Dear Parents/Carers, 

As we finish our 4th week of school both you and your child may be starting to feel the effects of "The Learning Pit".  The "Learning Pit" is when people start to feel a little overwhelmed or anxious as they learn something new.  For your child, particularly if they are new to high school or have undergone significant change, the effects of the learning pit may be more acutely felt.  The good news is, this process is normal and it does not last forever. 

We all experience challenge and difficulty when faced with something new and the  important lesson to remember is that we are not facing this problem alone, other people can help and we will get through this.  As a parent you can encourage your child to persevere, to seek help from others and be willing to help others around them too.  No one enjoys feelings of anxiety but by talking to others, supporting each other and having a positive mindset we can all help each other through this difficult stage.  And the good news?  When we climb out of "The Learning Pit" we feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence that allows us to face new challenges in the future.  If you are concerned about your child and would like to speak to someone please contact the college at admin@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au or on 3819 5333 requesting contact with either the Guidance Officer (Lisa Henderson), HOD Inclusion (Rhiannon Kemp) or House Coordinators (Jessica Starkey/James Dunn).  

Throughout the school year, I also realise that parents may wish to contact the school to talk to a staff member about an issue or concern they may have.  Sometimes, due to the nature of these concerns, or life circumstances, parents/carers may be upset or angry.  While every effort is made to answer or return these calls as soon as possible, parents are reminded that our speech and actions to all staff, included reception workers, need to be held with respect and common courtesy.  The college will not accept abusive or threatening behaviour towards any staff member and parents/carers may be asked to leave the premises, call back when they have cooled down or be unable to enter school grounds for a period of time if inappropriate behaviour occurs.  While we all have a right to express our opinions and concerns, our college Code of Conduct means that all parties including parents/carers must behave in a respectful manner.  Your support and assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.  

In other news, over the next few weeks a number of significant college events will be taking place.  On Monday the 22nd February, we will be holding our Student Leader Investiture parade whereby a number of invited guests will attend to hear the swearing in of our 2021 Student Council Representatives, House Captains, and College Captains.  I look forward to this occasion and congratulate the successful applicants in their new roles and responsibilities.

On Saturday the 6th March, Ripley Valley State Secondary College will open our doors to the public from 8.30am to 12pm.  All members of the college and wider community are welcome to attend and you can invite friends and family on the day.  The P & C Association will be selling food and refreshments on the day and the open day will provide an opportunity for existing and future students to meet some of the staff, walk through the facilities and hear first hand of our current and future plans for the college.  

Once again, I thank you for your involvement in our college and look forward to building together on the great work we have started in 2021.      

Yours sincerely,