Hi and welcome back to Term 3!

I hope you had a chance to relax and enjoy some quality time with family and friends over the winter break.

Let me introduce myself - my name is Louise Armstrong and I’m delighted to be joining RVSSC as the new Defence School Mentor (DSM). While I’m not a member of the Australian Defence Force, I’ve spent many years working in schools and the community, supporting a diversity of students and people, especially the more vulnerable.

I’ll be working at RVSSC from Monday to Wednesday each week. On Thursdays, I work as a Project Officer – Community Engagement at a local community centre and Fridays are my special day with my 3-year-old granddaughter. We were also blessed with the arrival of my second granddaughter over the school holidays, a joyful addition to our family!

I’m genuinely excited to be part of the RVSSC community. In just a few days here, I’ve already been impressed by the welcoming and supportive staff and the respectful, responsible students. I’m looking forward to connecting with students and parents and am here to support our Defence students in any way I can both personally and in partnership with the wider school community.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all!

Ipswich 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles

31st Battalion Association in conjunction with Ipswich RSL Sub Branch invite you to attend the commemoration of the 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles.

This year the focus is on 2nd LT William McLean DCM.

This service marks 109 years since the Battle of Fromelles, one of the most tragic and defining moments for Australian forces during the First World War. Fought on 19 July 1916, it was the first major engagement involving Australian troops on the Western Front — and one that resulted in heavy losses, with over 5,500 Australian casualties in just one night.

The commemorative service honours the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who fought and fell at Fromelles. It serves not only as a solemn remembrance of their courage and suffering, but also as a reminder of the profound cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

Your presence at this event will help ensure that their stories are not forgotten and that future generations continue to reflect on the importance of peace, service, and remembrance.

Details

When: Saturday 19 July 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Honour Stone Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall 63 Nicholas Street, Ipswich

Long Tan School Awards https://www.adflongtanawards.gov.au

The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards started in 2006 to recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community. At the same time, they recognise those who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship”, characteristics that are integral to Australian society.

The awards are an important initiative by the Australian Government in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force designed to encourage senior students – tomorrow’s leaders – to actively participate in the life of their schools and local communities.

Students are selected by their school principal based on selection criteria. Each school may select one student from each of Years 10 and 12. Recipients of a Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award will receive a certificate and a financial reward - $250 for a Year 10 student and $550 awarded to a Year 12 student.

If the ADF Long Tan Award piques your interest, feel free to contact me.

Defence Club

Defence Club is held at first break in the Defence Hub (J Block, next to Student Services) every Wednesday.

Defence Club is a chill out zone for ADF students. It is a place where Defence students can make connections with other ADF students in the school, form friendship groups and seek support during times of distress (particularly during parental absences of postings).

RVSSC Defence Parents Coffee & Chat

In week 4 of each term a Coffee & Chat session is held at a local café for RVSSC Defence Parents to come together and connect with each other, the DSM and Executive Staff. This term’s Coffee & Chat is…

DATE: Tuesday 5th August

TIME: 09:30-11:30am

LOCATION: Little Piggie Cafe

We look forward to meeting with those of you who can attend.

Defence School Mentor (DSM)

I will be emailing all of our ADF families in the very near future with an introduction and to provide further information about the Defence School Mentor Program at RVSSC, but should you have any queries or concerns, or would just like to say Hi, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Louise Armstrong - larms102@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333.