Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to a new school year and what I hope will be an exciting and rewarding 2021 for us all.  I would like to especially welcome the new families who are new to our school this year and thank the many parents, carers and grandparents who were able to attend the welcome parade on Wednesday morning.  It was a pleasure to see new and old faces alike and welcome you and your child into our school community. 

Our college is more than just a place where your child attends each day.  We want to partner with you in educating your child for life and life beyond the classroom.  We realise that learning at school involves more than just memorising content and information.  We look to prepare your child for life after school, and give them the skills not only for further education or employment, but also for being productive  members of society.  Our college values of respect, responsibility and perseverance are regularly taught to students throughout the school day and reinforced through our Ripley Stamps and reward system.  Your support of these values at home and school ensure that our students leave school with the skills and attitudes they need for life. 

As many of you are aware, this year our college will undergo a major transformation with the completion of our Stage 2 Master building program.  This $39 million dollar investment will see the creation of specialist senior science laboratories, a purpose built library and resource centre, canteen, IT service centre, senior construction and engineering workshops, student centre and numerous general classrooms.  These works will occur throughout the school year and be complete by the end of 2021 in preparation for the 2022 school year.   Throughout construction, a significant portion of the school grounds will be fenced off to allow for the safe and speedy construction of these spaces.  Parents and students are asked to follow safety signage and directions and to report any issues or safety concerns to the college asap.   

Combined with our Stage 2 building program, our college is embarking on four priority areas over the next four years.  These priority areas are outlined in our colleges Strategic Plan which is available on our website.  Our priorities include: Positive behaviour for learning, pedagogical framework, student pathways and partnerships.  A significant focus for this year will be on our pedagogical (teaching) practices and student pathways (preparing for our year 10-12 subject offerings).  We are also interested in creating partnerships with business and industry to enhance student employment and training for the future.  If you have any suggestions, or are a business or training provider and wish to be involved in this process please contact myself via email at principal@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au or phone the college on 3819 5333.   

Last but not least, as we commence a new school year I would encourage parents to join our Parents and Citizens Association.  The P & C  meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7 - 8pm in our administration building and provides a fantastic avenue to hear more about the college, its plans and look for ways to enhance what we are already doing.  I look forward to meeting new and familiar faces in February for our first meeting.  If you would like further information regarding the P & C please visit our website, the P & C Facebook page or contact the P & C via email at 

PandC@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school and I look forward to another great year where we can Achieve Excellence Together.

Yours sincerely,