The Defence School Mentor programme has not had the best of starts at Ripley Valley State Secondary College, due to home-schooling during the Covid-19 restrictions in Term Two and the departure of your previous Defence School Mentor, Amber Lyons due to posting out of the area.  However, over the cooler months, a new framework for supporting Defence students at the College has slowly started to emerge.

Regular gatherings at the Mates Help Mates lunch club has seen regular attendance by ADF students. I am working with the students to develop the club into a space where they can come and 'chill out' and engage with other ADF and Non-Defence students with an aim of getting them to help support each other, especially during times of deployment, posting or transitioning out of the Defence Force of their family members.  Activities offered at the lunch club has helped me get to know some of the ADF students, especially when there has been food involved!

On the 18th of August, Brendan Krueger and myself attended the Vietnam Veterans' Day commemoration on behalf of Ripley Valley State Secondary College at the Ipswich Soldier's Memorial Hall. Originally known as Long Tan Day, Vietnam Veterans' Day remembers the service and sacrifice of all Australians during the Vietnam War with over 60,000 ADF and civilian personnel involved between 1962 - 1973. The Battle of Long Tan has come to be known as one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers. 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers went up against 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong in a rubber plantation a short distance from Long Tan. Four hours later when the battle was over, 18 Australians had lost their lives and 20 were injured, however these immensely outnumber but brave soldiers prevailed. It was indeed an honour on my part to remember and honour the struggle of all personnel who were engaged in the Vietnam Conflict, both during and after the war. Something that was denied them for a very long time.

As the term draws to a close, I wish all students involved in exams over the next couple of weeks the very best of luck.  I hope you all have a safe, enjoyable holiday, and I look forward to seeing you all next term.

Tracey Cooper- Defence School Mentor