • The Pedagogy Team will be working closely with teachers to embed brain breaks within lessons so that students are less likely to require an exit from the classroom.

These changes are designed to ensure this support remains focused, purposeful, and sustainable allowing us to help students build self-regulation skills while keeping them engaged in learning at school.

Proactive “Inhouse” Supports Also Available
We understand that not all students need external support. However, if you feel your child may benefit from some extra help in managing emotions, we offer a range of small group programs throughout the year. These groups focus on self-regulation, emotional awareness, and building confidence in navigating difficult feelings. If you would like your child to be considered for one of these groups, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our School Support Services Team. Regardless, all students issued a timeout card will be offered invitations to small group counselling interventions throughout the year.

Together, we can continue to create a supportive, inclusive environment where all students feel safe, capable, and ready to learn.

Warm regards